S02E02 Building a Networking Business Without Spreadsheets or Shortcuts | John Harvey
Season 2 · Episode 2
Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 01:00:06
Networking for solopreneurs isn’t about chasing leads—it’s about building authentic relationships that create referrals, resilience, and long-term growth without burnout.
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with John Harvey, founder of an exclusive networking club in Southwest England, shares how he almost walked away from his business in year one due to feeling overwhelmed and underprepared after a successful launch party.
He reveals his unique approach to building a successful business based on human connection and authenticity, not spreadsheets or traditional KPIs. John explains how he built his business on the simple rule to "just be nice" and what pulled him back from the brink of quitting.
Key Topics Covered:
The Wild West of Sales: How John's early experience selling life insurance with no regulation taught him resilience.
A Sobering Realization: The feeling of being "underprepared" the day after a big launch and the first week of being a business owner.
People Buy People They Like: Why focusing on likeability and a gut connection with customers is more important than the product itself.
From Transactional to Trusted Advisor: Why John refuses introducer's fees and focuses on helping others without expecting anything in return.
The Power of a Network: How outsourcing and surrounding yourself with good people can prevent a "mess" and help your business survive its first year.
Perfect for solopreneurs, consultants, and business owners who feel drained by transactional networking and want to build a people-first business that sustains both income and energy.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
S02E01 - From Midlife Career Rejection to Entrepreneurial Rebirth | Che Marville
Season 2 · Episode 1
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • Duration 01:28:13
From midlife career rejection to a thriving media company, discover how to turn your biggest setback into your greatest comeback with guest Che, a seasoned professional who transformed her career after facing employment rejection.
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Che Marville, a media company founder who transformed her career after facing midlife employment rejection, showing us that our biggest setbacks can become our greatest comebacks.
Discover how she evolved from being a social science researcher at the Ontario Science Centre to a successful solopreneur. We dive into her mindset shift and how she learned to embrace her multifaceted career as a strength, not a weakness.
Key Topics Covered:
The Three P's: How pandemic, perimenopause, and a focus on profit changed Che's career trajectory. Monetizing a Podcast: How Che uses her podcast to build community and generate leads without a direct sales approach. Adapting to AI: How to view AI as an agent of ability and a tool for solopreneurs rather than a threat. The Power of Repurposed Content: Che shares how she repurposes podcast content for different audiences, from personal stories to professional training programs. Midlife Career Strategy: The importance of being a "bridge" between what was and what is to come, and the value of your experience. Perfect for solopreneurs and professionals over 40 struggling with career reinvention or employment rejection who want to build a thriving business on their own terms.
Guest Details
Website: coachchemarville.com Podcast: Let’s Talk with Coach Che Marville — Apple Podcasts | | Podpage Instagram: @chemarville LinkedIn: Che Marville on LinkedIn Resources & Links
Rebirth — Che Marville’s upcoming book
Book your free Brand Clarity Session: clarity.boostsolo.com
Your story is your most powerful asset. LIVE SOLO OR DIE CORPORATE!
E042 - From Shy Educator to Bold Business Coach With Integrity | Dr. Deitra C. Payne
Season 1 · Episode 42
Thursday, August 14, 2025 • Duration 59:09
Searching for the courage to start your business—and stick to your values? Discover how Deitra Payne turned personal loss and introversion into a mission-driven business that champions gratitude, integrity, and bold dreams.
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Dr. Deitra C. Payne, a former educator who transformed adversity into fuel for a new entrepreneurial chapter. After the unexpected loss of her sister, Deitra launched Fabulous Coaching, where she helps clients overcome fear, embrace mindset shifts, and step fully into their purpose—without compromising authenticity.
Deitra shares how she overcame shyness, grief, and the pressure to “play it safe,” choosing instead to build a business rooted in compassion, gratitude, and authenticity. Her message is clear: Don’t let fear, introversion, or outside judgment stop you from living the dreams you want in life. From staying up until 4 a.m. creating her website to drawing boundaries for sustainable growth, Deitra shares the realities of starting from scratch—especially when you're introverted, self-funded, and unwilling to peddle false promises.
Key Topics Covered: Overcoming personal grief to start a purpose-driven business Balancing introversion with demands of visibility to achieve your dreams The reality of solopreneurship and avoiding burnout Building a business grounded in integrity, kindness, and compassion Why "taking the leap" before you're ready can unlock your potential Perfect for aspiring or current solopreneurs struggling with overwhelm, seeking to manage their health while growing their business, or needing to reignite motivation to live their big, bold dreams with integrity and joy.
Connect with Deitra Payne via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deitra-c-payne/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
E041 - Build Authority without Burnout | Angela Heath
Season 1 · Episode 41
Thursday, August 7, 2025 • Duration 01:02:34
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Angela Heath, breaks down how authorship, AI tools, and authentic thought leadership helped her reclaim her time and amplify her influence. From consulting to publishing to digital events, Angela reveals how she rebuilt her business model around clarity, cash flow, and personal boundaries—after hitting rock bottom.
