Best Leanne Faulkner Podcasts (2025)

On this episode of Flying Solo, Cec Busby sits down with Leanne Faulkner, a small business mental health expert, researcher, and former entrepreneur. Leanne shares her inspiring journey from building Billy Goat Soap—a business sparked by her son's eczema—to becoming a leading advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of soloists and micro busine…

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Riding the waves of mental health: Cooper Chapman’s journey from pro surfer to wellbeing advocate 33:38

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7d ago33:38

33:38

Cooper Chapman is a former top-100 professional surfer who has transformed his passion for riding waves into a mission for improving mental health and wellbeing. Cooper is the founder of The Good Human Factory, an organisation dedicated to equipping everyday Aussies with practical mental health tools. Drawing from his elite sports background and pe…

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How to negotiate more effectively 39:53

23d ago39:53

39:53

In this episode, Cec Busby sits down with negotiation whiz Glin Bailey. Glin's a coach, author, speaker, and all-around professional who has helped everyone from big-name executives to small business owners sharpen their negotiating skills. Today, Glin is sharing all her best advice from her book, The Negotiation Playbook, and breaking down simple,…

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EP37: The Art and Heart Behind Elusive Miss Lou: Crafting Eyewear with Purpose with Louise and Teiger Sceats 57:13

26d ago57:13

57:13

By Opticare

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Why chasing growth can trap entrepreneurs: Brad Giles on building a better business 31:24

29d ago31:24

31:24

In today’s episode, host Cec Busby sits down with Brad Giles—business coach, entrepreneur, and author of the new book, "Bigger Isn’t Better, Better is Better." Brad brings over 25 years of experience, having founded multiple companies and created more than a thousand strategic plans with CEOs and owner-led businesses. In this conversation, Brad cha…

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EP36: Specialising with Purpose: Building a Practice Around Behavioural Optometry and Beyond with Adrian Vecchio 50:51

1M ago50:51

50:51

For years, behavioural optometry has been labelled as controversial. But what if the results speak louder than the scepticism? In this episode, we are joined by Adrian Vecchio, optometrist and director of The Eye Collective, to explore the power of specialising with passion and purpose in optometry. From discovering behavioural optometry early in h…

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From rock bottom to redemption: Understanding men's mental health 39:29

1M ago39:29

39:29

[Trigger warning] This episode of Flying Solo discusses depression and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. On this episode of Flying Solo, host Cec Busby dives deep into a topic that too often remains in the shadows: men’s mental health. With Are You OK? Day around the corner and financial, emotional, and social pressures weighing he…

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Breaking the entrepreneurial ceiling: Sustainable small business success 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of Flying Solo, Cec Busby sits down with Chris Green. Chris has over two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses to success. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of running your own business, Chris brings practical advice and tried-and-true strategies to help you shift from a stressed-out, overl…

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EP35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals 48:26

2M ago48:26

48:26

What if you had a support network ready to answer your questions, guide you through your first grad role, and remind you why you chose optometry in the first place? That's exactly what Young Optometrists Network provides! In this episode, we are joined by Celine Zhang, Ann Tran, and Yeghia Gharibian from Young Optometrists (YO) Network, a volunteer…

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Practical ways to nurture human skills and empathy 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

Cec Busby sits down with Renata Squario, an expert with over three decades of experience in learning and development and the founder of MaxMe. After 30 years in the corporate world, Renata made it her mission to democratise the development of “human skills”—the personal and interpersonal strengths we need to thrive in business and life, but rarely …

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EP34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei 58:53

2M ago58:53

58:53

Ever wonder how optometry practices in the US compare to those in Australia and what we can learn from each other? In this episode, we are joined by Erich Mattei, President + Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos, to explore the landscape of independent practice, the impact of private equity, the evolving scope of practice, and how technology & consumer …

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From employee videos to personal branding: Social media strategies that work 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

Melissa Laurie is the founder of Oysterly Media—a fast-growing social video agency that’s making big waves across Australia, Asia, and beyond. With over 1000s of followers on TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn, plus brand collaborations with giants like Hilton and Microsoft, Melissa is redefining how brands use short form video to connect with their aud…

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Demystifying AI: Human-first strategies for small business success 35:33

3M ago35:33

35:33

Leanne Shelton is an AI coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Human Edge AI Training. Leanne’s journey from content marketer and copywriter to AI advocate proves that you don’t need a tech background to harness the power of AI in your business. If the thought of AI makes you feel overwhelmed or worried about losing your “human touch,” this episode…

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EP33: From Optometrist to Owner Building Confidence and Growing Independently with Amanda Duffy 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

What does it really take to go from being a new optometrist to owning two thriving independent practices before 30? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Amanda Duffy, an optometrist and co‑owner of two practices, to talk about her journey as an eye care professional, her mindset, and the steps she took to confidently step into ownership. Fr…

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From burnout to balance: Science backed ways to beat burnout and boost energy 32:59

3M ago32:59

32:59

With hustle culture running rampant and burnout becoming all too familiar, Tim Jack Adams is on a mission to help Australians flip the script on stress, reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and nature. Drawing from his new book, "Energised," Tim shares science-backed strategies and simple daily habits that actually work to recharge our batter…

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The $2 Million tipping point: essential shifts for small business success 33:57

3M ago33:57

33:57

Jenny Stillwell is a renowned business strategist, former CEO, and author of "The 7% Club." Jenny brings decades of experience guiding businesses through the ups and downs of growth. In this epsidoe of Flying Solo she dives deep into why the $2 million mark is such a crucial tipping point for scaling up. Cec and Jenny explore everything from mindse…

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Closing the Empathy Gap: Daniel Murray on Leadership Skills for Soloists and Entrepreneurs 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

Daniel Murray is a leadership expert, speaker, and author of the game-changing new book, The Empathy Gap. Daniel shares his personal journey from a highly analytical thinker who struggled with empathy, to an advocate who believes that empathy isn’t just a “soft skill”, it’s a strategic superpower every business leader can learn and harness. Daniel …

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How to create a purpose driven personal brand 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

In today’s episode, host Cec Busby sits down with Vinisha Rathod—Sydney-based branding specialist, keynote speaker, and founder of P3 Studio. Vinisha isn’t just flipping the script on personal branding; she’s rewriting the whole playbook. Drawing on her 15 years of experience helping leaders and businesses make a real impact, Vinisha shares her uni…

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EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins 51:12

4M ago51:12

51:12

Everyone loses when thousands of optical assistants are untrained. It's not their fault; it's just that they're out there performing optical services that they haven't got any idea about. – James Gibbins In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by James Gibbins, Director of Education at ACOD and one of the legends in Australia's optical industry, …

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Mastering End of Financial Year: Tax tips for soloists 38:57

4M ago38:57

38:57

In this week's episode of Flying Solo Cec is joined by Mark Chapman, Director of Tax Communication at H&R Block, to break down everything you need to know about end-of-financial-year preparation. Find out everything from how to get your paperwork in order, to avoiding common mistakes. Make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table when it come…

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EP31: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 8 - Tough Talks, Stronger Team: How to Lead with Language and Intent 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

What if the real price of avoiding difficult conversations at work is losing your best team members and holding back your business growth? How much longer can you afford to stay silent? In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined again by Opticare’s Commercial Manager, Joanne Scott-Dostine, to dive into one of the most avoided yet essential parts of …

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Fair go for small business: Navigating red tape and rising costs 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

Cec Busby sits down with Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), for a discussion about the current landscape for small businesses. With a major decision from the Fair Work Commission to raise the minimum wage by 3.75% set to take effect, Cec and Luke unpack what this change—and a host of other pres…

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Making AI your business ally: Tech tips from Tracy Sheen 40:33

5M ago40:33

40:33

If the mention of AI makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone—but what if AI could actually make your business smoother, more efficient, and free up valuable time? To help unravel the mystery (and bust a few myths), Cec is joined by Tracy Sheen, award-winning business tech expert, speaker, founder of The Digital Guide, and bestselling author. W…

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EP30: Digital Health and Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford 45:02

5M ago45:02

45:02

What does Digital health really mean in the context of optometry beyond the buzzwords? Nicola Mountford unpacks one of the most relevant topics in optometry as technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Nicola Mountford, Optometry Advancement Advisor at Optometry Australia, to explore the …

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Unlocking earning power: Your guide to financial confidence and career success 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

Roxanne Calder is a recruitment expert, business founder, and author of the eye-opening book "Earning Power." In this episode Ce and Roxanne unpack the core moments that shape our financial futures, from pay negotiations and navigating maternity leave to the small, everyday decisions that can make a big difference over time. With the gender pay gap…

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EP29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage 55:57

5M ago55:57

55:57

"Sustainability doesn't have to be special, it can just be a normal part of eyewear manufacturing process," - Chris Savage's take on championing small batch eyewear manufacturing, environmental responsibility, and timeless design aesthetics. In this episode, Michael Nasser is joined by Chris Savage, a renowned eyewear designer and founder of Objekt…

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Why emotional intelligence is the secret to business success 34:54

5M ago34:54

34:54

Amy Jacobson is a human behaviour and emotional intelligence specialist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. She has made it her mission to help leaders and organisations embed emotional intelligence into their workplace culture—something she believes is often overlooked, yet crucial for business success. In this conversation, Cec and Amy expl…

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How to unlock the power of reinvention 37:47

5M ago37:47

37:47

Cec Busby sits down with Gary Waldon—a true master of transformation, whose career has spanned an incredible 44 different jobs, from teacher to topless waiter to CEO advisor, and now bestselling author. Together, they dive deep into the topic of reinvention and the inevitability of change, whether it comes by choice or crashes into your life unexpe…

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EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3 51:41

6M ago51:41

51:41

If your team isn't showing up the way you want, it might be time to look at your leadership. Because the truth is, thriving optical practices aren’t built on sales alone. They’re built on strong leadership, intentional training, and a team that feels seen, supported, and inspired. In this part 3 episode, Michael Nasser is back again with Kayle Ashl…

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From burnout to boss: How Fiona Campbell built a thriving VA empire 43:58

6M ago43:58

43:58

In this episode of Flying Solo, we chat with Fiona Campbell – founder of Thought Penny and the VA Lead Network – about how she turned redundancy on maternity leave into a booming remote business. Fiona shares her journey from C-suite EA to virtual assistant queen, her top tips for setting up systems that scale, and how she gets a whopping 70% open …

Leanne Faulkner Podcasts

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Flying Solo

Flying Solo

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Fortitude at Work

Fortitude at Work

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The Focused View: Empowering Eye Care Professionals

Opticare

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EP38: The Business of Wellbeing: Mindset, Focus, and Sustainable Success with Leanne Faulkner 1:01:19

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Building resilience and mental health for soloists with Leanne Faulkner 35:56

1
Riding the waves of mental health: Cooper Chapman’s journey from pro surfer to wellbeing advocate 33:38

1
How to negotiate more effectively 39:53

1
EP37: The Art and Heart Behind Elusive Miss Lou: Crafting Eyewear with Purpose with Louise and Teiger Sceats 57:13

1
Why chasing growth can trap entrepreneurs: Brad Giles on building a better business 31:24

1
EP36: Specialising with Purpose: Building a Practice Around Behavioural Optometry and Beyond with Adrian Vecchio 50:51

1
From rock bottom to redemption: Understanding men's mental health 39:29

1
Breaking the entrepreneurial ceiling: Sustainable small business success 33:27

1
EP35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals 48:26

1
Practical ways to nurture human skills and empathy 27:21

1
EP34: What We Can Learn from U.S. Optometry: A Cross-Market Conversation with Erich Mattei 58:53

1
From employee videos to personal branding: Social media strategies that work 36:01

1
Demystifying AI: Human-first strategies for small business success 35:33

1
EP33: From Optometrist to Owner Building Confidence and Growing Independently with Amanda Duffy 48:35

1
From burnout to balance: Science backed ways to beat burnout and boost energy 32:59

1
The $2 Million tipping point: essential shifts for small business success 33:57

1
Closing the Empathy Gap: Daniel Murray on Leadership Skills for Soloists and Entrepreneurs 33:25

1
How to create a purpose driven personal brand 36:46

1
EP32: Training and Recruitment Challenges in the Optical Profession with James Gibbins 51:12

1
Mastering End of Financial Year: Tax tips for soloists 38:57

1
EP31: Elevate Your Practice: Topic 8 - Tough Talks, Stronger Team: How to Lead with Language and Intent 55:27

1
Fair go for small business: Navigating red tape and rising costs 33:58

1
Making AI your business ally: Tech tips from Tracy Sheen 40:33

1
EP30: Digital Health and Evolving Scope of Optometry with Nicola Mountford 45:02

1
Unlocking earning power: Your guide to financial confidence and career success 33:43

1
EP29: Craftsmanship and Sustainability: The Future of Eyewear with Chris Savage 55:57

1
Why emotional intelligence is the secret to business success 34:54

1
How to unlock the power of reinvention 37:47

1
EP28: Leadership, Staff Motivation & Social Media for Practice Growth with Kayla Ashlee - Part 3 51:41

1
From burnout to boss: How Fiona Campbell built a thriving VA empire 43:58