OT Coaching Confidential

All four episodes in one conversation: four paediatric OTs on making a difference beyond their own caseloads. For OT Week, with host Rachel Davis. Featuring Alyce Svensk (The OT Coach Australia), Jackie Sikic (Kid Link OT), Dave Jereb (MoveAbout Therapy Services) and Rebecca Lockyer (Little TheraPeas). Happy OT Week! See you at POTCA in Brisbane on 19–20 November, in person or online.

 This episode of OT Coaching Confidential is part of our special OT Week series, The people behind a professional life, five conversations with professionals who support the lives and careers of occupational therapists. In this episode, Alyce is joined by Toni Knight, a psychotherapist and presenter specialising in helping professional women prevent burnout. Over the past 11 years, Toni has supported hundreds of occupational therapists and developed her program, Stop Burnout, Be Brilliant. Together, they explore why OT work can leave therapists vulnerable to burnout, from demanding work environments and limited resources to the pressure to keep giving more. Toni explains why burnout isn’t an individual failure, and why support needs to reflect each person’s circumstances. They discuss the demands of early career practice, recognising when stress becomes persistent, and finding strategies that help you meet your needs throughout your career. They also consider the pressures facing business owners, including caring for a team while navigating uncertainty and making difficult decisions. A central thread runs through the conversation: work can bring meaning, satisfaction and income, but it cannot meet all our human needs. Building a sustainable professional life means making room for the person behind the therapist. In this episode, we discuss: The workplace and wider systems that contribute to burnout. Over-performing, perfectionism and self-sacrifice. Toni’s three Ds: depletion, disengagement and declining performance. Supporting early career OTs through demanding periods of learning. Why boundaries and burnout strategies need to be individualised. Recognising unmet needs and seeking support. Professional identity and creating a satisfying life beyond work. Delegation and prioritising wellbeing as a business owner. Connect with Toni Knight Explore Toni’s burnout recovery resources:toniknight.co/burnout-recovery Connect on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/toniaknight Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops and The OT Coach Academy. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

 This week’s OT Coaching Confidential is part of our special OT Week series: five conversations with the people who stand behind a working professional life. The goal is to help you understand what questions to take to your own professional, wherever you are in your career. In this episode, Alyce is joined by Norelle Pratt from HR for Health Leaders, an HR consultant who combines fifteen years of corporate HR experience with firsthand experience co-owning an allied health clinic. Together, they explore the employment questions that matter to both therapists and practice owners: what an award means, what to look for before signing an employment contract, and why the details of salary, allowances and workplace expectations deserve a closer look. The conversation also covers when to seek HR support, when a question needs legal advice, and how to approach performance concerns with clearer communication and documentation. To finish, Alyce and Norelle discuss asking for a pay rise and why career progression can include developing clinical expertise as well as taking on leadership responsibilities. In this episode: Understanding workplace awards, minimum pay, overtime and allowances. Employment contracts and the details that can create unexpected costs. Keeping contracts, policies and procedures practical for your business. Coaching, performance improvement plans and support people. Comparing employed and contracting roles beyond the headline pay rate. Preparing for salary and career development conversations. This episode discusses employment matters in general terms and does not provide personalised HR or legal advice. Requirements can change and vary according to your circumstances. Seek advice relevant to your own situation. Connect with Narelle:Website: HR for Health LeadersInstagram and LinkedIn: HR for Health Leaders Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops and The OT Coach Academy. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

  This week’s OT Coaching Confidential is part of a special OT Week series, five conversations with the people who stand behind a working professional life, whether you’ve ever spoken to them or not. The goal isn’t to make you an expert in any of these fields. It’s so that after listening, you know exactly what questions to take to your own professional. In this episode, Alyce is joined by Chris Antartis, founder of Rebel Recruitment, who works with allied health professionals and employers across Australia. They explore what a recruiter actually does, how to work out what you need from your next role, and why a difficult workplace experience doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the wrong profession. The conversation moves through choosing between salary, flexibility, caseload and support, being honest about a bumpy employment history, and asking better questions in interviews. For new graduates, there’s a particular focus on looking beyond the promise of “support and supervision” to understand what that will actually look like. For practice owners, Chris explains why retention starts with recruitment, and why finding the right person involves much more than receiving a CV. In this episode: What recruiters do for clinicians and employers Separating a poor workplace fit from a poor fit with the profession Understanding your priorities before choosing your next role Weighing salary against opportunities to build clinical skills Being transparent about difficult previous roles How Chris’s recruitment fees work and who pays them Asking questions, staying professional and planning a transition between jobs Why retention starts with recruitment Mentioned in this episode: Rebel Recruitment Rebel Radio, Chris’s podcast Chris’s monthly livestream with business consultant Tristan Conway SEEK and LinkedIn as places to research recruiters and opportunities Connect with Chris:  Business: Rebel Recruitment Website: rebelrecruitment.com.au  LinkedIn: Chris Antartis  Podcast: Rebel Radio Instagram and Facebook: Search for Rebel Recruitment Brought to you by Alyce Svensk at The OT Coach Australia. Supporting allied health professionals to build confidence, clarity, and connection through mentoring, supervision, workshops, and The OT Coach Academy. The OT Coach Australia. Where therapists come to grow.

Beyond Tax Returns: Why Every OT Needs an Accountant on Their Team When should you speak with an accountant, and what support should you expect beyond your annual tax return? In this episode of our OT Week special series, The people behind a professional life, Alyce Svensk chats with her accountant, Michelle Jardine, BCom, CPA, about the financial questions OTs face as employees, sole traders and business owners. With 28 years of public practice experience, Michelle shares why early conversations, clear records and a trusted accounting relationship can help you make informed decisions throughout your professional life. In this episode, we explore: Work-related expenses, allowances and reimbursements, and why keeping your own records matters. When to engage an accountant before starting a private practice. Choosing a business structure that fits your circumstances and future plans. Preparing for tax obligations when you move into working for yourself. Whether you need accounting software and how organised records can save time. The difference between lodging a tax return and proactive tax planning. Understanding accounting fees, packages and who will support you. Finding an accountant you feel comfortable with, and changing providers when needed. Bringing your accountant into conversations about hiring, purchases and business growth. Speaking up early when deadlines or payments become difficult. Whether you’re employed or running a practice, this conversation encourages you to ask questions, understand the advice you receive and plan ahead. About Michelle Michelle Jardine is a public practice accountant with 28 years of experience helping individuals and small businesses with their accounting and taxation needs. Through Michelle Jardine CPA, she supports clients with clear explanations and practical conversations about their financial obligations and business plans. Connect with Michelle Jardine CPA Website: michellejardine.com.au — under construction at the time of recordingLinkedIn: Michelle Jardine This episode provides general information about accounting and taxation. Rules and eligibility may change. Seek personalised advice from a registered tax agent about your circumstances.