Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Data Over Guesswork: What a Marketing Engineer Knows About Growing Your Practice Featuring Cameron LiButti, EP 242

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:05:00 -0300

Most practice owners know they need to market their practice—but far fewer know how to evaluate whether it's actually working. In this episode, Tracy sits down with Cameron LiButti, founder of Bidview Marketing, who brings an engineer's precision to healthcare practice marketing strategy.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Cameron shares how he uses local SEO data to assess competitive landscape before recommending any budget, why results realistically take 6–12 months (and what changes that timeline), and why your front desk team is a critical piece of your marketing success—not just your operations.

He also covers the costly pattern of turning marketing on and off without giving it time to work, why rural and urban practices need entirely different strategies, and how newsletters consistently hit 50%+ open rates when they lead with relationship over promotion.

If you've wondered whether your marketing dollars are doing anything—or where to even start—this is an episode worth your time.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Leading From Last Place: Why Self-Neglect Is a Practice Problem, Not a Personal Failing, EP 241

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:05:00 -0400

You were trained to put yourself last. Not explicitly—nobody handed you a brochure. It happened through culture, through modeling, through what got rewarded in medical school and residency and every clinical environment since. And by the time you opened your own practice, you were running yourself exactly the way the system trained you to: straight into depletion.

In this solo episode, Tracy Cherpeski names what most providers already feel but rarely say out loud: the conditioning that made you extraordinary in the clinic may also be what's driving your burnout. She breaks down why early-stage burnout looks nearly identical to excellence, what it costs the practice when the leader is operating from last place, and what genuine sustainability actually looks like in a thriving independent practice.

This isn't about working less. It's about leading smarter—treating your capacity as a real variable, building structures that don't require superhuman endurance, and finding the kind of community that actually getsit.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The 80% Rule: How Practice Owner CEOs Stop Perfecting and Start Scaling – a Special Snack Episode, EP 240

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:04:00 -0400

Perfectionism can feel like a strength—until it starts quietly costing you time, momentum, and peace of mind. In this SNACK episode, Tracy Cherpeski sits down with Miranda Dorta to talk about one of the most persistent challenges for practice owner CEOs: knowing when good enough actually is good enough.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Tracy shares her 80% rule for getting things out the door, how the Time Leadership Quadrant helps clarify what belongs on your plate (and what doesn't), and why celebrating incremental progress is often more powerful than holding out for a perfect outcome. She also draws the line between high standards—which are non-negotiable—and perfectionism, which is really just rigidity in disguise.

Plus, Tracy shares a real-time story from a current client opening a second practice location: how letting go of control and trusting her lead clinician created a launch so strong they were nearly fully booked before the doors even opened.

If you've ever wrestled with handing something off, sitting with a decision too long, or holding your team to a standard that's more about fear than excellence—this one's for you.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The Undoctor: Why a Psychiatrist Says Human Connection Heals More Than Any Prescription, Featuring Dr. Fred Moss, EP 239

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:05:00 -0400

What if the most healing thing a healthcare provider can do has nothing to do with a diagnosis or a prescription? In this episode, Tracy Cherpeski sits down with Dr. Fred Moss—a psychiatrist with 46 years in the mental health system who believes that human connection, not medication, is at the heart of all healing.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Dr. Fred is the founder of Welcome To Humanity, a coaching practice that helps people undiagnose, unmedicate, and step away from conventional mental health models that treat discomfort as pathology. He shares why he calls himself an “undoctor,” how diagnoses can become identity traps, and why discomfort is a feature of being human—not a sign that something is wrong with you.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Fred’s journey from childhood communicator to psychiatric rebel, his work in prisons, orphanages, and homeless shelters, and why he believes anyone can practice the art of genuine healing through connection. Tracy shares a personal aha moment that will resonate with any provider who’s questioned the limits of conventional care.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

You Don’t Have a Team Problem – You Have a Leadership Identity Problem, EP 238

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:05:00 -0400

If you opened your practice to help people heal but spend most of your day checking, correcting, and redoing your team’s work, this episode is for you. Tracy explores why this pattern isn’t a team problem—it’s a leadership identity problem rooted in your clinical training. The same precision and thoroughness that makes you an exceptional clinician can quietly erode your team’s confidence, initiative, and desire to stay when applied to every aspect of how you manage people.

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

In this solo episode, Tracy walks you through three practical shifts you can implement immediately to change how your team experiences you as a leader—without upending everything you’ve built. You’ll learn the critical difference between managing micro details that genuinely need your eyes and micromanaging the people you hired to be competent professionals. Plus, Tracy shares a powerful client story about a practice owner expanding to a second location and the coaching conversation that shifted everything.

Whether you’re struggling with delegation, dealing with team turnover, or realizing that your clinical instincts might be holding your practice back from its next level of growth, this episode offers a clear, compassionate path forward.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Relationship Over Cold Calls: Smarter Patient Growth for Practice Owner A Special Snack Episode, EP 237

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:04:00 -0400

If you’re a healthcare practice owner who’s ever been told to “just pick up the phone and start calling,” this episode is for you. Cold calling has been a go-to tactic for decades, but for independent practice owners trying to build trust-based patient relationships, it can do more harm than good.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

In this SNACK episode, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about why cold calling falls flat in healthcare and what actually works instead. Tracy breaks down the key difference between cold calling and cold outreach, why 82–86% of patients start their journey online, and how to attract your ideal patients through relationship-first strategies.

You’ll hear practical alternatives including community involvement, referral partnerships, and intentional digital marketing—plus why the instinct to get out there and connect is actually a good thing when it’s properly redirected.

Whether you’re opening a new practice, expanding your services, or rethinking your growth approach, this conversation will shift how you think about patient acquisition.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Consistent Marketing Over Perfect Campaigns: Growing Your Practice Without Overwhelm Featuring Kurt Hoffmann, EP 236

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:05:00 -0400

Marketing your healthcare practice doesn't require expensive campaigns or overwhelming social media strategies. In this episode, Kurt Hoffmann, founder of Abra Marketing, explains why consistent, authentic marketing is part of your mission as a healthcare provider—and how to make it manageable when you're already stretched thin.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Kurt shares his journey from healthcare marketing to the music industry and back, bringing fresh perspective on what really works. He addresses the overwhelm practice owners feel and offers practical advice: pick one or two channels that feel natural, show up consistently every month, and remember that your patient experience is your marketing.

We discuss why focusing your marketing on specific services actually expands your reach, how to respond to negative reviews in ways that improve your reputation, and why human connection is becoming your biggest competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

If you're struggling with how to grow your profitable medical practice without adding more to your plate, this conversation offers permission to start small and stay consistent.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Three Healthcare Experts, One Solution: How to Future-Proof Your Practice When Everything Feels Urgent, EP 235

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:05:00 -0400

What happens when a policy leader, a strategic CFO, and an AI innovation specialist all arrive at the exact same conclusion about healthcare leadership - independently? You get validation of what Tracy has been teaching for years.

In this episode, Tracy breaks down her recent roundtable with three heavyweight experts: Marc Chow (CEO of Santa Clara County Medical Association), Aaron Gold (strategic CFO), and Stephen Fogg (healthcare marketing strategist and AI specialist). Despite approaching practice management from completely different angles, they all confirmed the same fundamental truth.

The consensus: Choose what needs the most work. Break it down to a simple, implementable task. Build from there.

Whether you're dealing with Medicaid cuts, prior authorization burnout, financial pressure, or innovation overwhelm - the methodology is the same. You don't need more information. You need clarity on what to prioritize and a simple next step you can actually take.

Tracy shows you exactly how Stephen Fogg's four-quadrant framework maps onto the Time Leadership Delegation Quadrant, why complexity is the enemy of implementation, and what to do this week to start future-proofing your practice.

Resources mentioned: Roundtable replay + downloadable highlights doc, Time Leadership Quadrant

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

"Am I Actually Making Money?" Understanding the Numbers That Matter Most in Private Practice Featuring Sean Healy and Keith Campagna, EP 234

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:05:00 -0400

Running a profitable medical practice requires more than clinical excellence—it demands financial clarity that most healthcare providers were never trained to achieve. Many practice owners find themselves caught in a frustrating paradox: their accountant tells them they're profitable, yet their bank account tells a different story.

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

In this episode, Tracy sits down with Sean Healy and Keith Campagna from Accounted For LLC to explore the critical difference between cash flow and profitability. Sean and Keith have spent seven years developing a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional bookkeeping to include insight extraction and strategic coaching specifically designed for private practice owners.

You'll learn why hope isn't a strategy (but your gut instincts are usually right), how to quantify your actual profit needs based on your specific goals, and why asking for help is one of the most strategic moves a practice owner can make. Keith shares a powerful client story about finally sleeping better after gaining financial clarity—a reminder that understanding your numbers impacts far more than just your bottom line.

Whether you're struggling with cash flow management, trying to make sense of your practice finances, or simply want to build a thriving practice without constant financial stress, this conversation offers practical frameworks you can implement immediately.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The Multiplier Mindset: Why Subtracting Is the Key to Practice Growth – A Special Snack Episode, EP 233

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:04:00 -0400

More than half of healthcare practice owners report burnout, and the traditional response—working harder, seeing more patients, adding more services—keeps them trapped in a cycle that never delivers the freedom they imagined. In this SNACK episode, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy about the 10x practice owner mindset and why sustainable practice growth requires subtraction, not addition.

Tracy breaks down the core problem keeping practice owners stuck: the belief that they're responsible for doing everything, even when they have capable teams. She introduces constraint-based thinking with a powerful question: "If I could only show up two or three days a week, would the practice continue to grow?" For most practice owners, the answer is no—and that reveals exactly where the mindset shift needs to happen.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why subtracting is the key to multiplying your practice

The first thing to eliminate when reducing your clinical time

How one psychologist maintained billable hours while working less by focusing on high-level cases only she could handle

The smallest mindset shift that creates the biggest ripple effect

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Bridging the Specialist Gap: How Virtual Consultations Transform Veterinary Practice Management Featuring Dr. Kenneth Pierce, EP 232

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:05:00 -0400

Dr. Kenneth Pierce didn't just fill a geographic gap when he opened Veterinary Vision Center in underserved Shreveport, Louisiana—he identified a nationwide crisis. The shortage of veterinary specialists means general practitioners often lack access to expert guidance for complex cases, leading to stressed veterinarians, suboptimal patient outcomes, and frustrated pet owners facing long drives and high costs.

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

His solution, Vespecon, offers unlimited virtual face-to-face consultations with specialists across all veterinary fields through a membership model. This empowers general practitioners to deliver specialist-level care locally while building confidence and strengthening client trust.

In this episode, we explore how Vespecon's model creates wins across the board: veterinarians gain knowledge and confidence, pet owners save money while getting better outcomes, and specialists extend their reach and impact. Dr. Pierce also discusses the business advisory services Vespecon now offers—recognizing that practice owners need support beyond clinical knowledge to truly thrive.

Whether you're in veterinary medicine or any healthcare specialty, this conversation offers insights about leveraging technology to bridge access gaps, the importance of asking for expert support, and how comprehensive practice support prevents burnout while improving care delivery.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The Three-Year Journey: How One Physician's Burnout Led to Helping Others Reconnect Featuring Dr. Shelina Jaffer, EP 231

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:05:00 -0400

Dr. Shelina Jaffer's physician burnout journey is textbook—until it isn't. This London-based GP normalized stress and physical symptoms for months before a moment of emotional darkness forced recognition: this was advanced burnout. Her recovery story and the creation of HavenWithin offers a roadmap for healthcare professionals seeking sustainable wellbeing.

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Shelina shares the classic burnout progression many physicians experience: taking work everywhere, dismissing new health issues as "just stress," and pushing through until the body demands attention. Her immediate physical improvement after changing roles highlights how directly occupational factors impact health. But full recovery took three years—a timeline that challenges quick-fix wellness approaches.

Today, Shelina works with organizations and universities through experiential programs focused on respect, trust, and reconnecting with inner wisdom. One university student's feedback captures the impact: "You taught me to be bold." This episode explores why organizational culture matters more than wellness perks, how limiting beliefs hold professionals back, and why the shift toward human-centered healthcare is accelerating globally.

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.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Behind the Scenes: Generational Divides, Physician Unions, and What Practice Owners Really Want - A Special Snack Episode, EP 230

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:04:00 -0400

In this candid SNACK episode, Miranda turns the microphone around and interviews Tracy about her recent speaking tour across California. Tracy spoke at multiple events with the Santa Clara County Medical Association and Fresno Madera Medical Society, teaching burnout prevention at the CME level—and what she learned surprised even her.

You'll hear about the practice owners who started their own practices after burning out in large integrated systems, the generational divide that's causing friction in healthcare workplaces, and a surprising discovery: residents in California can unionize, but attending physicians cannot.

Tracy also shares her perspective on why burnout prevention programs often miss the mark by putting the onus on individual physicians when burnout is, by definition, a workplace problem. Plus, she poses a provocative question she asked a room full of employed physicians: What would happen if 50% of you walked out?

This episode offers fresh insights on systemic healthcare challenges, the commodification of healthcare, and what Tracy is learning as she builds the Thriving Practice Community.

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The 66-Day Truth: Building Sustainable Change in Your Healthcare Practice, EP 229

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:05:00 -0400

If you're a healthcare practice owner who made New Year's resolutions this January, only to watch them crumble by February, you're not alone—and more importantly, you're not failing. After nearly 16 years of coaching highly credentialed business owners, Tracy Cherpeski has seen the same pattern: resolutions fail not because practice owners lack discipline, but because resolutions themselves are fundamentally flawed for creating sustainable change.

In this episode, Tracy breaks down why traditional resolutions set practice owners up for failure and offers a strategic alternative that actually works. You'll discover the real science behind habit formation (it's not 21 days), understand how your nervous system responds to change, and learn the three-pillar framework successful practice owners use to create lasting improvements.

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Key topics include: the 66-day reality of habit formation, why willpower fails but systems sustain, four critical mindset shifts for sustainable change, how your personal approach to change mirrors your practice leadership, and practical questions to ask instead of making traditional resolutions.

Whether you're struggling with boundaries, delegation, or exhaustion despite working harder than ever, this episode provides strategic thinking tools to make 2026 different.

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

Connect With Us:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

The Iceberg Effect: How Winter Blues Ripple Through Your Healthcare Practice, EP 228

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0400

The end of the year brings more than holiday obligations for healthcare practice owners—it often brings exhaustion that ripples through your entire practice. When you're running on empty, your team feels it, and suddenly everyone's pretending their way through December while practice culture slowly fractures.

In this episode, Tracy reflects on meaningful wins from 2025—including CME accreditation, partnerships with medical associations, and the Joy of Medicine Retreat—while addressing the reality of seasonal stress in healthcare practices. She shares the story of Dr. Cheri's OBGYN practice, where one honest team huddle revealed that everyone was drowning separately, each convinced they were the only one struggling.

Tracy explores why most January goals fail by mid-February and what actually works instead: smaller, repeatable systems that fit into how you already operate. She introduces the Energy Audit Workbook for tracking what depletes versus restores you, and discusses why rest is foundation, not reward.

Looking ahead to 2026, Tracy shares two opportunities to build sustainable practice growth: the Community Open House on January 13th and the Future Proofing Healthcare Leadership Roundtable on January 27th.

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

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:04:00 -0400

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.

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

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:04:00 -0400

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:

Read the full show notes, memorable quotes, and key takeaways.

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

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

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

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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:

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

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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:

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

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:04:00 -0400

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.

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:

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

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

Forward Slash/Health Website

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:

Connect With Us:

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

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

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

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:04:00 -0400

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.

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:

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:

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

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

Learn more about Thriving Practice Community membership.

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"

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:

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

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:05:00 -0400

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.

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:

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

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

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

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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.

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:

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:

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

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

Download the Time Leadership Delegation Tool

Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

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:

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

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

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:

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

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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.

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:

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:

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

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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 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:

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

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

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

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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:

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:

AI in Healthcare: How Technology Makes Patient Care More Human, Featuring David Herman, EP 207

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

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:

Twitter

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Women in Medicine Month: Exposing the Research Bias That's Making Burnout Worse, EP 206

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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.

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:

The Gardener's Approach: Growing Your Practice Without Burning Out - A Special Snack Episode, EP 205

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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

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:

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:

Beyond Success: How Two Practice Owners Created Expanding Circles of Influence, Pt. 3, EP 204

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

From Firefighting to Success Architecture: The 4-Pillar Framework That Scales Healthcare Practices, Pt. 2, EP 203

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

The $400K Barrier: The One Mindset Shift That Changed Everything, Pt. 1, EP 202

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

The 10x Mindset: How This CEO Scaled Her Medical VA Company by 600% in Three Years, Featuring Beth Lachance, EP 201

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

200 Episodes Deep: Season 9 Kicks Off with New Vision for Healthcare Practices – A Special Snack Episode, EP 200

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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:

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:

The Movement We're Building (And You're Invited) Season 8 Finale, EP 199

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

The Chief Complaint Driving Healthcare Providers to Burnout (And the Intensive That's Changing Everything) - A Special Snack Episode, EP 198

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:04:00 -0300

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:

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:

From Prohibition to Profit: How One Entrepreneur is Connecting Doctors and Cannabis Patients Featuring Aspen Noonan, EP 197

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:05:00 -0300

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:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Why Your Patients Need More Than Medical Care: The Functional Nutrition Solution Featuring Andrea Nakayama, EP 196

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this enlightening conversation, Andrea Nakayama breaks down the often confusing world of functional nutrition and explains how it can transform healthcare practices. Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or one-size-fits-all protocols, functional nutrition takes a personalized approach that considers each individual's unique history, physiology, and circumstances. Andrea shares how practitioners can integrate these services into their practices to better serve patients with chronic health issues, while working collaboratively within appropriate scopes of practice.

Key Highlights

What functional nutrition really is: A systems-based approach focused on individual experience rather than dietary protocols, guided by the principles that "everything is connected, we are all unique, and all things matter"

The three-tier framework:

Tier 1: Non-negotiables (sleep, digestion, blood sugar balance)

Tier 2: Deficiency to sufficiency

Tier 3: Dismantling dysfunction

The "three roots, many branches" model: Addressing genes, digestion, and inflammation as the root causes while symptoms and diagnoses are the branches

Scope of practice collaboration: How functional nutrition practitioners can work alongside medical providers to fill gaps in care without overstepping boundaries

Making nutrition accessible: Moving away from expensive testing and supplements toward a way of thinking that can be democratized for all income levels

The bike lane analogy: Understanding your personal "path" versus "poison ivy" - what foods and choices work for your individual physiology and circumstances

Business integration options: How practices can incorporate functional nutrition through hiring trained practitioners, referral networks, or additional training

Patient empowerment: Helping individuals understand their personal "mediators" - what makes them feel better or worse - rather than following rigid good/bad food rules

Memorable Quotes

"We may be asking too much of our doctors... when we ask them about nutrition, that's an out of scope question."

"If somebody's having an issue with compliance, I say we didn't match the pacing of our recommendations to that person's aptitude to be able to take them on."

"Your body is likely more functional than it's not. It's doing a lot for you. And when it comes to a functional practice, we're fine tuning the dial."

"We're not replacing [medical care] - food is better, lifestyle should do it. We're augmenting all the different things that person is experiencing."

"It's not about a protocol, it's about making steps forward and working within frameworks that help people know where to start."

"We can't walk a very narrow path for a very long time, and we shouldn't."

"When we know our mediators, we're making the decisions, we're not farming out our agency for somebody else to tell us we're good or bad."

Bio:

As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health.

Find Andrea:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

How to Buy Future Days Off Featuring Clint Harris, EP 195

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Former medical sales professional Clint Harris discovered that financial independence alone wasn't enough - he needed time and location freedom too. After building 14 Airbnbs that replaced his income but kept him essentially on call, Clint pivoted to truly passive investments. Now a General Partner at Nomad Capital, he helps others break free from trading time for money through alternative investments like converting vacant big box stores into storage facilities.

Episode Highlights

The Three Pillars of Investment Success: Time, experience, and money - and how to partner with others when you only have one of the three

Why "Saving Your Way to Retirement" No Longer Works: The impact of inflation and fiscal policy on traditional retirement strategies

The Millennial Storage Boom: How 34% of the population is driving demand for climate-controlled storage as lifestyle extensions

Independence of Purpose: Moving beyond financial freedom to create time and location independence

The 2008 Wake-Up Call: Why market volatility at the wrong time can derail decades of traditional investing

Community Impact: How converting vacant buildings revitalizes small towns while generating returns

Vertical Integration Strategy: The importance of controlling every aspect of the investment process

Memorable Quotes

"Financial independence is really not what I was after. I'm looking for financial time and location independence."

"If you buy enough of them, you can break this cycle of trading your time for money and paying for other people's days off."

"Independence of purpose is where you go where you want, when you want, do what you want, you raise your kids the way that you want."

"Money can't buy happiness, but what it can buy is ease and options."

"Instead of you getting up and working and trading more of your time for dollars, you can put that money to work. And that money is getting up and out of bed and going to work on the days that you don't feel like it."

"The most important thing is start with the end goal in mind and work backwards. And the end goal in mind should be purpose, happiness, ability to have a positive impact on the people around you."

Closing Thoughts

Clint's story reminds us that true wealth isn't just about accumulating money - it's about designing a life that aligns with our values and gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most. Whether through storage facilities, multifamily properties, or other alternative investments, the key is finding partners who share your ethics and vision, then building assets that work for you instead of the other way around.

The conversation challenges us to examine our own relationship with work and money. Are we building toward independence of purpose, or are we trapped in the cycle of trading time for dollars? As Clint puts it, the goal isn't just to make money - it's to buy future days off and create a legacy that extends far beyond our bank accounts.

Bio:

Clint Harris has a 15-year background in medical device sales. Clint has always been in the business of innovation, and creative solutions. In addition to his work with Nomad, Clint owns a strong multifamily real estate portfolio and built a highly successful property management company from the ground up with an emphasis on streamlining automation and vertical integration. Clint’s core belief is that financial independence, when combined with location and time independence, creates independence of Purpose. He joined Nomad with the goal of sharing that vision with our investors daily.

Find Clint:

Truly Passive Income Podcast

YouTube

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

The Clinical Mindset That's Killing Your Practice Growth – A Special Snack Episode, EP 194

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:04:00 -0300

Tracy Cherpeski reveals why healthcare providers struggle with the business side of practice ownership and shares practical strategies for overcoming the mental barriers that keep talented practitioners stuck. This candid conversation explores the disconnect between clinical training and business success, offering actionable mindset shifts that unlock breakthrough results.

Key Highlights:

The "hat switching" technique for separating patient care from business strategy

Why imposter syndrome affects even the most successful healthcare providers

How to maintain confidence during inevitable growth plateaus and setbacks

The practical approach to turning unlimited potential into achievable business goals

Why connecting with other practice owners accelerates your success

Memorable Quotes: "When you're seeing patients, you're not thinking about money. Please don't be thinking about money. But while you're on the business strategy side, you gotta track your KPIs, you gotta know your numbers."

"Most of us, even experts, are making educated guesses based on history... but sometimes we're still guessing and we're taking an informed leap of faith."

"98% of the people that we've worked with would still do what they do even if they didn't need to make money, because they love it, because they feel called to it."

This episode perfectly captures the authentic dynamic between Marina and Tracy while addressing the real challenges practice owners face when scaling their businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a growth plateau, you'll find practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

How to Save and Spend Money Simultaneously (The Three-Cup Method) Featuring The Banking Bros, EP 193

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Brothers Jonah and JDew from Banking Bros demystify infinite banking and reveal how business owners can leverage specially designed whole life insurance policies to create guaranteed cash flow, fund business needs, and retain top talent. Using their signature three-cup visual method, they explain how to save and spend money simultaneously while building wealth outside traditional market-dependent vehicles.

Key Highlights

How infinite banking works using the three-cup system: premiums, cash value, and death benefit

Why whole life insurance is the only insurance product that guarantees a payout

Practical business applications including employee retention strategies

Buy-sell agreement funding without market risk

Salary continuation and deferred compensation options for small businesses

Tax advantages and guaranteed growth features

Common misconceptions about life insurance and age/health requirements

Notable Topics Discussed

Employee retention strategies for small businesses competing with larger companies

Using infinite banking for equipment purchases and business investments

Cross-purchase and buy-sell agreement structures

The difference between term and whole life insurance for cash flow purposes

How to become your own banker and reduce third-party interest payments

Tax implications and guaranteed contract features

Memorable Quotes

"We are not talking about investment from us. We have a baseline of guarantee and consistency, a spot of certainty with cash flow privately used with no taxes."

"There are guarantees inside the contracts that we're utilizing for this cash flow structure, there are things that we can promise in the future to these people."

"You cannot make a decision of uncertainty until you have a guarantee and certainty place to start from."

"Cash flow does not care how old you are. Insurance does. Cash flow does not care if you're healthy. But insurance does."

Closing Thoughts

The Banking Bros offer a refreshing perspective on financial strategy that prioritizes certainty and control over speculation. Their approach to infinite banking provides business owners with practical tools for growth, employee retention, and wealth building that don't depend on market performance. This conversation is particularly valuable for small business owners looking for competitive advantages in talent retention and flexible funding solutions.

Guest Bios:

Jonah Dew - IBC Practitioner, Entrepreneur & Speaker Based in Greenville, SC, Jonah discovered infinite banking in 2016 and was immediately drawn to its ability to keep wealth within families while maintaining control. With a Business Administration degree and background in banking and insurance, he's passionate about helping others become good stewards of their wealth through this proven system.

Jeremiah "JDew" Dew - Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur & IBC Practitioner
After tackling his own debt challenges post-college, JDew discovered infinite banking in 2015, which tripled his net worth within two and a half years. As a father of four, he understands the real-world financial pressures families face. Together with his brother Jonah, he co-founded their educational platform to make infinite banking concepts accessible to everyone.

Find the Banking Bros:

Banking Bros Website

Cash Compound Website

YouTube

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Take your Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

The 5-Question Framework That Stops Second-Guessing (And Why Every Practice Leader Needs It), EP 192

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this solo episode, Tracy shares the exact Strategic Decision Framework that her most successful clients use to make confident business decisions without the sleepless nights. If you've ever found yourself second-guessing strategic choices or avoiding important decisions altogether, this episode reveals why practice leaders struggle with business decision-making and provides a simple but powerful 5-question filter that brings immediate clarity to any strategic choice.

Episode Highlights:

Why clinical training actually works against you when making business decisions • The hidden cost most practice owners miss when evaluating opportunities • How to distinguish between strategic opportunities and shiny objects • The crucial question that separates reactive leaders from proactive ones • Why "not deciding" is still a decision with real consequences

Notable Quotes:

"Your clinical training taught you to make evidence-based decisions with clear protocols. But business decisions require you to act with incomplete information."

"Every yes is an automatic no to something else."

"Strategic thinking isn't a luxury when you're a practice owner—it's a necessity."

"When you make one good strategic decision, it eliminates dozens of smaller decisions down the road."

Ready to discover where your practice stands?

Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment to identify your current stage and biggest leverage points for sustainable growth. Strategic thinking starts with knowing exactly where you are in your leadership journey.

This episode is part of the Thriving Practice podcast series, focused on helping healthcare provider-owners build sustainable, profitable practices through strategic operations and leadership development.

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:

From Isolation to Innovation: Building Healthcare Practices Through Community Support - A Special Snack Episode, EP 191

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:04:00 -0300

In this intimate snack episode, Miranda interviews Tracy about the power of community in healthcare practice management. Tracy shares why she believes the traditional approach of "going it alone" leads to burnout and how a community of practice model provides both practical business support and crucial emotional backing for healthcare entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights

The difference between community of practice and traditional networking - it's about taking off your masks and being raw

How isolation and solitude plague healthcare business owners, even those with great teams

The three-pronged challenge: full-time practitioner + practice owner + chief strategist roles

A real client story: discovering thousands in monthly losses due to double-billing text reminders

Why solo providers need creative business solutions while multi-provider practices need leadership focus

The value of 360-degree feedback systems for practice owners

How community support creates a sense of limitless possibility

Memorable Quotes

"When we feel as humans supported, we feel pretty limitless, like we can do anything."

"The blessing and curse of being a practice owner who's also a practitioner is pretty much working full time providing healthcare services and then the full time job as the practice owner."

"You get to take off your masks and just be yourself and be raw and talk about the hard stuff with other people who get it."

This episode reinforces why the Thriving Practice Community exists - to ensure healthcare providers have the support, systems, and community they need to build sustainable, thriving practices without sacrificing their well-being.

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Why 82% of Physical Therapists Quit - And How One Doctor Created the Solution Featuring Dr. Sarah Crawford, EP 190

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, shares how she's revolutionizing healthcare delivery through Anchor Wellness Center - an innovative collaborative model that brings independent practitioners together under one roof. With 98% patient retention and 30% year-over-year growth for member practices, Sarah's approach proves that excellent care and profitable business aren't mutually exclusive.

Key Highlights

The Healthcare Crisis: Only 18% of licensed physical therapists actually work in clinics due to system burnout and barriers to quality care

The Collaborative Advantage: Shared overhead, unified systems, and peer accountability create better outcomes for both providers and patients

Breaking the Poverty Mindset: Healthcare providers must value their expertise and charge accordingly - "if you don't make money, you have an incredibly expensive hobby"

The Entrepreneurship Reality: Building a practice will "crack you wide open" - embrace the vulnerability as essential growth

Systems vs. Solo Practice: Creating scalable businesses that can operate without the founder, not just "expensive lifestyle businesses"

Memorable Quotes

"The biggest barrier to healthcare is continuity of care - patients get bounced from provider to provider with too much time and space between them."

"Political correctness doesn't work in healthcare because it doesn't help people get better. If someone's had ineffective care, let them know it."

"Entrepreneurship cracks you wide open - all your vulnerabilities and insecurities are right at the forefront. You can surround yourself with people who help you grow, or you can resist it."

"You can't help anybody authentically if you haven't done your own work first."

"Love the hell out of people, including yourself. Sit into your own power and recognize that your zone of genius is a gift to the world."

Closing Thoughts

Sarah's model represents the future of healthcare - provider-centered care that actually centers the patient. By removing administrative burdens and creating true collaboration between practitioners, she's proving that the answer to our healthcare crisis isn't more regulations or bigger systems - it's empowering excellent providers to do what they do best. Her message is clear: bet on yourself, value your expertise, and don't apologize for building something profitable that genuinely serves people.

Bio:

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, COMT, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2011. With over 14 years of experience in physical therapy and healthcare administration, she has served as office manager, clinical director, and partner for several independent practices before founding Anchor Wellness Center and Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates in 2019.

Dr. Crawford specializes in orthopedic manual therapy, chronic pain management, and Pilates-based rehabilitation. She was the first physical therapist certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling in Ohio and brings extensive training in neurological rehabilitation. Her comprehensive approach integrates neuromuscular, fascial, and musculoskeletal systems to optimize patient outcomes.

Driven by the recognition that traditional healthcare is reactive and fragmented, Dr. Crawford created the Anchor Wellness Center to support local healthcare entrepreneurs in a collaborative environment that ultimately improves patient care through true integration of services.

Find Dr. Sarah:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

Building a Practice That Runs Without You Featuring Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, EP 189

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:05:00 -0300

When Dr. Ruth Mannschreck faced a life-changing situation that forced her to compress five full days of dentistry into just two and a half days, she discovered something remarkable: the systems that gave her life back were the exact same ones that made her practice incredibly valuable to potential buyers. In this episode, Ruth shares her five-step framework for transforming from a "cave dweller" practice owner who's involved in everything to a leader who's built a self-propelling business. We dive deep into creating intentional culture, the art of delegation beyond clinical tasks, and why the best time to start planning your exit is right now – whether you plan to sell in two years or twenty.

