In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Lisa sits down with Jessica Cowling, founder of Innerworks Counselling in London, Ontario. Together, they explore what it means to grow as a leader — from the early stages of group practice ownership to running a multi-layered organization with a leadership team, clear systems, and financial clarity. Jessica shares the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped her move from “I don’t want to be a leader” to confidently calling herself a CEO.
What You’ll Hear:
- How Jessica went from solo practice to leading a team of 28 (and why that growth felt both scary and freeing)
- What it means to lead through others — shifting from direct connection to empowering middle management
- How to build programs by letting your team’s passions shine
- Jessica’s powerful approach to leadership: calling people up rather than calling them out
- The truth about money in group practice — why “the numbers don’t lie” and how to make peace with them
- The common money mistake practice owners make (hint: giving too much away)
- How to balance being trauma-informed and business-minded
- Why your business needs to take care of you, not the other way around
- Practical steps to move from overwhelm to confidence as a CEO
Resources Mentioned
Group Practice Connection – Lisa’s membership community for Canadian group practice owners
Innerworks Counselling London, ON – Jessica’s practice
Lisa’s free Time & Energy Audit (mentioned in other episodes for related context)
Featured Guest: Jessica Cowling
Jessica Cowling is the founder and CEO of InnerWorks Counselling, a thriving group practice in London, Ontario. Since launching as a solo practitioner in 2016, Jessica has grown InnerWorks into a team of over 30 clinicians, interns, coaches, and support staff who serve families across the region with an innovative, one-stop-shop approach to mental health care.
Known for her visionary thinking and action-oriented leadership style, Jessica has built a practice that disrupts traditional therapy models - offering everything from Dungeons & Dragons therapy groups to in-home therapeutic coaching for autistic youth. She's passionate about creating meaningful clinical outcomes while also building a workplace where therapists can truly thrive.
When she's not dreaming up new programs, learning vibe-coding, or diving into her beloved spreadsheets (usually with a coffee in hand), Jessica loves travelling to Mexico with her family, being the #1 karate/soccer-mom cheerleader, and snuggling on the couch with her goldendoodle, Hazel.
Follow Innerworks London:
www.innerworkslondon.com
socials @innerworks_london
Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo
Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.
Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.
Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.
When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.
Connect with the Host:
Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork
Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo
Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.
Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is going—and what it’s actually worth.
👉 Download it here
And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside Group Practice Connection—the membership designed to help Canadian group practice owners lead with clarity and confidence.
✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here
Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts
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