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/