Can you grow your business without spending a cent on ads? Karl Schwantes says yes — by using Google reviews the right way. In this episode, he shares how NDIS providers and small businesses can turn great client experiences into a steady stream of new leads for free.

You’ll learn how to make your service remarkable, get more five-star reviews, and build a reputation that attracts both clients and staff.

#NDIS #NDISmarketing #disabilitybusiness #NDISproviders

In this episode, former Sydney Swans player Barnaby Howarth shares a story that is real, raw, and unforgettable.

After surviving a violent gang attack that left him with brain damage, Barnaby rebuilt his life with grit, humour, and kindness. He talks about what resilience truly means, how to keep going when life falls apart, and why being a good person matters more than any so-called superpower.

He also opens up about how people can have genuine conversations with people with disabilities, without the awkwardness or corporate talk that often gets in the way.

If you work in the NDIS or lead a business that helps others, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Listen now to rethink what strength, success, and leadership really mean.

#NDIS #Resilience #BarnabyHowarth #Podcast #Leadership

What happens when life takes a sharp turn and your dream disappears overnight?

In this episode, Michael talks with Emanuel, the National Operations Manager at Ability Connect, who shares how a car accident changed his life and how he rebuilt purpose through leadership, systems, and people in the NDIS sector.

They discuss how to move from personal loss to leadership growth, the importance of sustainable systems, and how to stay profitable without burning out. Emanuel also opens up about managing teams, keeping culture strong, and setting healthy limits in a demanding industry.

This episode covers:

• Moving from athlete to NDIS leader
• Building systems that actually save time
• Reducing burnout in support coordination
• The truth about unpaid work in NDIS
• Creating structure and sustainability in business

If you work in the NDIS or lead a care organisation, this conversation will help you think differently about people, purpose, and profit.

#NDIS #Leadership #NDISBusiness #SupportCoordination #Podcast #AbilityConnect #AthleticKoala

What does it take to stay awesome at what you do without burning out?

In this episode, Michael talks with Bradley Williams, founder of The Becoming Collective, about what it means to keep your energy, passion, and purpose alive in the work you do.

Brad shares how occupational therapists and other professionals can:

• Build genuine connection and community
• Find purpose in their daily work
• Prevent burnout by knowing their strengths and limits
• Lead with honesty, reflection, and care
• This is a real conversation about staying grounded, connected, and inspired while doing meaningful work.
• Listen if you have ever felt tired, misaligned, or ready to rediscover your reason for doing what you do.

Learn more about The Becoming Collective: https://www.thebecomingcollective.com

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-williams-6a408343/

#OccupationalTherapy #NDIS #Leadership #Burnout #BecomingCollective #Podcast #OTLife

Thinking about launching a podcast but second-guessing yourself? In this episode, Svenja and I unpack practical ways to beat imposter syndrome, get your first episodes out, and set up simple systems that keep things moving. We cover minimum viable gear, show format choices, guest management, and how a podcast builds trust faster than a website or social post alone.

What you will learn:

• A simple first step to silence imposter syndrome
• The minimum tech to start without overthinking it
• Solo vs guest formats and how to choose
• How guest management actually works in practice
• Planning a season, timelines, and basic workflows
• Why a podcast helps buyers trust you faster

Meet Jeremy Pucheta, founder of Move2Thrive Clinic. In this candid conversation he shares how he grew from sole trader to a team, what went wrong, what worked, and how he balances family life with building a business. We dig into pricing with confidence, systems that keep you sane, the lonely middle ground of scaling, and why mentorship and community matter.

What you will learn:

• Moving from sole trader to company and tracking real growth
• Pricing your time, avoiding undercharging, and saying no
• Systems for scheduling, invoicing, marketing, and client communication
• Specialisation and pain education in allied health
• Balancing clinician work with leading a team
• Managing energy, mental health, and time with young kids
• Using LinkedIn and multi-platform posting without burning out
• When to outsource and how to think about your role as an asset

The NDIS world is full of passionate providers, but how do you tell the difference between the ones who genuinely care and those who don’t?

In this episode of the NDIS Provider Growth Journey Podcast, Michael Clark sits down with Ward Sheehan, founder of Ethical Tick. Ward has over 30 years’ experience in disability services and is now focused on connecting ethical, like-minded providers who put participants first.

Ward shares:

• Why he created Ethical Tick and how it helps providers stand out.
• The biggest cultural shift he’s seen in the NDIS sector.
• Stories of providers who choose honesty and outcomes over quick wins.
• How referrals and collaboration build stronger businesses than self-promotion.
• Why niche services and lived experience matter more than generic offerings.
• Practical advice for providers stuck in scarcity mindsets.

Ward’s perspective is refreshing: business growth doesn’t come from competing for scraps, but from building trust, being honest about your strengths, and supporting others.

If you’re an NDIS provider, leader, or BDM wanting to grow your network the right way, this conversation will give you real, actionable ideas.

TW: Mental Health.

What happens when life forces you to confront stress, loss and burnout head-on?

In this episode, we speak with Brett Sams, founder of The Self Care Zone. Brett’s story begins with tragedy and evolves into a mission to help others prioritise self-care, resilience, and mental health in their personal lives and workplaces.

Brett shares:

• His personal journey after losing his brother and how support shaped his recovery.
• Why driving became his unexpected gateway to self-development.
• How leaders can reduce stress and prevent burnout in their teams.
• The true financial and cultural cost of neglecting staff wellbeing.
• Practical self-care strategies that anyone can apply every day.

Brett’s insights show that self-care is not a luxury. It is the foundation of strong leadership, healthy teams and long-term success.

If you are a business leader, manager, or simply someone carrying too much on your shoulders, this conversation will leave you with real, practical tools to reset and take back control.