This episode is a continuation of an earlier episode with Stacey you can listen to here: https://youtu.be/jdWFUcTdOfw - 

We sit in a warm and honest space with Stacey Goulding from LumaBloom. She talks about leadership in a real way. She shares how she works with complex participants, stays close to support workers and keeps things human in a field that can feel heavy. Stacey explains how her training is built with support workers, not at them, and why teamwork is the only path that feels right for her. She also talks about pressure, emotions and the everyday reality of this work.

Stacey opens up about the loneliness that can sit inside leadership. She talks about boundaries and the tricky line between being friendly and becoming a friend. She shares how burnout crept up on her and how it hit all at once. She talks about the months that followed and the slow return of energy and joy. She opens up about tiny things that helped her through it, like time with her dog, gaming nights with family and small moments where she could breathe again.

She also shares how LinkedIn changed her world. In one week she met people who understood her work and wanted to connect. She talks about finding a networking space that felt kind, safe and welcoming. She explains how that moment pushed her to keep showing up. Stacey also shares why “Free Day Fridays” mean so much to her and why giving back is the heart of her work.

If you work in the NDIS and you feel tired or stretched, this conversation will feel gentle and grounding. Stacey speaks with care, honesty and lived experience. She reminds us that we all learn as we go, and that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the people you support.

NDIS business growth and allied health leadership take centre stage in this episode of the NDIS Provider Growth Podcast. Today, Michael sits down with Daniel Sharman, founder of DLS Allied Health, to unpack the real pressures, turning points and mindset shifts behind growing an allied health service to over 1,000 NDIS participants.

Daniel shares the truth about leadership, imposter syndrome, systems breaking as you scale, and why saying no to the wrong participants is not only ethical - it’s essential for long-term growth.

Daniel opens up about the hard seasons, the mindset required to survive them, and why community-based allied health can outperform traditional clinic models. If you’re an NDIS provider, BDM, allied health practitioner or support coordinator, this episode gives you practical insights you can apply immediately.

Get in touch with Daniel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsharman/

In this episode of the NDIS Provider Growth Podcast, Michael sits down with Leanne Hopkins, founder of Succeed Healthcare Solutions and Succeed Practice Management, to talk about how NDIS business owners can build profitable, sustainable organisations without burning out.

Leanne shares real stories from her two companies, explaining how group‑based therapy models, offshore admin support, and value‑driven leadership can transform both your business and your life. She also opens up about what she measures inside her own organisations, how she helps other directors get off the tools, and the mindset shifts that help NDIS providers grow faster while working less.

They unpack why so many providers get stuck in long hours and low profit, how to build systems that run without you, and how to track the right data to triple your return on every decision. If you’ve ever felt trapped in your NDIS business, this episode is for you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0 

Visit Athletic Koala: https://athletickoala.com.au

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

Can you grow your business without spending a cent on ads? Karl Schwantes says yes — by using Google reviews the right way. In this episode, he shares how NDIS providers and small businesses can turn great client experiences into a steady stream of new leads for free.

You’ll learn how to make your service remarkable, get more five-star reviews, and build a reputation that attracts both clients and staff.

#NDIS #NDISmarketing #disabilitybusiness #NDISproviders

In this episode, former Sydney Swans player Barnaby Howarth shares a story that is real, raw, and unforgettable.

After surviving a violent gang attack that left him with brain damage, Barnaby rebuilt his life with grit, humour, and kindness. He talks about what resilience truly means, how to keep going when life falls apart, and why being a good person matters more than any so-called superpower.

He also opens up about how people can have genuine conversations with people with disabilities, without the awkwardness or corporate talk that often gets in the way.

If you work in the NDIS or lead a business that helps others, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Listen now to rethink what strength, success, and leadership really mean.

#NDIS #Resilience #BarnabyHowarth #Podcast #Leadership

What happens when life takes a sharp turn and your dream disappears overnight?

In this episode, Michael talks with Emanuel, the National Operations Manager at Ability Connect, who shares how a car accident changed his life and how he rebuilt purpose through leadership, systems, and people in the NDIS sector.

