Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

In this raw and honest solo episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares what happened when the burnout prevention expert found herself sliding into Stage 4 burnout. During one of the busiest seasons of her career - launching Thriving Practice Community, facilitating a CME-accredited wellness retreat, and developing new programs - Tracy experienced firsthand the insidious nature of burnout she teaches others to prevent. But this isn't just a story about struggle. It's about what actually works: the difference between near-burnout and full burnout, why clarity is 50% of prevention, and why community isn't optional but essential infrastructure for sustainable practice. Through stories from a powerful San Jose gathering and TPC's inaugural Community of Practice session, Tracy reveals what healthcare leaders are truly hungry for and what most of us are trying to survive without.  Click here for full show notes  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Episode Highlights  The irony of teaching burnout prevention while experiencing Stage 4 burnout during an intense launch season  What happened at the San Jose CME-accredited wellness event when physicians finally had space to connect  The "worst wellness advice ever" improv game that revealed the band-aid solutions healthcare leaders are tired of hearing  Dr. Robert's story: navigating impossible income swings, two practice models, and life-altering decisions completely alone  Gianna's journey: why even successful practice owners need community to navigate next-level growth decisions  The WHO's 12 stages of burnout and why Stages 1-4 look exactly like the "model physician"  Why clarity about your WHY is at least 50% of burnout prevention  How community serves as prevention infrastructure, not just a cure for burnout  The difference between three days of intentional rest and three months of burnout recovery  Memorable Quotes  "The irony was not lost on me. And that's the thing about burnout - it's insidious. You don't see it creeping up until suddenly, you're in it."  "That feeling of 'I'm keeping all these plates spinning but I've lost sight of why I'm in the circus to begin with.'"  "My body basically said, 'Okay, you pushed through the event, now you're STOPPING whether you like it or not.'"  "The 'worst advice' they were sarcastically giving? That WAS their lived experience."  "They grabbed onto connection like oxygen."  "And that's what I mean by isolation at the survival level. It's not that he's not capable - he's proven he is. It's that he's trying to navigate impossible complexity without anyone who actually understands the terrain."  "Success doesn't eliminate the need for community. It just changes what you need community FOR."  "Clarity is at least 50% of burnout prevention."  "Community isn't optional. It's infrastructure."  "Isolation intensifies everything. The doubt. The comparison. The overwhelm. The weight of decisions."  "That's the power of community. Not as a cure for burnout, but as prevention. As the structure that keeps you from getting there in the first place."  "This isn't about waiting until you 'have it all figured out' to connect with peers. It's about recognizing that connection IS how you figure it out."  Closing  Tracy's vulnerability in this episode is a gift. She didn't just teach us about burnout prevention - she showed us what it looks like to catch yourself at Stage 4, course-correct with clarity and community, and come out stronger. If you'refeeling isolated in your practice, making high-stakes decisions alone, or wondering if you have time for community, this episode is your reminder: you don't have time NOT to invest in connection and clarity. Because without them, you'llkeep spinning until your body forces you to stop.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Debra Phairas, a physician practice management consultant with over 40 years of experience working with more than 2,300 medical practices. They discuss the often-overlooked topics of buy-ins, buyouts, and exit strategies for private practices. Debra shares hard-earned wisdom from four decades in the field, including real stories that illustrate why planning ahead isn't optional—it's essential.  Click here for full show notes  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Episode Highlights  The Buy-In Advantage: Why buying into an established practice can be smarter than starting from scratch, and what to look for in a shareholder agreement  Show You're Partner-Worthy: How young doctors can demonstrate value through marketing activities and relationship-building with referring physicians  The Uncomfortable Necessities: Why every practice owner needs a will, living trust, buy-sell agreement, and key person insurance—illustrated with real stories of practices that didn't plan ahead  Transparency is Everything: How open communication between senior and junior partners prevents dissatisfaction and builds lasting trust  The Exit Strategy: Planning 2-5 years ahead for retirement or sale, and why waiting until you're 80 is too late  The Private Practice Renaissance: Why more young doctors are choosing private practice ownership post-COVID  Memorable Quotes  "Transparency is really the key to good working relationships. The more that you know about the practice when you're coming in, the better decisions you can make."  "You put a dollar sign in front of math and you all freak out. You did way harder math to get into medical school. This is really easy—it's just simple math."  "The courage to communicate, confront, and compromise are my watchwords that I give all my doctors."  "At least when you buy in, you will have something when you leave. If you're just an employee, you get nothing."  "I've been so encouraged this year. I have done more new startup practice meetings than I did for the last three years. So many young doctors are saying they're ready to start their own practice—and that's something to celebrate."  