Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what happens when freelancing grows up.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Coller, a retired police officer turned executive coach, consultant, and co-founder of Growth Pod, a leadership development business based in Yorkshire. Emma shares her journey from policing into learning and development, what it was like entering the commercial world for the first time, and why confidence took longer to build than competence.

We talk openly about the loneliness of early freelancing, the moment Emma realised she did not want to do it alone, and how a chance collaboration evolved into a long-term business partnership. Emma also breaks down the realities of bid writing, why most people avoid it, and how investing in learning that skill led to winning a major national contract.

Emma answers Sara’s question from the previous episode on what she has learned to say no to, including why giving work away for free stops being sustainable, and how knowing your direction makes decisions easier. She also sets a thoughtful question for our next guest about choosing a personal North Star word to guide decision-making for the year ahead. Plus, Emma shares how she thinks about pricing, fairness, and paying associates well.

Whether you are new to freelancing or already a few years in, this episode offers honest insight into growth, boundaries, and building something that lasts.

You can find Emma on LinkedIn, visit GrowthPod at https://www.growth-pod.co.uk, or email her at [email protected]

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the emotional and practical reality of going freelance.

In this episode, we sit down with Sara Duxbury, a business psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Blooming Potential. Just three months into freelancing, Sara shares an honest account of burnout, stepping away from in-house roles, and building a career that aligns with her values and energy.

We talk about the slow decision to go freelance, why rest feels uncomfortable, how the inner critic changes shape, and what it really means to earn enough. Sara also breaks down her day rates, her sliding scale coaching model, and how she reframes pricing conversations without discounting her value.

This episode covers boundaries, money, community, energy management, and why freelancing is as much a psychological shift as it is a practical one.

If you are considering the leap, already freelance, or feeling definitely quietly exhausted in an in-house role, this conversation will resonate.

Find Sara on LinkedIn, follow Blooming Potential on LinkedIn & Instagram, or visit https://www.bloomingpotential.co.uk/https://www.bloomingpotential.co.uk/

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful freelance career in learning and development.In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Potter, coach, consultant and founder of Frankly. Jennifer shares her wonderfully squiggly path into L&D, from early burnout at Vodafone to retraining in Chinese medicine, then building a coaching and leadership development business grounded in purpose and values. She talks openly about loneliness, belonging, midlife pivots, the reality of running a freelance business and why freedom sits at the heart of her choices.We also explore how to stay resourced, navigating tough years, and how she thinks about pricing across coaching, team coaching and leadership development work.Jennifer answers Kelly’s question from the previous episode on staying centred in your ‘why’, and sets a new question for our next guest on how they resource themselves. And yes, Jennifer also shares exactly what she charges for her work.Whether you’re early in your freelance journey or looking to evolve your practice, this conversation is full of honest, generous insights.Find Jennifer on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/potterjennifer/

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, we chat with Kelly Rodrigues: a learning designer, people leader, and part-time dancefloor queen.

Currently heading up the global L&D function at web pros. Kelly shares her unique journey from professional dancer to L&D leader, and how the spark for using movement to support people with dementia eventually led her into the world of design, coaching, and leadership.We discuss:

• why values matter more than job title
• how to push back when L&D isn’t the answer
• staying future-ready in a world of AI
• and Kelly’s powerful approach to setting (and keeping) boundaries as a multi-hat freelancer.

Kelly answers Jo Cook’s “Clark Kent vs Superman” question from the last episode, and sets a beautiful reflective challenge for our next guest.Plus – as always – Kelly shares her rates, and why she’s not afraid to say “no” to the wrong kind of work.Whether you’re new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a lot of heart.Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn.☕️ Bonus: Yes, she really does have an open-door policy for virtual cuppas!

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.

In this special live episode, recorded during the very first Free Spirits Live virtual conference, we’re joined by a brilliant line-up of attendees and contributors who share their experiences, takeaways, and a few unexpected moments from the day.

You’ll hear from:

• Kelly Rodrigues, Head of Learning at WebPros and freelance consultant, reflecting on imposter syndrome, performance consulting, and being brave enough to say “this one’s not for me”.

• Lorraine Taylor, founder of Lorraine Taylor Learning, who shares how Canva and marketing strategies lit up her brain—and why she’s now committed to keeping a “win journal”.

• Jayne Davids, video specialist and founder of Raiveon, who celebrates the power of community and prepares to reveal her “mystery” session.

• Kelly Joanne, marketing consultant and podcaster, who speaks about value proposition design and what makes a self-care development day in your pyjamas so magical.

• Jill Sainsbury, filmmaker turned learning designer, who loved hearing from peers about pricing, LinkedIn profiles, and why not every client is the right client.