They discuss how to move from personal loss to leadership growth, the importance of sustainable systems, and how to stay profitable without burning out. Emanuel also opens up about managing teams, keeping culture strong, and setting healthy limits in a demanding industry.

This episode covers:

• Moving from athlete to NDIS leader
• Building systems that actually save time
• Reducing burnout in support coordination
• The truth about unpaid work in NDIS
• Creating structure and sustainability in business

If you work in the NDIS or lead a care organisation, this conversation will help you think differently about people, purpose, and profit.

#NDIS #Leadership #NDISBusiness #SupportCoordination #Podcast #AbilityConnect #AthleticKoala

What does it take to stay awesome at what you do without burning out?

In this episode, Michael talks with Bradley Williams, founder of The Becoming Collective, about what it means to keep your energy, passion, and purpose alive in the work you do.

Brad shares how occupational therapists and other professionals can:

• Build genuine connection and community
• Find purpose in their daily work
• Prevent burnout by knowing their strengths and limits
• Lead with honesty, reflection, and care
• This is a real conversation about staying grounded, connected, and inspired while doing meaningful work.
• Listen if you have ever felt tired, misaligned, or ready to rediscover your reason for doing what you do.

Learn more about The Becoming Collective: https://www.thebecomingcollective.com

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-williams-6a408343/

#OccupationalTherapy #NDIS #Leadership #Burnout #BecomingCollective #Podcast #OTLife

Thinking about launching a podcast but second-guessing yourself? In this episode, Svenja and I unpack practical ways to beat imposter syndrome, get your first episodes out, and set up simple systems that keep things moving. We cover minimum viable gear, show format choices, guest management, and how a podcast builds trust faster than a website or social post alone.

What you will learn:

• A simple first step to silence imposter syndrome
• The minimum tech to start without overthinking it
• Solo vs guest formats and how to choose
• How guest management actually works in practice
• Planning a season, timelines, and basic workflows
• Why a podcast helps buyers trust you faster

Meet Jeremy Pucheta, founder of Move2Thrive Clinic. In this candid conversation he shares how he grew from sole trader to a team, what went wrong, what worked, and how he balances family life with building a business. We dig into pricing with confidence, systems that keep you sane, the lonely middle ground of scaling, and why mentorship and community matter.

What you will learn:

• Moving from sole trader to company and tracking real growth
• Pricing your time, avoiding undercharging, and saying no
• Systems for scheduling, invoicing, marketing, and client communication
• Specialisation and pain education in allied health
• Balancing clinician work with leading a team
• Managing energy, mental health, and time with young kids
• Using LinkedIn and multi-platform posting without burning out
• When to outsource and how to think about your role as an asset

The NDIS world is full of passionate providers, but how do you tell the difference between the ones who genuinely care and those who don’t?

In this episode of the NDIS Provider Growth Journey Podcast, Michael Clark sits down with Ward Sheehan, founder of Ethical Tick. Ward has over 30 years’ experience in disability services and is now focused on connecting ethical, like-minded providers who put participants first.

Ward shares:

• Why he created Ethical Tick and how it helps providers stand out.
• The biggest cultural shift he’s seen in the NDIS sector.
• Stories of providers who choose honesty and outcomes over quick wins.
• How referrals and collaboration build stronger businesses than self-promotion.
• Why niche services and lived experience matter more than generic offerings.
• Practical advice for providers stuck in scarcity mindsets.

Ward’s perspective is refreshing: business growth doesn’t come from competing for scraps, but from building trust, being honest about your strengths, and supporting others.

If you’re an NDIS provider, leader, or BDM wanting to grow your network the right way, this conversation will give you real, actionable ideas.

TW: Mental Health. 

What happens when life forces you to confront stress, loss and burnout head-on?

In this episode, we speak with Brett Sams, founder of The Self Care Zone. Brett’s story begins with tragedy and evolves into a mission to help others prioritise self-care, resilience, and mental health in their personal lives and workplaces.

Brett shares:

• His personal journey after losing his brother and how support shaped his recovery.
• Why driving became his unexpected gateway to self-development.
• How leaders can reduce stress and prevent burnout in their teams.
• The true financial and cultural cost of neglecting staff wellbeing.
• Practical self-care strategies that anyone can apply every day.

Brett’s insights show that self-care is not a luxury. It is the foundation of strong leadership, healthy teams and long-term success.

If you are a business leader, manager, or simply someone carrying too much on your shoulders, this conversation will leave you with real, practical tools to reset and take back control.

What does it take to stop being invisible on LinkedIn?

In this episode, Michelle shares how she went from hesitant poster to being recognised as a LinkedIn go-to person in her industry. With 15 years of marketing experience, she explains how she built confidence, created a consistent posting rhythm, and developed a supportive “village” of collaborators.

Michelle opens up about:

• Why consistency is the foundation of LinkedIn growth
• How collaboration and supporting others builds real influence
• Overcoming the fear of “annoying people” when posting
• The steps she took to build her personal brand
• Why authenticity beats copycat strategies every time

Her story is proof that LinkedIn success comes from putting yourself out there, elevating others, and building confidence one step at a time.

What does it mean to put people before paperwork?

In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Goulding, behavioural specialist and founder of LumaBloom, to explore her unique human-first approach to behaviour support and business. Stacey shares how she built services in the UK, transitioned into the NDIS world in Australia, and why she believes collaboration should replace competition among providers.

Stacey opens up about:

• Why behaviour support is like being a detective and a cheerleader
• How she created Free Day Fridays to give back beyond NDIS funding
• The challenges of running a one-person business while dreaming big
• Why profit is not a dirty word in NDIS, but a way to give more
• What real, day-to-day behaviour support looks like in practice

If you want an honest conversation about purpose, profit, and putting people first in the NDIS world, this episode is a must-listen.

Think 10x Bigger.  Stop playing small.

But... How do you innovate in a system bound by strict rules?

In this episode, we sit down with Yasser Zaki, global operations leader at Tender Loving Care, to unpack how he balances compliance, creativity, and purpose in the NDIS world.

Yasser shares:

• Why disruptive management is essential for growth.
• How to avoid being stuck in the red ocean of sameness.
• The real definition of quality of life for vulnerable communities.
• His personal journey with mentors, Harvard, and lifelong learning.
• Why staying aligned with your purpose keeps business and life on track.

This is a must-listen for NDIS directors, providers, and anyone wanting to scale their business with impact and clarity.

Most health and NDIS business owners work in their business instead of building one that gives them back time, money, and life.

In this episode, Paul Wright shares how he went from a single physio practice to six thriving clinics and why he eventually sold them to focus on teaching others how to earn more, work less, and enjoy life.

You will hear about:

• The shift from being the go-to person to building systems
• Why family time is quantity time, not "quality" time
• How to stop trading hours for dollars
• The danger of relying on one referral source or funding stream
• Why your business should serve you, not the other way around

Paul makes it clear that if your practice is costing you family, freedom, and sanity, it is time to ask why you are still running it.

Connect with Paul: MyPracticeology.com

Find Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwright-practiceology/

Think sending a "we've got capacity" email will get you referrals? Think again.

In this episode, Michael talks with Hannah Redford, a support coordinator with six years of experience, about what actually works when approaching support coordinators for NDIS referrals.

If you are an NDIS provider trying to grow your business, this conversation will save you months of trial and error.

In this episode:
• Why a clear niche matters more than you think
• The red flags in your emails that get you ignored
• Why long intake forms are losing you clients
• What support coordinators are really looking for
• Better ways to get referrals than cold emails
• How relationships actually get built in this sector

This is not theory. It is the honest, real-world insight from someone who has been inside the system for years.

Search "What's in the NDIS Now" on your favourite podcast platform to hear more from Hannah, or find her on LinkedIn by searching Hannah Redford.

#NDIS #NDISProviders #SupportCoordination #NDISReferrals #DisabilitySupport #ProviderTips #NDISBusiness

What happens when a former child protection worker becomes an NDIS business owner with no business background and grows faster than expected?

