How Solara Was Created & Trained
What if an AI could coach you through any social situation — not just with clever lines, but with deep, timeless principles for human connection?
Philosophy & Vision
We didn't want another surface-level collection of social "hacks." We set out to build a system that could guide real people, in real moments, through the art of influence, empathy, and communication — rooted not in performance, but in character.
To do that, we synthesized decades of wisdom from the world's most effective communication frameworks, drawn from psychology, behavioral science, negotiation theory, and relational dynamics.
Distilled from the Best
We rigorously analyzed a wide range of schools of thought — from classical human motivation theories to tactical negotiation techniques, from charisma studies to modern soulful leadership. Rather than staying loyal to one school, we asked: What works best, in the real world, for the everyday communicator?
- Emotional Intelligence & First Impressions: The course teaches how to create emotional safety from the first moment — a blend of nonverbal communication, subtle cues, and authenticity that puts people at ease.
- Conversation Flow & Magnetic Listening: Move from small talk to deep rapport effortlessly, using techniques like spotlighting, storytelling, and mirrored empathy.
- Personal Character & Ethical Influence: Persuasion rooted not in manipulation, but in being the kind of person others want to align with. Habits around generosity, integrity, consistency, and presence.
- Navigating Tension & Conflict: Stay calm under pressure, communicate without triggering defensiveness, and guide others toward resolution without resistance.
- Lifestyle Integration & Ongoing Growth: Internalize these principles as habits. Through rituals, reflection prompts, and environment design, this system turns knowledge into lived experience.
The Five-Pillar Framework
- Connection – Mastering first impressions, emotional warmth, and making others feel seen.
- Conversation – Turning any interaction into a meaningful, engaging connection.
- Character – Becoming the person others instinctively trust and want to follow.
- Conflict – Handling tension with grace, calm, and strategic empathy.
- Alignment – Making all of this second nature — so your influence flows from who you are.
Each pillar reflects a deep interweaving of theory, field-tested methods, and lived behavioral truths — selected and structured for coaching through Solara.
Real-Time Coaching
This isn't just a personal development program. It's the backbone of an AI-powered conversation strategist — built to support you in the moment, wherever and whenever communication challenges arise.
- Got a tough conversation coming up? Solara draws from the Conflict Pillar.
- Trying to make a lasting impression at a networking event? Solara taps into the Connection modules.
- Need to resolve tension with a colleague, while preserving the relationship? The Alignment and Character pillars converge to guide your tone and timing.
Guidance That Grows With You
This course isn't designed to give you a bag of tricks. It's a framework that evolves with your life. As you grow — in relationships, leadership, or influence — Solara grows with you, drawing on this system to deliver advice that's practical, principled, and profoundly human.
The Human Side: Behind the AI
Riley Mackillop, founder
As someone who has spent years navigating international relationships, high-pressure business environments, and complex personal dynamics, I understand firsthand the power of effective communication.
"The quality of your conversations directly impacts the quality of your life."
The Journey Begins
My journey from show jumping arenas across the globe to entrepreneurial ventures has taught me that whether you're negotiating with suppliers, connecting with loved ones across continents, or building new business relationships - the quality of your conversations directly impacts the quality of your life.
The Birth of Solara
I created Solara after experiencing my own communication challenges. When I returned to Australia after years abroad, I found myself:
- Rebuilding connections
- Managing new business partnerships
- Navigating complex family dynamics
I needed a tool that could help me prepare for important conversations and provide guidance in real-time.
Personal Growth & Development
My own self-development journey intensified in 2023 when I began working with a coach to define the person I wanted to become. This process involved:
- Deeply reflecting on my values
- Clearly articulating who I am and who I am not
- Establishing my mission and vision
- Creating principles to govern myself
This transformative work created the foundation for how I approach all of my relationships and interactions.
The Research Behind Solara
Simultaneously, I immersed myself in communication literature, devouring classics like:
"How to Win Friends and Influence People"
"The Soulful Art of Persuasion"
"How to Talk to Anyone"
These works sparked my curiosity to go even deeper, leading me to extensive research across various communication frameworks and methodologies. This diverse knowledge base became the blueprint for Solara – a system designed to adapt to a broad array of situations and serve people in their unique circumstances.
Real-World Impact
Solara has proven its value in numerous ways:
- Business Success: Saved thousands of dollars in negotiations through persuasive arguments focused on mutual benefit
- Family Connections: Deepened relationships with parents by translating experiences into relatable stories
- Personal Growth: Gained confidence in navigating difficult conversations with clarity and compassion
Our Mission
What began as a personal solution has evolved into a mission: to help others experience the transformation that comes when you communicate with intention and empathy.
"Technology should amplify our humanity, not replace it. I created Solara not to speak for you, but to help you discover your most authentic voice. The most powerful connections happen when we bring our whole selves to every conversation."
A Final Note
Crafted with care in Australia, Solara embodies my belief that the most powerful technology should enhance our most human quality: our ability to truly connect with one another.
This tool isn't designed to be a quick gimmick. It's an ally in your personal growth journey that relies on your honest input and engagement. I urge you not to blindly follow Solara's guidance, but to work with her, reflect on her suggestions, and make them your own. She's here to help you develop your authentic voice and improve your relationships through intentional communication practice and thoughtful preparation.