Key Topics Covered: Celebrating career setbacks and finding relief in new beginnings. Leveraging unexpected visibility from a first book to transform business trajectory. Reforming work habits and finding balance after a personal crisis. Rediscovering professional passion by focusing on authentic value. Embracing AI as a tool for efficiency and competitive advantage. Building brand authority through books, speaking, and signature programs. Navigating change and staying nimble in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Perfect for solopreneurs struggling with career transitions, work-life balance, or adapting to new technologies like AI, who want to build lasting authority and scale their businesses effectively.
Connect with Angela Heath via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-real-angela-heath/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creatorsbuilding real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks.Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly showpulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works.Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded thesafety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out andbounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not justthe metrics.If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slipto do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked.Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, andcreative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and realtraction.
E040 - From Corporate Layoffs to Creative Business: Reclaiming Purpose & Calm | Hannah Baker
Season 1 · Episode 40
Thursday, July 31, 2025 • Duration 57:02
How do you turn burnout and layoffs into a slow, purpose-filled business? Former tech exec Hannah shares how creative wellness helped her reclaim joy and build Room for Calm.
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Hannah Baker, a former tech operations executive, navigated multiple rounds of layoffs—eventually including herself—to reclaim her presence and purpose through a thriving cross-stitch business. This episode dives deep into her emotional and professional journey, offering actionable insights for solopreneurs seeking to align their work with their desired lifestyle. Hannah shares her pivot from a decade-long plan for early retirement to building a meaningful small business one stitch at a time. Learn how she overcame initial financial struggles, the power of a career coach, and why she chose to leave the corporate "hamster wheel" for a life of intentional creativity.
Key Topics Covered: Why she included herself in her company’s final layoff Replacing the “retire early” mindset with “live aligned now” Tracking time by “Grow, Refine, Maintain” for business clarity The hard lesson of selling B2B workshops (and why she pivoted) How simple creative hobbies boost mental health and presence Rebranding from Cubicle Cross Stitches to Room for Calm Finding grants, bootcamps, and a small-business-first community Perfect for solopreneurs feeling burnout from hustle culture who want to build a calmer business aligned with creativity, mental health, and sustainable solo growth.
Connect with Hannah Baker via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahlbaker13/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
E039 - From Burnout & Side Hustle to Retail Brand Owner | Jen Dayton
Season 1 · Episode 39
Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 01:05:35
How do you build a home decor brand from scratch—while juggling burnout, funding gaps, and full-time work? Jen Dayton shares how she turned exhaustion into entrepreneurial resilience. (Note:Meta description or be the first line under the video/audio player.)
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Jen Dayton reveals her journey from corporate sales and undiagnosed ADD to launching Homecrest & Company, a home and lifestyle brand rooted in creativity, sacrifice, and Midwest grit. From bootstrapping through social media to teaching herself SEO and selling her house to fund her vision, Jen’s story is one of raw risk and radical reinvention.
Key Topics Covered: The leap from employee to solopreneurship and finding creative fulfillment. Strategies for balancing a full-time job while building a business. Overcoming the challenges of undiagnosed ADD and building resilience. How Homecrest Company evolved from a social media idea to an e-commerce and retail store. DIY marketing hacks for solopreneurs, including leveraging Meta platforms for scheduling and analytics.
The vital role of finding your "tribe" and community for support and mentorship. Creative approaches to bootstrapping, including selling a home to fund the business. The importance of prioritizing mental and emotional health as a solopreneur. Future goals for Homecrest Company, aiming to be a top home decor store in Michigan. Perfect for aspiring solopreneurs and small business owners struggling with early-stage growth, funding challenges, or the isolation of entrepreneurship who want to gain actionable insights and reignite their motivation.
Connect with Jen Dayton via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendayton/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Bast Madama, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Lainaverse—shares how she left underpaid freelance gigs and soul-sucking day jobs to build a life rooted in ownership, authenticity, and creative freedom. From blogging for cannabis brands to rejecting service work in favor of her own IP, Bast walks us through how she’s designing a solopreneur life that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and personal power. Whether you’re stuck in hustle mode, afraid to niche, or unsure how to monetize your multifaceted skills, this episode unpacks her journey from feeling "downtrodden" by conventional jobs to building a life aligned with her values, focusing on ownership and financial liberation.
Key Topics Covered: Why Bast decided her last layoff would be her "last day on the job" Breaking away from the "blueprint" of getting a government job and trusting instincts The evolution from "building for others" to "building something truly yours" and valuing ownership The reality of solopreneurship: optimizing time and creating "multiple revenue streams" Divesting from "capitalist energy" and monetizing creative gifts through "Lead Back Masters" community.
Perfect for creatives and solopreneurs struggling with burnout and feeling exploited, who want to embrace ownership, build multiple income streams, and design a life that truly aligns with their values.