In this honest and practical conversation, Stevie Lee shares how she:

• Grew from one SIL home to five in just 13 months
• Built her service around participant outcomes instead of profits
• Faced burnout and tough family sacrifices in the early days
• Put KPIs in place to track real participant progress
• Made space for staff to grow, learn and lead
• Stepped back without losing quality or control

This is not a highlight reel. It is the real story of building something meaningful and sustainable in a high-pressure sector. If you are an NDIS provider trying to grow without burning out or compromising your values, this is for you.

#NDIS #SIL #NDISBusiness #DisabilitySupport #ParticipantGoals #NDISProvider #WomenInBusiness #Leadership

Tired of cold calls and boring marketing?
Steve Dart shares how he helped a small sports brand go from unknown to Commonwealth Games legend—by launching a podcast before podcasts were cool.

In this episode, Steve reveals:

• Why building real relationships beats selling
• How LinkedIn can be your most powerful tool
• The “HOPE” strategy he uses to grow his network daily
• Why helping others first leads to unexpected success
• How to become unforgettable in your industry

Whether you're in the NDIS world or any business that relies on trust, this episode is packed with clever ideas and game-changing mindsets.

🎙️ Guest: Steve Dart
🎧 Host: Michael from Athletic Koala

🔗 Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dart

#LinkedInMarketing #NDISBusiness #SteveDart #PodcastInterview #RelationshipMarketing #BusinessGrowth #CreativeMarketing

Want to grow your NDIS business using LinkedIn? In this episode, LinkedIn strategist and NDIS consultant Con Sotidis shares proven tips to help NDIS providers get more referrals, build strong networks, and grow their business online.

You’ll learn:

• How to use LinkedIn to grow your NDIS business
• The four pillars of social selling for support providers
• How to write LinkedIn posts that attract referrals
• Why personal branding matters for NDIS providers
• How to connect with other NDIS businesses for growth
• Real examples from Con’s experience in the NDIS and disability sector

If you're an NDIS provider, support coordinator, BDM, or business owner, this podcast will show you how to use LinkedIn the right way. Discover what actually works to grow your reach, build trust, and get real results in the NDIS space.

Watch now and learn how LinkedIn can help your NDIS business grow.

In this episode, Michael speaks with James Loveday, one of the most experienced voices in the NDIS sector, about the real challenges behind disability support work.

They explore what it’s like to work in the NDIS while living with neurodiversity and mental health struggles. James shares his personal journey through burnout, addiction, and masking—along with practical ways support workers, BDMs and leaders can create safer, more supportive workplaces.

Topics covered include:

How neurodivergent support workers are affected by workplace isolation

The hidden impact of masking in the NDIS sector

Why most KPIs no longer make sense for NDIS providers

What types of events are actually worth attending

How lived experience can shape better NDIS service delivery

Why we need to focus on staff wellbeing, not just compliance

If you're an NDIS provider, business owner, BDM, or support coordinator, this is a must-watch conversation about the reality of working in disability support today.

Visit https://athletickoala.com.au
Connect with James Loveday: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-loveday-0a60b119b/

#NDIS #DisabilitySupport #SupportWorkers #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #NDISProviders #NDISBusiness #DisabilitySector #NDISLeadership

Is growing your NDIS business always the right move?

In this honest and practical conversation, Michael speaks with Vanessa Norman, a former NDIS provider who built a successful business, then chose to walk away. They unpack the realities of scaling in the NDIS sector, from burnout and financial strain to identity loss and the pressure to look successful.

Vanessa shares the turning points that led her to leave her business, the impact on her health and family, and why helping others build sustainable, profitable NDIS businesses has become her new mission.

If you're running an NDIS business, feeling the weight of responsibility, or wondering whether it's time to shift your strategy, this episode offers real insight and grounded advice.

