How do you rebuild after an ego death triggered by unexpected career loss? Discover how Ipek turned grief into growth—and built a calm, joyful business rooted in mindful leadership. In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Ipek Williamson, How after losing her identity as a 20-year executive assistant, Ipek spiraled into fear and self-doubt. But instead of returning to corporate, she turned inward—using daily meditation and Byron Katie’s wisdom (“what others think...
Aug 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 43
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.(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 Dr. Deitra C. Payne, a former educator who transformed adversity into fuel for a new entrepreneurial chapter. After th...
Aug 14, 2025•59 min•Ep. 42
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 vi...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 41
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 professiona...
Jul 31, 2025•57 min•Ep. 40
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...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 39
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...
Jul 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 38
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 solopreneur...
Jul 10, 2025•58 min•Ep. 37
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 c...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 36
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 intention...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min•Ep. 35
Burnout recovery for entrepreneurs isn't about doing less—it’s about leading from your inner world. Elor shares how hitting the C-suite "success" mark landed her in the ER—and why healing starts within (NOTE: use this as the meta description or be the first line under the video/audio player). Featuring Elor Shem Tov, leadership coach for executives recovering from burnout and former biotech CAO. In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Elor Shem Tov, a psychodrama-...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 34
"Feeling stuck, burned out, or overwhelmed as a solopreneur or creative entrepreneur? This episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur is packed with unfiltered truth and actionable strategies. Host Nikhil Vaish sits down with Jonathon Carrington, a therapist turned business strategist, to unpack his journey from nonprofit burnout to building a values-driven solo business that blends mental health, money mindset, and scalable systems. They dive deep into the “Three P’s” that hold solopreneurs back—perfect...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 33
In this inspiring episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Cheryl, a 77-year-old wellness coach, bestselling author, and unapologetic health rebel who turned burnout into a mission for radical self-care. After years of ignoring symptoms while building a high-powered jewelry career, Cheryl shares her transformation from “bankrupting her body while building her kingdom” to becoming more energized than most 30-somethings. She breaks down simple, powerful wellness tools—like ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish interviews Hallie Belt, a master’s-educated resume writer who turned multiple ad agency layoffs into the launchpad for her business, Belt Styles. Drawing on 15+ years in advertising and global teaching experience, Hallie shares how she helps clients craft resumes that build confidence and cut through AI-driven hiring systems. They explore her collaborative five-draft process, how she differentiates herself in an AI-driven hiring world,...
May 29, 2025•50 min•Ep. 31
Content Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling — Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential help 24/7 if you’re in the USA. Canada: call or text 988 or visit https://988.ca United Kingdom: call 116 123 In this powerful episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish interviews Mathew, an Air Force veteran who turned personal tragedy into p...
May 22, 2025•48 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Neelu Kaur, a self-advocacy champion who transitioned from the corporate world to solopreneurship. Neelu shares her journey of being downsized and how it led her to find her voice and help others do the same. The conversation explores the challenges of self-advocacy, the importance of honing one's craft, and the realities of marketing in a crowded space. Neelu emphasizes the need for authenticity in social media and discuss...
May 15, 2025•45 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Tunji Kusimo, a self-taught tech innovator and unfiltered truth-teller, about his journey from corporate burnout to launching Rad Tech. In this candid conversation, he reveals why traditional employment left him disillusioned, how a small startup restored his faith in innovation, and why sustainability drives his business vision despite his complicated relationship with capitalism. They explore the myth of “build it and the...
May 08, 2025•51 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Britta Buchanan, a former teacher turned human design coach and creative consultant. Britta shares how she blended mysticism with practical skills to guide clients toward clarity, confidence, and authentic expression. They explore the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the creative toll of social media, and the power of small daily actions. Britta also unpacks the evolution of her brand, the importance of self-tru...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Adam Rollings, a former teacher turned solopreneur who shares his journey of transitioning from the corporate world to building a one-person recruitment business. Adam discusses the importance of financial security, the shift in his definition of success, and the realities of solopreneurship. He emphasizes the significance of personal branding, the challenges of managing time zones while maintaining family commitments, and ...
Apr 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Karel Mergl IV, a rising video producer and solopreneur balancing business and college life. Karel shares his journey of creative risk-taking, building a brand while battling imposter syndrome, and what it takes to stand out in a crowded video landscape—especially with AI on the rise. He breaks down the anatomy of a high-impact video, from strong opinions to sharp storytelling, and reflects on the personal growth that comes...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Cherri Prince, a five-time Effie-winning brand strategist and creative problem solver, about her return to solopreneurship. They explore the power of saying “yes” early, building clarity over time, and finding your unique voice in a crowded consultancy landscape. Cherri shares hard-won lessons on branding, resilience, and the underrated superpower of insight—all while challenging industry clichés and redefining what success...
Apr 10, 2025•50 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with financial coach Amy Greene about her journey from hospitality to coaching, the importance of understanding money mindset, and the challenges solopreneurs face in building their businesses. They discuss the significance of personal transformation through financial literacy, the realities of solopreneurship, and the power of storytelling in connecting with clients. Amy shares insights on branding, attracting clients, and navi...
Apr 03, 2025•51 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Zuri Gunther, a life coach who transformed her unimaginable loss into a mission of healing. Zuri shares her personal journey through grief after the tragic loss of her son, discussing how she turned her pain into purpose by helping others navigate their own grief. The conversation explores the parallels between Zuri's corporate recruiting background and her current coaching practice, emphasizing the importance of emotional ...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish interviews Janet Stormes, a former federal budget analyst and professional dancer, who shares her unique journey from the arts to budgeting. Janet discusses her transition into solopreneurship, the importance of integrating creativity into budgeting processes, and her enriching experiences teaching in Myanmar. The conversation explores the balance between professionalism and fun, the risks of being a solopreneur, and the vision of crea...
Mar 20, 2025•56 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Angeliki Savvidou, who shares her journey through various careers leading to her current role as a solopreneur in finance. Angeliki discusses the importance of preparation before making the leap into solopreneurship, the lessons learned from her corporate life, and the significance of personal branding and financial literacy. She emphasizes the emotional aspects of money, the need to overcome fears, and the importance of se...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish interviews Malu, a self-taught coder turned supply chain expert and entrepreneur. Malu shares her journey from coding at a young age to understanding the complexities of supply chains and eventually starting her own consulting business. The conversation explores themes of entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of storytelling in making technical concepts accessible. Malu reflects on her career transitions, the challeng...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 19
Ready to ditch the 'hustle harder' mentality and embrace a more balanced approach to solopreneurship? In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish sits down with Julie Hruska, a high-performance coach who's walked the walk. Julie shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that shaped her coaching style, and the valuable lessons learned from building a thriving business while raising three kids. They dive deep into the importance of defining personal ...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host BoostSolo dives into conversation with Catherine Quinlan, an educator who dared to break free and build her own path. Catherine shares her journey of creating Visibility in STEM, a venture born out of a desire for authentic representation and a passion to ignite curiosity in students. They explore the challenges of disrupting traditional education models, the importance of self-belief when pushing against the grain, and the power of building a supp...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, Cathy Zappulla shares her solopreneur journey, discussing the evolving landscape of work influenced by AI, the implications of return-to-office mandates, and the rise of the gig economy. She emphasizes the importance of networking and skill-building for new graduates, highlighting generational shifts in entrepreneurship and the need for adaptability in the modern workforce. She highlights the significance of purpose and mindfulness in the future of work...
Feb 13, 2025•57 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Gina R. Smith, who leveraged her diverse experience from military service and corporate sales to become a peak performance coach. Gina shares her journey of recognizing the signs of burnout in her own life and how it led her to help other high achievers find balance. She discusses the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to transform burnout into sustainable success....
Feb 06, 2025•37 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil interviews Cory, a former corporate sales professional turned entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and trainer. Cory shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate environment to embracing entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of authenticity in personal branding. He emphasizes the need to embrace failure as a tool for growth and discusses strategies for standing out in a crowded coaching market. Cory also shares his journey as an au...
Jan 30, 2025•48 min•Ep. 14
