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/

This week I'll be sharing with you my 5 key questions for making 2026 your best year yet. We'll be travelling through time, back to the beginning of 2025 and forward to the end of 2026. Using visualisation, future pacing and deep questions, I'll walk you through 3 coaching exercises designed to prompt insight and reflection, and create enormous clarity for your future.

Join me, David Garwood, your host for another instalment of The Solo Coach Podcast, complete with a new theme for 2026. See you soon!

Find out more: https://www.thesolocoach.co.uk/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesolocoach

Connect via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesolocoach/

Recorded LIVE at Leeds City Toastmasters in November 2025, this episode covers my three key takeaways from my first year of podcasting.

In this episode I share:

• Why starting before you are ready matters more than you might believe
• The surprising power of inviting someone to be a guest
• How stepping outside your comfort zone creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond you

If you have an idea you have been sitting on or a change you have been thinking about, I hope this conversation gives you the encouragement to take that first small step. Sometimes leaping before you feel prepared becomes the best decision you ever make. #thesolocoachpodcast #juststarting #personaldevelopment

Today, I sit down with one of the most influential people in my life, my mum, Lyn Cobley.

We explore where her love of personal development began, the lessons we’ve shared over the years, and what it was really like for her when I went solo travelling around the world.

From learning to let go and finding courage in the unknown, to the power of encouragement and belief, this is a heartfelt conversation about family, growth and resilience.

Lyn also opens up about her incredible health journey this year, going from “100 miles an hour to full stop” and the mindset that has helped her face it all with strength, positivity, and grace.

This episode is about perspective, love, and the ripple effect of seeking discomfort. It’s a reminder that when we follow our path, those who love us often grow alongside us.

Thank you for listening, please leave a comment, and rate the show if you enjoyed this episode!