Connect with Bast Madama via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainaverse/
Tired of burnout, hustle culture, and selling your soul to survive? Discover how Bast is building a multi-brand creative empire by divesting from extractive systems—and reclaiming full ownership of her time, art, and income. 🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
E037 - Layoffs to Solopreneur SEO Mastery – Building a Resilient Brand | Nick LeRoy
Season 1 · Episode 37
Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 57:40
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Nick LeRoy, Discover how layoffs sparked his journey to building a thriving consulting practice and a personal brand without a "master plan." This episode provides actionable strategies for solopreneurs seeking to navigate industry shifts and build lasting relevance. Nick shares how “slow burn” solopreneurship beats big plans and loud funnels.
Key Topics Covered: Why side hustles are “training wheels” for future solopreneurs Building authority through generosity—not gated funnels How saying “no” became Nick’s most profitable strategy Landing enterprise SEO clients as a solo consultant Using newsletters to create visibility even at full capacity Why AI won’t kill SEO—and how to future-proof your work
Perfect for solopreneurs and aspiring independent consultants struggling with career uncertainty, job search frustration, or finding high-value clients, who want to build a resilient business, gain control over their career path, and cultivate authentic growth. Connect with Nick LeRoy via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickleroyseo/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Struggling to find stable, meaningful work after layoffs? Discover how Nick LeRoy built a thriving enterprise SEO business and newsletter without burnout, fluff, or funnels. Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
E036 - Reinventing Yourself After Corporate: Niche Down, Say No, Grow Smarter | Adriana Ocampo Senior
Season 1 · Episode 36
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 01:09:16
How do you walk away from a 30-year career at Boeing—and start over at 50? Discover how Adriana Ocampo turned her aerospace legacy into a purpose-driven solo business. (Note: Meta description or be the first line under the video/audio player.)
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Adriana Ocampo Senior, an aerospace executive turned solopreneur, who shares how she reinvented herself after corporate success at Boeing. From rebuilding her identity to building a consulting business that supports minority- and women-owned STEM startups, Adriana unpacks the emotional and strategic leaps solopreneurs face—especially later in life. Key Topics Covered: Why your corporate credibility won’t automatically transfer to solopreneur success. Reclaiming self-identity beyond a corporate title after a long career. Her method for niching down her business focus and avoiding distractions. Building a financial cushion for strategic decision-making and unexpected challenges. Time management tactics for solopreneurs: tracking ROI on every meeting. Perfect for seasoned professionals considering a pivot to solopreneurship, or new solopreneurs struggling with identity, financial uncertainty, and finding their niche, who want to build a purposeful and profitable business. Connect with Adriana Ocampo Senior via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-ocampo-senior-7961451/
🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join the movement to make solo not just sustainable—but powerful.
Are you a solopreneur looking for your tribe? Learn more about how BoostSolo helps solopreneurs like you thrive: www.boostsolo.com
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
E035 - Burnout Recovery & Communication Efficiency with AI | Kathy Serenko
Season 1 · Episode 35
Thursday, June 26, 2025 • Duration 51:23
Struggling with burnout recovery and inefficient communication in your business? Discover how Kathy turned corporate chaos into clarity—and why communication is the hidden driver of business efficiency and resilience. (Note: use as the meta description or be the first line under the audio/video player) In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Kathy Serenko, a former corporate executive who escaped the burnout trap and rebuilt her life—and business—around intentional communication, niche focus, and AI-powered productivity. From juggling single motherhood and toxic work environments to embracing solopreneurship and smart automation, Kathy shares powerful lessons on reclaiming your voice, narrowing your niche, and avoiding the early-stage trap of “trying to be everything to everyone.” 💡 Whether you're navigating solopreneur burnout, struggling to market your expertise, or wondering how to actually use AI to gain back hours—not lose your authenticity—this is an honest, practical, and empowering conversation you’ll want to revisit. Key Topics Covered: Recognizing "volume, pace, and environment" as critical factors in corporate dissatisfaction. Strategies for narrowing focus, finding your niche, and balancing work-life as a business owner. How to use AI for content development, research, planning, and decision support, not just as a "glorified Google." Realizing the financial impact of poor communication and improving internal dialogue. Investing in yourself and surrounding yourself with positive, truth-telling mentors. Perfect for aspiring or early-stage solopreneurs and corporate professionals seeking greater autonomy, who want to navigate career transitions and build a sustainable, impactful business.
Follow Kathy’s work or get in touch at Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyserenko/
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Follow BoostSolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostsolo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostsolo/
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
Unfiltered Solopreneur is the no-BS podcast for coaches, consultants, and creators building real businesses without trust funds, teams, or trendy hacks. Hosted by Nikhil Vaish, brand strategist and founder of BoostSolo, this weekly show pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a one-person brand that works. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations with solopreneurs who’ve traded the safety net for freedom—sharing how they’ve launched from scratch, burned out and bounced back, priced their worth, and built businesses that reflect their values, not just the metrics. If you're done with hype, hustle culture, and hollow advice—this is your permission slip to do business on your terms. Subscribe, tune in, and get clear, seen, and booked. Perfect for solo business owners, personal brand builders, coaches, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth, mindset clarity, and real traction.
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