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.