And finally, we catch up with Free Spirits founder Kim Ellis, the mastermind behind the event, who shares the behind-the-scenes highs (and toilet-break mishaps), and why chat—yes, chat—is the soul of any good virtual conference.

Whether you joined Free Spirits Live or missed it this time around, this episode is full of energy, insight, and some cracking advice for freelancers old and new.

💻 Learn more or become a Free Spirits member: ldfreespirits.com

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.

In this episode, we chat with Jo Cook — virtual classroom specialist, editor of Training Journal, and founder of Lightbulb Moment.

Jo shares her freelance origin story (yes, it involves a newspaper and some 90s tech), opens up about the realities of managing a chronic condition as a business owner, and explores the double life of freelancers through the lens of Superman.

We dig into her kryptonite (spoiler: it’s not public speaking), her freelance superpowers, and how she handles the business side of L&D with honesty, humour, and a healthy dose of self-awareness. Jo also answers Tom McDowell’s question from the previous episode and poses a brilliant new challenge for our next guest.

And of course, Jo shares what she charges — and how those rates shift depending on the project, the client, and the hidden value beyond just the invoice.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the freelance trenches, this episode is packed with practical insights, reassurance, and a few superhero analogies you won’t forget.

Find Jo on LinkedIn or visit her website at https://lightbulbmoment.info/

Check out Training Journal at https://www.trainingjournal.com

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.In this episode, we chat with Tom McDowall — founder of Evolve L&D, learning strategist, and long-time contributor to the L&D community. Tom shares his unconventional path from theatre tech to freelance consultant. He opens up about the reality of outsourcing, pricing for value instead of time, and why our industry may need a serious wake-up call.Tom answers Paul’s 'golden rule' question from the previous episode, and poses a bold challenge for our next guest.Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your freelance strategy, this episode is packed with honest reflections, practical tips, and a fresh take on where L&D is headed.Find Tom on LinkedIn or visit his webpage for more.

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.

In this episode, we chat with Paul Matthews, a CEO, author, speaker, and L&D strategist with over 25 years of experience. Originally from New Zealand and now based in the UK, Paul shares his fascinating journey from IT sales director to a leading voice in informal learning, performance consultancy, and learning transfer. We explore how he transitioned from selling his time to building platforms and writing books, and how he views work as part of a life well-lived.

Paul shares invaluable advice on building credibility, finding your value proposition, and spinning the right plates as a freelancer. He also tackles Jude Slater’s question from the last episode about balancing work and life—and leaves us with a golden question for our next guest.

And yes, Paul reveals what he charges for his work—and how to think beyond day rates to value-based pricing.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your L&D business, this episode is packed with insight, practical tips, and inspiration.

Find Paul on LinkedIn, visit his company at http://peoplealchemy.com, or check out his personal site at http://paul-matthews.com

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development.

In this episode, Mark chats with Jude Sclater, a coach, writer, and trainer. Jude shares her journey from internal L&D at Deloitte to building her own freelance business. She opens up about saying “yes” to her first client, the challenges of pricing her services, and the power of saying “no” to work that doesn’t align with her expertise.

Jude also discusses how she transitioned to online delivery during COVID, the impact of writing her book Think Like a Coach, and her strategy for generating new business without feeling overly "salesy". Plus, she answers Dr. Alaina Szlachta's question from our last episode about converting leads and poses a thought-provoking question for our next guest.

And of course, Jude reveals how much she charges for her freelance work!

Whether you’re new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Find Jude on LinkedIn or visit her website at thinkwithjude.com

Want to level up your freelancing business? Visit ldfreespirits.com for more insights and resources.

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of freelancing in learning and development.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Alaina Szchlacta, an author, founder, and measurement architect. Alaina shares her unexpected journey from a corporate job to becoming a freelance entrepreneur, inspired by a transformative trip to Bali. She discusses the challenges and rewards of freelancing, the importance of passive income, and how she balances her dual roles as a business owner and real estate investor.

Alaina also explores the concept of entrepreneurial spirit, the art of saying no, and the significance of measurement in freelancing. She candidly shares her experiences with conversion strategies and the importance of finding your niche.

Whether you're new to freelancing or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.

Find Alaina on LinkedIn or visit her website at https://dralainaszlachta.com

Key Topics Covered:

• Elena’s transition from corporate to freelancing

• The impact of a Balinese healer on her career path

• Balancing business ownership with real estate investment

• The role of passive income in freelancing

• Conversion strategies for freelancers

• The importance of measurement and niching in freelancing

  
  

💡 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on your favourite podcast app or visit ldfreespirits.com to learn more about elevating your freelancing business!