The Optimised Practice Podcast

What if the difference between feeling stuck in your practice and moving forward with clarity comes down to how you make decisions?In this episode, we break down five essential decision-making frameworks designed specifically for healthcare practice owners — helping you move from hesitation and overwhelm to confident, structured action.From defining your long-term vision to filtering daily choices, this episode gives you a practical toolkit to make better decisions faster — without second-guessing.What You’ll Learn:• Why lack of clarity is the biggest reason practice owners feel stuck• How to create a clear vision that guides every decision you make• The difference between reversible and irreversible decisions (and why it matters)• How to filter opportunities using the “Will this make the boat go faster?” mindset• How to categorize decisions to save time and mental energy• Why quarterly reviews are critical for staying aligned and adaptableKey Takeaway:Great practices aren’t built on perfect decisions — they’re built on clear direction, smart frameworks, and the discipline to focus on what truly moves the business forward.

What if the difference between a stressful practice and a scalable business comes down to how you manage your team?In this solo episode, Blake Sergeant breaks down a proven team management checklist used at Optimize Health — designed to help practice owners transition from working in the business to building a team that helps it grow.From onboarding to long-term development, this episode gives you a practical framework to build a high-performing, aligned, and motivated team.What You’ll LearnWhy most practice owners struggle when growing a teamHow to create a systemised onboarding process that sets the tone from day oneWhat an effective probation period should actually look likeThe role of mentoring in retaining and developing great team membersHow to build a strong team culture that supports long-term successKey TakeawayA great practice isn’t built on talent alone — it’s built on systems, support, and a culture that helps people thrive.

What if building a successful private practice wasn’t about working harder… but about putting the right pieces in place?In this solo episode of the Optimised Practice Podcast, Blake Sergeant breaks down the six pieces of the practice puzzle and explains why most clinic owners are focusing on the wrong thing first.Before you chase more patients or launch another marketing campaign, Blake takes you back to fundamentals. From understanding your numbers properly to choosing the right business model, building a committed team, and stepping into your identity as a true practice owner, this episode is a big picture reset.Inside this episode:• Why monthly metrics matter more than annual accounts• The five P’s that shape your practice model• How to map out a 12 month and 3 to 5 year vision• The cultural impact of employed versus associate teams• Why marketing should come fifth, not first• The personal mastery required to build a practice that runs without youIf you want a profitable, stable and sellable practice that can work without your daily input, this episode is your blueprint.Follow for more practical strategies on building a high performing private practice.

What does it really take to step off the tools and build a practice that runs without you?In this episode of The Optimised Practice Podcast, host Blake Sergeant sits down with Emma Price, owner of Supafoot Cheltenham, mastermind leader, and coach to practice owners, to unpack her journey from sole practitioner to true business owner.Emma shares the pivotal decisions that allowed her to transition from treating patients five days a week to leading a thriving, systemised, multi-room practice powered by a high-performing team. From moving into larger premises and hiring strategically, to handing over patients with care and building robust systems using simple tools like Google Drive and Trello, she reveals the mechanics behind sustainable growth. Emma also reflects on the mindset shifts required to move from clinician to coach-leader, and how stepping off the pitch became the highest and best use of her time.If you are navigating the shift from job to business, or want to build a profitable, stable and respected practice that works without your daily input, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest lessons.Subscribe for more episodes and follow along as The Optimised Practice Podcast helps practice owners build businesses that truly thrive.

In this episode of The Optimised Practice Podcast, host Jono Heath interviews Haley Uden, whose diverse career path in podiatry spans private practice, community health, academia, and entrepreneurship. Haley shares her journey, from starting in podiatry due to personal experiences to founding 'Hey Lucy,' an automated locum management software for the Allied Health industry. They discuss Haley's challenges in private practice, the struggles of staff shortages, and her goals for improving the profession by offering more flexible and efficient locum solutions. Tune in to hear about her innovative approach and the potential shift in how allied health professionals can work more effectively.Watch this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/o_VQLtOPkY4

Join host Emma Price in this episode of the Optimised Practice Podcast as she welcomes George Cummins Director at Gait and Motion Technology Ltd. Discover how to enhance patient outcomes while improving your practice's average spend and team growth. George shares insights into Gait and Motion Technology's innovative tools, such as Easy Base, foot scan technology, and Phits 3D printed orthotics. Learn about the importance of using technology in private practice, the benefits for patients, and how it can help attract high-quality staff. Watch this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/d3DAuwJk178

In this episode of The Optimised Practice Podcast, host Brian Fitzpatrick talks with Phil Marshman from Pioneer Podiatry in Mackay, Queensland. For over 15 years, Phil has built a successful practice in a regional community. He shares his secrets to not only surviving, but thriving.What you'll learn in this episode:Community-Driven Marketing: Discover why a long-term commitment to community and trust is more effective than quick-win ads.Creative Recruitment: Learn how a structured new graduate program can attract top talent, even in rural areas.The Power of Allied Health Assistants: Find out how delegating tasks to assistants can make your practice more efficient and profitable.Intentional Work-Life Balance: Hear how Phil works a four-day week to prioritise family and prevent burnout.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in healthcare looking to build a sustainable and personally fulfilling business.Watch this on Youtube:https://youtu.be/DBThcZVERiw

Join host Brian Fitzpatrick as he sits down with the incredibly energetic and optimistic Suzie Goodall, a successful physiotherapist and business owner from Canberra, Australia. In this episode, Suzy shares her unique journey from starting as a sports injury nurse to building her own thriving multi-armed business, Powerhouse Physio, over 20 years.Discover how Suzie's passion for sport led her to the world of physiotherapy and eventually to traveling the globe with Australian sports teams. Learn about the tough but rewarding lessons she learned along the way, including the shift from contractors to employees and the importance of having a reliable practice manager. Suzy opens up about the value of coaching and how it has given her the confidence and direction to grow her business while also creating a life that allows her to travel the world.Whether you're a healthcare professional, a business owner, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights on building relationships, seizing opportunities, and creating a business that works for you, not the other way around.

Welcome to the Optimised Practice Podcast! In this candid episode, host Blake Sergeant tackles the "hot topic" of practitioner recruitment head-on. While many complain about the difficulty of hiring, Blake reveals why a select group of practice owners are consistently successful.He starts by challenging common excuses and urges a fundamental mindset shift – stop saying "there are no fish in the lake" if you're not even fishing with intent!Blake shares actionable steps to elevate your recruitment game, focusing on two key pillars:Creating "Juicy Bait": Discover the Hybrid Model, a revolutionary compensation structure that combines the security of employment with the earning potential of an associate. Recruiting with Intensity: Learn why a single Indeed post or Facebook update isn't enough. Blake emphasises the need for:A dedicated job vacancy section on your website (optimized for SEO).In-practice job ads.Leveraging your patient database for referrals.Always collecting CVs for future needs.Crafting job ads that lead with benefits (WIIFM) rather than just listing practice achievements.Learn how to build a practice where everyone wins, you, your team, and your patients by attracting and retaining the best in the business.Watch this on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/SkuRazmGXXE

Welcome to the Optimised Practice Podcast! In today's solo episode, Blake Sergeant tackles the often-emotional topic of healthcare practice pricing and explains how to set your fees so that you, your team, and your patients all benefit.Many practice owners make the mistake of undercharging, especially in the early days. Blake reveals why this approach becomes unsustainable as you grow and aim to build a team. He emphasises that turnover is for vanity, profit is for sanity, and that even high patient volume won't save a business with flawed pricing.Learn the key goal for pricing: achieving a 20% net profit after you've been paid, all while maintaining a healthy 75% utilistion rate. Blake walks you through the "Practice Percentage Pyramid," detailing ideal allocations for:Practitioner salaries: (target of no more than 40% of revenue)Rent: (around 7%)Support team: (about 13%)All other costs: (20%)Blake also introduces the "Three W Triad" for decision-making: Is it good for the Patient? Is it good for the Team? Is it good for the Business/Owner? He challenges the common pitfall of focusing solely on keeping prices low for patients, often at the expense of team well-being and owner profitability.If you want to attract and retain top talent, avoid burnout, and build a truly sustainable practice, this episode is a must-listen!Watch this on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/nO1jiCC224I

In this episode of the Optimise Practice Podcast, host Brian Fitzpatrick, with guest Lara Goode, navigates business challenges, juggling entrepreneurship and motherhood, shifting models from contractors to employees, building a strong team culture, the importance of support and community, lessons learned in business, and creating a positive work environment.Ready to optimise your practice? Tune in to hear their expert advice!Watch it on Youtube:https://youtu.be/9j-bl9QdLTQ

In this episode of the Optimise Practice Podcast, host Blake Sergeant shares why knowing your practice's numbers is essential! Blake explains how mastering these figures can give you total oversight and reduce stress. Don't miss out!Watch it on Youtube:https://youtu.be/jtwwHzv1TP0

In this episode of the Optimise Practice Podcast, host Blake Sergeant shares the real talk behind what it takes to grow a healthcare practice in today’s competitive world.From getting clear on your business vision to optimising your operations and building a brand patients love, Blake breaks down the mindset, systems, and strategies that drive sustainable growth—without the burnout.Whether you're a solo practitioner, a growing clinic, or a healthcare entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right now to start scaling smarter.Watch this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/81jNgWyvqgg

In this episode of the Optimise Practice Podcast, host Blake Sergeant sits down with down with the incredible Fiona Kumar, a podiatrist and business owner who has successfully built a thriving practice while prioritising her family.In this episode, Fiona shares:How she transitioned from the NHS to private practiceThe challenges of balancing business growth with family lifeThe strategies she used to step back from daily clinical workHow she built a strong, independent team that allows her to take time offThe key decisions (and risks!) that led to her successWatch this episode on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/P7whovoxYJM

In this episode of the Optimise Practice Podcast, host Blake Sergeant sits down with Rebecca Hargreaves to explore her journey of building a successful podiatry practice. Becky shares how she transitioned from a solo practitioner to leading a team across multiple locations, the challenges she faced, and the mindset shifts that helped her grow.Topics Covered:Starting a private practice from scratchChoosing between associates vs employeesOvercoming imposter syndrome & self-doubtThe power of leadership & personal developmentLetting go & scaling your businessWatch this episode on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/O4mVU5K32ag

From networking to client retention, the Network-King covers it all.Host Blake Sergeant sits down with the ‘Network-King’ Jonathan Shearer to explore the power of strategic networking. Discover how building the right connections can transform your practice.Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips!