Allied Health Business Brilliance

Hosted by Cathy Love

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446

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast powered by Nacre Consulting (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) is a much-loved conversation for those wanting to hear real life Australian Allied Health business stories, adventures, and the occasional confession. The outstanding guest list includes Allied Health Business Owners and wonderful small business supporters such as accountants, marketers, bookkeepers, IT wizards, virtual assistants, lawyers and more. As you know, it takes a village to run a business. Cathy Love, our anchor for this podcast gathers the tribe, captures the collective wisdom and conveniently delivers it to your earbuds. All episodes are chatty, honest, and practical… It gets real, it gets vulnerable. And that’s why we love doing what we do.

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June 14, 202644 min

Burn In, Not Out – Boundaries, Burnout and Occupational Alignment

In this episode, we welcome back Occupational Therapist, Allied Health Business Owner and Founder of the OT Lifestyle Movement, Rhiannon Crispe.Lovely Rhiannon shares the story behind the Burn In Model, a contemporary framework created to help clinicians, teams and everyday humans understand what fuels their inner fire, what dims it, and what boundaries are needed to protect it.This conversation moves through burnout, compassion fatigue, toxic systems, professional identity, creativity, parenting, business ownership and the deep need for occupational alignment in a sector experiencing enormous change.Topics covered on burnout, the Burn In Model, and boundaries:Burnout beyond the individual – Rhiannon explores burnout as more than personal stress, unpacking the role of systems, workload, environment and emotional load in Allied Health.The Burn In Model – A practical and visual framework for understanding what fuels our inner flame, what dims it, and what helps clinicians stay connected to meaningful work.Boundaries and occupational alignment – A grounded conversation about protecting energy, rebuilding boundaries and staying aligned with work, life and values during sector change.P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you.Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business. Midroll Message: Have a great podcast idea or know someone who should be part of the conversation? Email podcast@nacre.com.auConnect with Nacre Consulting:Let’s connect on InstagramFollow us on FacebookLet’s connect on LinkedInJoin our Facebook Group online communityMore about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast:The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

June 7, 202636 min

Beyond Clinical Delivery – Governance, Risk and the Future

In this episode of Allied Health Business Brilliance, Cathy Love is joined by Layland Webb, Business Manager at Nacre Consulting, for a timely conversation recorded during a significant week of sector change, policy discussion and budget anticipation.Cathy and Layland unpack the early signals emerging from the New South Wales procurement model, the likely implications for Thriving Kids, and what Allied Health Business Owners need to be thinking about now.This conversation goes beyond clinical service delivery. It looks at governance, evidence, risk exposure, diversification, subcontracting opportunities, government expectations, and the growing need for Allied Health businesses to operate with stronger commercial sophistication.For business owners watching NDIS reform, Thriving Kids, state budgets and procurement decisions unfold, this episode is a clear reminder: waiting quietly is not a strategy.Topics covered on clinical governance, business exposure, and diversification of Allied Health business:Governance is non-negotiable – Allied Health businesses need clear structures, reporting, evidence and risk management to be taken seriously in future contracting environments.Knowing your business risk exposure – why owners need to understand their revenue, referral, workforce and service model risks before reform impacts land.Diversification requires strategic business mindset – Explore future opportunities across schools, government, NGOs, subcontracting and existing business IP beyond direct clinical delivery.P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you.Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Have a great podcast idea or know someone who should be part of the conversation? Email podcast@nacre.com.auConnect with Nacre Consulting:Let’s connect on InstagramFollow us on FacebookLet’s connect on LinkedInJoin our Facebook Group online communityMore about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast:The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

May 31, 202640 min

No OTs, No NDIS – Advocacy in the Midst of Reform

In this episode of Allied Health Business Brilliance, Cathy Love speaks with Michelle Oliver from Occupational Therapy Australia about the current pace of reform across the disability sector and what it means for OTs, Allied Health Business Owners, participants, children and families.Michelle shares OT Australia’s response to the new NDIS bill, the concerns surrounding functional capacity assessments, the impact of capacity building reductions, and the broader campaign behind “No OTs, No NDIS.”The conversation also explores Thriving Kids, state and territory procurement challenges, the need to include the existing private Allied Health workforce, and why advocacy needs to stay both loud and practical.Topics covered on NDIS reform, Thriving Kids, and advocacy boldly for OTs across the nation:NDIS reform and functional capacity assessmentsMichelle explains OT Australia’s concerns around the new NDIS bill, proposed eligibility changes, functional capacity assessments and the need for qualified OTs to be involved in shaping assessment models.Thriving Kids, procurement and private practice riskThe episode explores how Thriving Kids is shifting from national policy into state and territory implementation, with major concerns around procurement, workforce inclusion and the risk of excluding existing private providers.Advocacy, small business impact and the OT voiceMichelle outlines the work OT Australia is doing through submissions, ministerial meetings, member activation, webinars, upcoming Private Practice Day and the “No OTs, No NDIS” campaign.Resources Mentioned No OTs, No NDIS campaignP.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you. Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business. Midroll Message: Have a great podcast idea or know someone who should be part of the conversation? Email podcast@nacre.com.au Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

May 24, 202636 min

AI Reception and Smarter Client Flow in Allied Health

In this episode of Allied Health Business Brilliance, Layland Webb speaks with Chris Baxter from Aeva about how AI reception technology is starting to reshape the way Allied Health businesses manage phone calls, bookings, cancellations and client communication. Chris explains how Aeva works as an AI receptionist for clinics, helping reduce missed calls, support after-hours enquiries, manage bookings and reschedules, and reconnect with clients who have not booked follow-up appointments. The conversation also covers practice management software integration, data privacy, client experience, outbound calls, and where AI may support busy Allied Health teams without adding more pressure to admin staff. Topics covered on AI reception, client flow and Allied Health business operations: AI reception and smarter call handling – Chris explains how Aeva helps Allied Health businesses respond to missed calls, after-hours enquiries, cancellations and booking changes, while integrating with other practice management systems to keep client flow moving. Privacy, compliance and client trust – Chris outlines how call data, recordings and client information are managed, including Australian data storage, privacy principles, and limiting access to necessary information only. Client reactivation and future use cases – The conversation looks at outbound AI calls, including rebooking inactive clients, supporting practitioner sick-day rescheduling, and responding quickly to new enquiries from marketing campaigns. Resources Mentioned Visit Aeva hereEnjoy a 20% discount on your first month of an Aeva subscription with the code: AHBBPODCAST P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you. Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business. Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike. We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

May 17, 202643 min

Numbers, Sustainability and Self-Care in Business

In this episode of Allied Health Business Brilliance, Cathy Love speaks with Leanne Burgess, Director and co-owner of Professional Bookkeeping Services, affectionately known as PBS. Leanne returns to the podcast for a refreshingly honest conversation about business sustainability, bookkeeping, knowing your numbers, burnout, chronic fatigue, team care and what it really takes to look after the person behind the business. This conversation moves between the practical and the personal. Leanne shares how PBS has been rebuilt over the past seven to eight years, why sustainability now sits at the centre of the business, and how her own health journey forced her to rethink work, leadership and self-care.For Allied Health Business Owners, this episode is a strong reminder that business sustainability is not only about revenue, systems or reporting. It is also about the owner’s energy, support network, decision-making capacity and willingness to ask for help.Topics covered on numbers, sustainability, and self-care in business:Knowing your numbers as a Business Owner – Find out why Business Owners need reports they can actually understand, not just receive, and why clear numbers matter when margins are tight.Building sustainability into the business model – PBS rebuilt its business around sustainability, shared support, team care and more realistic ways of working.Self-care, burnout and the owner’s capacity – Leanne speaks openly about chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and why Business Owners need recovery, boundaries and the right support around them to keep leading well.P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you.Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business. Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike. We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

May 10, 202639 min

Brain Injury Rehab, Rural Practice & Diversification with Purpose

In this episode, we feature occupational therapist and Neurolinks founder Nadine Holgate to explore the evolution of a business built from clinical depth, rural context, and deliberate diversification.Nadine shares her journey from working in brain injury rehabilitation to stepping out on her own in 2011, well before the NDIS, driven by a need for flexibility and a desire to shape work around life. What unfolds is a grounded and practical conversation about building an Allied Health business across multiple service streams, working beyond metro areas, and expanding reach without losing clinical integrity.This is a story of steady growth, thoughtful decision-making, and creating a business model that responds to both opportunity and constraint.Topics covered on rural practice, diversification, and brain injury rehabilitation:Rural context and national reach – Explore what it means to operate from a regional base while extending services more broadly, including the realities, constraints, and opportunities that come with it.Diversification as a deliberate strategy – Rather than relying on a single service line, Nadine shares how her business has evolved into multiple moving parts, resulting in flexibility, sustainability, and broader impact.Building a business on brain injury rehab – Nadine reflects on launching her career in 2011, working across TAC and private clients, and how early decisions shaped the direction of her business.P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you.Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Last chance to sign up for Thriving Providers Bootcamp.Connect with Nacre Consulting:Let’s connect on InstagramFollow us on FacebookLet’s connect on LinkedInJoin our Facebook Group online communityMore about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast:The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

May 3, 202640 min

Why Your Marketing Needs to Start Before Referrals Begin

In this episode, Cathy Love speaks with Kait Cummins about a marketing challenge that many Allied Health Business Owners are experiencing. There is effort, activity, and visibility, yet conversion is not following. This conversation focuses on where that gap can occur. Cathy and Kait explore the reality that many businesses are still speaking to families too late. By the time marketing reaches them, those families may already be in the system, already informed, or already working with another provider.Instead, the discussion turns to an earlier point in the journey. The stage where parents sense something is not quite right, but do not yet have a diagnosis, clear language, or direction. They also touch on how tools such as AI within platforms like Meta are being used to better understand audience targeting and refine who the message is actually reaching. Alongside this, Kait shares a practical example of how a straightforward piece of work led to broader opportunities, including government engagement. It is a grounded reminder that clear, well-executed work can open doors without needing to be overly complex.Topics covered on marketing strategy, audience timing, and business positioning:Marketing too late in the journey – Many Allied Health businesses are speaking to families once they are already in the system, missing the earlier window of influence.Reaching the parent before it’s too late – The episode explores how to communicate with families who know something is not right but are not yet searching for therapy or specific services.Using AI and platforms to refine targeting – A brief look at how tools within Meta are helping to better define avatars and improve where marketing is directed. P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you. Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Join us this May for Thriving Providers Bootcamp to assess your business and plan your next steps as Thriving Kids reform unfolds. Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

April 26, 202628 min

Thriving Kids, Business Risk and the Work You Cannot Avoid

In this solo episode, Cathy Love speaks directly to Allied Health Business Owners who are feeling the weight of uncertainty around Thriving Kids and the broader reforms reshaping early childhood intervention. Rather than offering predictions or a policy explainer, Cathy focuses on the business mindset and practical leadership required when the system is still forming.Cathy explores the structural nature of the changes ahead, including revenue exposure, referral concentration, evolving decision-makers, and the danger of slipping into “wait and see” mode. She challenges owners to get clearer on their numbers, assess risk honestly, strengthen key relationships, and make deliberate choices that protect both current viability and future relevance.Topics covered on Thriving Kids, business risks and strategic response:Revenue and referral exposure – Cathy examines where Allied Health Business Owners may be most exposed, from early intervention funding shifts to referral concentration and cohort risk.Business risks – She unpacks the signals already on the table and why smart providers need to think ahead about future access pathways, partnerships and relevance.Why delay is not strategic – Cathy challenges the “wait and see” mindset and explains why clearer numbers, better thinking and timely action matter now.Related EpisodesEpisode 393: Leadership Under Pressure – Reform, Tension and the Decisions AheadEpisode 390: Thriving Kids, Foundational Supports & the Hidden Cost of WaitingP.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you.Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Take the early step and join the Thriving Providers Bootcamp happening in May. Connect with Nacre Consulting:Let’s connect on InstagramFollow us on FacebookLet’s connect on LinkedInJoin our Facebook Group online communityMore about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast:The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike.We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