What You'll Learn:

Why bigger doesn’t always mean better in NDIS

How burnout can creep in without warning

The truth about referrals, results, and profitability

Letting go of shame when stepping back

What matters most when the business is gone

Vanessa now helps NDIS business owners simplify, stabilise, and refocus. Learn more at vanessanorman.com.au

#NDIS #NDISProvider #VanessaNorman #NDISCoaching #BusinessBurnout #NDISReferrals #ScalingNDIS #NDISLeadership #NDISSupport #NDISBusinessChat #MichaelFromLinkedIn

Kezia didn’t just grow fast—she did it differently. In just 15 months, she went from a solo OT to leading a thriving NDIS business with 17 staff, 80 clients, a leafy green expo garden… and zero interest in playing by boring provider rules.

In this energising and refreshingly honest episode, Kezia shares how she:

– Grew Staying Independent into a standout NDIS business
– Built an integrated outcomes model that connects support workers and allied health
– Balances business, parenting, and flipping houses
– Avoids beige branding and brings bold energy to every event
– Leads with curiosity, gratitude, and no time for whingeing

Whether you’re an NDIS provider, team leader, or just trying to figure out how to grow without losing yourself, this conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and big laughs.

Perfect for providers who want to work smarter, lead braver, and still get home in time for Uber Eats.

Learn more about Kezia and Staying Independent: https://www.stayingindependent.com.au
Follow Kezia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keziakingston/
Tag a provider who needs to hear this!

#NDIS #NDISProvider #AlliedHealth #OccupationalTherapy #SupportWorkers #BusinessLeadership #WomenInBusiness #DisabilitySupport #Kezia #StayingIndependent #NDISAustralia #NDISBusinessTips

What really makes a family work? In this honest and funny conversation, a dad and daughter sit down to talk about what matters most—connection, tech-free time, and why weekends off might just be the dream.

From running a business and feeling burned out, to sending a simple text to your brother, this episode is packed with little reminders that relationships aren't built in a day, but they are worth building.

You'll hear about:
- Why tech-free days became something they actually love
- What work-life balance really means to a teenager
- The power of doing just one small thing today to show someone they matter

Plus, some unexpected laughs about Tic Tacs, learning Spanish, and why the bulldog might miss you most.

Stick around to the end—because the best line in the whole episode might just be:
"Throw in the towel and go camping with your daughter."

In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Bryan—NDIS business coach and the man behind Provider X. They talk about how to grow your business without losing your sanity, and why the secret to success might be other providers.

🎯 What You’ll Hear:

✅ Why generosity (not ego) drives real business success
✅ What Paul learned from being the outsider at school
✅ How to create an NDIS culture that actually works
✅ The truth about event planning, real collaboration, and standing lunch breaks
✅ Why coaching basketball helps him lead NDIS teams better

Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories of his events, how he designs community-first spaces, and why asking “stupid” questions might be the smartest move in business.

If you’ve been looking for your people—or wondering if events are worth the travel—this episode might change your mind.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to be part of the podcast or leave a voice message? Head here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISBusiness #PaulBryan #ProviderX #NDISCommunity #NDISLeadership #NDISGrowth #AthleticKoala #NDISProviderLife #NDISCollaboration #SmallBusinessLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISDirectors #NDISCulture

In this episode, Michael sits down with Nicole Cassin—NDIS director, leader, and absolute powerhouse. Nicole shares what it’s really like to grow fast in the NDIS world… without letting the stress destroy your health, values, or team.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

✅ Why growing fast can be exciting and terrifying
✅ The mindset shift Nicole made to stay calm under pressure
✅ How to balance heart-led care with business realities
✅ Why margins don’t always match the mission
✅ What directors need to hear when the numbers turn red

Nicole opens up about her lived experience, the loss that shaped her leadership style, and what legacy really means when your kids ask, “What was Mum like?”

💬 If you're leading a business, juggling budgets, and trying to stay values-led in a world that feels upside down—this episode is for you.

📍 Nicole’s based in Melbourne and is happy to grab a coffee or Zoom with any NDIS provider struggling with growth, pressure, or profit margins. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to be part of the podcast or leave a voice message? Head here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISBusiness #NDISLeadership #NicoleCassin #AthleticKoala #NDISProviders #SupportCoordinators #NDISAustralia #NDISGrowth #PurposeLedLeadership #CommunityAccess #SmallBusinessLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISDirectors