Episode Description:

In this episode, Sharon Curtain, Dietitian, health coach, Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia, and Board Member of HCANZA, is joined by Ben Harris, Director of Policy and Research at Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body representing Australia's private health insurers.

Ben shares his perspective on where health coaching fits within Australia's healthcare system and why prevention, chronic disease management, and person-centred care will play an increasingly important role in the future of healthcare. Drawing on his experience in health policy, economics, government, and the private health sector, Ben explains why Australia's healthcare system continues to focus heavily on acute care, despite growing evidence that prevention and early intervention can improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.

We explore the challenges of funding preventative health initiatives, the limitations of a fee-for-service healthcare model, and the opportunities for health coaches to support people living with chronic conditions. Ben highlights the unique role health coaches play in helping individuals navigate barriers to change, build sustainable healthy habits, and connect health goals with what matters most in their lives.

The conversation also examines the growing recognition of health coaching within private health programs, the importance of professional standards and accreditation, and the challenges of integrating health coaching into established healthcare funding models.

Finally, we discuss what is needed for health coaching to become more widely recognised across Australia and New Zealand, including stronger evidence, greater public awareness, continued advocacy, and a growing workforce of professionally trained and accredited health coaches.

Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association (HCANZA) has established the professional competencies, standards, and scope of practice for accredited health coaches across Australia and New Zealand, supporting the delivery of safe, ethical, and evidence-informed coaching that helps individuals achieve meaningful and lasting health outcomes.

Guest Bio:

Ben Harris

Director Policy and Research at Private Healthcare Australia

Greater Melbourne Area

Private Healthcare Australia

Ben Harris is Director of Policy and Research at Private Healthcare Australia, the peak body representing the country's private health insurance industry. An economist by training, Ben has built his career across government and the not-for-profit sector, specialising in health and social policy.

In his current role, he works at the intersection of industry, government, and regulation—leveraging data, research, and academic insights to inform policy and advocate for better outcomes for both consumers and the healthcare system. He collaborates closely with government and key stakeholders to shape evidence-based solutions that strengthen the sector.

Ben is also the author of several policy papers, including Is Medicare Fair? and Australia's Mental and Physical Health Tracker, reflecting his ongoing contribution to national conversations around healthcare policy and reform.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

Linkedin HCANZA PAge: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza

How to get in touch with the guest:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-harris-pha

Episode Description:

How visible are you as a health coach — and more importantly, how easily can you be found?

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we're joined by Sue Ellson, LinkedIn specialist, author, educator, and early adopter of the platform since 2003. Sue shares practical, strategic insights into how health coaches can use LinkedIn to strengthen professional credibility, improve searchability, and build long-term visibility in a deliberate and sustainable way.

We explore what makes LinkedIn different from other social media platforms, why optimising your profile is essential, and how newsletters, articles, events, and thoughtful engagement can help you grow influence without becoming "salesy." Sue also breaks down the difference between personal profiles and company pages, how to systemise your presence (without automating), and why professional visibility is about relationships, not quick pitches.

Whether you're newly accredited, building your private practice, or refining your professional footprint, this episode offers practical guidance to help you be seen, trusted, and found — with clarity and confidence.

Guest Bio:

Sue Ellson is an Independent LinkedIn Specialist, author, educator, practitioner and consultant.

She is also a gigster, a person who uses technology to attract aligned gigs and a former banker.

Sue provides teaching, training, speaking and consulting services to individuals, small, medium and large businesses, corporates, schools, universities, associations and government in Australia and overseas.

She is the author of five non-fiction books on the topics of LinkedIn, Careers, Business, Hyper Local Marketing and Gigsters. Sue is also the Founder of Newcomers Network and has been featured in over 1,000 publications and 135+ appearances on television, radio, podcasts and audio shows.

Resources:

How to get in touch with Sue:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueellson
Website: https://sueellson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sueellson2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueellson
Substack: https://substack.com/@sueellson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sueellson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sueellson
X / Twitter: https://x.com/sueellson

Sign up to her free monthly newsletter at https://sueellson.com/newsletters

View free webinar slides and recordings at https://sueellson.com/webinars-and-recordings

Learn more about her services and pricing at https://sueellson.com/services-and-pricing

Contact her via https://sueellson.com/contact

How to get in touch with HCANZA:

What makes health coaching more than just a conversation? Evidence-based frameworks, proven models, and a structured skillset grounded in science.

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we're joined by Sharon Curtain—dietitian, certified health coach, educator, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia. Sharon developed Australia's first nationally accredited Diploma of Health Coaching, and she's here to break down the core competencies, behavior change science, and coaching models that set accredited health coaches apart.

We explore the use of Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model, and Self-Determination Theory, and why honoring scope of practice, client autonomy, and readiness to change creates better outcomes—not just for clients, but for health professionals too.

Whether you're a HCANZA-accredited coach, a clinician integrating coaching into your work, or a health professional exploring this path—this episode is packed with practical insights and a powerful reminder: coaching works because it's grounded in evidence.

Guest Bio:

BSc. Melbourne University, MNutrDiet Deakin University, Plenty Training – TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Groupwork Centre – Facilitation training, PreKure – Certified Health Coach American Council on Exercise – Health Coaching and Behaviour Change Specialist Training.

Sharon is a Dietitian, Certified Health Coach, Certified Trainer and Assessor, Trained Facilitator, Entrepreneur, and Director of Accredited Health Coaching Australia, and has authored and delivered the Diploma of Health Coaching, a nationally accredited qualification.

Sharon has worked for 23 years as a dietitian, health coach, trainer, and presenter. She worked for five years as a clinical dietitian and another five years in corporate nutrition, in roles that included food regulations, marketing, and delivering nutrition training programs. Sharon currently trains students, practitioners and coaches individuals in health behaviour change.

Sharon developed and delivered the first Australian Diploma of Health Coaching, run in collaboration with Victoria University Polytechnic and now delivers online health coaching training courses to health professionals via Accredited Health Coaching Australia. She regularly presents webinars and workshops about Health Coaching and is an educator in Health Coaching for the James Cook University Lifestyle Medicine Qualification.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

Linkedin HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza

How to get in touch with the guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-curtain-6b827866/

Website: https://www.accreditedhealthcoaching.com.au/

Supervision and mentoring aren't about checking up—they're about tuning in.

In this episode, we're joined by Sharon Tomkins, NZ-based health coach, supervisor, and HCANZA board director, to explore how reflective practice helps coaches think better, act better, and feel more resourced.

We break down the difference between mentoring and supervision, what's required to become a mentor or supervisor, and why HCANZA is aligning with global standards (ICF, EMCC, UKIHCA) to embed reflective support into our professional development model.

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode offers insight into how supervision strengthens ethics, protects your well-being, and supports client safety.

Guest Bio:

Sharon Tomkins is a New Zealand-based Health & Executive Wellness Coach, Supervisor, and HCANZA Board Director (NZ Coach Representative). She advocates for reflective practice, ethical maturity, and professional care across the coaching sector. Sharon has contributed to the development of HCANZA's Supervision and Mentoring Guidelines (2024–25), helping shape standards that balance professionalism with heart. Through her practice, ZEAL Coaching & Supervision, she supports coaches and health professionals to flourish personally and professionally — embracing growth, integrity, and wellbeing. She is committed to helping more coaches train as supervisors and mentors, aligning HCANZA with international best practice from ICF, EMCC Global, and UKIHCA.

Resources

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

LinkedIn HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA Page: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hcanza

How to get in touch with the guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontomkinscoaching/

Website: https://www.zealcoaching.co.nz/supervision/

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontomkinscoaching/

How to get in touch with the guest

Get in touch with Sharon via email sharon@zealcoaching.co.nz

Episode Description:

What does it really mean to wear more than one professional hat—and do it well?

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we sit down with Julie Schutz, a physiotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience who has added health coaching, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine to her professional toolkit.

Julie shares how co-qualification has expanded her ability to support clients holistically—while staying aligned with ethical and professional scope of practice. From navigating conversations with clients to collaborating with doctors and allied health teams, Julie offers real-world examples of what it means to bring coaching into clinical care settings with integrity.

Whether you're already a health professional—or considering adding a coaching or clinical qualification—this conversation will give you the clarity, inspiration, and practical insight to deepen your impact without crossing professional boundaries.

Guest Bio:

Julie Schutz is a practicing Physiotherapist with over 26 years of experience in public, private, and community health. She holds postgraduate qualifications in pelvic floor rehabilitation and is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Certified Fitgenes Practitioner, Clinical Pilates Specialist, and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. Julie is passionate about preventive health and believes co-qualification gives health professionals a powerful opportunity to expand their impact—while staying aligned with their scope of practice.

How to get in touch with HCANZA

Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess

Facebook HCANZA Open Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcanza

Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/

Linkedin HCANZA PAge: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza

Youtube HCANZA Page: https://www.youtube.com/@HCANZA

Instagram HCANZA: https://www.instagram.com/hcanza.healthcoaches/

In this episode of The Health Coach Impact, we go straight to the source with two incredible leaders who have helped shape the future of health coaching in our region.

Linda Funnell-Milner, Chair and Co-Founder of HCANZA, shares her journey from corporate executive and political lobbyist to health practitioner and visionary leader. With degrees in Law and Education, an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine, a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and health coaching certification from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Linda brings a powerful combination of skills and experience to HCANZA's mission. She has held governance and leadership roles with nonprofit boards, including the UN-sponsored GRI Stakeholder Council and the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association, making her a strong voice for professional standards and advocacy.

Joining Linda is Samantha McBride, Men's Performance, Wellbeing and Mental Fitness Coach, Human Physiologist, rural advocate, and founder of the Men's Muster Fiordland and liveMEwell. With an Honours Degree in Human Physiology and a passion for serving remote and underserved communities, Samantha is dedicated to helping men access the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to improve their health and wellbeing. Her unique focus on male-oriented wellness programs and rural community engagement brings fresh insight into how health coaching can make a real difference.

Together, they share:

• The founding story of HCANZA and the vision behind it
• Why accreditation standards are critical for professional credibility and public trust
• How advocacy ensures health coaches have a strong voice in healthcare
• Ways members can get involved and shape the future of the profession

If you're a health coach looking to elevate your practice, connect with peers, and be part of something bigger, this episode is your perfect starting point.

Connect with us on social media for more insights, updates, and to be part of our vibrant community:

• Facebook HCANZA Exclusive Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hcanzaexclusiveaccess
• Facebook HCANZA Open Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcanza
• Facebook HCANZA Page: https://www.facebook.com/HCANZA/
• LinkedIn HCANZA Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcanza
• YouTube HCANZA Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healthcoachesaustralianewz9122

Follow us, join the conversation, and stay connected with the health coaching community making an impact!