Episode Highlights

The "handpiece rule"that transformed Ruth's delegation approach: If you don't need your license or specialized tools to do it, you shouldn't be doing it
Culture as competitive advantage: How to turn vague core values into specific, observable behaviors your team can demonstrate and celebrate
The "showtime" principlefor creating consistent patient experiences, even when team members are having personal challenges
Why "harmony" beats "balance": Understanding work-life integration as a dynamic dance rather than a static state
Systems thinking for small practices: How to create communication flows that eliminate silos and keep everyone informed
The psychology of millennial and Gen Z team management: Moving from "I know, so I'll tell you" leadership to outcome-focused delegation
Exit planning as daily practice: Why building a sellable business improves your current quality of life and protects your team's future
Differentiation beyond revenue: The multiple factors that make practices attractive to buyers, regardless of size

Memorable Quotes

"If you don't need a handpiece and you don't need your dental license to do it, you're not allowed to do it."

"I call them cave dwellers where we're off on our own and we cling to each other when we go to conventions every year, because we need to speak with someone, an adult, another person who's in the leadership role."

"No one wants to buy your job. If you are part of everything in running your business, you're selling them a job and that's not what they're looking for."

"Balance means you're static and I don't want people to be static. Harmony is one way, and then two measures later, it's in a whole different key, but it's still balanced."

"Pick one thing that makes your heart sing, that you are amazing at, that people come to you for, stick to that one thing that you do, and then surround yourself with experts to do all the other things."

"Start like today. Today's a good day to get your business ready to sell. Tomorrow, in 10 years, whatever it is, because you'll be a happier business owner when you're not doing everything yourself."

Resources Mentioned

Free Resource: Visit workfewerhours.com for Ruth's checklist on building systems that give you your life back

Whether you're drowning in daily operations or already thinking about your exit strategy, this conversation offers a roadmap for building a practice that serves you instead of consuming you. The best part? Every step toward freedom is also a step toward creating something truly valuable – for you, your team, and your future buyers.

Bio:

Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, DDS is a business strategist who helps small business owners transform their practices into businesses they can step away from – and eventually sell. Drawing from her experience on both sides of buying and selling businesses, Ruth specializes in systems design, team building, and creating client experiences that work without the owner's constant involvement. She guides business owners from "business as usual" to "business designed for YOU," focusing on fewer working hours, stronger teams, and exit-ready operations. Ruth hosts the Team Led Business Success Podcast and has successfully built and sold her own dental practice using the systematic approach she now teaches.

Find Dr. Ruth:

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment

Connect With Us:

The 'Too Busy' Trap: Breaking Free from Practice Management Overwhelm – A Special Snack Episode, EP 188

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:04:00 -0300

Episode Overview

In this candid snack episode, Miranda Dorta turns the microphone around to interview Tracy Cherpeski about her specialized consulting approach for healthcare practice owners. This unscripted conversation reveals the genuine dynamic between the hosts while exploring the unique challenges facing healthcare providers who own their practices. Tracy shares insights on identifying scalability readiness, overcoming time management struggles, and the evolution from one-on-one consulting to building the Thriving Practice Community.

Key Highlights

The Business Acumen Gap: Healthcare providers often lack the business training needed to successfully operate their practices, despite their extensive clinical expertise
The "Too Busy" Pattern: Practice owners frequently get caught in cycles of handling tasks that could be delegated to practice managers or administrative staff
Scalability Assessment: Practices need solid operational foundations—including clinical, front office, and back office operations manuals—before they're ready to scale
Community-Driven Support: The Thriving Practice Community was launched to create a peer ecosystem where healthcare providers can crowdsource business solutions and build a social safety net
Delegation Dynamics: Many practice owners hesitate to delegate not from a need for control, but from concern about overwhelming their already busy teams

Memorable Quotes

"In all the places for people to be struggling in their business, healthcare just really should not be one of them. It shouldn't be so hard."

"You provider owners are wearing two full time professional hats, maybe even kind of like a third one if you separate strategy from leadership."

"Just because you can doesn't mean that you should. Unless your entire staff is down with some stomach virus, you're not going to be doing your blood draws—your team is going to be doing that because that's what they're really good at."

"If we can smooth over the strategic aspect of it, the leadership aspect of it, the operational side and get it running like a well-oiled machine, then life is so much better and easier on the clinical side and outside of work."

"We wanted to take the focus off of me as the provider and build an ecosystem that's truly supportive, that creates that social safety net for people."

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Practice Freedom U Website

Culture is Not a Workshop: How You Show Up Every Moment Matters Featuring Jennifer Raams, EP 187

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

Jennifer Raams, coach with Practice Freedom U, joins Tracy to discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in healthcare practice management. This conversation explores how self-awareness, stress management, and intentional leadership create thriving practices where both providers and patients flourish.

Key Highlights

The Inner Game of Practice Management

Stressed practitioners create stressed practices - it shows up in patient interactions, team dynamics, and business performance

The importance of moving from reactive to responsive leadership through self-awareness

How clinical excellence skills can become business liabilities without proper emotional regulation

The Flourishing Zone Framework

Green zone: flourishing state where leaders show up intentionally

Red zone: defensive/attack mode that damages relationships and decision-making

Frozen zone: low energy state that leads to stagnation and burnout

Goal: Spend 80% of time in the green zone using practical tools and awareness

Leadership as Nervous System Regulation

Culture isn't built through workshops - it's created through how you show up moment by moment

The power of presence: being able to "read the room" and respond appropriately to team needs

Switching between clinical and business "hats" to maintain appropriate focus

Practical EQ Tools

Two key questions for fear-based thinking: "Where do I choose to put my attention?" and "Where do I have influence?"

The power of curiosity over defensiveness in difficult situations

Simple physical shifts (changing hands, standing/sitting) to interrupt triggered states

Memorable Quotes

"If you're not okay, your business is going to suffer, period."

"Culture is not a workshop - it's how you show up every single moment."

"The biggest stress contributor is when you feel you have no control and no influence."

"We only have this second. What am I choosing intentionally to do now about it?"

"When your people are flourishing, your business is thriving. There's no way around it."

"Every skill, every behavior is learned - it's a skill you can learn and also unlearn."

Key Takeaways

Start with self-awareness: Recognize your triggers, stress levels, and default responses before trying to manage others
Invest early in leadership development: Building culture, systems, and leadership teams takes time - don't wait until you're scaling
Focus on what you can control: When overwhelmed, return to the basics of where you put your attention and where you have influence
Make coaching a priority: Having a confidential sounding board accelerates growth and prevents costly mistakes
Think beyond the clinical hat: Practice owners must develop the ability to shift between provider and CEO mindsets

This episode emphasizes that sustainable practice success requires more than clinical expertise - it demands emotional intelligence, intentional leadership, and the courage to invest in personal development alongside business growth.

Bio:

Jennifer Raams is an entrepreneur and business coach who arrived in Hawaii with just a suitcase, a physical therapy diploma, and $2,000, ultimately building a thriving PT business that empowers leaders to scale with purpose. As a coach with Practice Freedom U, she specializes in leadership development, strategic growth, and succession planning. With 20 years of COO experience scaling a multi-clinic practice and leading high-performing teams, Jennifer helps practice owners gain clarity, confidence, and the tools to build thriving, sustainable businesses that leave a lasting impact.

Find Jennifer:

Jennifer’s Website

Connect With Us:

The $100K Blind Spot: Why Male Patients Are Quietly Leaving Your Practice, EP 186

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

During Mental Health Awareness Month and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore a critical business issue affecting healthcare practices nationwide. Male patients with undiagnosed PTSD and mental health challenges are creating hidden operational costs, revenue losses, and staff frustration—all while walking out feeling unheard and unlikely to return. This episode breaks down the business case for recognizing how men's mental health decline presents differently and provides actionable strategies to turn this challenge into a competitive advantage.

Note: We approach this topic from a business and operational perspective, deferring to clinical mental health professionals for diagnosis and treatment guidance.

Key Highlights

The Hidden Financial Impact: Unrecognized men's mental health issues cost practices through incomplete care cycles, staff burnout, reputation damage, and missed referral opportunities
Why Traditional Approaches Fail: Current assessment tools and communication strategies were developed primarily for women, creating systematic blind spots for male presentations
Different Presentation Patterns: Men with PTSD show anger instead of sadness, risk-taking behaviors, work performance swings, and physical symptoms rather than traditional emotional indicators
The Competitive Advantage: Practices that adapt first will capture a significantly underserved market segment and become go-to providers for entire families
Strategic Implementation: Small, targeted modifications create maximum impact—environmental changes, communication training, enhanced screening, and referral network development
Measurement Matters: Track engagement rates, referral completion, patient satisfaction by gender, and reputation metrics to ensure sustainable change
Leadership Opportunity: Position your practice as a leader in comprehensive mental wellness during awareness months

Memorable Quotes

"You're looking at undiagnosed PTSD and mental health decline in men, and it's creating a cascade of operational problems that are costing you significantly."

"Your practice was designed around assessment tools and communication strategies developed primarily for women. This isn't anyone's fault—it's just the historical reality of healthcare development. But it's creating a systematic blind spot."

"The practices that thrive in the next decade are going to be the ones that can adapt their operations to meet patients where they are, not where we think they should be."

"Every patient who feels unheard, misunderstood, or inadequately treated represents lost revenue, missed opportunities, and potential reputation damage."

"Thriving practices aren't built on good intentions—they're built on strategic systems that deliver consistent results for both patients and providers."

Action Items for Listeners

✓ Assess your current intake forms for gender-neutral mental health screening ✓ Train staff to ask functional impact questions rather than emotional state questions
✓ Evaluate your waiting room environment and reading materials ✓ Build relationships with mental health providers specializing in men's mental health ✓ Implement tracking systems for male patient engagement and satisfaction ✓ Start with one strategic modification that aligns with your current resources

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:

Subtract Before You Multiply: Your Growth Roadmap Essentials – A Special Snack Episode, EP 185

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:04:00 -0300

Episode Overview

In this candid snack episode, Miranda Dorta puts Tracy Cherpeski in the interview seat to explore the essential roadmap from where healthcare practice owners are now to where they want to be. This unscripted conversation dives deep into the systems, strategies, and team-building approaches that create sustainable practice growth. Whether you're taking your first growth step or navigating complex expansion challenges, this episode provides the clarity and confidence needed to move forward strategically.

Key Highlights

Subtract Before You Multiply- Essential pre-growth evaluation to identify systems that won't scale and operational bottlenecks that need addressing
Capacity Assessment- How to determine if your current systems can "rinse and repeat" with minimal intervention before expanding
Sustainable Growth Rates- Understanding the difference between rapid growth (which sometimes just happens) and sustainable 30% year-over-year growth
Values-Driven Decision Making- Distinguishing between growth opportunities that align with core values versus those that simply increase revenue
The WAIT Method- Strategic pausing using the acronym "Why Am I Talking?" to ensure thoughtful leadership decisions
Culture as Foundation- How practice culture extends far beyond pizza parties to include conflict resolution, team unity during challenges, and shared vision alignment

Memorable Quotes

"You need to subtract before you multiply. If you don't take care of your problems, they're gonna grow with you."

"The key is if the systems you have in place can basically rinse, repeat, with minimal intervention, you're probably in a really good place to expand."

"We call it a shiny object and we call that the SOS - the shiny object syndrome."

"Culture isn't a workshop that you attend. If you're the head of practice and you're the practice owner, you set the tone."

"When you come together for a common goal, which would be the vision and mission of the practice, when you have your team on board, that's everything. That really is everything."

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Marketing by the Numbers: Why Data Beats Gut Instinct Every Time Featuring Justin Strong, EP 184

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

In this refreshing conversation, Justin Strong from Room 118 challenges everything you think you know about marketing. Moving away from the "throw spaghetti at the wall" approach that's given marketing a bad reputation, Justin advocates for a scientific, data-driven methodology that treats marketing like clinical diagnostics - complete with "x-rays" before making recommendations.

Drawing from his analysis of over 4,000 dental practices through the Dental Marketing Index, Justin reveals why traditional marketing approaches often fail and how practice owners can make informed decisions based on hard data rather than gut feelings or sales pitches.

Key Topics Discussed

The Marketing Trust Problem: Why marketing has earned its bad reputation and how to identify high-integrity marketers who prioritize results over profits
The Dental Marketing Index: A comprehensive analysis of 4,000+ practices that reveals what actually correlates with success vs. what agencies typically sell
Market Diagnostics: Why every marketing decision should start with understanding your local market demographics, competition, and patient behavior patterns
The "Near Me" Revolution: How patient behavior has fundamentally shifted, with "dentist near me" becoming the most searched term and average patient lifetime dropping from 14-17 years to under 5 years
The Sales Gap: Why great marketing often fails due to poor follow-through - missing online schedulers, unreturned calls, and inadequate patient experience systems
Competition as Innovation Driver: How high-density markets like DC create exceptional patient experiences through competitive pressure
The Science of Marketing: Moving from creative guesswork to measurable, forecastable strategies based on data analysis

Memorable Quotes

"Marketing's job should be to tell you, is this possible in your local market? If so, where is our best opportunity for success? And then it should give practical recommendations based on that."

"It's sort of like a patient walked in and said, I have a tooth. Therefore, I need you to pull this tooth. And your response is going to be, why don't we take a look at the tooth? How about that x-ray first?"

"All a brand is is the small bit of space you occupy in your patients' minds. What do they think when they think of your brand?"

"If you think they're doing it, they've been doing it for a while." (on data privacy and corporate surveillance)

"There is a way to reduce complexity... hire good people to solve problems. If you understand where you want to go as a practice owner... recognize what the challenges are you must overcome, and hire good people to solve those problems."

The Bottom Line

Marketing doesn't have to be a guessing game. When approached scientifically - with proper market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and data-driven decision making - it becomes a powerful tool for practice growth. The key is finding marketers who prioritize your success over their service offerings and who can provide the objective "map" you need to navigate from where you are to where you want to go.

Bio:

Justin Strong is the Founder and CEO of Room 118, Inc., a dental research and marketing agency focused on data-driven practice growth. With 25 years of experience in marketing and strategy, he's led multi-billion-dollar initiatives at Verizon Enterprise Solutions and McCann. Recognizing the gap in evidence-based dental marketing, Justin pioneered the Dental Marketing Index, analyzing 4,000+ practices to identify what actually drives results. He specializes in helping practice owners move from random marketing tactics to predictable, high-ROI strategies using Fortune 500-level data insights applied to local dental marketing.

Find Justin:

Connect With Us:

Independent Practice Isn't Dead: How Physicians Can Thrive Outside Big Healthcare Featuring David T. Ford, EP 183

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Tracy sits down with David Ford, CEO of CMA Physician Services, to challenge the notion that independent medical practices are becoming obsolete. David shares his passion for supporting private practitioners and unveils Medway, a new subscription-based service designed to lift administrative burdens off physicians' shoulders. Through compelling stories and practical insights, David makes the case that private practice may actually be the wave of the future, with more physicians seeking independence and control over their practice style. This conversation offers hope and practical guidance for healthcare providers considering or currently managing independent practices.

Episode Highlights:

CMA Physician Services' mission to help independent practices thrive through "the upside of coordination without the downside of consolidation"

How the soon-to-launch Medway service helps physicians outsource administrative burdens like payroll, benefits, and compliance

The story of a physician in California's high desert who can continue serving Medicare patients thanks to shared savings programs

Why private practice isn't dead - and may actually be making a comeback

The systemic challenges facing new physicians with student debt, and programs that help address these barriers

How lifting administrative burdens gives physicians more time for patients AND personal life

The importance of community-centered healthcare and treating social determinants of health

Memorable Quotes:

"Independent practice isn't dead, like you can do it." - David Ford

"You didn't do all that schooling to run payroll." - David Ford

"Why would you own your practice if you don't have control over your schedule and your time? What's the point?" - Tracy Cherpeski

"I think of it like standing on the beach and seeing the swell that's a half mile out... it's not a wave yet, but you can see a little bit of a swell out there." - David Ford on the trend of physicians returning to private practice

"It can be done... It probably can't be done the same way it was 50 or 60 years ago. You have to approach it a little differently... But it is very much still possible. You can do it. You can be successful and you can thrive, have your practice and still have the life you want to have." - David Ford

Bio:

David Ford serves as the CEO of CMA Physician Services, a subsidiary of the California Medical Association. A nationally recognized expert in health information technology, David previously led as Vice President of Health IT at CMA where he developed thought leadership in electronic health records, health information exchange, and telehealth. Prior to CMA, he was Executive Director of CalHIPSO, the nation's largest federally designated Regional Extension Center, where he helped thousands of safety net providers implement health IT systems to improve care delivery and participate in payment reform. David began his career in the California State Legislature, most recently as Chief of Staff to then-Assemblymember Ted Lieu. He holds a BA in Political Science from The American University in Washington, D.C.