April 19, 202620 min

Leadership Under Pressure – Reform, Tension and the Decisions Ahead

In this solo episode, Cathy Love pulls back the curtain on what has been filling her days, her headspace, and her conversations lately. From phone calls with Allied Health Business Owners across the country to discussions with advocates, stakeholders and politicians, this is a grounded reflection on what leadership looks like when the sector feels uncertain, pressured and in transition. Cathy shares what she has been reading, what she has been listening to, and what has been helping her think more clearly as reforms continue to unfold across the NDIS, Foundational Supports, Thriving Kids and aged care. She also reflects on the difference between stress and tension, the value of thinking space, and why business owners need to stay connected, steady and responsive in moments like this. Topics covered on leadership under pressure, thinking space and business readiness: What Cathy is hearing from Allied Health Business Owners – Cathy shares what is coming through in coaching conversations right now, including concerns about reform, readiness, decision-making and how owners are supporting both their people and their businesses. Why tension is not always a bad thing – A powerful idea from Seth Godin helps reframe tension as something that can signal movement, possibility and meaningful change, rather than something to avoid. What is helping Cathy stay steady and clear – Cathy talks through the books, podcasts, conversations and personal rhythms helping her stay thoughtful and grounded while leading through a demanding season. P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you. Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Secure Early Bird tickets for the upcoming Thriving Providers Bootcamp. Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike. We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.

April 12, 202632 min

Project Management for Allied Health Business Owners – Turning Ideas Into Action

In this episode of Allied Health Business Brilliance, Cathy Love is joined by Nacre Consulting teammate Regina Jean-Francois, who works across project management, podcast coordination, communications and marketing. Together, they unpack what project management really means in a growing business and why it matters far beyond a simple to-do list. This conversation explores how good project management helps Allied Health Business Owners move ideas out of their heads and into strong actionable steps. Cathy and Regina discuss the systems, tools and team habits that help work get done at Nacre, including Asana, workflows, automation, accountability, and the importance of designing a project properly before jumping into delivery. They also reflect on why project management is a learnable skill, why email is a poor way to run complex work, and how structure creates better outcomes for teams, clients and the business as a whole.Topics covered on project management, systems and business operations: Project management basics – Why project management is the structure that moves ideas out of your head and into action, outcomes and repeatable delivery. Systems and workflow design – How various tools like Asana, SharePoint, ActiveCampaign, Zapier, Planable and Systemhub help Nacre coordinate campaigns, content, communication and team handovers more effectively. Business operations and accountability – Why growing businesses need more than a to-do list, including clearer ownership, stronger team accountability, better visibility across projects, and measures that show whether the work actually achieved something. P.S. If this episode is hitting on pain points you’re facing, let’s chat. We can support you. Book a 20-minute complimentary call with us, and let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your vision for your Allied Health business.Midroll Message: Join our Foundational Supports for Thriving Providers Masterclass! Connect with Nacre Consulting: Let’s connect on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Let’s connect on LinkedIn Join our Facebook Group online community More about The Allied Health Business Brilliance Podcast: The Allied Health Business Brilliance podcast (previously known as Private Practice Made Perfect) powered by Nacre Consulting features authentic conversations that offer real-life stories and expert perspectives for Australian Allied Health Business Owners. Cathy Love, our engaging host, gathers wisdom from Allied Health professionals and industry supporters alike. We dive into the real experiences of running and growing Allied Health businesses in Australia, revealing both the rewards and the inevitable challenges along the way. It’s raw, sometimes vulnerable, but always valuable. Join us and stay tuned to keep up with every inspiring story and lesson shared.