Debra Phairas reminds us that running a private practice doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems. With proper planning, transparent communication, and the right guidance, physicians can build sustainable practices that provide both professional satisfaction and financial security. Whether you're just starting out or planning your exit, the key is to start those conversations now—not when it's too late.  Guest Bio:  Debra Phairas is President of Practice & Liability Consultants, LLC, a nationally recognized firm specializing in practice management and malpractice prevention. With over 40 years of experience, she has consulted with more than 2,300 medical practices across all specialties. Her expertise includes practice startups, financial analysis, practice valuations, buy-ins and buyouts, strategic planning, and partnership agreements. Debra holds a BS from Michigan State University and completed graduate work in Health Services Administration at Golden Gate University. She is a sought-after speaker who has presented seminars nationwide for medical associations and specialty societies, and is certified as an Expert Witness in California, Arizona, and Washington.  Find Debra:  Website  Facebook  LinkedIn  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Overview: Each quarter brings predictable patterns in patient behavior and practice operations, yet many healthcare providers find themselves constantly reacting instead of planning. In this snack episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares her insights on how practice owners can leverage quarterly shifts to build sustainable growth and avoid burnout. From Q1's deductible reset surge to Q4's strategic planning opportunities, Tracy offers a roadmap for thriving year-round.  Click here for full show notes  Episode Highlights:  How to prepare for Q1's patient surge and deductible reset without overwhelming your team  Why Q2 is the perfect time for mid-year assessments and what metrics actually matter  Using Q3's momentum (or downtime) strategically instead of just coasting through summer  The competitive advantage of Q4 planning over end-of-year scrambling  Understanding the "hustle and glide" mentality for sustainable practice growth  The Time Leadership Quadrant: A practical framework for triaging what needs your attention now  Memorable Quotes:  "What you track, you can manage."  "You don't want to make your adjustments in the busy time. It's the analogy of getting caught with your pants around your ankles—it's not a good time to try to run if you are bound."  "If you take some time in Q3 to plan, you'll be at least a quarter ahead of your competition."  "Embrace the hustle and glide mentality—we hustle when it's truly hustle time, and when it's not, you slow down, become more reflective, and recharge your batteries."  "The practice owners who thrive year-round know when to work on the business instead of always being in it."  If you're ready to stop riding the quarterly roller coaster and start planning for predictable success, visit thrivingpracticecommunity.com to schedule a consultation with Tracy today.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part time leadership series, Tracy tackles one of the most repeated—and least helpful—pieces of productivity advice: "work smarter, not harder." Through the compelling story of Dr. David, an ER physician turned regenerative medicine practice owner, you'll discover why this platitude fails and what to do instead. Tracy introduces a concrete methodology for strategic work allocation that helped Dr. David redirect 15 hours per week from low-value interruptions to high-value work that only he could perform. The result? Substantial revenue growth, improved patient flow, and a more confident, self-sufficient team—all while working the same number of hours.  Click here for full show notes  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Download the Time Leadership Delegation Tool  Episode Highlights  Why "work smarter" is useless advice: It offers zero actionable guidance on how to actually work differently  The critical distinction: Time leadership isn't about getting extra free time—it's about strategic reallocation to work that only you can do  Dr. David's breakthrough: Discovering he spent 15 hours weekly on work that didn't require his expertise  The three strategic changes: Training staff for self-sufficiency, redesigning clinical schedules around highest-value work, and fixing the scheduling system  The scheduling protocol that changed everything: How offering two specific appointment options eliminated chaos and six weekly interruptions  Real results: How 12 redirected hours created substantial revenue increases and improved practice flow  The Discovery-Analysis-Action framework: Tracy's proven methodology for lasting change  Memorable Quotes  "Time leadership isn't about efficiency—it's about effectiveness. It's not about doing things faster—it's about doing the right things and ensuring the wrong things aren't on your plate at all."  "The question isn't 'how do I work smarter?' The question is 'what work should I actually be doing, and what needs to stop being on my plate?'"  "You're not getting 'extra' time. You're reclaiming strategic capacity that's currently being drained by the wrong work."  "Awareness without action is just expensive entertainment. You can understand time leadership intellectually and still be overwhelmed six months from now."  "I finally understand the difference between being busy and being effective. I'm working the same number of hours, but the work I'm doing is completely different." —Dr. David  This episode delivers the practical implementation guide you've been waiting for in the time leadership series. Whether you're a physician, dentist, or other healthcare practice owner, Tracy's methodology for strategic work allocation will help you stop playing every instrument in the orchestra and start conducting. Visit the show notes for your complimentary practice assessment strategy session and take the next step toward building the practice you envisioned.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Download the Time Leadership Delegation Tool  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Overview: In this episode of Thriving Practice, Tracy Cherpeski tackles one of the biggest challenges healthcare practice owners face: protecting strategic thinking time in an environment where everything feels urgent. Through the compelling story of Dr. David—an ER physician who opened a regenerative medicine practice—you'll discover why your blocked strategic planning time keeps getting hijacked, and learn the exact framework for distinguishing between genuine urgency and habitual urgency. This is part two of the time leadership series, and it's essential listening for any practice owner who's ever wondered why their "do not disturb" time never actually happens.  Click here for full show notes  Download the Time Leadership Workbook  Episode Highlights:  Why healthcare practice owners are uniquely vulnerable to losing strategic thinking time  The difference between urgency in clinical care versus practice operations  Dr. David's breakthrough: discovering 15 hours per week of delegable tasks through time tracking  The three questions that help you triage your time like an ER triages patients  The ABCD prioritization framework for categorizing tasks and interruptions  How to create decision-making frameworks that eliminate recurring interruptions  Why tracking your time for just three days can reveal patterns you can't unsee  Memorable Quotes:  "Your strategic thinking time doesn't disappear because healthcare is unpredictable. It disappears because you haven't distinguished between what's genuinely urgent and what just feels urgent."  "In clinical settings, urgency often correlates with importance. But here's the trap: you've imported that same urgency response pattern into every aspect of your practice. And in the business side of healthcare, urgency rarely equals importance."  "You cannot fix what you cannot see."  "The question isn't 'is this urgent?' The question is 'is this urgent and only I can handle it right now?' That's a very different standard."  Ready to reclaim your strategic thinking time? This episode gives you the audit framework and prioritization system to start making immediate changes. Download the Time Leadership Delegation workbook and complete your three-day time audit—then join us for part three, where Tracy shows you how to turn that data into freed-up time.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this candid snack episode, Miranda and Tracy explore the critical importance of building intentional professional community as a practice owner. Drawing from Tracy's recently updated blog post "Choosing Your Village" (originally written in 2011), they discuss why independent healthcare providers need more than clinical expertise—they need a village of people who understand the unique challenges of practice ownership.  Click here for full show notes  Episode Highlights  Why community matters more now: The impact of digital connection versus genuine human connection, and how COVID increased isolation for independent practice owners  Village vs. support network: Understanding the difference between personal support and professional community  Energy audit for relationships: How to identify which connections drain you and which ones light you up—and what to do about it  Recovery from burnout: Practical steps for practice owners running on empty, including the WHO's 12 stages of burnout  Incremental progress over perfection: Why starting small (like drinking enough water) creates sustainable change  Memorable Quotes  "I think we are more digitally connected and yet feeling more disconnected. For all humans, we're really feeling that, and COVID really increased our sense of isolation."  "I need professional friends. I need professional colleagues in my world, other business owners... other crazy people who can show you that what you're going through is common, maybe even normal."  "If I'm feeling this way with lots of people, it might be time for me to take a nap and have a snack."  "Mindful means slowing down. Sometimes literally putting my hand on my heart and just checking in."  "It's better, it's more sustainable to start with something that you know you can do. I know I can carry my water bottle around and sip on it all day."  Closing  This episode serves as a gentle reminder that practice ownership doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Whether you're evaluating your current professional relationships or looking to build new connections, the Thriving Practice community is here to support you. Visit thrivingpracticecommunity.com to learn more about working with Tracy and joining a village that truly gets it.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.    Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this first episode of our three-part Time Leadership series, Tracy Cherpeski tackles why traditional productivity systems fail healthcare practice owners. If you've tried every time management technique only to feel more overwhelmed, this episode reveals the real problem: you've been applying employee productivity frameworks to a practice owner's reality. Tracy introduces the concept of time leadership—a strategic approach designed specifically for healthcare professionals balancing clinical excellence with business sustainability.  Click here for full show notes  Click here to download the Time Leadership Delegation Workbook  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Episode Highlights  The Time Management Trap: Why productivity systems designed for corporate employees don't work for practice owners juggling patient care and business leadership Dr. Sarah's Story: How a successful family medicine physician discovered she was efficiently managing the wrong work—and what changed when she shifted her focus  Time Management vs. Time Leadership: The critical distinction between doing things efficiently and doing the right things strategically  The Orchestra Metaphor: Why you need to conduct your practice rather than play every instrument yourself  Delegation Beyond Admin: Understanding what truly requires your clinical expertise versus what you're doing out of habit  Memorable Quotes  "You don't have a time management problem. You have a time leadership opportunity."  "Time management is about efficiency—doing things right. Time leadership is about effectiveness—doing the right things."  "Sarah wasn't managing her time poorly. She was managing the wrong work."  "Real acceptance is powerful—making peace with what you genuinely cannot change while focusing your energy on what you can. Resignation is giving up."  "The question isn't 'how do I manage all these tasks more efficiently?' The question is 'what am I conducting versus what am I trying to play myself?'"  This episode sets the foundation for a complete mindset shift around how healthcare practice owners approach their time. Tracy challenges listeners to stop blaming themselves for failed productivity systems and instead recognize that they need a framework built for their unique reality. Download the Time Leadership Delegation workbook and complete the foundation work before episode two, where we'll explore the Open Time Audit and identify exactly where your strategic thinking time is being hijacked.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this episode, Brad Pitzele shares his journey from chronic illness survivor to EWOT advocate and business owner. Facing autoimmune issues and Lyme disease that left him struggling with brain fog, pain, and 50+ symptoms, Brad discovered Exercise with Oxygen Therapy when traditional treatments failed. After building his own system and experiencing dramatic improvements, he founded 1000 Roads to make EWOT more accessible. The conversation explores the science behind EWOT, its applications for chronic illness and athletic recovery, and the business case for healthcare providers looking to integrate this therapy into their practices.  Click here for full show notes  Key Highlights:  EWOT uses concentrated oxygen during exercise to improve cellular oxygenation and reduce inflammation  Research dating to the 1960s shows benefits for everything from cancer to autoimmune conditions  Systems start at under $2,500 with quick ROI potential through session-based pricing  Minimal staff oversight required - front office staff can manage patient setup  Effective for chronic illness, athletic recovery, and general wellness applications  Pairs well with other therapies like red light therapy for enhanced benefits  Memorable Quotes: "The hardest part about selling EWOT is that it does so many great things, it's almost like not believable."  "When you do EWOT, you're not just using the red blood cells, you're actually saturating the blood plasma, which is about a thousand times thinner than a red blood cell and can get through those blockages."  "70% of the detoxification that you do in your body is actually through your lungs."  Brad's combination of personal experience and engineering background provides unique insights into both the therapeutic potential and practical implementation of EWOT, making this episode valuable for any healthcare provider exploring innovative treatment modalities.  Brad’s Bio:  Brad Pitzele is the founder of One Thousand Roads and a chronic illness survivor who discovered Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) when facing severe autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, and cancer. After being unable to afford existing EWOT systems ranging from $5,000-$25,000, Brad used his engineering background to build his own system, experiencing dramatic health improvements that inspired him to launch One Thousand Roads in 2016. The company focuses on providing affordable, high-quality wellness products for people with chronic illnesses, with a mission to help one thousand people recover their health and quality of life. Eight years later, One Thousand Roads has helped thousands of customers on their wellness journeys while making EWOT more accessible through systems starting under $2,500.  Find Brad:  Website  Facebook  Instagram  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Healthcare providers excel at caring for others but often struggle with self-care. In this honest conversation, Tracy Cherpeski shares why the 'always on' mindset is actually counterproductive and reveals practical strategies for breaking free from energy-draining habits.  Key Highlights:  Why the word "should" creates unnecessary guilt and obligation  How your well-being directly impacts your team's performance  The danger of checking your phone first thing in the morning  Why email shouldn't be the first task of your day  The 60-day rule for creating lasting habits  Building flexibility into habit formation to avoid perfectionism pitfalls  Click here for full show notes  Memorable Quotes: "Do not should on yourself or others—that word is so laden with judgment."  "If you're not right, ain't nothing right in your business."  "When I'm stressed, I get spacey, and when I'm spacey, that means you have to work harder."  "We need to give ourselves permission to turn it off and to step away. That's really, really, really hard."  This episode offers actionable insights for healthcare providers ready to prioritize their well-being without compromising patient care. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your practice is take better care of yourself.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.   Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

David Herman from Web Marketing for Dentists joins us to discuss how dental practices can leverage modern marketing strategies while maintaining the human touch that builds lasting patient relationships. With over 20 years in the industry, David shares insights on why traditional marketing principles still work, how AI is enhancing rather than replacing human connections, and why understanding your specific practice goals is crucial for marketing success.  Click here for full show notes  Key Highlights:  Why Google and SEO aren't actually dead despite industry claims  How AI phone systems can double appointment bookings while reducing front desk burden  The importance of weekend hours and quick response times for new patient acquisition  Why targeting specific procedures and patient types beats generic "get more patients" approaches  The psychology behind dental patient behavior and decision-making  How to measure marketing ROI and ask better questions of your marketing team Memorable Quotes: "We thought at the beginning it was money, but it's not. They also like money, but it's definitely secondary to helping people in the way that they feel they can help people the best."  "Google Ads is mind reading for marketers. There is nothing like it... It's the only mind reading marketing service there is."  "Everything that is monotonous and boring in somebody's job, that's the first place that AI should be employed. Because AI doesn't find it monotonous or boring."  David's approach stands out because he focuses on understanding what kind of dental work each practitioner truly enjoys, then tailors marketing efforts to attract those specific cases. Rather than promising overnight results, he emphasizes sustainable growth and measurable outcomes, making him a valuable resource for practices ready to invest thoughtfully in their marketing efforts.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  David’s Bio:  David is the Chief Marketing Officer for Web Marketing For Dentists. He holds a Masters in Language & Psycholinguistics from Cambridge University and spent 10 years creating ads for major companies like Procter & Gamble and General Motors before discovering his passion for dental marketing in 2004. Since then, he's worked with over 2,000 dentists across the USA, Canada, and UK, generating more than $30 million in annual production for his clients. His campaigns typically help individual dentists add $10K-100K to their monthly revenue. David leads a team of 30+ dental marketing experts based primarily in Miami, with additional team members across six continents.  Find David:  Website  Facebook  Twitter  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Episode Overview: In this powerful solo episode honoring Women in Medicine Month, Tracy Cherpeski exposes a critical flaw in physician burnout research that's been hiding in plain sight. While women now represent the majority of medical students, they face burnout rates nearly 50% higher than men and remain dramatically underrepresented in practice ownership - the very model that offers the autonomy and control that could address their burnout crisis.  Click here for full show notes  Key Highlights:  Major burnout studies systematically exclude private practice owners who report the highest job satisfaction  Women physicians experience 47% burnout rates compared to 39% for men, yet only 34% own their practices  Private practice ownership has declined from 60% to 42% since 2012, eroding the practice model with highest physician satisfaction  Self-employed physicians earn 11% more and cite autonomy as their top priority  The research bias creates policies that favor large health systems while undermining diverse practice models  Memorable Quotes: "It's like studying American happiness but only surveying corporate employees while completely ignoring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Then wondering why everyone seems miserable."  "You're not just building a practice - you're modeling a different way to practice medicine. And that matters more than you might know."  "The solution to physician burnout isn't bigger health systems or more employment. It's empowering physicians to create practices that work for their lives, their values, and their wellbeing."  This episode challenges listeners to see practice ownership not just as a business model, but as a powerful wellbeing strategy that's been overlooked by mainstream medical research.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this candid snack episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares insights on developing an entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining clinical excellence. She introduces the concept of "hat switching" between clinical and business roles, explores the gardener's approach to practice growth, and provides practical strategies for expanding revenue without extending work hours.  Key Highlights  The importance of switching between "clinician" and "CEO/entrepreneur" hats  How entrepreneurial flexibility complements medical training rigidity  The gardener's approach: planting seeds and practicing detachment from outcomes  Practical revenue stream ideas including mid-level providers, supplement lines, and health coaching partnerships  Why clarity of vision serves as the foundation for sustainable practice growth  Click here for full show notes   Memorable Quotes  "If you're in your clinical mindset and you try to think like an entrepreneur, it crosses some of the lines of duty of care and things like that."  "Sometimes you got to dig through a lot of shit to be able to get to the good stuff."  "Be super, super clear about what it is that you want to achieve... but then we let go of it and we just know that we're likely to get there or maybe better."  Closing  This episode perfectly captures the dynamic between clinical excellence and business savvy that defines thriving practices. Tracy's practical wisdom offers healthcare providers a roadmap for sustainable growth without compromising their core mission of healing.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment   Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.   Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this final episode of the mindful leadership series, Tracy Cherpeski explores how internal work creates expanding ripples of success. Following up with Dr. Sarah and Dr. Marcus years after their initial work, we see how their practices have become magnetic centers that naturally attract resources, talent, and opportunities. This episode reveals the five ripple zones that create sustainable competitive advantage and shows how mindful leadership becomes a powerful business strategy.  Key Highlights  How Dr. Sarah now takes three-week unplugged vacations while her team runs seamlessly  Marcus's referral systems that are "crushing it" while he focuses on strategic growth  The five ripple zones that create magnetic pull in healthcare practices  Why pushing for success creates resistance while magnetic leadership creates flow  How internal work compounds into external competitive advantages over time  Memorable Quotes  "The most profitable practices aren't just well-run businesses – they're energy centers that attract everything they need to thrive."  "When you're pushing, you're working against resistance. When you're magnetic, resources flow toward you effortlessly."  "Your mindful leadership isn't just personal development; it's business strategy."  "The question isn't whether you're capable of this level of success – the question is whether you're ready to begin."  This episode demonstrates that sustainable practice success flows from the inside out, showing how two different practitioners used the same framework to create practices that continue thriving and expanding their influence years later.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page  

This episode introduces the concept of Success Architecture—the intentional framework that allows healthcare practices to grow predictably and profitably without requiring constant reactive management. Through the compelling case study of Dr. Marcus, Tracy demonstrates how the right foundation can transform a practice from survival mode to sustainable growth, achieving remarkable results in just 90 days.  Key Highlights  Dr. Marcus increased revenue by 30% while dramatically improving profit margins in 90 days  Reclaimed 20 hours per week through strategic energy management  Achieved 10X ROI within 18 months while adding two new providers  The Four Pillars: Mental Clarity, Energy Management, Systems Thinking, and Abundance Mindset  90-day implementation strategy: Foundation Phase, Construction Phase, Integration Phase  Why most practices fail: building on "sand" instead of solid architecture  The difference between managing your practice and leading your practice  Memorable Quotes  "The difference isn't talent, market conditions, or luck—it's Success Architecture."  "Success Architecture is the difference between reacting to your practice and creating your practice."  "Clarity equals speed."  "Energy management isn't about time management—it's about impact management."  "The practices that will flourish in the next decade will be led by architects, not firefighters."  This episode provides the roadmap for building the solid foundation every successful practice needs. Whether you're feeling stuck in reactive mode or ready to scale strategically, Success Architecture offers the framework to move from chaos to predictable growth. Don't miss next week's finale where we explore how internal transformation creates powerful external impact.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Healthcare practice owners often unknowingly create internal barriers that directly impact their bottom line – not from lack of clinical skills or business knowledge, but from deeply embedded beliefs that show up as seemingly logical decisions. Through Dr. Sarah's compelling transformation story, this episode reveals how one practice owner went from working 60+ hour weeks while personally taking patient payments to achieving a 40% revenue increase and reclaiming 20 hours per week, all by dismantling a single invisible barrier.  Key Highlights:  How fear-based overhead decisions actually limit revenue capacity  The true cost of operating from a scarcity mindset disguised as quality control  Why equating personal worth with work hours creates success-limiting bottlenecks  A real case study showing 26x ROI from barrier removal  Three practical assessment questions to identify your own hidden barriers  Memorable Quotes: "Your barriers aren't protecting you; they're imprisoning you. And every day you don't address them, you're leaving money on the table and freedom off your calendar."  "Sarah thought she couldn't afford a $40,000 administrative salary, but her barrier was costing her $400,000 in lost revenue."  "They're like having a Ferrari with the emergency brake on. You've got the engine, the capability, the vision – but you're burning fuel while barely moving forward."  This episode launches a three-part series on building what Tracy calls "Success Architecture" – the mindset foundation that allows practices to scale without sacrificing sanity. Perfect for practice owners ready to stop being the emergency brake in their own success story.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.   See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Beth Lachance has built something remarkable. As the founder and CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistants, she's scaled her company from around 200 to over 1,350 medical virtual assistants in just three years, all while helping medical practices nationwide solve their biggest challenge: administrative overwhelm.  In this episode, Beth explains how medical virtual assistants work as an "insourcing" solution rather than outsourcing, providing practices with HIPAA-compliant professionals who have medical backgrounds and bachelor's degrees. She breaks down the cost-effectiveness of the model ($525 per week per full-time VA), how it improves patient care and staff morale, and why it's suitable for practices of any size.  Beyond the business model, Beth shares raw insights about scaling a company, including her philosophy of planning for 10x growth instead of 2x to avoid constantly rebuilding infrastructure. She discusses the importance of having the right people in the right seats, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and not getting paralyzed by over-analysis.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  How medical virtual assistants create "sufficient support" rather than just basic help  The mindset shift from virtual "assistants" to virtual "professionals"  Why insourcing beats outsourcing for medical practices  Planning for 10x growth instead of 2x to build scalable infrastructure  The cost breakdown: $525/week per full-time medical VA vs. traditional hiring  How proper support systems improve patient reviews and staff retention  Why Beth moved from 200 to 1,350 team members in three years  The importance of cultural fit over high performance in hiring  How administrative burden contributes to physician burnout  MEMORABLE QUOTES  "We are not brought into a medical practice to take jobs that are already in place. We're really brought in as additional support."  "Don't look at what you look like when you double. What do you look like when you 10x? So that you're not reimagining this all over again."  "Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Trial it. If you made a mistake, you just go back to the drawing board and go at it another way."  "They're virtual professionals. They have a bachelor's degree. They are smart. They take initiative. You're minimizing what their level could potentially be when you think 'virtual assistant.'"  "This is insourcing. You are bringing additional staffing into your practice, but remotely."  "If you don't handle even the minutiae, like the little problems, you'll scale them with you."  CLOSING  Whether you're running a solo practice or managing a multi-location operation, Beth's insights remind us that growth doesn't have to come at the expense of quality care or team wellbeing. Sometimes the answer isn't working harder - it's working smarter by building the right support systems from the start.  Bio:  Beth Lachance is the founder and CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistants, a company that provides HIPAA-compliant virtual staffing solutions to medical practices nationwide. With over 22 years of leadership experience in the surgical device, pharmaceutical, and specialty pharmacy industries, Beth combines deep healthcare knowledge with entrepreneurial expertise to solve administrative overwhelm in medical practices.  A former Division I gymnast at the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Beth has scaled GMVA from a small team to over 1,350 skilled medical virtual assistants. Her mission is to free healthcare professionals from administrative burden so they can focus on exceptional patient care while building sustainable, thriving practices.  Beth is passionate about empowering women in leadership and driving innovation in healthcare operations.  Find Beth:  Website  LinkedIn Business  Facebook  Instagram  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Episode 200 marks a significant milestone for the Thriving Practice Podcast, celebrating not just the achievement but the entire healthcare community that has grown alongside it. Tracy and Miranda offer an intimate look at how the podcast has evolved, what drives their content decisions, and the exciting changes coming in future episodes. This behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the heart behind the podcast and the movement it has become.  Key Highlights:  The podcast's evolution from experimental project to community movement  New content formats including association partnerships and episode series  Introduction of beta sponsorship program to expand reach and production quality  The importance of balancing 10,000-foot strategic vision with actionable implementation  How listener feedback, especially love for "snack episodes," shapes content direction  The democratic nature of the podcast as free, accessible support for all healthcare providers  Memorable Quotes: "Momentum is our friend. We can take our hard earned wisdom and build from that... it feels like a movement."  "From the perspective of above the mountains, nature is doing what it does, and it's handled... nothing can be insurmountable for us."  "This is on demand, it's always going to be free... It's evergreen and it's fully democratic."  Closing: This milestone episode captures the genuine passion driving the Thriving Practice Podcast. As Tracy and Miranda look toward the future, their commitment to serving healthcare providers remains unwavering, with exciting developments that promise to deepen the impact of this thriving community.  Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

In this Season 8 finale, Tracy reflects on eight months of breakthrough conversations and authentic connections while revealing what's been happening behind the scenes. She shares favorite moments including Dr. Ruth Mannschreck's inspiring time freedom story, Jennifer Raams' insights on emotional intelligence, and David Ford's MedWay innovation. Tracy discusses her surprising passion for addressing the clinical-to-CEO skills gap and announces expanding partnerships with medical associations in California, Georgia, and beyond as they build toward the global Thriving Practice Community launch.  Key Highlights:  The overwhelming success of authentic "snack episodes" with Miranda  Dr. Ruth Mannschreck's journey from forced practice reduction to time freedom mastery  Partnership expansion with medical associations across multiple states  The critical importance of "switching hats" between clinician and CEO roles  Behind-the-scenes look at building a global practice owner community  Preview of Season 9's deeper CEO development focus  Episode 200 milestone celebration announcement  Memorable Quotes: "The moment you open your practice, you become a CEO, but nobody ever tells you that."  "Practice owners are absolutely starving for authentic connection and real, unscripted conversations."  "The gap between clinical excellence and CEO thinking is so much wider than I initially realized."  "You became a CEO the moment you opened your practice - Season 9 is about helping you fully step into that role with confidence, community, and clarity."  "We're not just creating content - we're building a movement."  This season finale captures the momentum building in the practice owner community while setting the stage for even greater impact in Season 9.    Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Tracy Cherpeski shares insights into the Practice Growth Readiness Intensive, a four-week program designed to help healthcare practice owners move from feeling overwhelmed to gaining crystal-clear direction. This snack episode reveals the market gaps driving demand for this intensive format and the measurable outcomes participants can expect.  Key Highlights:  The number one complaint from practice owners is always time, followed closely by burnout and isolation  Most clients don't see bottom-line changes for 90 days, but the intensive provides immediate clarity and a strategic roadmap  Ideal participants have at least one year of practice ownership experience and are financially stable enough to invest in growth  Physical changes often appear first - better sleep, reduced tension, faster decision-making  Average client ROI is 10x within 12-18 months, with most recouping their investment within 90 days  The program bridges the gap between clinical excellence and business leadership confidence  Memorable Quotes: "There's such a difference between clinical excellence and confidence and business excellence and confidence."  "A lot of times once we get to know somebody, they'll confess later: 'Yeah, I feel like I don't really know what I'm doing,' and that's incredibly difficult for any highly trained professional to admit."  "You set the tone for the culture of your practice. And that can have an incredibly positive impact on your entire team, and that goes out to your patients and that ripples out to your community."  This episode offers a rare glimpse into the methodology behind helping healthcare providers reclaim their time while building thriving, sustainable practices. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to scale, Tracy's insights provide a clear path forward.  Miranda’s Bio:  Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.  Tracy’s Bio:  Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Aspen Noonan, founder of Elevate Holistics, a pioneering telemedicine company connecting healthcare providers with patients seeking medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Aspen pulls back the curtain on this highly regulated but often misunderstood industry, sharing insights about entrepreneurship in the cannabis space, the complex patchwork of state laws, and innovative ways healthcare providers can support their patients while creating new revenue streams.  Key Highlights  The Business Model: How Elevate Holistics streamlines the medical cannabis recommendation process with 2-hour turnaround times and comprehensive support systems  Regulatory Landscape: Why cannabis laws vary dramatically between states and how entrepreneurs must constantly adapt to survive  Recommendations vs. Prescriptions: The crucial distinction that affects liability, insurance coverage, and provider participation  Provider Opportunities: Affiliate programs and educational resources that allow healthcare professionals to help patients without directly handling cannabis recommendations  Industry Insights: Why Oklahoma has 2,000+ dispensaries and how medical cards create value even in recreational states through tax savings  Personal Stories: Aspen's journey from 10 years on ADHD medication to cannabis advocacy and the life-changing patient stories that drive her mission  Future Outlook: Potential for insurance coverage, employee benefits, and the role of states' rights in cannabis policy  Memorable Quotes  "Change is the only constant in my world. The ability to pivot in this industry has been what stands the test of time."  "Cannabis used to be the first thing you tried. You used to try plants first, and then you would go to science. Now it's the opposite."  "I think cannabis can be seen as a crutch. When you break a leg, you need crutches. But when you're introducing alternative medicine, you use it for a little while and see what else can I fix?"  "This industry is highly regulated, but not enforced. The blame goes to a lot of different places."  Closing  Aspen's work at Elevate Holistics demonstrates how entrepreneurs can build meaningful businesses while navigating complex regulatory environments and genuinely helping people access alternative healthcare options. Her insights into the cannabis industry reveal opportunities for healthcare providers to better serve their patients while exploring new revenue streams in this rapidly evolving space.  Bio:  Aspen Noonan is the CEO of Elevate Holistics, a telehealth platform connecting patients with medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Since becoming CEO in June 2024, Aspen has been driving the company's ambitious goal of helping one million individuals obtain legal access to medical marijuana. With deep expertise in cannabis industry regulations and a commitment to holistic health, she has positioned Elevate Holistics as a leader in making medical cannabis accessible through streamlined online services and comprehensive patient support.  Find Aspen:  Website  LinkedIn  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page