Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

<p class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words">Top 5% globally ranked podcast for healthcare practice owners. Prevent burnout, grow profitably. 215+ episodes, 51 countries.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words">Welcome to Thriving Practice - the business podcast that proves independent physicians, dentists, therapists, and healthcare practice owners can build profitable, efficient practices while actually enjoying their lives.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words"><strong>By the Numbers:</strong></p> <ul class="[&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">215+ episodes featuring top-tier practice owners and healthcare business experts</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Global Top 5% ranking on Listen Notes among all podcasts</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">51 countries reached globally</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">9 seasons of proven practice management strategies</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Weekly episodes with actionable insights you can implement immediately</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words"><span>Hosted by Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC - executive coach, business consultant, and CME-approved educator with 15+ years specializing in healthcare practice consulting. Tracy brings you successful practice owners, industry experts, and medical association leaders, all united in helping private practices stay private and thrive.</span></p> <p class="whitespace-normal break-words">Subscribe now and join our community at ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com for ongoing support from practice leaders who've been where you are.</p>

The Revenue Trap: Why More Patients Doesn't Always Mean More Profit – A Special Snack Episode, EP 227

Are you seeing more patients than ever but wondering where all the money is going? You might be caught in the revenue trap.  In this candid SNACK episode, Miranda turns the mic on Tracy to explore why practice growth doesn't always translate to better profit margins or more freedom. Many healthcare practice owners are busier than ever—maybe even adding providers or locations—but when they look at their actual take-home numbers, something doesn't add up.  Tracy shares a real client story about how being "too busy" to look at the books led to a simple system glitch costing thousands per month. She also breaks down what practice owners need to audit before considering expansion, why trading time for dollars has a ceiling, and how to know if growth is actually serving your goals.  Whether you're considering adding another provider, opening a second location, or just trying to understand why you're working harder but not seeing the financial rewards, this episode will help you think differently about practice profitability.  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.  Key topics include:  The first question to ask before pursuing growth  Why efficient systems matter more than patient volume  What to evaluate before opening a second location  How to escape the time-for-money trap  Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways. 

12-26
11:51

How to Secure NIH Funding When Everyone Says It's Impossible Featuring Dr. Meg Bouvier, EP 226

Are you concerned about NIH funding for your research? Dr. Meg Bouvier, founder of Bouvier Grant Group, shares encouraging news: despite proposed cuts, Congress has protected NIH's nearly $50 billion budget with strong bipartisan support.  In this episode, Dr. Meg Bouvier explains how researchers can adapt their grant applications by reframing language to emphasize disease burden reduction and cost savings—without changing their core research direction. With nearly four decades of experience, including working as a staff writer for Francis Collins, she dispels myths about "forbidden terms" and offers practical strategies for navigating today's funding climate.  We also explore Meg's journey building a successful consulting business by hiring the right team. Her director of operations handles everything except Meg's zone of genius—allowing her to focus entirely on training researchers and analyzing grants. This principle applies whether you're pursuing funding or building a medical practice: stay at the top of your licensure and delegate everything else.  Key topics covered: NIH budget reality check, grant application strategies, team building, research development resources, adapting to funding climate changes, and balancing business ownership with meaningful work.  Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.  

12-23
37:42

From Burnout to Partnership: Attracting Physicians Leaving Hospital Systems – A Special Snack Episode, EP 225

Healthcare unions are gaining momentum in hospitals and health systems, and if you're a private practice owner, this shift creates a significant opportunity for you. With 25% of physicians in hospital-led organizations actively considering leaving, experienced doctors are looking for alternatives to systems that have burned them out—and many are turning their attention to private practice.  In this SNACK episode, Tracy and Miranda explore what's really driving the unionization movement (inhumane expectations in large systems where physicians lack the protections nurses and residents receive), why younger physicians initially choose employment over ownership, and most importantly—how practice owners can position themselves to attract this wave of talented physicians seeking autonomy.  Tracy shares specific strategies for making your practice attractive to seasoned providers: tiered partnership models, profit-sharing arrangements, and creating genuine autonomy rather than just another employed position. This conversation goes beyond basic hiring advice—it's about understanding the pain points driving physicians away from hospital systems and showing them what's possible in your practice.  If you're thinking about expanding, bringing on a partner, or scaling your practice, this episode will shift how you think about recruitment and growth.  Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

12-19
10:28

The Surgeonista: How Authentic Branding Attracts the Right Patients, Featuring Dr. Gina Maccarone, EP 224

Starting your own medical practice can feel like stepping into an entirely different profession—and that's because in many ways, it is. Dr. Gina Maccarone, cosmetic surgeon and owner of The Surgeonista in Cincinnati, knows this tension well. After years in general surgery and trauma care, she made the leap to cosmetic surgery and private practice ownership.  Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.  In this episode, Dr. Gina shares how authentic branding became her competitive advantage. From her signature pink color palette to her clear boundaries around patient selection, she's built a practice that attracts the right patients by simply being herself. We discuss why saying "no" to patients is actually a green flag, how AI and contractors can keep overhead manageable, and why clinical confidence doesn't automatically translate to business confidence.  Key topics covered:  Building authentic brand identity in healthcare  Managing patient expectations in cosmetic surgery  Using technology strategically to reduce costs  The challenge of delegating as a physician-owner  Learning from what you don't want to replicate    Find Dr. Maccarone:  Website  Instagram  Facebook  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  

12-17
39:57

Burnout Prevention for Practice Owners: Why Wellness Advice Doesn't Work (And What Does), EP 223

Burnout prevention advice rarely works for practice owners because it ignores the structural realities of running a healthcare business. Generic wellness tips like "set better boundaries" or "take more vacations" fall flat when you're responsible for payroll, team development, and practice sustainability. In this episode, Tracy breaks down why traditional burnout prevention fails and shares three strategic pillars that actually address the root causes of depletion for independent practice owners.  Click here for full show notes  Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Drawing from a powerful CME wellness workshop in Silicon Valley, Tracy explores the generational divide emerging around burnout—younger physicians drawing hard lines about sacrifice while seasoned physicians grapple with whether to perpetuate the moral injury they've experienced. The conversation reveals how we've normalized exhaustion as a badge of honor and built healthcare systems that require sacrifice. But it doesn't have to be this way.  Episode Highlights:  Why employed physicians may actually be at higher risk for burnout than practice owners—and what that reveals about autonomy and agency  The "frog in boiling water" reality: how for-profit insurance since the 1970s has gradually conditioned physicians to accept unsustainable conditions  Time Leadership vs. Time Management: why optimizing your calendar won't solve burnout if you're working on the wrong things  The $10 vs. $100 task framework: how to stop spending expert-level time on basic tasks  Three essential questions for sustainable growth decisions: "Only me? Today? Someone else?"  Why "slow down to speed up" isn't just a platitude—it's the foundation of strategic practice leadership  How clarity creates speed while haste creates chaos (and why American hustle culture gets this backwards)  The connection between business systems and wellbeing: why you can't separate practice sustainability from personal sustainability  Memorable Quotes:  "Time management is about getting more done. Time leadership is about getting the RIGHT things done."  "Real leadership is building systems that don't depend on your heroic effort."  "Growth without sustainability isn't growth—it's extraction."  "Clarity equals speed. Lack of clarity equals chaos and plate-spinning."  "Prevention isn't about bubble baths and boundaries. It's about strategic changes to how you lead your time, build your systems, and approach growth."  "You didn't create this system. You've been adapting to survive in it—one small compromise at a time, one policy change at a time, one administrative burden at a time."  "If 'all hands on deck' is happening weekly, it's time to re-examine some things."  This episode is essential listening for practice owners who recognize themselves in the exhaustion phase and want to make strategic changes before burnout progresses. Prevention is so much easier than recovery—and it starts with understanding that your wellbeing and your business success aren't separate challenges.  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. Tracy designs and delivers CME-accredited wellness retreats and workshops in partnership with medical associations, bringing burnout prevention and sustainable practice management to physicians nationwide. 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 

12-10
29:09

Beyond Exhausted: Understanding the WHO's Burnout Framework for Healthcare Leaders, EP 222

Practice ownership comes with a unique paradox: the autonomy you fought for also means carrying the full weight of clinical work, business management, and leadership. In this episode, Tracy breaks down the World Health Organization's three-phase burnout framework and reveals why nearly half of all physicians are experiencing burnout symptoms—and what makes practice owner burnout distinctly different and dangerous.  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 WHO's three phases of burnout: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy—and why recognizing which phase you're in determines what help you need  Why American culture makes Phase 1 exhaustion nearly impossible to recognize (hint: we've been conditioned to see depletion as a badge of honor)  The shocking global statistics: from 43% burnout rates in the US to 66% emotional exhaustion among Portuguese physicians  Why practice owner burnout can't be solved with employed physician solutions—you can't "delegate up" when you ARE the up  Real examples of what each phase looks like: from sitting in your driveway without energy to enter your home, to thinking cynical thoughts that horrify you  The $4.6 billion annual cost of physician burnout to the US healthcare system—and the incalculable personal cost to you, your practice, and your family  Why autonomy alone isn't enough: the protection it provides versus the isolation and weight it creates  Memorable Quotes  "Burnout is not a personal failing. It's a predictable occupational phenomenon with identifiable phases."  "Phase one exhaustion is your prevention opportunity. This is where you still have an easy exit ramp. If you catch yourself and actually address it—not by doubling down, but by making strategic changes—prevention strategies actually work."  "You can't think your way out of cynicism using the same thinking that got you there."  "Your practice will survive a few weeks without you, but you might not survive continuing to push through phase three."  "When you're the owner, you can't just leave. Your practice is your livelihood, your investment, and your legacy."  "You are not broken. You are not weak. You are responding predictably to chronic stress that hasn't been successfully managed."  Closing  Understanding burnout isn't about labeling yourself—it's about getting clear on what level of support you actually need. Whether you're in the prevention zone, need intervention, or are facing a crisis, there's a path forward. Join us next episode as we dive into the strategic prevention approaches that work specifically for independent practice owners.  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 

12-03
23:39

AI in Healthcare: Band-Aid or Solution? What Practice Owners Need to Know – A Special Snack Episode, EP 221

In this candid snack episode, Tracy sits in the interview seat as Miranda explores the practical reality of AI for private practices. Following Tracy's conversation with David Herman about AI in dental marketing, this episode addresses what practice owners are really asking about AI implementation, where these tools genuinely help, and the critical questions to ask before investing time and resources. Tracy shares insights from a recent burnout workshop with Silicon Valley physicians and offers a framework for thinking strategically about technology that supports—rather than replaces—human connection in healthcare.  Click here for full show notes  Episode Highlights  AI's real role in healthcare: Where these tools genuinely help (administrative tasks, scribing) versus where physicians have serious concerns (primary care AI models)  The "band-aid on a fixed system" reality: Why AI tools can reclaim time but don't address the systemic commodification of healthcare delivery  Implementation without drowning: Tracy's framework for introducing new technology when you're already stretched thin, including the time leadership quadrant approach  Real physician experiences: Stories from Tracy's primary care doctor and Miranda's daughter's cardiologist about AI scribing tools reclaiming 3-4 hours weekly  The marketing-systems connection: Why beautiful marketing campaigns fail when practices lack the infrastructure to handle increased inquiry volume  Questions to ask before implementing AI: What end result you want, how to ensure HIPAA compliance, where volume will come from, and whether your team is resourced for success  Memorable Quotes  "It's not about fear of being replaced, it's fear about causing harm."  "The system isn't broken—it's fixed. One quarter of a degree at a time, the temperature has been increased to the point where it became normalized."  "These people go to school for 8, 12 or more years to practice medicine and are now well paid but not well enough for the amount of hours they put in—business administrators, basically admin paper pushers."  "We want all of our providers to be well rested, to have bandwidth, to not have to be reactive all the time. We want that as patients."  "If we're not going to be human, then what's the point?"  "Our clients do not love slowing down, but it's the way that we can gain clarity."  Closing  AI represents both genuine opportunity and potential pitfall for independent practices. The key lies not in whether to adopt these tools, but in approaching implementation with clear strategic thinking about your desired outcomes, team capacity, and practice ecosystem. Before investing in any AI solution, take time to work on your business from that essential 30,000-foot view—because technology without strategy is just expensive noise.  Listen to David Herman: AI in Healthcare: How Technology Makes Patient Care More Human, Featuring David Herman, EP 207  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 

11-28
16:41

Why Proactive Legal Support Actually Saves Practice Owners Money Featuring Sarah Covington, EP 220

Healthcare attorney Sarah Covington joins Tracy to discuss why proactive legal engagement saves independent practice owners both time and money. Drawing from her experience in big law, health systems, and her own practice, Sarah reveals the compliance requirements most practice owners don't know about and shares practical strategies for managing the juggling act between patient care and business leadership. From financial modeling that takes the fear out of reimbursement cuts to simple tech solutions that improve both patient experience and team efficiency, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building sustainable, thriving practices.  Click here for full show notes  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Episode Highlights  Why practices that engage legal counsel regularly actually have lower overall legal spend than those who wait for emergencies  The ACA compliance requirement that affects practices accepting Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP (and why you need quarterly compliance meetings)  How financial modeling transforms anxiety about reimbursement cuts into actionable business decisions  The power of time blocking to separate clinical work from business management—and why mixing these roles can cross ethical boundaries  Simple efficiency wins: How online patient scheduling reduces errors, improves cash flow, and creates better experiences for everyone  The "hat switching" challenge between clinician and entrepreneur mindsets  Why PCM (Principal Care Management) is often missed in specialist offices and how it can offset reimbursement cuts  Memorable Quotes  "The ones that I see really struggling—most of it is financial, and it's because there isn't that strong financial modeling in place."  "For a lot of practices that I work with, the ones that I see routinely engaging legal actually have lower overall legal spend than the ones that wait for issues."  "If you're feeling burned out, it's not you, it's the system."  "You want to continue providing that really great care for your patients, and you do that by having your doors open."  "Time block. Start time blocking and set aside: these are the hours where I work on business matters, these are the hours that I take care of patients."  Closing  Sarah Covington reminds us that independent practice owners are doing a fabulous job juggling way too many things in a system that creates unique constraints. The path forward isn't about working harder—it's about building the right support systems, making informed financial decisions, and protecting time for strategic thinking. Because when you take care of your business, you can continue taking care of your patients.  Guest Bio:  Sarah Covington's path to healthcare law began in an unexpected place—sitting in a children's hospital during her daughter's heart surgery. While halfway through her MBA, she observed the inefficiencies around her and decided to become part of the solution. After adding a healthcare management concentration to her degree (and ruling out medical school after realizing insides-on-the-outside weren't her thing), Sarah eventually pursued law school to build stronger skills for supporting founding teams.  Following a stint in Big Law that taught her lessons she uses daily, Sarah returned to her passion: healthcare innovation. Today, she works at the intersection of law and healthcare startups, helping founding teams navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Licensed in South Dakota and Arizona, Sarah is dedicated to figuring out the nooks and crannies of healthcare law to make the system a little better for the next generation.  Find Sarah:  Forward Slash/Health Website  LinkedIn  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy’s LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

11-26
36:12

The Hidden Financial Challenges of Physician Ownership Featuring Anjali Jariwala, EP 219

Financial planning expert Anjali Jariwala joins Tracy to discuss the unique financial challenges physician practice owners face and why comprehensive planning requires both personal wealth management and business strategy. With her background in tax and financial planning plus personal ties to the physician community, Anjali offers insider perspective on navigating the complex transition from residency to high earnings, building sustainable businesses, and creating alignment between personal values and professional goals.  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 physician financial transition challenge: Why going from minimal resident income to high earnings overnight creates both financial and emotional complications that most physicians aren't trained to handle  Personal before business: Anjali's approach of spending 2-3 months on personal financial planning before touching business finances, and why this sequence creates better long-term alignment  Accountant vs. strategist: The critical distinction between historical accounting and forward-looking financial strategy—and why practice owners need both  Growth barriers decoded: How to recognize when your practice has hit a growth ceiling and what changes are typically needed to break through  The guilt factor: Why physician owners struggle with asking for help or outsourcing tasks, and how to reframe these decisions as strategic investments  Building your professional team: Beyond your clinical team, you need accountants, tax specialists, financial advisors, and attorneys—here's how to leverage them effectively  Know your numbers: Why practice owners must understand their books better than anyone else, even when outsourcing bookkeeping functions  Time as currency: Calculating your hourly rate and using it to make smarter decisions about which tasks to keep versus delegate  Memorable Quotes  "At the end of the day, money is a tool. We have emotions that get tied up in it, but we really need to unwind the emotion from the fact that this is just a tool."  "For many practice owners, your personal finances are so interconnected with the business that I want to have clarity on what you want to achieve personally. So then when I go into the business, we can align everything up to meet those goals."  "Part of it is identifying what are your strengths and where are your weaknesses, and then who are the people that you can plug in to help you with those weaknesses so it's not hindering your ability to grow."  "We spend so much time working in the business because we want to provide good care and take care of our clients and patients, that we don't focus enough time on working on the business."  "There's sometimes feelings of guilt to ask for help. Part of it is really coming at it from a standpoint of: I need help, it's okay to ask for help, and I shouldn't feel guilty about asking for this help because it's going to make my life better, my family's life better, and all the people who work for me better too."  Closing  Anjali's message about releasing the guilt around asking for help really resonates. As practice owners, we often carry this sense that we should be able to handle everything ourselves—but that mindset actually limits our growth and our impact. Whether it's financial planning, operations support, or strategic guidance, building the right team of trusted advisors isn't a weakness—it's how you create a practice that truly thrives.  Bio:  Anjali Jariwala is the founder of FIT Advisors, a financial planning firm serving physicians and business owners across the US. After working with Fortune 500 clients at distinguished firms, Anjali launched her own practice to help clients understand that money is a tool for reaching financial goals—while acknowledging how emotions impact financial decisions. Her expertise in tax and finance has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, USA Today, and Business Insider. Beyond financial planning, Anjali is also a children's book author. As a South Asian mom, she wrote Why We Eat With Our Hands to highlight day-to-day cultural traditions and increase representation for children who look like her daughter. Whether through financial advising or children's literature, Anjali is passionate about helping people feel empowered to build the lives they want.  Find Anjali:  Website  LinkedIn  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 

11-19
39:17

Behind the Research: What 18,000 Physicians Can't Tell Us About Private Practice Burnout - A Special Snack Episode, EP 218

In this candid snack episode, Miranda interviews Tracy about the research behind their white paper, "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners." Tracy reveals a startling discovery: the largest burnout studies—including the AMA's 18,000-respondent survey—systematically exclude private practice owners, focusing exclusively on employed physicians in large systems. This two-year-old research remains urgently relevant as healthcare continues evolving post-COVID. Tracy shares surprising insights from provider interviews, explains why the distinction between working in versus on your practice matters, and offers realistic expectations for reclaiming your time through strategic business planning.  Click here for full show notes  Download the White Paper: “Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners”  Episode Highlights  The Missing Data: Why major burnout studies exclude independent practice owners and what this means for healthcare policy  Lower Burnout Rates: Evidence that practice owners experience slightly lower burnout rates due to greater autonomy—but remain at significant risk  COVID's Impact: How the pandemic intensified an already urgent workplace crisis that the WHO identified as early as 2019  Refreshing Candor: The surprisingly honest conversations practice owners had about their biggest frustrations (insurance companies top the list)  Working In vs. On: The critical difference between clinical tasks and strategic leadership—and why the 10,000-foot view matters  The Long Game: Why meaningful time recapture takes 3-6 months of consistent effort and why it's worth the investment  Healthcare Is Different: Why business principles apply to medical practices with crucial distinctions that generic business advice misses  Memorable Quotes  "I don't believe to this day, even two years on, that the data is actually very clear about practice owners."  "The burnout rates are lower because practice owners have more autonomy, comma, and they're still at risk at pretty much the same rates."  "Practice owners are the redheaded stepchild of burnout research."  "What surprised me was how candid they were as soon as we could get them to talk."  "Business is business, comma, and it's just different in healthcare. And we get that because we work in it with you."  "Everything you're doing now, if it's going to be an adjustment, it's going to take time to come back, but it's so worth the investment of time and energy."  Closing  This conversation underscores why advocacy for independent practice ownership remains central to our mission. When research systematically overlooks a segment of healthcare providers, policies get shaped without their reality in view—and that's exactly when practice owners need the most support. Download the white paper to validate your experience and discover practical strategies for sustainable growth.  Download the White Paper: “Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners”  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 

11-14
09:12

The Time Trap: Why Independent Practices Are Disappearing (And the Swell Coming to Save Them), EP 217

Independent healthcare practices are at a critical crossroads. Based on original research from Tracy Cherpeski International's white paper "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners," this episode reveals the time crisis threatening independent practice ownership—and the surprising wave of change on the horizon. Tracy shares data showing that practice owners spend up to 35% of their time on administrative tasks, while 80% dream of a future with more strategic freedom. But there's hope: with proven time leadership strategies, practice owners are reclaiming 5-10 hours weekly and building sustainable practices that support both exceptional patient care and quality of life.  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 shocking data on how much time practice owners lose to administrative work weekly  Why physician practice ownership dropped 13 percentage points from 2012-2022  The emerging wave of young and mid-career physicians choosing independent practice ownership  Dr. Noah's story: From drowning in admin work to reclaiming his practice and his life  The "garden sunlight" framework for understanding strategic time allocation  What's at stake if we don't support the next generation of practice owners  Proven strategies that help owners reclaim 5-10 hours per week  Memorable Quotes  "The biggest threat to independent healthcare practices isn't private equity buyouts or declining reimbursements—it's how practice owners are spending their time every single week."  "Medical school teaches you how to diagnose and treat patients. It doesn't teach you how to build systems, delegate effectively, or think like a CEO."  "Your time as a practice owner is like sunlight in a garden. If you spread it too thin across every single plant, nothing grows particularly strong."  "We're at an inflection point. And the question is: will these courageous physician entrepreneurs have the support, resources, and business knowledge they need to succeed?"  "Independent healthcare practice ownership doesn't have to be a path to burnout. With the right approach, it can be exactly what you envisioned."  Resources  Download the full white paper: "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners"   Register for the November 18th Time Leadership Masterclass (Open to everyone!)   Learn more about Thriving Practice Community membership.  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 

11-12
15:37

Teaching Burnout Prevention While Burning Out: What Actually Saves Us, EP 216

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 

11-05
25:27

Buy-Ins, Buyouts, and Why Your Practice Needs a Plan B, Featuring Debra Phairas, EP 215

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 

10-29
40:01

The Practice Owner's Guide to Quarterly Planning (and Staying Ahead of the Chaos) - A Special Snack Episode, EP 214

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 

10-24
11:44

Why "Work Smarter Not Harder" Is Terrible Advice (And What Actually Works), Pt. 3, EP 213

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 

10-22
22:27

Stop Responding to Fake Urgencies: How to Actually Protect Your Strategic Time, Pt. 2, EP 212

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 

10-15
19:13

The Isolation Trap: How Independent Providers Can Build Their Professional Village – A Special Snack Episode, EP 211

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 

10-10
14:34

Stop Managing Your Time: Why Healthcare Practice Owners Need Time Leadership, Pt. 1 EP 210

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 

10-08
18:31

The Oxygen Advantage: Building a Profitable EWOT Practice, Featuring Brad Pitzele, EP 209

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 

10-01
39:49

The 'Always On' Trap: Why Healthcare Providers Must Learn to Turn Off – A Special Snack Episode, EP 208

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 

09-26
10:58

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