The Solo Coach Podcast

After nearly 15 years of working in corporate jobs, from small fully remote training companies to large international manufacturing corporations, I've picked up a few lessons along the way about what works, and doesn't work, for getting ahead in your career.

This episode covers 5 powerful ways to get ahead in your career, from building key relationships in your immediate team, adding more value to get promoted quicker and how and why to be a leader before you've got the official title.

I also cover how to know when it's time to to move on, and the questions to ask yourself when work isn't serving you anymore.

Enjoy the episode and please leave a comment to let me know what you think 😀

Yours truly,

David Garwood

The Solo Coach

In Episode 46 of The Solo Coach Podcast, I'm joined by business psychologist, author and leadership expert Fiona Kearns for a fascinating conversation about what it really takes to build high-performing teams and workplaces where people can thrive.

We explore Fiona's journey from the commercial world into business psychology, why she believes listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills, and how self-awareness, values and communication shape the way we lead.

Along the way, we discuss:

• Why technical experts often struggle when they become managers

• The importance of listening before trying to solve problems

• Building psychologically healthy and high-performing workplaces

• Burnout, toxic cultures and helping people thrive at work

• What Toastmasters taught us about leadership and confidence

• Why it's okay to stop comparing yourself to everyone else and simply "do you"

Whether you're leading a team, aspiring to become a better leader, or simply curious about people and psychology, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking conversation.

Connect with Fiona

Connect with David

In Episode 45 of The Solo Coach Podcast, I'm joined by coach, facilitator, trainer and cross-cultural leadership expert Klaus Schmitt, speaking to us live from Shanghai, China.

Originally from Germany, Klaus has spent over two decades living and working in China, helping leaders, entrepreneurs and organisations navigate communication, leadership and cultural differences across the globe.

In this fascinating conversation, we explore:

• What prompted Klaus to move from Germany to China over 20 years ago

• The biggest cultural differences between East and West

• Why curiosity may be one of the most important leadership skills of all

• What Western cultures can learn from Chinese approaches to change, hardship and adaptability

• The role of harmony, trust and indirect communication in building relationships

• Why being less judgemental and more understanding could transform the way we work and live

This episode is ultimately a conversation about human connection, perspective and the importance of seeking first to understand.

Whether you're a coach, leader, entrepreneur, traveller, or simply curious about the world around you, I think you'll find plenty to reflect on in this one.

Contact Klaus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klausschmitt/

Contact David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesolocoach/

What if your brand wasn’t just your logo, your colours, or your website… but the way you design your entire business?

In this episode, I’m joined by brand coach and strategist Fliss Lee, founder of Honest Folk, for a powerful conversation about what branding really means and why so many of us get it wrong.

We explore how your brand is deeply connected to your identity, your values, and the way you choose to work, and why so many business owners end up building something that looks good on the outside, but doesn’t actually fit their life.

Fliss shares her journey from graphic designer to brand coach, and how burnout led her to rethink everything, from boundaries and expectations to how she defines success.

We also dive into:

• Why most people struggle to articulate what they do
• The identity shift that happens when you truly understand your value
• Moving from “what you do” to the transformation you create
• The danger of building a business that ends up running you
• How to set boundaries without losing clients
• Letting go of “should” and designing your work on purpose
• Why everyone has a brand, even if they’re employed

This is a conversation about self-awareness, courage, and doing things your way, not the way you think you’re supposed to.

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to talk about what you do, this one will give you plenty of food for action.

Connect with Fliss via her website, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Connect with David via his website, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Public speaking is one of the most powerful skills you can develop, and mastery of the stage elevates the reach and impact of every leader.

This week I had the privilege of attending two incredible events: a Public Speaking Masterclass with Paul McGee and the Toastmasters International District Final in Liverpool, featuring three outstanding TEDx speakers.

Inspired by both events, I've recorded this solo episode to share the biggest lessons that will help you to become a more confident, engaging and memorable speaker.

In this episode, I explore five practical principles that can transform the way you present, whether you are speaking at work, delivering a talk, running a meeting, or hosting a workshop.

You'll learn how to:

• Speak to people, not at them
• Anticipate and meet your audience’s needs
• Create engaging content that captures attention
• Answer the question every audience is asking
• Start and finish your presentations with real impact

If you want people to truly listen when you speak, these lessons will enable you to leave a lasting impression.

Further Resources:

Learn more about Paul McGee:

https://www.thesumoguy.com/

Learn more about Toastmasters:

https://www.toastmasters.org/

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesolocoach/

In this episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, I’m joined by Helen ONeill, Portfolio Career Specialist, Future of Work Coach, published author and founder of Coach Write, where she helps coaches turn their expertise into published books.

Helen shares her fascinating journey from a 25 year corporate career to building a portfolio career centred around coaching, writing and helping others bring their ideas to life through books.

We explore:

• Why many people feel the call to write a book
• How writing can become a powerful journey of personal development
• The identity shift that happens when you become an author
• Why the future of work is increasingly about human skills
• How to recognise when it may be time for a change in your career
• Practical advice for overcoming the dreaded blank page and getting started writing

Helen also shares a simple but powerful exercise to help aspiring writers begin their book without feeling overwhelmed.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation between two coaches who share a passion for helping people build fulfilling careers, follow their curiosity, and take small steps towards the life they really want.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, this episode might be the nudge you need.

You can learn more about Helen and her work at:

https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

https://coachwrite.co.uk

You can also listen to The Coach Write Podcast here:

https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/

Find out more about The Solo Coach at:

https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

Connect with David on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesolocoach/

In this week’s episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Austin, founder of Big One Marketing, for a practical and refreshingly honest conversation about what marketing really means in 2026.

We explore why marketing is not about shouting the loudest, but about standing out for the right reasons. Ryan shares his insights on consistency, social media strategy, choosing the right platforms, and why “post and hope” is never a sustainable plan.

We also dive into:

• The difference between marketing and sales, and why both matter
• Why consistency beats intensity on social media
• How to measure marketing success beyond revenue alone
• The most common mistakes small businesses make
• Why saying no to the wrong client is just as important as saying yes to the right one
• What business owners should clarify before outsourcing their marketing

Ryan speaks openly about the challenges of running a marketing agency, the difficulty of selling something people cannot physically see, and how coaching helped him gain clarity, confidence and direction as a founder.

If you are a small business owner, solo entrepreneur or founder wondering how to market your business without burning out or wasting money, this episode will give you grounded, practical insight you can apply straight away.

Connect with Ryan:

https://bigonemarketing.co.uk/

Connect with David:

https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

In today's episode, I sit down with Lauren Firth, founder of Be Reyt Social for a fun conversation about showing up online, without burning out or overthinking it.Lauren shares her unique journey into creating her own brand, and explains how and why to focus less on chasing numbers, and more on telling an authentic story that attracts the right people. We talk about the importance of experimentation, the value of creativity, and why having fun with your content is often more powerful than trying to follow every rule or keep up with every trend!We also explore the realities of being a solo entrepreneur, from handling rejection to finding a healthier work-life harmony, and how to build an online presence that works for you.If you've ever felt unsure where to start with social media, or worried that you are doing it wrong, this conversation will give you practical reassurance, some useful steps to follow and a new outlook on the process. I'll see you there!Connect with Lauren Firth and Be Reyt Social:Website: https://www.bereytsocial.co.uk/Socials: @bereytsocialConnect with David Garwood, The Solo Coach:Website: https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/Socials: @thesolocoach

Today, I’m exploring the five most common obstacles that prevent us from getting started, whether that’s a new project, a business venture, or applying for that dream job.

These aren’t abstract ideas or AI-generated theories. They are very real barriers that I’ve supported countless clients to work through and overcome over the past three years.

In this episode, I share tried-and-tested models and practical strategies for breaking through these barriers to entry, alongside real-world examples of how coaching can support you to move forward and work towards what you truly want.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes, so please do share what resonated with you the most. Thank you for your listen!

In this episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, we are joined by Dr Calvin Lawrence, educator, leadership coach and author of The Happy Leader.

With over 40 years of leadership experience across education and community service, Calvin shares a deeply human and refreshing perspective on what leadership really looks like when it is done well. Together, we explore humility as a leadership strength, the importance of trust and relationships, and why the best leaders are driven by service rather than status.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever resisted leadership, questioned whether it is possible to lead without burning out, or felt disillusioned by outdated models built on pressure, ego and control. Calvin challenges the idea that leadership must be lonely or stressful, and instead offers a vision of leadership rooted in care, connection and authenticity.

You will hear powerful stories about the impact of teachers and mentors, the role of failure in personal growth, and why people do not leave jobs, they leave leaders. From schools to organisations, and from emerging leaders to experienced ones, this episode is a reminder that leadership can be both effective and fulfilling.

If you are curious about what it really means to be a happy leader, this conversation will leave you energised, informed and inspired.

Connect with Calvin - https://www.calvinlawrencespeaks.net/

Connect with David - https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/