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

In this raw, behind-the-scenes episode, Michael sits down with Justin from Willie Works to talk about the emotional weight of leadership—and why most of us are figuring it out as we go.

They dive deep into the stuff we don’t usually talk about:

✅ Crying in car parks and over-apologising
✅ Hiring mistakes and shifting from fixer to leader
✅ Building a team that actually solves problems
✅ Letting go of perfection (and being “too nice”)
✅ Creating a business that works for your real life

Justin shares how he built a thriving NDIS-facing business from scratch, the reality of growing an audience on LinkedIn and Instagram, and how his partner helps bring empathy to the process.

Whether you're leading a team, running your own business, or just trying to hold it all together—this episode is real talk for the managers in the middle.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Message Michael for a personal intro to Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clark-ndis
📩 Want to add your voice to the podcast? Leave a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISLeadership #WillieWorks #NDISBusiness #PodcastAustralia #NDISProviders #GrowingBusiness #MichaelClark #AthleticKoala #BehindTheScenesLeadership #EmotionalLeadership #LinkedInForNDIS

What if your biggest business breakthrough came from getting it all wrong?

In this brutally honest episode, Michael sits down with Tom—aka Mr Purple—to talk about the lessons most NDIS providers are too afraid to say out loud. This one is for the directors, founders, and managers who are holding everything together behind the scenes.

We talk about:
✅ Why mistakes aren’t just okay—they’re your best teacher
✅ The hidden pressure behind “scaling”
✅ What to do when profit disappears
✅ When to keep going—and when to walk away
✅ How the right coaching can shift your mindset and your life

If you’ve ever felt like everyone else has it figured out and you’re drowning behind the scenes—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want an intro to Mr Purple? Message Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clark-ndis
📩 Want to add your voice to the podcast? Leave a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDIS #NDISBusiness #NDISProviders #MrPurple #Leadership #BusinessMistakes #PodcastAustralia #FoundersTalk #RealConversations #NDISProviderGrowthJourney #MichaelClark #AthleticKoala

In this masterclass episode, I sit down with Daniel Sharman – the Jedi Knight of growth in Allied Health – to talk about scaling with purpose. He grew from solo operator to over 40 staff across two states, supporting 1,000+ clients. But it didn’t come easy.

We talk about:
✅ The systems he had to rebuild at 50, 500, and 1,000 clients
✅ How leadership pressure hits you in waves – and how to stay steady
✅ What founders get wrong when trying to grow fast
✅ Why taking on every client might actually hurt your business
✅ What keeps him grounded (hint: horse riding and AFL tackles)

If you’re in NDIS, Allied Health, or growing any purpose-driven business – this one’s a must-listen.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Connect with Daniel Sharman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-sharman-4120441aa/
📩 Visit Daniel’s website: https://dlsalliedhealth.com.au
📩 Want to be part of the podcast? Leave a voice message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDIS #AlliedHealth #DanielSharman #NDISBusiness #Leadership #Growth #SupportCoordinators #ScalingNDIS #PurposeDrivenBusiness #FoundersTruths #NDISProviderGrowthJourney #PodcastAustralia

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, Michael Clark sits down with Craig Minter from The Healthy Business Lab to tackle the uncomfortable question too many providers are asking:

“Why am I working so hard and still broke?”

Whether you're a director, ops manager, or provider, this episode dives into the reality behind low margins, rising costs, and the pressure to survive while still delivering great support.

💬 What you’ll learn:

Why "profit first" isn’t greedy—it’s survival

What a healthy profit margin looks like in 2025

How to protect your energy and sanity while staying afloat

What to do when your profits start shrinking

What your accountant isn’t telling you (but Craig will)

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about decisions, boundaries, and building a business that doesn’t burn you out.

🎙️ Guest:
Craig Minter – The Healthy Business Lab
Website: https://www.thehealthybusinesslab.com

🎙️ Host:
Michael Clark – Athletic Koala
Website: https://athletickoala.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

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

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, Michael Clark sits down with Leesa from The Mindful OT—a business coach helping occupational therapists and sole traders build businesses that don’t burn them out.

Leesa isn’t chasing hustle culture. She’s designing her business around school bells, energy levels, and a guilt-free mindset—and teaching others to do the same.

💬 In this episode:

How to stop being a bad boss to yourself

Building your business around your real life

Setting kind KPIs that don’t punish you

Why spreadsheets are actually liberating

Reframing unmet goals as feedback, not failure

If you're an NDIS provider, allied health pro, or sole trader feeling overwhelmed, this is your permission slip to slow down, realign, and build smarter.

🎙️ Guest:
Leesa – The Mindful OT
Website: https://themindfulot.au

🎙️ Host:
Michael Clark – Athletic Koala
Website: https://athletickoala.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

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

#NDISBusiness #SoleTraderTips #OccupationalTherapy #NDISProvider #WorkLifeBalance #BurnoutRecovery #NDISAlliedHealth #MindfulOT #CEOWithoutTheHustle #NDISSupport #BusinessCoaching #OTBusinessCoach

What would it take to go from zero to 200 participants in just six months? In this powerful episode, Michael Clark sits down with Stu Paull—BDM at Plan Manage Assist and one of the most trusted names in the NDIS space—to unpack the truth about networking, referrals, and relationship-based growth.

Together, they build a hypothetical provider business live on air, step-by-step, showing how to market with purpose, build a real community, and avoid the mistakes most new businesses make.

🎯 In this episode:

How to network without being “salesy”

Why connection beats cold outreach every time

The fastest way to build trust in the NDIS sector

LinkedIn vs Facebook for provider marketing

The secret to follow-up that doesn’t feel fake

Giving back to the network (and why it matters)

If you're a provider, BDM, or support coordinator ready to grow without losing your values, this episode will give you a fresh roadmap and a whole lot of real talk.

🎙️ Guest:
Stu Paull – BDM, Plan Manage Assist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-p-a5693315b/
Email: spaull@planmanageassist.com.au

🎙️ Host:
Michael Clark – Athletic Koala
Website: https://athletickoala.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

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

🔥 Want to connect with Stu? Shoot him a message on LinkedIn or email—he’s the real deal.

Tania Gomez has started over 10 businesses—but only 4 were successful. In this honest and practical conversation, she shares what most people won’t: sometimes, things fail—and that’s part of the process.

If you’ve ever thought:
“Why isn’t my business working?”
or
“Am I cut out for this?”
—this one’s for you.

We unpack:
💥 The truth about failure and letting go
📊 What to do when things stop working
🔁 How to start again (without burning out)
🎯 Why most entrepreneurs never hit 100% success—and why that’s okay
💬 Real talk about grit, resilience, and business decisions that hurt

Tania brings a wealth of lived experience—this isn’t theory, it’s the hard-won truth.

🎙️ Guest:
Tania Gomez – NDIS Business Mentor
Website: https://taniagomez.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting/

🎙️ Host:
Michael Clark – Athletic Koala
Website: https://athletickoala.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

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

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, Michael Clark welcomes back leadership and mindset coach David Wolverton for a deep dive into the internal dialogue that’s holding so many leaders back.

They unpack:
🧠 Why self-talk shapes success more than strategy
🔁 How to shift from fixed thinking to growth
📉 The hidden cost of negative thinking and overload
🎯 Practical ways to set goals that actually work
💬 Why being kind to yourself isn’t soft—it’s smart

Whether you’re a CEO, a manager, or someone stuck in old cycles of stress, David gives you the tools to reset your thinking, build resilience, and lead with clarity (and calm).

🎙️ Guest:
David Wolverton – Leadership & Mindset Coach
Website: https://wolverton.net.au

🎙️ Host:
Michael Clark – Athletic Koala
Website: https://athletickoala.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

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