The Solo Coach Podcast

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 th...

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...

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 recorde...

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 id...

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 platfo...

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 experime...

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...

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...

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 G...

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...

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 conversa...

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the philosophy that’s been guiding me through one of the most challenging and transformative seasons of my life - what I call the “Whatever It Takes” mentality. After a period of creative burnout and reflection, I’ve stepped back, taken stock, and learned that persistence doesn’t always mean pushing harder - sometimes, it means radically resting, changing course,...

In this episode, I’m joined by Pippa Haywood, aka The Magic Coach . Pippa shares her journey from a childhood steeped in alternative spirituality, through a 20 year career in social care, to qualifying as a spiritual and manifestation coach who helps people awaken the magic that already exists within you! We explore: How the right question asked at the right time transformed Pippa's life How i...

This week I’m putting my money where my mouth is — and offering you a backstage pass to a real coaching session. What you’ll hear is not a performance, not entertainment, and not scripted. It’s a genuine coaching conversation between myself (David Garwood, The Solo Coach) and my client, Angela Christine Cooper. If you’ve ever wondered: Will my coach just tell me what to do? How is coaching differe...

Persistence doesn’t always come naturally - in fact, I’ll admit, giving up has often felt easier to me. But some of the most meaningful moments in my life and business have come from choosing to keep going, even when it was uncomfortable, messy, or far from perfect. In this episode, I share my own journey with persistence: from working on cars that felt beyond repair, to launching The Solo Coach P...

This week I’m joined by the fabulous Alexandra Thornton – High Performance Leadership Expert, Head of Human Alchemy, and author of Intuitive Thinking: 7 Steps to Transform Your Life Forever . In our energising conversation, Alex shares her journey from archaeologist to leadership coach, and how her fascination with people and behaviour shaped her career. Together, we explore: What outstanding lead...

This week I’m pulling back the curtain on my first 15 months as The Solo Coach. It’s been a journey of high highs, low lows, and plenty of messy middle ground. In this episode, I share the confessions and celebrations of a newly qualified coach building his solo venture — warts and all. We’ll explore: Why your identity shapes your results (and what to do about it) The financial watchouts I wish I’...

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Airey, who made the bold leap from senior project manager to self-employed Virtual Assistant earlier this year. Her journey is inspiring for anyone who feels unfulfilled in their career or knows something’s missing. We explore: What led Emily to make this change The challenges and lessons along the way How coaching helped her find clarity and courage The real...

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...

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 retrai...

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 Peopl...

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 t...

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:...

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, hea...

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 do...