Find David:

BlueSky

Connect With Us:

Leadership Hats: How Healthcare Providers Can Transform Clinical Confidence into Business Success – A Special Snack Episode, EP 182

Fri, 23 May 2025 16:04:00 -0300

In this enlightening "snack episode," host Miranda Dorta turns the mic around to interview Tracy Cherpeski about the critical connection between leadership approaches and healthcare practice success. Tracy reveals how healthcare providers often exhibit confidence in clinical settings but struggle with business leadership, sharing practical insights on adapting leadership styles while maintaining authenticity. She introduces the concept of "changing hats" to help practitioners mentally transition between clinical and leadership roles, and emphasizes that micromanagement isn't always negative when applied strategically. Tracy's most impactful leadership tip? The power of the pause—what she calls "WAIT" (Why Am I Talking?)—allowing leaders to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.

Episode Highlights:

The pattern Tracy observed in healthcare providers: confidence in clinical delegation but timidity in business leadership

How practitioners can transfer clinical skills to leadership while knowing which habits to "surgically remove"

The cognitive trick of "changing hats" to help the brain switch between clinical and leadership mindsets

Why micromanagement isn't always negative and when it might be necessary

The most powerful leadership adjustment: learning to pause before reacting

Memorable Quotes:

"Sometimes their business model is to hope for the best."

"Leadership doesn't mean knowing everything. It doesn't mean being in command or control of every single thing."

"Micromanagement - it's not a four-letter word, but it sounds like it could be."

"If you take your hands off, not abdicate your responsibility for success, but take your hands off and let them do their work, they will rise to the occasion."

"We call it WAIT. It's an acronym. Why Am I Talking?"

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Outpointing the Competition: Data-Driven Growth Strategies in Healthcare Featuring Asha Strazzero-Wild, EP 181

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this episode, we speak with Asha Strazzero-Wild, co-founder of Outpointe, a growth strategy and execution firm specializing in healthcare. Asha shares her fascinating journey from aspiring doctor to education and public health before founding Outpointe with business partner Kelly Wilder. Their firm helps healthcare organizations optimize resources and improve patient and provider experiences through data-driven strategies and tactical support. Drawing on their combined 50 years of experience, Asha and Kelly guide healthcare companies in prioritizing initiatives, aligning metrics, and executing effectively on their vision in an increasingly complex market.

Key Takeaways

Data-driven decision making is crucial for healthcare organizations to prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively

The importance of speaking the same language when defining metrics and success criteria before launching initiatives

Outpointe's proprietary Growth Readiness Outlook assessment helps organizations evaluate their readiness for growth across key areas including customer experience, financial work, sales and marketing, and workforce development

The value of intentionally seeking feedback from those implementing best practices in your industry to drive continuous improvement

Why focusing on your strengths is as important as addressing areas for improvement when building effective teams

The boxing inspiration behind the name "Outpointe" - strategically coming back round after round to outpoint your opponent (the market)

Memorable Quotes

"Everyone says 'I've got this great idea,' but actually operationalizing that and executing on it and being strategic about what you choose to do and not do is hard."

"At the end of the day, we're all working to help make healthcare better."

"Don't focus exclusively on what you need to do better. Don't forget to focus on what you do really well, and keep doing that really well."

"When you're thinking about how you are going to allow yourself to grow and evolve with the market and the market needs, it's really important. And it shouldn't be done in a vacuum."

Resources Mentioned

Book Recommendation: StrengthsFinder - for identifying your strengths and building effective teams

Bio:

Asha brings over 10 years of healthcare sector experience spanning public health, health technology, and corporate marketing. As co-founder of Outpointe, she helps healthcare organizations implement effective systems and processes for sustainable growth and successful innovation launches.

At The Advisory Board Company, Asha earned Pragmatic Marketing certifications and launched nearly a dozen successful analytics products. Later, as Senior Vice President of Integrated Sales and Marketing at a leading life sciences company, she drove effective marketing strategies that generated nearly $50 million in sales over three years. Her expertise includes managing multi-million-dollar budgets, integrating sales and marketing functions, and measuring marketing ROI.

Asha has overseen multiple acquisitions and product launches throughout her career. When not working, she enjoys spending time at the hockey rink with her son and leading community volunteer efforts in the Boston area.

Find Asha:

Connect With Us:

The Leadership Advantage: Small Wellness Initiatives With Big Impact, EP 180

Wed, 14 May 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this episode, Tracy explores how independent healthcare practice owners can leverage small wellness initiatives as powerful demonstrations of leadership. Against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges in healthcare—from high turnover to political pressures—she reveals how intentional wellness practices create disproportionate returns for small practices. Unlike large healthcare systems, small practices have a "leadership proximity advantage" that makes even modest wellness initiatives more effective. Tracy shares practical, low-cost approaches that strengthen team culture, improve retention, and ultimately create more sustainable practices. The episode highlights how leadership presence, rather than elaborate programs, is the true foundation of practice wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

Why small practices have a distinct advantage in implementing effective wellness initiatives

A simple 20-minute weekly wellness activity that costs nothing but delivers remarkable results

Five mindset practices that integrate wellness into everyday leadership

How to measure the ROI of wellness initiatives through reduced absenteeism and improved engagement

The critical connection between a leader's own sustainable energy and team wellness

Memorable Quotes:

"Culture isn't a workshop we attend. It's about the example we set."

"The most successful practice owners know that wellness isn't about implementing a program—it's about investing in your most valuable asset: your people."

"Small, consistent wellness actions may seem insignificant compared to the daily operations of your practice, but they can completely redirect your practice culture."

"The practices that consistently outperform, even in challenging times, aren't necessarily the ones with the most resources—they're the ones led by owners who understand that how they show up matters more than what they say."

"You can't pour from an empty cup. The foundation of any successful team wellness initiative is your own sustainable energy as a leader."

Free Resource Mentioned: Download the Energy Audit workbook at PracticeSuccess.co/resources

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:

Turning Vision into Action: Tracy’s Approach to Breaking Down Goals for Healthcare Practices – A Special Snack Episode, EP 179

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:04:00 -0300

In this candid, unscripted "snack episode," Tracy is interviewed by Miranda, our Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International and the Thriving Practice Community. Tracy shares her practical planning process for helping healthcare practice owners transform their ideas into achievable quarterly goals. She explains how to plan effectively even during uncertainty and maintain enthusiasm while building a practice vision despite challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Tracy's planning process starts with clarity - connecting the what, why, and how of your goals

Emotional connection to goals makes it easier to put in the necessary effort

Beginning with clarity increases speed rather than haste

Break down long-term goals by working backward - from 12 months to 9, 6, 3 months, then to weekly and daily tasks

Breaking goals into smaller chunks prevents feeling overwhelmed

Celebrate daily accomplishments with a "ta-da list" to maintain positive energy and momentum

Look for subtle wins: improved feelings, better sleep, increased energy at work

Lack of patience is a major challenge for healthcare entrepreneurs who want solutions immediately

The importance of "slowing down to speed up" - surrendering to the process brings clarity

Finding your practice's unique edge goes beyond clinical expertise to what makes you stand out in a competitive market

Notable Quotes:

"When we're emotionally connected to a goal, then it's easier for us...to put in the effort and the labor that's required to make something come to fruition."

"Clarity actually helps us increase speed rather than like haste."

"Sometimes when we have big goals, it can feel so overwhelming that we don't even start."

"My coach who trained me taught me about the ta-da list at the end of each day, which is...don't diminish progress."

"When we use this beautiful tool called surrender and we trust the process, that slowing down brings us that clarity that helps us then move forward with more speed."

"What makes you stand out so that you don't feel like it's about competition...Seth Godin calls it Purple Cow. Right? Like, what is it about your practice that makes you unique? And it can't just be your clinical expertise. It's not enough."

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Systems That Serve: Fractional Administration as The Missing Piece in Your Practice Featuring Sarah Clark, EP 178

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

In this episode of Thriving Practice, I speak with Sarah Clark, founder of Sarah Clark Consulting, who helps medical, dental, and chiropractic practices transform operational chaos into sustainable calm. Sarah's approach combines fractional practice administration with process improvement strategies that allow providers to focus on patient care rather than administrative burdens. We explore how small, intentional changes in technology and workflow can dramatically improve both the patient experience and staff satisfaction. Sarah shares concrete examples of how simple solutions like automated appointment reminders have freed up staff time and improved patient punctuality by 30% in one practice. Her compassionate, results-driven methodology emphasizes that providers don't need to make sweeping changes all at once – even incremental improvements can lead to significant positive outcomes for practice efficiency and provider wellbeing.

Featured Quotes

"What I do is I help private medical, dental, chiropractor, anything in that field...turn their chaos into calm. And I sort of make a joke of, well, not all the way calm, more like calm-er. Because if it's really quiet and it's really calm, that's probably also like it's never really gonna happen that way."

"Burnout is not just taking care of the patients and dealing with that burden that gets put onto their shoulders, but having to run an office when a physician did not go to business school becomes really difficult...It's overwhelming. That's a full-time job."

"There are ways that you can do that and take some of the manual part of the stuff that leads up to that diagnosis...once the clients, once the business owners understand that it's okay to elevate something else off of you, to give it to somebody that has the experience and the time and the understanding to do it, it is, I mean, I have two clients that will just send me a text message about whatever it is and they used to say just handle it, now that just handle it is understood."

What You'll Learn

Listen for these key insights:

How the "Four P's" framework (People, Paperwork, Processes, and Patients) can transform your practice
Why technology adoption doesn't have to be overwhelming—and how small changes like automated appointment reminders can have outsized impacts
The surprising connection between provider burnout and patient experience
How fractional practice administration can provide expert support for practices that can't justify a full-time administrator
The critical importance of developing a strategic plan for your practice, including your eventual exit strategy
Why compassion isn't just good medicine—it's good business (with scientific evidence to back it up!)

Resources Mentioned

Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference - Book recommendation from Sarah about the impact of compassion on patient outcomes and provider burnout

Thriving Practice is hosted and executive produced by Tracy Cherpeski. Our mission is to help healthcare practitioners build sustainable, impactful businesses while maintaining their own wellbeing.

Bio:

Sarah Clark is the founder of Sarah Clark Consulting, where she helps medical, dental, and chiropractic practices transform operational chaos into sustainable calm. With a Master's degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University, Sarah built her career spanning both corporate healthcare with the NFL and independent medical practices.

This diverse background gives Sarah a unique perspective from nearly all roles in a medical office, allowing her to identify pain points and implement collaborative solutions. She specializes in helping independent practitioners who often wear multiple hats without adequate training for all their responsibilities.

Through fractional practice administration and process improvement, Sarah guides healthcare providers to become the best versions of themselves while improving operations and increasing profitability.

Sarah lives in Huntersville, North Carolina where she enjoys outdoor activities, RV travel, cooking, and kickboxing when she's not transforming healthcare practices.

Find Sarah:

Connect With Us:

From Shoveling Water to Strategic Leadership Featuring TJ Slattery, EP 177

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this insightful episode, TJ Slattery of Crow's Nest Mindset Consulting shares strategies for healthcare practice owners who find themselves stuck "below deck" in their businesses. TJ explains how practitioners can transition from frantically managing day-to-day operations to gaining the strategic perspective needed for sustainable growth and leadership. Through practical advice and compelling metaphors, he offers a roadmap for escaping the "entrepreneurial island" that traps many healthcare business owners.

Episode Highlights:

The crow's nest metaphor: Why healthcare providers often find themselves "shoveling water below deck" instead of navigating strategically
The challenge of transitioning from clinical excellence (where "never let them see you sweat" is valued) to business leadership (where vulnerability and delegation are crucial)
Understanding your true hourly value and why tasks like "opening the mail" could be costing you thousands
Building a holistic performance model that aligns financial goals with marketing, operations, and leadership
Moving from "magical thinking" about growth to practical planning with measurable steps
The three mindset blocks that prevent effective delegation: martyrdom, "I alone can fix it," and guilt
How creating space for your team allows them to develop, flourish, and make your business stronger

Memorable Quotes:

"The death of every entrepreneur is you all become glorified managers. If you're doing this right, in a year from now, you're not the one getting your hands dirty - you're managing people and managing your managers."

"Would you pay a bookkeeper $1,200 an hour to go through your books? That's what you're doing when you handle those tasks yourself instead of delegating."

"Just because we can doesn't mean we should. How is a business owner to fulfill their mission and vision if they're not able to get up to that view and keep checking on it?"

"A lot of people, whatever their background or industry is, never let them see you sweat. That is a teachable mindset that you can maneuver over. That is something you can loosen up and get better at."

Guest Bio:

TJ Slattery is the Founder and Strategic Advisor at Crow's Nest Mindset Consulting, where he helps small business owners scale their enterprises and achieve greater freedom in both professional and personal spheres. With 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship and small business operations, TJ brings a unique blend of practical expertise and strategic insight to his clients.

A self-described "business plan tinkerer," TJ's approach stems from genuine curiosity and a collaborative drive to identify core challenges and implement effective solutions. His diverse background includes founding a pedicab service in Vail, running a handyman business in Denver, partnering in a London-based facilities management firm, and co-founding Zuni Street Brewing Company.

TJ holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Business Management from Miami University of Ohio and an MBA from the University of Denver. When not helping business owners climb to their own crow's nest for a better strategic view, this Denver resident with Midwestern roots enjoys music, gardening, home projects, traveling, skiing, and spending quality time with his dog, Bella.

Find TJ:

Connect With Us:

Practice CEO: The Evolution of Independent Healthcare in a Corporate World - Special Snack Episode, EP 176

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0300

In this special "snack episode" of the Thriving Practice Podcast, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about the evolution of the healthcare industry since 2010. Tracy shares insights on current challenges facing independent practices, emerging business models, and essential skills for practice owners to thrive in today's healthcare landscape. From the concerning trend of private equity acquisitions to promising signs of physicians returning to independent practice, Tracy offers her perspective on where healthcare is heading and how practice owners can adapt.

Main Points:

Private equity acquisition of practices and expansion of larger institutions are concerning trends affecting independent healthcare practices
Early signs suggest some physicians are returning to private practice after experiencing larger institutional settings
Independent single-provider practices face significant financial challenges with high operating costs
Collaborative group practices with multiple providers offer a sustainable model for the future
Practice owners need to embrace their CEO role and focus on strategic leadership, delegation, and resource allocation
Smart investment in marketing and operations is essential for practice growth, despite some resistance
A shift back toward more relational, neighborhood-based practices may be emerging

Notable Quotes:

"I see independent provider practices struggling a lot with an individual, just one provider. So I am seeing a little bit more of a leaning towards a group focus or multiple providers."
"I see practices that maybe are successful but they're not as profitable as they could be."
"Most of our clients do not think of themselves as a CEO first. But if you're a business owner, you are the CEO."
"It's not how you spend your time. If you're spending your time, you're probably wasting it... It's how you invest the resource, the finite resource of your time and energy."

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Escape Velocity: Breaking Free from Full-Time Clinical Practice Through Strategic Investments, Featuring Dr. Amir Baluch, EP 175

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Amir Baluch, a semi-retired anesthesiologist and founder of Blue Capital Partners, about alternative investment strategies for healthcare providers. Dr. Baluch shares insights on creating passive income streams, the importance of diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds, and how strategic investments can "buy back time" for busy practitioners. While much of his financial advice offers valuable perspective for healthcare providers looking to reduce clinical hours and focus more on business development, we also provide important context regarding his comments on real estate investment and political policies that may contradict current research on housing affordability and economic impacts.

Episode Highlights:

The Power of Passive Income: How investing in alternative assets can create freedom in your schedule and reduce dependence on clinical hours
Diversification Strategy: Why relying solely on traditional investments like stocks may not provide adequate returns in the coming decade
Risk-Adjusted Returns: Understanding how to evaluate investments beyond just the stated return percentage
Time vs. Money: Creating a strategic plan to gradually reduce clinical hours through passive income
Marketing vs. Sales: The critical differences between creating awareness and converting leads
Building a Sellable Practice: The importance of treating your practice like a business that could someday be sold

Producer's Notes:

Two topics discussed in this episode warrant additional context:

Single-Family Home Investments: Institutional investor ownership of single-family homes has grown significantly, with just 32 institutional investors collectively owning 450,000 single-family homes by 2022. Research indicates non-individual investor ownership of single-family rentals increased from 17% in 2001 to 25% in 2021, with projections suggesting institutional investors could control 40% of U.S. single-family rental homes by 2030. This trend is contributing to the housing affordability crisis in many markets.
Policy Impacts: Despite Dr. Baluch's enthusiasm about certain administration policies, current evidence suggests recent tariffs, immigration policies, and cuts to housing programs are adversely affecting housing affordability. Housing experts note that deportation plans could severely impact the construction industry, as immigrants make up approximately 30% of the construction labor force at a time when the National Association of Home Builders projects a need for 2.2 million new skilled construction workers.

Sources:

Government Accountability Office (GAO). "Rental Housing: Information on Institutional Investment in Single-Family Homes." May 2024.
Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. "8 Facts About Investor Activity in the Single-Family Rental Market." 2024.
MetLife Investment Management. "Housing Market Projections Report." 2023.
The Washington Post. "Investors bought up a record share of homes last year." February 2022.
Center for American Progress. "Americans Recognize Housing Affordability Crisis." October 2024.
National Association of Home Builders. "Understanding Housing Affordability in Today's Market." July 2024.
Bankrate. "How Will Tariffs And Deportations Affect Housing?" April 2025.
Newsweek. "Trump Tariffs Could Slow US Housing Market in 2025." March 2025.
ProPublica. "Trump Says He'll Fight for Working-Class Americans. His First Presidency Suggests He Won't." November 2024.
National Low Income Housing Coalition. "Impacts of Trump Administration Executive Orders." April 2025.

Notable Quotes:

"If you diversify across enough asset classes, you could reduce your risk by 80% and still get the same returns." - Dr. Amir Baluch
"When people don't write it down on a piece of paper, it never happens. They throw money here and there and a couple of investments. But at the end of the year, okay, how much time did that buy you back?" - Dr. Amir Baluch
"Just imagine every dollar bill you have is a little soldier. You just want to put it to work out there." - Dr. Amir Baluch
"If you're not measuring it, it doesn't get managed." - Dr. Amir Baluch
"I think that's the key. Take your time and energy so that you can work on the business instead of being in it all the time." - Host

Bio:

Dr. Amir Baluch is a Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author who retired from anesthesiology in his early 40s to focus on transforming wealth management for healthcare professionals. After experiencing his father's bankruptcy and personal setbacks in 2001, he developed alternative investment strategies that have since helped numerous medical professionals achieve financial independence.

As founder of Blue Capital Partners, Dr. Baluch manages over $700M in projects, specializing in creating passive income through real estate, private equity, and private credit investments. His expertise has been featured on ABC News, Business Insider, and Forbes. He's dedicated to empowering 10,000 healthcare professionals to secure financial freedom through recession-proof investment opportunities that provide not just wealth accumulation but also tax reduction and lifestyle flexibility.

Dr. Baluch brings a unique physician-focused perspective to financial planning, having personally implemented the strategies he teaches to achieve early retirement and build lasting wealth.

Find Dr. Baluch:

Connect With Us:

Thriving Practice Podcast: Practice Leadership - Balancing Professional Demands and Personal Needs - Special Snack Episode, EP 174

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0300

In this special "snack episode" of the Thriving Practice Podcast, our Manager of Operations and PR, Miranda Dorta, turns the mic around to interview Tracy Cherpeski, examining the reality of healthcare practice leadership. This candid, unscripted conversation explores how practice owners can achieve sustainable growth without sacrificing personal well-being. Tracy shares her evidence-based approaches to sustainability, effective boundary setting, and the systems that support healthcare practice owners, offering valuable insights on achieving harmony between professional demands and personal needs.

Main Points:

Well-being vs. Work-Life Balance: Tracy defines well-being as the complete picture encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health along with business health. She challenges the concept of "balance," suggesting that harmony with one's life goals is more realistic for business owners.
The Importance of Slowing Down: Tracy emphasizes that the first step to protecting time and energy is slowing down to gain "crystal clarity" about personal and professional goals, which allows practice owners to prioritize effectively.
Recognizing When Growth Threatens Well-being: Through reflective questioning and coaching, Tracy helps healthcare professionals recognize patterns that compromise their well-being and guides them to meaningful "aha moments" about self-care.
Addressing Perfectionism and Control: Tracy normalizes the control tendencies common in healthcare entrepreneurs while helping them learn true surrender—not abdication but rather building trust in themselves and their teams.

Notable Quotes:

"Well-being is really the entire picture of the human being's health—physical, spiritual, and mental—as well as the business."

"I just don't believe in balance... Most of us spend more of our waking hours working than we do being home. So right away we're out of balance. So are we in harmony with what we want out of life and the business that we want?"

"The most important piece of the puzzle is to slow down... It's really important to slow down so that we can get really clear. And this is the key to everything—crystal clarity."

"Physicians in particular are trained like never to let anybody see them sweat... It takes a while to sort of crack that facade and allow their real deep humanity to come out."

"When we put it back on them to look at themselves and to trust themselves, it changes the responsibility... They double down then on the responsibility to ensure that their team has what they need so that they can take their hands off of it."

"Most of the time, the desire to control ends up being the Achilles heel... when they recognize that it's probably the cause of a lot of their challenges and energy drains, it becomes a little bit easier to let go."

Miranda’s Bio:

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:

Creating Programs That Transform Patient Results with Joanna Sapir, EP 173

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this episode of the Thriving Practice Podcast, host Tracy Cherpeski interviews Joanna Sapir, a business strategist who specializes in helping wellness practitioners build thriving practices without burning out. Airing during Stress Awareness Month, this conversation explores Joanna's revolutionary approach of "stop selling sessions, start creating programs" that helps practitioners create more predictable business models while delivering better outcomes for clients. Drawing from her own burnout experience as a practice owner, Joanna shares practical strategies for designing effective programs and treatment plans that benefit both practitioners and their clients.

Key Highlights

The Burnout Reality: How Joanna's emergency room visit within her first year of business became a wake-up call to reimagine how wellness practices can operate
Paradigm Shift: The fundamental difference between selling individual sessions versus creating comprehensive healing journeys
Business Benefits: How programs eliminate the financial impact of no-shows and create predictable, sustainable revenue
Client Outcomes: Why structured programs lead to better compliance, deeper healing, and more satisfied clients
Implementation Framework: Practical steps for designing programs that align with your modality and client needs
Transition Strategies: How to introduce programs to existing clients without disrupting relationships
Sales Process: Creating authentic enrollment conversations that align with healing values

Topics Covered

The profound difference between "packages" (discounted sessions) and true treatment programs
Front-end and back-end program structures for different practitioner types
How programs provide essential "guardrails" that keep clients on track with their health goals
Why selling sessions creates unpredictable income and client progress
The iterative approach to refining your programs over time
Creating systems that allow practitioners to "just show up and do their best work"
How program-based practices can scale more effectively

Featured Examples

Joanna shares two detailed program models:

Physical Practitioner Model: A body worker's 6/9/12-week assessment-based treatment plans for pain relief and injury recovery
Therapeutic Practitioner Model: A nervous system specialist's six-month cohort-based program for disordered eating with group and individual components

Resources Mentioned

Free Systems Guide: Three essential business systems for wellness practitioners:
- Lead generation system
- Lead capture system
- Sales process system
Last week's solo episode on physician wellness and burnout prevention
Joanna's comprehensive business development programs for wellness practitioners

Episode Quotes

"Stop selling sessions and start creating programs and treatment plans." - Joanna Sapir

"When you have the systems and structures in place, you get to just show up and do your best work with the client." - Joanna Sapir

"If you don't have a business that's making money that's sustaining you sufficiently, you have an incredibly expensive hobby." - Tracy Cherpeski

"It's not necessarily about there being some people who are committed and some who aren't. It's actually about the boundaries you put in place, the guardrails that keep people in the lane." - Joanna Sapir

"You can have a beautifully authentic, meaningful, connected sales process that enrolls your patients or your clients in these programs... it's a win-win-win all around." - Joanna Sapir

Bio:

Joanna Sapir is a business strategist who helps wellness practitioners build thriving practices without burning out. Joanna specializes in helping practitioners move from the unpredictable cycle of selling individual sessions to creating comprehensive programs and treatment plans that provide better client outcomes while creating sustainable, predictable income. Her clients include acupuncturists, bodyworkers, movement specialists, and practitioners who combine multiple healing modalities.

Through her work, Joanna helps wellness professionals properly price and package their services, develop steady predictable income, clarify their unique vision and voice, and create systems that allow their businesses to run smoothly without constant hands-on management. Her ultimate goal is to help practitioners create the freedom and fulfillment that attracted them to healing work in the first place, while building businesses that truly support their desired lifestyle.

Based in Central Mexico (as of this recording), Joanna continues to expand her impact by helping practitioners worldwide transform their approach to business and client care.

Find Joanna:

Link to free resource https://joannasapir.com/lp/systems/

Connect With Us:

The Silent Epidemic: How Stress Impacts Healthcare Practice Owners, EP 172

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:05:00 -0300

Episode Overview

In this special solo episode for Stress Awareness Month, host Tracy Cherpeski shares insights from the Sonoma-Mendocino Lake County Healthcare Expo and Conference on physician wellness and burnout. Drawing from her 15+ years of consulting experience with healthcare practices, Tracy discusses how the unique challenges faced by independent practitioners affect both personal wellbeing and business success.

Key Highlights

The Burnout Crisis: 63% of physicians report at least one symptom of burnout according to Mayo Clinic research
Double Impact: Practice owners face both clinical stress and business ownership pressures
Strengths Becoming Weaknesses: How the qualities that make great healthcare providers (service orientation, high standards, problem-solving abilities) can undermine personal wellbeing
Business Consequences: How unmanaged stress directly impacts practice revenue, staff retention, patient experience, and clinical decision-making
Practical Solutions: Stress management strategies specifically designed for independent practitioners and small practice owners

Topics Covered

The unique stress patterns observed in healthcare practitioners vs. other professionals
How to recognize early warning signs of burnout in yourself and colleagues
The measurable business costs of practitioner stress
Practical interventions that serve both wellbeing and business optimization
Why institutional wellness approaches often fail independent practitioners

Featured Framework

Tracy's coaching approach for practice owners includes:

Eight-area life assessment to identify imbalances
"Threshold interventions" - small changes at critical junctures of the day
Environmental modifications to reduce stress triggers
Intentional calendaring and boundary-setting
Integration of wellbeing strategies with business optimization

Resources Mentioned

Free Burnout Prevention Guide: Available at PracticeSuccess.co/resources (scroll to bottom of page), WHO's official burnout definition and 12-stage progression model

Episode Quotes

"In healthcare, your most important business asset isn't your equipment, your location, or even your patient list—it's you. And when you're operating from a place of chronic stress, every business metric eventually suffers."

"Addressing practitioner stress isn't just a wellness nicety—it's a business imperative with measurable ROI. When practice owners invest in their wellbeing, they're making one of the most significant business investments possible."

"We take the approach of building one's business around the life they want to live, not the other way around."

Connect With Us:

Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises

Stop Working for Free: A CFO's Guide to Medical Practice Profitability Featuring Susanne Mariga, EP 171

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:55:00 -0300

In this essential episode, we dive deep into the Profit First methodology and its game-changing impact on medical practices. Susanne Mariga, fractional CFO and co-author of "Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises," shares how implementing a simple five-bank-account system can create intentional profitability while improving patient care. This conversation addresses the critical gap in business education for medical professionals and offers practical solutions for building sustainable, profitable practices.

Key Points:

The traditional accounting equation (revenue - expenses = profit) often leads to practice owners working for free
How the Profit First system creates intentional profitability through designated bank accounts
Why profitable practices deliver better patient care and attract top talent
The importance of building business value for eventual sale or retirement
Practical steps for implementing Profit First, starting with small, manageable changes
How automated banking systems can help enforce profitability
The connection between practice profitability and work-life balance

Resource Highlight: "Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises" by Susanne Mariga and Mike Michalowicz

Each book purchase supports girls' education in Zimbabwe through Hope Worldwide
Includes specific strategies for implementing Profit First
Features tax strategy and pricing guidance for business owners

Susanne’s Bio:

Susanne Mariga is a CPA and Fractional CFO specializing in high net worth tax strategies for 7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs using the Profit First System.

Susanne is the CEO of The Mariga Group which is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, the 2021 Profit First Professional Firm Of The Year, and a recipient of the 2011 Houston Minority Supplier Development E-10 Award. Susanne has been featured in the Houston Business Journal, MBE Magazine, and in a variety of other media outlets. She is the author of Kirkus reviewed and Publisher’s Weekly’s Editor’s Pick, Profit First For Minority Business Enterprises which was written in collaboration with Mike Michalowicz, under the Profit First brand. She is the host of the Profit Talk Podcast.

Before founding her own firm, Susanne worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, as well as one of the Big 4 firms, KPMG. Combining her industry knowledge with her own experience of growing a small business has allowed Susanne to help her clients design unique, profit-first based business plans that ensure success and long-term financial stability.

As a Certified Profit First Professional (PFP) at the Mastery Level, she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs maximize their revenue, grow their business, and save dollars through sound tax strategies.

Find Susanne:

Company Website

Susanne’s Website

Connect With Us:

Beyond the Agenda: Creating Psychological Safety in Group Facilitation - Special Snack Episode, EP 170

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:20:00 -0300

In this special "snack episode" of the Thriving Practice Podcast, Miranda Dorta turns the tables and interviews Tracy Cherpeski about the human side of group leadership. This candid, unscripted conversation explores Tracy's insights on facilitation, psychological safety, and the subtle dynamics that shape group interactions. Tracy shares personal stories and practical wisdom gained from years of experience working with healthcare providers and corporate clients.

Episode Highlights:

Tracy shares a humbling learning moment from her earlier facilitator days when a communication mishap taught her to prioritize understanding her audience over sticking to her agenda
The importance of improv techniques as Tracy's most valuable facilitation tool for creating authentic learning moments
How psychological safety feels in the body - the absence of tension and the presence of ease
Creating "the least restrictive learning environment" as a cornerstone of effective facilitation
Tracy's excitement about the growing emphasis on psychological safety and wellness in professional settings post-COVID

Notable Quotes:

"Don't be afraid to pause the agenda in order to really understand the people that are your audience."

"I think it's really important to come in as a facilitator with the intention of creating the least restrictive learning environment. If we're here to learn, then we need to set the tone for the learning."

Connect With Us:

Numbers, Notes, and Confidence: A Musical CFO's Approach to Practice Growth Featuring Danielle Hendon, EP 169

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:55:00 -0300

In this episode, we dive into the world of financial clarity and confidence with Virtual CFO Danielle Hendon. From her unexpected journey from opera singer to CPA, to her mission of transforming business owners' relationship with their numbers, Danielle shares valuable insights about what it really means to be in command (not just in control) of your business finances.

Key Episode Highlights:

- What a fractional CFO does and why it matters for practice owners

- The critical difference between being "in control" vs "in command" of your business

- Why understanding your numbers is about more than just tracking expenses

- How to move from financial anxiety to confidence in your decision-making

- Common challenges highly credentialed professionals face when running a business

- The importance of having data-backed decisions for business growth

- Simple ways to start understanding the story your numbers are telling

- Why splitting up your revenue streams can transform your financial clarity

- How proper financial support can help prevent burnout

Memorable Quote:

"Your time is going to make you so much more money in your zone of genius than trying to figure this piece out."

Key Takeaway:

A budget isn't meant to restrict you - it's a roadmap that guides you toward your business goals. Understanding your numbers doesn't mean giving up control; it means gaining the confidence to make better decisions for your practice's future.

Danielle’s Bio:

Here's a concise professional bio:

Danielle is a CPA and Virtual CFO who helps small business owners maximize their profits and personal income. With over a decade of corporate finance experience, she founded 4 Corners CFO after witnessing firsthand how financial expertise could make or break a business. She translates complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, enabling entrepreneurs to make data-driven decisions, establish sustainable growth, and pay themselves appropriately.

Through her Breakthrough, Focused, and Comprehensive CFO services, she provides scalable financial guidance - from foundational support for emerging six-figure businesses to full-service accounting and strategic planning for established entrepreneurs. Her mission is helping business owners move from burnout to abundance by understanding and intentionally growing their profits.

Find Danielle:

Connect With Us:

From Survival to Mission: A Founder's Evolution in Healthcare Leadership - Special Snack Episode, EP 168

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0300

In this special "snack episode" of the Thriving Practice podcast, host Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about her journey in building a mission-driven company. Tracy shares her unexpected path into coaching, beginning as a necessity during a major life transition with young children, and evolving into a focused healthcare provider coaching practice. The conversation reveals how her initial desire for career flexibility transformed into a larger vision of creating systemic change in healthcare, while offering insights into leading a mission-driven organization.

Key Points:

Tracy's journey into coaching was unexpected, transitioning from international work and consulting after a major life change
The company's evolution from a general coaching practice to a specialized healthcare provider focus
The importance of staying committed to your mission, even when it feels "weird" (which Tracy notes comes from the word "supernatural")
How the company's vision expanded from seeking work-life flexibility to creating systemic change in healthcare
The value of remaining deeply connected to client work while maintaining professional boundaries
The importance of fostering team creativity and allowing new perspectives to shape the company's growth

Notable Quote: "Self disclosure - if you ever want to learn what you're really made of, start a business." - Tracy Cherpeski

Connect With Us:

The Human Touch: Building Healthcare Practices Worth Preserving Featuring Michael Silva, EP 167

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:55:00 -0300

Many healthcare providers are excellent clinicians but weren't trained in business fundamentals. In this episode, physical therapy practice consultant Michael Silva shares insights from his journey from frustrated employee to successful practice owner to helping others build sustainable private practices. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Michael emphasizes how exceptional patient experience and solid business systems create practices worth preserving.

Key Takeaways:

- Why focusing on hospitality over basic customer service creates lasting patient relationships

- The importance of standardized systems and processes for sustainable growth

- How to build a practice that's sellable versus one dependent on the owner

- Creative exit strategies that keep private practices private

- Practical tips for creating positive patient experiences, including the 10/5 rule for patient greetings

- Why word-of-mouth marketing through exceptional service beats paid advertising

- The value of investing in experienced business guidance early in practice development

Notable Quotes:

"Business is business. Your clinical way of doing things can be what sets you apart, but if you don't have systems, you're not going to have an efficient business."

"Everyone walks into our office with a 'help me' sign on their head - you're here for them."

Michael’s Bio:

Michael Silva is a healthcare business consultant and founder of the RUNstrong® program, leveraging over 25 years of physical therapy and practice management experience. After building FOUNDATIONperformance Sports Medicine from a basement office to a three-location practice with 24 employees, he successfully sold to Performance Physical Therapy (now Highbar) in 2021.

Drawing from his experience as both practice owner and acquirer, Michael now helps healthcare providers across North America build, grow, and exit their practices successfully. He's a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from running injuries and rehabilitation to creating ideal client experiences in private practice.

Find Michael:

Michael’s Website

Company Website

Connect With Us:

The Secret Weapon for Healthcare Practices: Understanding Fractional CFOs Featuring Lizette Peña, EP 166

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:05:00 -0300

In this episode, we sit down with Lizette Peña, CPA and fractional CFO at Ascent CFO Solutions, to explore how fractional CFO services can help healthcare practices thrive. With over 30 years of experience, Lizette shares valuable insights on managing the business side of medicine while keeping focus on patient care.

Key Discussion Points:

The role of a fractional CFO and how it differs from a full-time CFO
Why healthcare practices specifically benefit from fractional CFO services
Essential KPIs every practice owner should monitor
Smart strategies for cash flow management
The importance of understanding your practice's payer mix
How to balance clinical excellence with business acumen

Key Takeaways:

Practices can access high-level financial expertise without the full-time executive cost
Regular weekly check-ins with a fractional CFO help maintain strategic focus
Understanding cancellation and no-show rates is crucial for revenue optimization
Strategic vendor payment timing can significantly improve cash flow
Data visualization tools can make financial metrics more accessible and actionable

Important Metrics to Track:

Cancellation and no-show rates
Payer mix (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, self-pay)
Claims denial rates
Days to payment
Cash flow and burn rate

Lizette’s Bio:

Lizette Peña, CPA (she/her) brings over three decades of finance and accounting expertise to her role as a Fractional CFO at Ascent CFO Solutions. Based in Colorado, she partners with mission-driven healthcare organizations to optimize their financial strategies and growth. Driven by her belief in business as a force for good, Lizette serves on the Board of Directors for Kachuwa Impact Fund and advises Intercambio Uniting Communities, combining her financial acumen with her commitment to positive social impact.

Find Lizette:

Connect With Us:

Download your Practice Owner Energy Audit

The CEO Nobody Told You You Already Are, EP 165

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:05:00 -0400

Did you know that the moment you opened your practice, you became a CEO? It's true - yet no one ever prepares healthcare providers for this crucial role. In this episode, Tracy explores the powerful mindset shift that occurs when practitioners embrace their identity not just as skilled healthcare providers, but as chief executives of thriving healthcare businesses.

Through real stories from practice owners and practical insights from business research, discover how thinking like a CEO can transform both your practice and your relationship with it. Learn why this mindset shift isn't just about better operations today - it's about building lasting value for tomorrow.

Episode Highlights:

The hidden transition every healthcare provider makes when opening a practice - from practitioner to CEO
Why excellent clinical skills alone won't guarantee business success
Three critical shifts that helped one physician cut working hours by 30% while increasing revenue
Practical examples of what "CEO time" looks like in a healthcare practice
The overlooked aspect of practice ownership: building a valuable, salable business
How strategic delegation and systems creation can free you to lead rather than just manage
Why connecting with other practice owners is crucial for leadership growth

Key Insights:

Working IN your practice vs. ON your practice: understanding the crucial difference
The importance of dedicated CEO time for strategic planning and business development
How proper systems and delegation can create a practice that's both more profitable and more enjoyable
Why building a salable practice matters, even if you're not planning to sell
The power of surrounding yourself with other forward-thinking healthcare leaders

Free Resource Mentioned:

Download our Practice Owner Energy Audit to identify where your time and energy are going now, and where you might need to make adjustments as you step into your CEO role.

What's Next:

Join us in the Thriving Practice Community, a new global network for ambitious healthcare practice owners who want to elevate their leadership and business mastery. Learn more at ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com about becoming a founding member of this vibrant community.

Tracy’s Bio:

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is a business consultant and executive coach specializing in healthcare practice leadership. With a background in operations and a passion for growth, she helps practice owners optimize their businesses while mastering leadership and mindset. Through her coaching and consulting programs, Tracy empowers healthcare leaders to build exceptional practices without sacrifice. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, she's committed to helping practices thrive.

Connect With Us:

Tough Nuts, Big Hearts: A Raw Look at Healthcare Practice Leadership - A Special Snack Episode, EP 164

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this candid "snack episode," Miranda Dorta turns the tables and interviews Tracy Cherpeski about transformative moments in her coaching practice. Through unscripted conversations, Tracy shares powerful insights about working with healthcare providers, revealing how vulnerability, cultural awareness, and thoughtful leadership shape successful medical practices. From emergency room physicians transitioning to private practice to international healthcare providers navigating different systems, Tracy's experiences illuminate the common threads that connect all practice owners.

Memorable Quote:

"We slow down to speed up, we slow down to scale up. And so in those first four to six weeks of our work together, you're probably not gonna like me very much because I'm not going to allow you to move at the speed of light... If we're moving too fast, we miss the details, we miss the scenery, we miss the opportunities." - Tracy Cherpeski

Episode Highlights:

- The breakthrough moment with an ER physician-turned-practice owner who finally expressed his business uncertainties, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for healthcare providers to be vulnerable

- How working with an Australian physician practicing in Norway challenged Tracy to abandon her usual framework and develop a more culturally responsive approach to coaching

- The consistent pattern Tracy observes across practices: "tough nuts with big hearts" - highly credentialed professionals deeply committed to providing excellent patient care

- The value of "slowing down to speed up" in the first 4-6 weeks of client work, allowing practice owners to spot opportunities they might miss when rushing toward goals

- Tracy's insights on leadership versus management, and helping practice owners find the delicate balance between control and guidance

Connect With Us:

From Hours to Minutes: Streamlining Prior Authorizations with Arrive Health's Innovative Tech Featuring Kyle Kiser, EP 163

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, we welcome back Kyle Kiser, co-founder of ArriveHealth, to discuss the company's remarkable growth and its innovative solutions in healthcare technology. Since our last conversation a little over a year ago, ArriveHealth has doubled its revenue, a testament to the value of their real-time benefit network.

Kyle shares how their technology is streamlining the prescription process by providing real-time, patient-specific cost information at the point of care. We explore how this system not only helps patients access more affordable medications but also streamlines the often cumbersome prior authorization process, reducing turnaround times from days to hours. Kyle shares insights on how their solution benefits multiple stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, from providers and patients to health plans and pharmacy benefit managers. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of digital prescribing, medication management, and how technology is being leveraged to enhance trust between patients and providers.

Key Points:

ArriveHealth's core offering: Real-time benefit network for e-prescribing workflows
Company growth: Doubled in size from a revenue perspective in the past year
How ArriveHealth's technology works:

- Provides real-time, patient-specific cost information at the point of prescribing

- Suggests lower-cost alternatives for medications and pharmacies

- Streamlines the prior authorization process

Benefits for various stakeholders:

- Providers: Reduced administrative burden, improved workflow efficiency

- Patients: Lower medication costs, improved adherence, better healthcare experience

- Pharmacists: Cleaner scripts, fewer callbacks

- Insurance companies/PBMs: Cost savings, reduced administrative work

Integration with major EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, Athena, eClinicalWorks)
Partnership with GoodRx for additional cost-saving options
Success metrics: Switch rates more than twice the industry average
Future developments:

- Automating downstream processes (e.g., prior authorizations)

- AI-driven adherence tool for patient-provider communication

ArriveHealth's mission: Reintroducing consumer choice in healthcare and leveraging trust between patients and providers

Quotes:

"We measure success by how often they accept that. And we're seeing switch rates that are more than twice the industry average." - Kyle Kiser on measuring the impact of ArriveHealth's recommendations

"The most powerful leverage point to solve problems in healthcare is the trust that exists between patients and providers." - Kyle Kiser on the importance of trust in healthcare

Kyle’s Bio:

Kyle is Chief Executive officer at Arrive Health, the leader in delivering real-time cost and coverage data to decision-making workflows. In his role, he focuses on helping providers and care teams improve patient access, affordability, and outcomes while reducing administrative burden. By partnering with health systems, health plans, IT vendors, and pharmacy benefit managers, Arrive health enables transparency and better patient care nationwide.

Since 2013, Klye has helped grow the company from a vision to a reality, and has been at the forefront of some of the most transformational initiatives in healthcare. In particular, he has focused on projects that enable informed decision-making. His focus on interoperability has allowed partners to improve provider workflows and reduce medication costs for millions of patients. Kyle has helped develop incentive strategies for a country’s most innovative employers and led product launches with the nation’s largest payers. Prior to Arrive Health, he was a senior leader at Welltok, Catapult Health, and Principal Wellness Company.

Find Kyle:

Arrive Health Website

Connect With Us:

The 44% Profit Strategy: Transforming Healthcare Practices into Thriving Businesses Featuring Carrie Cook, EP 162

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, Tracy sits down with Carrie Cook, a seasoned profit strategist who's transforming the financial landscape for healthcare entrepreneurs. With a unique background spanning 30 years in medicine and an MBA in finance, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She dives deep into the often-overlooked realm of profit strategy in healthcare practices, offering invaluable insights on how providers can build financially robust businesses without compromising their commitment to patient care.

From the critical importance of paying yourself a market-based wage to the transformative power of separating personal and business finances, Carrie unravels the complexities of financial management in healthcare. She shares a remarkable success story, practical advice on changing financial behaviors, and introduces her 44% profit strategy that's revolutionizing how healthcare professionals approach their finances. Whether you're a solo practitioner or running a growing practice, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you not just survive, but thrive financially while staying true to your mission of care.

Key Topics Discussed:

Carrie's background: 30 years in medicine to MBA in finance
The importance of profit strategy in healthcare practices
Paying yourself a market-based wage
Separating personal and business finances
The 44% profit strategy breakdown
Success story: Helping a functional medicine doctor increase revenue from $800k to $1.5M
Changing financial behaviors and mindsets
The three foundations of business: finance, marketing, and operations
Addressing the fear of letting go and delegating tasks
The importance of putting yourself first as a business owner

Key Takeaways:

A profit strategy should include contingency funds, reinvestments, taxes, savings, and retirement
Aim for at least 12% profit margin, with a goal of reaching 44%
Commingling personal and business funds can hinder business growth
Changing financial behaviors is simple but not easy - consistency is key
Working with a profit strategist can provide accountability and reinforce positive financial habits

Quotes: "If you're not 4% in revenue annually, you're treading water. We need you at least to be at 12% if you're a service provider." - Carrie Cook "If you put yourself first, you have such a capability of taking care of your business after that." - Carrie Cook

If you're ready to revive your practice's financials and create a thriving, profitable business, reach out to Carrie Cook through her website or email.

Carrie’s Bio:

Carrie Cook is the founder of a vibrant trio of small business focused on money and women owned business. She is dedicated to supporting and empowering female business owners in her community. With a passion for fostering connections and helping women maximize both their personal and professional lives, Carrie offers practical insights on financial growth, money mindset shifts, and intentional financial wellbeing. Her work is rooted in the belief that success flourishes when women support one another, share knowledge, and pursue continuous improvement. Whether through inspiring presentations, insightful workshops, or one-on-one guidance, Carrie is committed to helping others make meaningful financial strides in their journey toward a balanced, fulfilling life.

Find Carrie:

Email: carrie.cook@revivefinancials.com

Connect With Us:

Technology That Gives Your Team Their Time Back: Smart Solutions for Practice Efficiency Featuring William Velasco, EP 161

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

Does your team spend hours on repetitive tasks that drain their energy and pull them away from patient care? Software development expert William Velasco reveals how the right technology solutions can transform your practice operations without losing the human touch. With nearly two decades of experience helping businesses maximize efficiency, William shares practical insights on how practices can use smart systems to enhance both team satisfaction and patient experience.

In this value-packed conversation, we explore:

- Why many healthcare professionals get stuck doing repetitive, error-prone tasks that waste their talents

- How to identify opportunities for automation in your practice without compromising care quality

- The surprising truth about apps and why most practices don't actually need expensive native applications

- Real-world examples of how practices have transformed their operations with smart technology

- Why collaborative implementation is crucial for successful technology adoption

- The importance of choosing solutions that grow with your practice

- How self-service technology can improve patient engagement while reducing administrative burden

- Key considerations for selecting technology partners who prioritize your practice's success

Key Takeaways:

- Technology solutions should enable your team to work at their highest level, not replace human interaction

- The most successful implementations involve input from all team members, not just leadership

- Systems should be designed around your specific workflow, not forced to fit generic templates

- Practice owners need mental bandwidth for creativity and growth – automated systems can help create that space

Notable Quote:

"It's not only a really bad use of talent, but in some circumstances it becomes demoralizing and you find that a team member doesn't really have that joy for working anymore." - William Velasco

William’s Bio:

William is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Opencentric, a software company dedicated to empowering businesses to achieve sustainable growth through tailored digital solutions. With nearly 17 years of experience as its founder, he has been instrumental in crafting systems that streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and allow teams to focus on what they do best.Under William's leadership, Opencentric has delivered impactful projects for high-profile clients, including HM Treasury, The British Council, and The International Baccalaureate, spanning diverse sectors such as government, education and finance. William is passionate about creating solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also empower teams to thrive by removing the burden of administrative overhead. His mission is clear: to build systems that foster innovation, productivity, and lasting success for organisations worldwide.

Find William:

Connect With Us:

Eat More, Feel Better? Debunking Diet Myths and Sharing the Keys to Lasting Wellness Featuring Dr. James Cima, EP 160

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of functional medicine with Dr. Cima, a chiropractor and functional medicine expert with decades of experience. Dr. Cima shares his journey and insights on becoming a "doctor of the future."

Key Topics:

The three pillars of health: chemical, physical, and mental-emotional
Understanding functional medicine and its holistic approach to wellness
The importance of proper nutrition, especially protein intake
Simple, actionable steps for improving overall health
The concept of "listening to the doctor within"
Rethinking traditional approaches to common health issues
The role of blood chemistry analysis in functional medicine
Balancing hormones and the neuroendocrine axis
The impact of the diet industry on health perceptions

Highlights:

- Dr. Cima explains how functional medicine differs from traditional allopathic approaches

- Practical advice on increasing protein intake and its benefits

- The importance of having a purpose in life for mental and emotional well-being

- Insights on how blood chemistry analysis can reveal health trends before they become problems

- Discussion on the misconceptions about fat in diets and its importance for health

Quotable Moments:

- "Taking care of your health doesn't take time. It gives you a ton of time." - Dr. Cima

- "The closest you could ever get to God is to bring health to one's fellow man." - Socrates (paraphrased by Dr. Cima)

Action Steps for Better Health:

Increase protein intake (consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice)
Develop a basic stretching routine
Consider getting regular massage work
Reflect on and develop your life's purpose
Listen to your body's needs ("the doctor within")

For Healthcare Providers:

- Consider incorporating functional medicine principles into your practice

- Explore blood chemistry analysis for a more comprehensive view of patient health

- Educate patients on the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in overall health

Dr. Cima's Bio:

Dr. James Cima is a pioneering chiropractor whose journey into holistic healthcare began with his own healing experience. After suffering from debilitating back pain in his youth, he discovered the transformative power of chiropractic care. This personal experience, combined with his passion for healthcare, led him to pursue his education at Cornell University followed by New York Chiropractic College, where he graduated with honors.

Inspired by Thomas Edison's vision of the future of medicine, Dr. Cima has dedicated over four decades to developing comprehensive wellness programs that focus on nutrition, body mechanics, and disease prevention. As an accomplished author and educator, he has trained numerous healthcare professionals and written extensively on holistic health approaches. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, including nutrition, exercise physiology, and neuroendocrinology.

Today, Dr. Cima practices alongside his children, Dr. James Paul Cima and Dr. Natalie DeJesse, continuing his mission to promote optimal health through natural methods. A certified Titleist Performance Institute professional, he also helps golfers improve their game by optimizing their body mechanics. When not serving patients or advancing healthcare education, he enjoys spending time with his four children and eight grandchildren.

Find Dr. Cima:

Connect With Us:

Private Equity in Healthcare: A Candid Conversation - Special Snack Episode, EP 159

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this snack episode of the Thriving Practice Podcast, Manager of Operations and PR, Miranda Dorta, turns the microphone around to interview our host, Tracy Cherpeski about the critical topic of private equity in healthcare. Through an unscripted and authentic conversation, Tracy shares valuable insights about the impact of private equity ownership on healthcare delivery, from small family practices to large specialty groups. Drawing from her extensive experience supporting healthcare providers, Tracy breaks down the fundamental differences between private equity and traditional practice ownership models, while offering practical strategies for independent practices to remain competitive in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

Memorable Quote: "As a business person, my mantra is if you're not making money, you have an incredibly expensive hobby. So you have to switch hats and be a business strategist and be the CEO." - Tracy Cherpeski

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding private equity's basic business model in healthcare and how it differs from traditional medical practice ownership

- Key strategies for independent medical practices to remain competitive without selling to private equity firms

- Alternative ownership models, including cooperative structures and multi-owner practices

- The implications of private equity's growth from $5 billion in 2000 to $100 billion by 2018 in healthcare investments

- Discussion of the challenges and risks associated with private equity ownership in healthcare delivery

- Insights into balancing profitability with quality patient care

Looking for a deeper dive into private equity in healthcare? Check out Episode 131 for Tracy's comprehensive analysis of this topic.

Connect With Us:

SEO Secrets for Healthcare Providers: Optimize Your Website to Reach More Patients Featuring Samantha Mabe, EP158

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy dives into the world of digital marketing for healthcare and wellness practices with web design expert Samantha Mabe, founder of Lemon and the Sea. Samantha shares her wealth of knowledge on creating effective, patient-attracting websites specifically tailored for health practitioners. From the crucial elements of a professional medical website to the nuances of healthcare SEO, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Discover why your website is more than just an online brochure - it's your practice's digital front door and often the first point of contact for potential patients. Learn how to optimize your site for both search engines and user experience, ensuring it not only attracts visitors but converts them into patients. Whether you're building your first website or looking to revamp your existing online presence, Samantha's expert advice will help you create a digital strategy that aligns with your practice goals and resonates with your target audience. This episode is a must-listen for any healthcare or wellness provider looking to thrive in the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

- The importance of a professional website for healthcare and wellness practices

- Website accessibility and its legal implications

- SEO strategies for healthcare providers

- Mobile optimization for medical websites

- Balancing aesthetics with functionality in web design

Key Takeaways:

Your website is your digital front office - it needs to make a great first impression.
Start any website refresh by clearly defining your main goal (e.g., booking appointments, growing email list).
Ensure your website is accessible to all potential clients.
Check how your website looks on different devices, especially mobile.
SEO is crucial for helping the right clients find you online.

Memorable Quotes:

"Do not put your practice name as the headline on your website because very few people are actually searching for the name of your practice." - Samantha Mabe

"We want to make sure that the user journey... makes sense for people and that they're following to the end point you want them to get to." - Samantha Mabe

Resources Mentioned:

- Page Speed Insights (Google's free tool for website analysis)

Thank you for listening to Thriving Practice. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Samantha’s Bio:

Samantha Mabe is a creative director and website designer specializing in custom Squarespace and Kajabi websites for healthcare professionals and wellness entrepreneurs. Through her signature One-Week Website Design process, she helps practitioners like naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, and therapists transform their online presence into powerful marketing tools. A Pittsburgh native with a background in design and architecture, Samantha now calls Richmond, Virginia home, where she balances her creative work with family time alongside her husband and child.

Find Samantha:

Connect With Us:

Thriving Practice

Becoming Your Own Banker: Infinite Banking to Build Wealth for Practitioners Featuring Dr. Rob Scranton, EP 157

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

Dr. Rob Scranton introduces us to the concept of Infinite Banking, a 200-year-old strategy that could revolutionize how practitioners approach wealth building and financial security. Learn how you can become your own banker, recapture expenses, and create a stable financial future.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC)
The benefits of creating your own banking system
How to recapture expenses for major purchases like cars or practice equipment
The historical success of this method among wealthy families
Comparing IBC to traditional banking and investment strategies
The importance of practitioners being in two businesses: their practice and banking
How IBC can provide financial stability and growth

Highlights:

Dr. Rob explains the concept of Infinite Banking
Discussion on the legal aspects and history of whole life insurance policies
How practitioners can benefit from creating their own banking system
The importance of financial education and support in implementing IBC

Memorable Quotes:

"I believe everybody should be in two businesses: whatever it is that they do on a daily basis to pay their bills... and I believe they should also be in the banking business." - Dr. Rob Scranton

"Nobody ever lost money in a whole life insurance contract in the history of this industry." - Dr. Rob Scranton

Visit YourFinancialIQ.org to register for Dr. Rob's free masterclass and learn more about how you can implement the Infinite Banking Concept in your financial strategy.

Dr. Scranton’s Bio:

Dr. Robert Scranton is a former financial executive who teaches people how to use their current debts and expenses to grow their wealth outside of the traditional approaches. With his experience in accounting and finance, as well as his experience as the former chief financial architect of a cutting-edge financial firm, Dr. Robert has been able to help people all over the United States take advantage of the Infinite Banking Concept. He hopes to teach people how to recapture, reuse and recycle their own money over and over again so it stays inside of their family, instead of making other people rich.

Find Dr. Rob:

TikTok

Connect With Us:

How to Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Medical Coding Secrets Featuring Sherry Elliott, EP 156

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of medical coding and revenue cycle management with Sherry Elliott, founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP). Sherry shares invaluable insights about how proper medical coding impacts healthcare providers, patients, and the broader healthcare system.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The importance of professional medical coding vs. provider-done coding

- How incorrect coding can lead to significant revenue loss for healthcare practices

- The ripple effects of proper coding on healthcare research and policy

- Success stories of helping healthcare providers optimize their revenue

- The broader impact of coding on healthcare accessibility and quality

Key Highlights:

Sherry explains how providers often unknowingly leave money on the table by doing their own coding
Discussion of a case study where millions in revenue were being lost due to incorrect coding
A success story of helping a pain management practice recover $60,000 in denied claims
How medical coding data contributed to COVID-19 research and treatment approvals
The importance of accurate coding for future healthcare policy and reimbursement rates

Notable Quotes:

"Getting paid doesn't mean you're doing it correctly." - Sherry Elliott

"The viability of the organization matters not only to you, the provider, but to your whole patient population." - Sherry Elliott

Action Steps for Listeners:

Review your current coding practices
Consider professional coding support for your practice
Download the free Top 10 Coding Errors guide
Book a consultation call through the website to discuss potential revenue optimization

Sherry's Bio:

Sherry Elliott is the founder of Elliott Health Information Professionals (EHIP), specializing in medical coding, revenue cycle management, and healthcare compliance. With over 17 years of experience, including work as a CMS contractor, she helps healthcare providers optimize their revenue while maintaining regulatory compliance. Sherry's expertise has contributed to major healthcare research, including published studies on COVID-19 treatments. Her company provides comprehensive coding, auditing, and educational services to healthcare organizations across the country, helping them maximize reimbursement while improving operational efficiency.

Find Sherry:

Connect With Us:

https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/

Why Dismantling DEI in Healthcare Kills People, EP 155

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In an era where DEI initiatives are under unprecedented attack, healthcare stands at a critical crossroads. This episode cuts through the political noise to expose a stark reality: dismantling DEI programs in healthcare settings isn't just about politics – it's about survival. Drawing from extensive research and real-world data, we explore how implicit bias directly impacts medical decisions, treatment options, and ultimately, patient survival rates. From cancer treatment disparities to maternal mortality rates, the evidence is clear and devastating. We'll examine why current political pushback against DEI programs poses an immediate threat to patient care, and why healthcare providers – especially private practice owners – have both an opportunity and obligation to stand against this dangerous trend. This isn't just another conversation about diversity – it's about preventing needless deaths and ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.

Episode Overview

This episode explores the profound impact of implicit bias in healthcare settings and provides evidence-based insights into why maintaining and strengthening DEI initiatives is crucial for patient survival and care quality.

Key Points Discussed

The scientific foundation of implicit bias and its early development
Real-world impacts of healthcare disparities on patient outcomes
Why dismantling DEI programs directly threatens patient care
Evidence-based solutions for addressing healthcare inequities
Specific actions private practice owners can take to create more equitable healthcare environments

Important Statistics Highlighted

Implicit bias development begins in children as young as 3-5 years old
Over 4.5 million Implicit Association Tests conducted between 1998-2006 demonstrated the pervasiveness of implicit bias
Black women face higher mortality rates after breast cancer diagnosis
Non-white patients consistently receive fewer interventions
Black men are less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation for prostate cancer

Resources Mentioned

National Institutes of Health definition of implicit bias
Transformative Learning Theory
Prejudice habit-breaking approach research
MLK's 1966 speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights

Action Steps for Different Audiences

For Private Practice Owners:

Examine hiring practices and intake procedures
Assess marketing materials for inclusive representation
Review physical space accessibility and welcoming atmosphere
Evaluate sliding scale fee structures

For Healthcare Providers:

Stand up for equity initiatives
Document disparities
Advocate for patients
Examine personal biases

For Patients:

Know your rights
Document experiences
Share stories
Support equity-focused healthcare providers

Resources for Taking Action

Anti-Oppression Leadership Academy https://nadifantastic.com/

Black Women’s Maternal Health

Mandated Implicit Bias Training for Health Professionals—A Step Toward Equity in Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2795358

National Institutes of Health Implicit Bias Training

Diversity Science

Teach-Back Method

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/teachback.html

Quote of the Episode

"Of all forms of inequity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman."

Martin Luther King Jr., 1966

Share This Episode

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with your colleagues and healthcare networks. The more we spread awareness about these crucial issues, the more impact we can have on creating equitable healthcare systems.

Connect With Us

The Parent-Leader Connection - A Special Snack Episode, EP 154

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this intimate snack episode, Miranda Dorta interviews Tracy Cherpeski about the profound connections between parenthood, leadership, and building lasting organizations. This unscripted conversation offers a candid glimpse into how Tracy approaches both parenting and business leadership.

Key moments from their conversation:

- Tracy emphasizes that while she sees parallels between parenting and leadership, this doesn't mean infantilizing team members. Instead, she views her role as a guide who shows what's possible while allowing for growth through trial and error

- She discusses the challenge of balancing control with letting go, acknowledging that true organizational growth often happens when leaders step back

- Tracy shares a powerful insight about asking "just because I could, should I?" - drawing parallels between delegating in business and allowing children to develop independence

- She reflects on making ripples of positive impact that extend beyond her immediate influence when discussing legacy

- In a touching moment, Tracy becomes emotional discussing what she hopes others learn from her: the power of humility, authenticity, and standing firm despite fear and shame

- The conversation concludes with Tracy expressing pride and gratitude for her role as a parent to both her children and step-children, whom she considers a privilege to support

Memorable Quotes:

"The way I view my role as a parent is as a guide... to show what's possible and then allow for that to open up and trial and error, grow forward." - Tracy Cherpeski on leadership philosophy

"We grow better when I let go. That doesn't in any way mean that I'm abdicating my responsibility for the success of our company, for the success of our clients, and for the success of our members." - Tracy Cherpeski

"When we take a stand for something, we can do almost anything... even in the face of fear, even in the face of a lot of unknown." - Tracy Cherpeski

Connect With Us:

Beyond the Stethoscope: A Cardiologist's Journey to Heal Physician Burnout Through Coaching Featuring Ben Reinking, EP 153

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

A Conversation with Dr. Ben Reinking - The Developing Doctor

In this episode, we explore the world of physician coaching with Dr. Ben Reinking, pediatric cardiologist and founder of The Developing Doctor. Key highlights include:

Dr. Reinking's personal journey from burnout to discovering the power of coaching
The importance of developing "soft skills" like communication and leadership for physicians
How small changes can have a big impact on combating burnout and finding joy in medicine
The value of finding trusted colleagues to connect with authentically about work challenges
Transitioning from a performance mindset to a growth mindset in medical careers
Creating a coaching business as a side venture while maintaining clinical practice
The benefits of coaching for both coach and client in the medical field
Recognizing early signs of burnout and the importance of self-care for physicians
Practical tips for physicians looking to explore coaching or make positive changes

This conversation offers valuable insights for physicians looking to enhance their careers, combat burnout, and explore new avenues within medicine. Dr. Reinking's approach emphasizes the power of small changes and developing often-overlooked skills to create more fulfilling medical careers.

Dr. Reinking’s Bio:

Dr. Ben Reinking is a board-certified general pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist with over 20 years of experience in academic medicine. His expertise includes interpreting echocardiograms and caring for children with complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Reinking has held leadership roles such as medical director and program director, and has a passion for patient care and teaching.

After experiencing burnout due to increased workload, Dr. Reinking discovered the transformative power of coaching. This experience helped him align with his values, leverage his strengths, and enhance his communication skills. Recognizing coaching's potential to address developmental gaps in medical education, he now shares these valuable insights with students, residents, fellows, and physicians.

Find Dr. Ben Reinking:

The Developing Doctor LinkedIn

Dr. Reinking LinkedIn

YouTube

Connect With Us:

Designing Prosperity in Your Practice and Life Featuring Dan Romance, EP 152

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode, Tracy talks with Dan Romance about his unique approach to helping healthcare professionals design prosperity across all areas of their lives. Dan shares insights on balancing personal and professional success, making incremental improvements, and planning for a fulfilling future.

Key Topics Discussed:

The concept of "prosperity design" and its holistic approach to success
The five key areas of life: self, family, business, finances, and future
The importance of incremental improvements in achieving goals
Balancing the roles of practitioner and business owner (the "player-coach" analogy)
Planning for the future beyond just retirement
The impact of personal well-being on patient experience
Strategies for preventing burnout and maintaining work-life balance

Notable Quotes:

- "If you can make a 1% improvement per week, by the end of the year, all of your goals can be met and life can be grand."

- "We start today on our future."

- "If the doctor is doing something in the practice that doesn't require a license to practice medicine, then he's not spending his time doing the right things."

Resources Mentioned:

- Prosperity Design website: www.prosperitydesign.com

- Prosperity Assessment for dental professionals, medical professionals, and business owners

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thriving Practice. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to help other healthcare professionals discover these valuable insights!

Find Dan:

Website:

Email: Dan@prosperitydesign.com

Phone/Text: 772-766-4637

Connect With Us:

Digital Health Solutions for Osteoporosis: Combining Strength Training with Medical Care Featuring Jenni Tarma, EP 151

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

Tracy and guest Jenni Tarma dive deep into how healthcare providers can better support patients with osteoporosis through comprehensive, evidence-based care that goes beyond traditional pharmaceutical approaches. Jenni shares how her company, Kaari Prehab, is transforming osteoporosis treatment through digitally-delivered strength training programs that achieve remarkable adherence rates.

We explore why the standard advice of "gentle exercise" isn't enough, how to empower rather than restrict patients, and why strength training is crucial for women's health as they age. This episode is particularly valuable for healthcare providers working with women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who want to offer more comprehensive support for their patients' bone health and overall wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

- The meaning behind Kaari Prehab's name ("Kaari" is Finnish for "arc")

- How the pandemic transformed their in-person training model into a highly effective digital program

- Why traditional "gentle exercise" advice isn't sufficient for maintaining bone density and muscle mass

- The importance of proper loading and strength training for women over 50

- How Kaari Prehab achieves 80% program adherence through coaching and community support

- The treatment gap in osteoporosis care and why exercise options are often overlooked

- Partnership work with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation and International Osteoporosis Foundation

Key Insights:

- Exercise is a crucial but often missing component in osteoporosis treatment

- The two-year wait between DEXA scans makes it crucial to provide ongoing support and feedback

- Digital delivery can actually increase program compliance compared to traditional in-person training

- Many active women (including endurance athletes) may still be at risk due to insufficient bone-loading exercise

For Healthcare Providers:

- How to discuss osteoporosis with patients in an empowering rather than limiting way

- Resources available for determining patient suitability for strength training programs

- The importance of comprehensive care combining medical treatment with exercise

- Recent Medicare billing code changes supporting more personalized, preventative care

Notable Quote:

"An osteoporosis diagnosis is not the end of anything. It's a call to action and a reality check... there are absolutely things you can do to take control of the situation." - Jenni Tarma

Jenni’s Bio:

Jenni Tarma is the founder and CEO of Kaari Prehab, a company providing specialized strength training services for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. With multiple advanced certifications in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, she has spent over a decade coaching everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors. A senior teacher in the Yoga Medicine 500hr program where she mentors new yoga teachers and creates continuing education courses, Jenni is also a prolific writer whose work has appeared in publications like Yoga Journal, Healthline, Weight Watchers, and Thrive Global, and she has self-published an ebook on hamstring tendon injuries.

Find Jenni:

Jenni’s LinkedIn

Connect With Us:

Download Your Energy Audit here.

The Practitioner's Paradox: Why Clinical Excellence Might Be Holding Your Practice Back, EP 150

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this solo episode, Tracy explores the critical mindset shifts healthcare providers need to make to transform their practices from survival mode to thriving businesses. She introduces the concept of the "practitioner's paradox" - where the very mindset that makes someone an excellent healthcare provider can actually hinder their success as a business owner.

Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, Tracy explains how practitioners can transition from working in their business to working on their business, without sacrificing the quality of patient care.

Key Concepts:

The Practitioner's Paradox: How clinical excellence mindset can limit business growth
The hidden costs of burnout on business decision-making
The Owner's Mindset Shift: Moving from "how can I do this better?" to "how can this be done better without me?"

Practical Tools Introduced:

The Energy Audit: A simple weekly tracking system marking activities as energizing (+) or draining (-)
The Owner's Hour: Dedicated time for high-level strategic thinking
Imperfect Delegation: Learning to accept 80% perfect execution from team members

Case Study Highlight: The episode features "Sarah," a neuropsychologist struggling with perfectionism and overwhelming workload, illustrating how mindset shifts can transform both practice management and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

Success in healthcare practice has less to do with clinical expertise than business mindset
Burnout is not the inevitable price of success
The most profitable practices are often led by owners who maintain work-life balance
Delegation and systems thinking are crucial for sustainable practice growth
Moving from "working harder" to "working smarter" requires intentional mindset shifts

Tracy’s Bio:

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.

Connect With Us:

Snack Episode: Turning the Tables - A Candid Chat with Host Tracy Cherpeski, EP 149

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this unique "snack" episode, we're turning the tables as Miranda Dorta, Operations and PR Manager, interviews Tracy Cherpeski about her experiences hosting the Thriving Practice Podcast. This candid conversation offers listeners an intimate look at the stories and moments that have shaped our community.

Episode Highlights:

Tracy shares one of her most memorable interviews with Kara Hartl, an optometrist who served remote communities in Alaska. The touching story of how Troy Medical came to be—named after a patient who inspired an innovative hybrid telehealth model—showcases the profound impact healthcare providers can have in underserved areas.

The conversation explores how these interviews have challenged Tracy's assumptions, particularly about healthcare accessibility. She reflects on the privilege of having readily available telehealth options, while many Americans lack basic internet access or smartphones—a stark reminder of the healthcare disparities that still exist in the United States.

Tracy reveals a surprising interview moment with Sam Heller, a fractional CFO, whose passion and heart-centered approach to numbers completely defied her expectations. This led to an enlightening discussion about how business ownership transcends mere number-crunching to embrace mindset and clarity of vision.

Common Threads:

Throughout our many episodes, two unexpected themes have consistently emerged:

The widespread frustration with the current insurance system
Concerns about private equity in healthcare and its impact on practice owners and patients

Behind the Scenes:

As we approach our 200th episode milestone and near 6,000 downloads, Tracy shares insights into her interviewing style. She emphasizes the importance of allowing conversations to venture "into the weeds," where some of the most valuable insights often emerge. Her signature closing question—"Is there anything we didn't talk about that you want to make sure our listeners hear?"—has led to countless golden nuggets of wisdom.

The episode concludes with Tracy expressing deep gratitude to the podcast's guests who volunteer their time and expertise, maintaining the show's commitment to being a free, accessible resource for all.

Connect with us: Visit thrivingpracticecommunity.com to schedule a consultation with Tracy.

This special snack episode offers an authentic glimpse into our podcast's mission of supporting healthcare providers while building meaningful connections within our community.

Connect With Us:

Digital Revenue Streams for Healthcare Providers: Expert Tips Featuring Robin Massey, EP 148

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy sits down with Robin Massey, founder of SkipTheBox. Robin shares her expertise on how healthcare providers can expand their practices into the digital realm, creating additional revenue streams through online courses, self-published books, and virtual workshops. This insightful conversation offers practical strategies for leveraging your medical expertise in the online space, with a focus on starting small, testing ideas, and overcoming technical challenges.

- Introduction to Robin Massey and SkipTheBox (00:09)

- The importance of creating additional revenue streams for healthcare providers (00:30)

- Strategies for self-publishing books in the healthcare field (10:51)

- Benefits of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

- Key steps in the self-publishing process

- Importance of professional editing and cover design

- Developing online courses for healthcare professionals (19:45)

- Starting with a small-scale test run using simple tools

- Gradually scaling up based on audience response

- Addressing potential liability concerns

- Creating virtual workshops as a low-risk entry point (22:26)

- The value of starting small and gathering data before major investments (23:21)

- Overcoming tech overwhelm and the importance of outsourcing (29:06)

- Robin's advice on long-term thinking for online business growth (30:33)

- Where to find Robin and SkipTheBox online (27:27)

Key Takeaways:

- Start with simple tools like Google Docs to outline your ideas

- Test your concepts with your existing patient base before major investments

- Consider outsourcing technical aspects to focus on content creation

- Remember: "It's not one day, it's day one" when starting your online journey

For more tips on growing your healthcare practice, subscribe to Thriving Practice and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Robin's Bio:

Robin Massey is the Founder of Skip the Box LLC, supporting business owners in health and wellness fields who are looking to build out online programs and services. With over 15 years of experience in behind-the-scenes support, she loves helping folks get out of the details, on top of their workload, and into their zone of genius. Because who wants to live with their hair always on fire? Project management, execution, and “how can we simplify this?” are Robin’s jam, and it delights her to help business owners get out of the weeds so they can focus on the important things that will increase their impact and revenue.

Find Robin:

Connect With Us:

74 Million Underserved: One Doctor’s Innovative Solution to America's Specialist Shortage Featuring Dr. Kara Hartl, EP 147

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kara Hartl shares how she's revolutionizing rural healthcare through Troy Medical, a pioneering telehealth company born from her experiences as an ophthalmologist in rural Alaska. After witnessing patients struggle with limited access to specialist care, Dr. Hartl developed an innovative hybrid model that combines telemedicine with on-the-ground clinical support to bring world-class specialists directly to underserved communities. From endocrinology to rheumatology, Troy Medical is bridging critical gaps in healthcare access while breathing new life into struggling rural hospitals and transforming patient outcomes across America.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

The stark reality of healthcare access: 74 million Americans (nearly a quarter of the population) live in physician shortage areas, with even greater scarcity of specialists
How Troy Medical's unique model works: Combining telehealth specialists with local clinical support staff to provide comprehensive care coordination and patient navigation
Core specialties include rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, dermatology, pulmonology, and cardiology, with plans for expansion
Impact on rural hospitals: The model helps keep revenue local through labs, imaging, and infusion services, supporting struggling community hospitals
Beyond rural areas: Expanding to serve other underserved communities, including inner-city neighborhoods where transportation and technology barriers create similar access challenges

NOTABLE QUOTE: "Until that pill, that medication actually gets into the body and changes that disease state, nothing actually changed. That's what we do - we follow them and walk them through the entire process so that their actual disease state does get mitigated." - Dr. Kara Hartl

Dr. Hartl’s Bio:

Dr. Kara Hartl, educated at Harvard University and UC San Diego Medical School with training at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has dedicated her career to expanding access to world-class healthcare. After establishing Alaska's most technologically advanced multi-specialty medical center, she founded the international non-profit Gift of Sight and co-created the Prevention of Global Blindness fellowship to combat blindness worldwide. Drawing from her 14 years of experience serving rural Alaska and recognizing the potential of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Hartl launched Troy Medical, an innovative telehealth company that partners with local clinics to deliver specialty care to underserved communities, setting new standards for rural healthcare delivery across America.

Find Dr. Hartl:

Troy Medical Website

Gift of Sight NonProfit

Email: cara.hartl@troymed.com

Connect With Us:

Balancing Great Medicine with Smart Business Featuring Monica Capelli, EP 146

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy speaks with Monica Cappelli, founder of Rev Billing Systems. Monica shares her expertise on managing revenue cycles and building thriving healthcare practices. From setting clear visions to implementing effective systems, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for healthcare providers looking to improve their business acumen without compromising patient care.

Key Topics Discussed:

- The importance of having a clear vision for your practice

- Communicating effectively with your team and patients about finances

- Implementing systems and training to maximize revenue collection

- The benefits of outsourcing certain aspects of practice management

- Balancing clinical excellence with business savvy

- Creating a positive ripple effect in your practice and community

Notable Quotes:

"Don't be afraid to be a business person." - Monica Capelli

"You can be the nicest doctor in the world and be fair to everybody while taking care of your business as well." - Monica Capelli

Bio:

Monica Cappelli is a dental practice management expert with over 26 years of experience as a COO in the dental industry. Married to a general practice dentist for 37 years, she brings a unique insider's perspective to her work. Monica specializes in accounts receivable management, helping practices across the USA optimize their billing and collections processes. As an Accounts Receivable Consultant and coach, she offers personalized strategies to streamline revenue cycle operations and maximize financial performance. A sought-after speaker, Monica is known for her engaging style and ability to deliver actionable tips for immediate implementation in dental practices.

Find Monica:

Connect With Us:

Why You Need a Lawyer on Speed Dial Featuring Michelle Bomberger, EP 145

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:05:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, host Tracy sits down with Michelle Bomberger, an innovative attorney and entrepreneur who's revolutionizing how small businesses, particularly healthcare practices, approach legal counsel. Michelle, founder of Equinox Business Law Group, shares her unique perspective on why having a strategic legal partner is not just about avoiding trouble, but about empowering practice owners to make confident decisions and seize growth opportunities. This conversation challenges the traditional view of legal services and offers a fresh, proactive approach that could transform how you manage risk and strategy in your healthcare practice.

Episode Highlights:

The concept of a "risk profile" for healthcare practices and how understanding it can lead to better decision-making
Why having a generalist legal approach, similar to a primary care physician, can benefit your practice
The importance of regular legal "check-ups" and how they can prevent major issues down the line
Michelle's innovative fixed-price model that removes barriers to seeking legal advice
The three-pronged framework for evaluating and managing risk: contracts, insurance, and entity structure
How a proactive legal strategy can actually drive growth and opportunity in your practice
The value of having a legal partner who understands both the healthcare industry and the entrepreneurial mindset
Practical tips for finding and building a relationship with the right legal counsel for your practice
Why it's okay (and important) for practice owners to admit when they don't know something about the business side of healthcare
How the right legal support can empower not just owners but also practice managers to make better decisions

Bio:

Michelle Bomberger is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Business Law Group, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial insight to her role. With dual graduate degrees in law (J.D.) and business (M.B.A.) from Northwestern University, Michelle has a background that spans business consulting, corporate management, and law firm experience. Her approach combines pragmatic legal counsel with a deep understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of business ownership.

Michelle's innovative legal service model focuses on providing strategic, proactive guidance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Her work encompasses a wide range of business law areas, including strategic planning, ownership and governance, transactions, and employment matters. Recognized as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" and a King County Executive's Woman Small Business of the Year, Michelle is also actively involved in community service, serving on boards of local non-profits and business organizations.

Born in Panama and now based in Seattle, Michelle balances her professional life with family time, cooking, traveling, and reading.

Find Michelle:

Connect With Us:

Thriving

Value-Based Care in Healthcare: How Private Practice Owners Can Boost Profits While Improving Patient Outcomes EP 144 Featuring Katherine Evans

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 13:47:00 -0400

In this episode of Thriving Practice, we dive deep into the world of value-based care with Katherine Evans, President of Novocardia, a division of Cardiovascular Associates of America. Katherine shares her expertise on how value-based care models are transforming cardiovascular healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing provider experiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

Understanding value-based care and its importance in modern healthcare
The role of technology in streamlining care delivery and reducing provider burnout
Implementing comprehensive care models for chronic conditions like heart failure
Strategies for improving patient access and experience
The importance of interdisciplinary teams in healthcare delivery
Balancing fee-for-service and value-based care models
The future of healthcare reimbursement and quality metrics

Notable Quotes:

"Value-based care really sits on a continuum." - Katherine Evans

"My goal ultimately is to have providers when they finish their day, it's done." - Katherine Evans

"It's really important for all of us to continue to stop and slow down so that we can move faster." - Katherine Evans

Takeaways:

Value-based care models focus on quality outcomes rather than transactional healthcare, creating win-win scenarios for patients and providers.
Technology plays a crucial role in improving care delivery, from remote patient monitoring to AI-assisted triage systems.
Effective implementation of value-based care requires a prescriptive model and careful planning.
Improving provider experience directly translates to better patient care and outcomes.

Katherine’s Bio:

Katherine Evans is the President of Novocardia, a division of Cardiovascular Associates of America, the largest network of private practice cardiologists in the United States. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology and value-based care, Katherine is at the forefront of transforming cardiovascular care delivery in the country.

Find Katherine:

Connect With Us: