The Solo Coach Podcast

What if you knew exactly where you were heading in life — and had the tools to get there? In this episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, we’ll uncover the power of vision: what it really is, why it matters, and how to use it as your roadmap to a more meaningful, fulfilling future.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What a vision really is (and why it’s more than just a goal)
• Four powerful questions to help you define your future
• How to move from vision to action — and actually get results
• Why visualisation works, and how to make it part of your toolkit

Think of it like plotting your course before setting sail — without it, you’re drifting; with it, you’re unstoppable. Grab a notebook and pen, because by the end of this episode, you won’t just see your vision… you’ll know how to start living it.

Find out more at ⁠thesolocoach.co.uk/blog/vision⁠

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by former primary school teacher turned financial advisor, Nicola Reynolds. Nicola shares her courageous journey from feeling trapped in a career that no longer lit her up to building a business she loves—helping people make confident, informed financial decisions.

We talk about:

• The turning point that pushed her to leave teaching after a decade
• How she retrained from scratch in a completely new field
• The challenges and lessons of starting a business with no client base
• Why standing out and doing things differently matters (including her Yorkshire Tea inspired business card)
• The vital financial skills schools should be teaching children—and how parents can start those conversations at home

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to reinvent yourself and build something meaningful from the ground up, Nicola’s story will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take action. It did, for me!

Find out more about Nicola here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/nicolareynolds

Find out more about David here: https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

And if you liked the episode, please leave us a review, subscribe and comment on the episode. Thank you for your support! #FinancialFreedom #PersonalDevelopment #PathLessFollowed #TheSoloCoach

In this episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the nine books that have had the most profound influence on my life, mindset, and coaching journey. These aren’t just “recommendations” — they’re the books that found me when I needed them most, shaping the way I think, feel, and show up in the world.

From timeless classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People to modern powerhouses like The Power of One More, each book comes with a story, three key takeaways, and a moment in time that changed everything for me. Expect laughs, reflections, and a big dollop of inspiration. Whether you're a coach, solopreneur or solo pathfinder, these reads may just speak to you in the same way they spoke to me.

We’ll cover:

• Why the right book always seems to arrive at the right time
• How books have helped me overcome fear, build confidence, and take action
• The single book I rate higher than any other (spoiler: it’s not on Amazon)
• What we can all learn from stories of hardship, resilience and reinvention
• Why reading is one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation

Plus, stick around to the end for my surprise bonus book — one that sparked some beautiful family conversations and helped me see life a little differently. If you liked this episode, please like, subscribe and rate the show!

And if you're keen to find out how we can work together, check out https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/ for further details.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Gareth Allen — Business Performance Coach, commercial funding specialist, endurance athlete, and the founder of GAP Coaching.

What starts as a conversation about coaching solopreneurs quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of men’s mental health, the pressures of high performance, and the power of showing up authentically.

Gareth shares openly about his transition from bank manager to self-employed business coach, the story behind his community group Launchpad, and how completing a back-to-back 5x Ironman event became both a physical milestone and a personal wake-up call.

Together we explore:

• What solopreneurs really need to sleep better at night
• How systems (not hustle) can restore balance and boost performance
• The difference between growing a business vs being busy in one
• The value of honesty, vulnerability and admitting "I don't know" as a coach
• Gareth’s reflections on addiction, endurance, and the fine line between drive and avoidance
• The unseen pressures many men face — and how connection can help

Whether you're a solopreneur, a coach, a high performer, or someone just trying to find more balance — this conversation will leave you feeling seen, heard, and hopefully, a little less alone.

Connect with Gareth - https://www.gapcoaching.co.uk/

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

When was the last time you had to talk about money? Negotiated your salary? Quoted for your services? Did it feel awkward? Embarrassing? Did you rush through it, only to walk away thinking, “That didn’t feel quite right…”?

You’re not alone — and in this episode, I’m sharing 5 powerful actions that can help you break the cycle of undercharging, overgiving, and feeling undervalued.

We'll cover:

• How to research what the going rate really is
• How to factor in the full value of you — your story, strengths and unique gifts
• Why pricing isn't just about numbers, it's also about how it feels
• What your everyday actions say about your self-worth (and how to shift them)
• How to upgrade your self-worth, take action, and start asking for what you deserve

Whether you’re a coach, creative, freelancer or professional who struggles to “name your price” — there's value here for you.

You ARE worth it. Now let’s get you owning it.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Rachel Beck – founder of Vigor Vitamins – to hear the remarkable story of how she overcame crippling anxiety, left behind a high-flying corporate career, and created a wellness brand rooted in her deepest values.

Rachel shares openly about her journey from people-pleasing and burnout to clarity, confidence and calm – and how solo travel, healing, and trusting her gut played a huge part.

We explore:

• The truth about anxiety, and how it really shows up
• Why solo travel can be the ultimate life lesson
• What it's like starting a business without a roadmap
• Why Rachel created her own vitamins (and what makes them different)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’d love to do that, but I’m not confident enough.” Because, as Rachel proves, confidence doesn’t come before action – it grows through doing the thing.

You can find out more about Rachel and Vigor Vitamins at https://vigorvitamins.co.uk

I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about this episode – let me know in the comments!

Do you find it hard to switch off from your business — even when you're not technically “at work”?

In this honest solo episode, I open up about my own struggles with overworking, burnout, and blurred boundaries. I share the wake-up call that forced me to slow down — and the five most effective ways I’ve found to truly rest and recharge as a solopreneur.

You’ll hear:

• Why “relaxing” sometimes doesn’t work — and what to do instead

• The surprising role of hobbies, exercise, and socialising in recovery

• How to protect your mental energy (without needing a sabbatical)

• Why talking to someone — really talking — is a powerful first step

• The overlooked power of deep reflection and what it can unlock

This is not an episode from someone who’s nailed balance perfectly — it’s from someone who’s actively working on it. So if you’ve ever felt like your work is always with you… this one’s for you.

Contact me at [email protected] or via Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn for a free 1:1 discovery call. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

What if stress made you go blind — literally?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Nicky Lloyd Graeme, better known as The Stress Specialist, to explore her journey from corporate burnout to purpose-driven stress consultant.

Nicky shares the shocking moment her body forced her to stop (a stress-induced migraine that temporarily stole her sight), and the lessons she now teaches others to avoid the same fate.

We explore:

• What stress really is (it’s not just “feeling busy”)

• Why stress is your internal superhero – and how we misuse it
• Practical ways to release cortisol and calm your nervous system
• The role of culture, leadership, and unspoken workplace expectations
• How solopreneurs and leaders can build “mental agility” and stay well

This isn’t a fluffy conversation about bubble baths and yoga (though they help!). It’s a grounded, evidence-based chat about what stress is doing to us, and what we can do to reclaim our calm, clarity and creativity.

Find out more about Nicky here:

https://www.thestressspecialist.com/⁠

And find out more about The Solo Coach here:

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

Please like, subscribe and comment to let me know what you most enjoyed in the episode!

In today's solo episode, I reflect on my 11-year journey in the world of IT – from apprentice to transition manager – and share the 10 most impactful life lessons I took with me. These aren’t just applied to tech… they’re human, heartfelt, and deeply relevant to anyone navigating career, business, or personal changes.From understanding that “the solution is often at a different level to the problem” to embracing that “true transformation takes time, money and effort,” this episode is packed with practical wisdom, real-life stories, and gentle encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled or on the cusp of something new.Tune in to explore:

• What IT taught me about people, problems and perseverance
• How to know when something (or somewhere) has reached its expiry date
• Why manners, values, and vulnerability are underrated superpowers
• And what “turning it off and on again” might mean for you!

Whether you’re considering a pivot, burning out in your current role, or just curious how a career in IT can lead to life coaching – this one's for you.I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Get in touch via https://thesolocoach.co.uk/contact or [email protected] - thanks for your listen 🙏

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Solo Coach Podcast, I sit down with Russell Harvey – better known as The Resilience Coach – for a deeply personal conversation about what it truly means to be resilient. Together, we explore the concept of “springing forward with learning,” challenging the idea of simply “bouncing back” from setbacks. Russell shares his unique perspective on resilience, revealing how we can cultivate thriving mindsets, shift from coping to flourishing, and tap into our core strengths.

From role-modelling resilience in the face of adversity to practical steps for discovering your unique strengths and building natural confidence, this episode offers a blend of wisdom, warmth, and actionable insights. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or ready to step into your best self, this conversation is packed with moments of clarity, encouragement, and hope.

Join us as we discuss:

• What resilience really means (hint: it’s not just about getting through)
• The power of acceptance with good grace
• How to uncover and harness your natural strengths
• Why everyone – even coaches – need support and space to reflect
• How to face life’s toughest moments and come out stronger, with more clarity

This episode is dedicated to Lyn – my number one listener – and to anyone navigating life’s ups and downs with courage and curiosity.

Contact Russell - https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk/

Contact David - https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/