Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

This episode wraps up Season 3 of the podcast. We'll be back for Season 4 this fall!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Hannah Turnbull, founder of NourishED Colorado, a group practice specializing in eating disorders, and a business coach at Values Driven Group.

Hannah shares her journey of building and leading a thriving group practice, the challenges and rewards of managing a team, and her bold decision to step away for an 18-week sabbatical. Together, they dive into leadership, company culture, burnout, and what it really takes to create a sustainable business that supports both clients and clinicians. 

This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for any dietitian or business owner who wants to step fully into leadership while still honoring their own life outside of work.

1. Shift Toward Coaching & Leadership Development: During the pandemic, Hannah began coaching other owners, earned a master’s in organizational leadership, and identified leadership skills as the “secret sauce” for practice success.
2. Planning a Sabbatical: Burnout triggers, delegating responsibilities to trusted leaders, writing exhaustive SOPs, securing a line of credit, and announcing the break to the team.
3. Post‑Sabbatical Structure & Work‑Life Balance: Implemented “No‑Work Wednesdays,” a four‑day work week, and strict time‑batching across multiple projects.
4. Leadership Philosophy & Lessons Learned: Advocates detaching from outcomes, modeling balance, viewing the business as an asset, and “rolling out the red carpet” for departing staff.

Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that leading well means trusting your team, setting boundaries, and creating a business that fuels your life - not the other way around.

Timestamps: 

• 00:01 Opening & Why People Matter: Jennifer sets the tone, explaining that hiring is both the most rewarding and the hardest part of running a group practice.
• 02:36 Guest Introduction – Hannah Turnbull: Founder of Nourished Colorado (9 dietitians) and Values-Driven Group (business coaching), plus co-host of the Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast.
• 04:08 Career Origins: From hospital dietitian to the “Healthy Annie” blog, a move to Denver via Craigslist, and the launch of her first private-practice space.
• 06:15 Growth & Pandemic Pivot: Rapid expansion to 8-10 clinicians, a swift shift to fully virtual during COVID, and quarterly hiring cycles.
• 09:30 Burnout & Sabbatical Decision: After completing her master’s and maxing out her coaching load, Hannah realizes she can no longer over-perform without harming herself.
• 10:50 Preparing to Step Away: She hands off clinical duties, delegates supervision, and navigates key leadership turnover while already planning a 2025 sabbatical.
• 12:06 Team Trust & SOP Creation: Hannah explains how she documented detailed standard operating procedures to ensure the practice would run without her.
• 15:00 Life on Sabbatical: Hannah discovers the power of a structured, work-free period before returning in January 2025.
• 18:15 Company Culture Deep-Dive: Emphasizes companionship, hybrid office use, purposeful all-hands meetings, retreats, and balancing fun activities against cost.
• 21:00 Transparency & Financial Sharing: Shares mission, vision, client flow, and payroll ratios (~75% payroll) while keeping full profit-and-loss details private to build trust without overwhelm.
• 24:32 Retention & Career Pathing: Discusses the typical 2-3-year clinician tenure, encourages honest conversations about growth, and promotes “red-carpet” exits to maintain goodwill.
• 27:41 Practical Sabbatical Prep: Recommends a trusted interim (e.g., finance expert), comprehensive SOPs for every task, and a line-of-credit cash-flow safety net.
• 34:20 Leadership Philosophy: Advocates consent-based hiring, mutual choice to stay, evolving roles, and “rolling out the red carpet” for departing staff as brand ambassadors.
• 41:38 Sabbatical Reflection: Stepping away forces detachment from outcomes, clarifies personal values, and reinforces a sustainable work-life balance.
• 51:00 Final Takeaways: Trust the team, rely on SOPs, adopt the “It’s not that serious” mantra, and schedule regular breaks to ensure longevity.

Whether you’re dreaming of building a team, navigating leadership challenges, or simply craving more balance, this episode will leave you with the clarity and courage to create a business that truly supports the life you want to live.

Hannah Turnbull is a multi-passionate clinician entrepreneur. She founded NourishED Colorado, a dietitian group practice specializing in eating disorders and weight-inclusive care, and is a business coach at Values Driven Group, where she helps clinicians build thriving, values-aligned group practices. As co-host of the Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast, she shares insights on business, leadership, and finances. A lifelong learner, she’s often found nose-deep in a leadership or finance book.

Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

🧠 Feeling overwhelmed trying to build your team? The Lead Your Team Toolkit helps you hire, manage, and lead with confidence. Take up space as the CEO you’re meant to be.

👥 Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Hire Your Next Team Member is a free training that walks you through the first steps of hiring support for your business.

🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

Find Pursuing Private Practice on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Charlie Golighlty, founder of Group Practice Partner, a fractional practice management partner for strategic, mission-aligned support. Charlie shares why so many solo clinicians and group-practice owners feel like they’re juggling too many hats and constantly putting out fires, and how bringing in someone who understands both the clinical world and the language of business can transform that chaos into clarity.

If you’ve ever felt burnt out in the day-to-day business operations and are ready to step back, see the bigger picture, and make intentional moves for your business, this episode is for you.

1. The Realities of Running a Private or Group Practice: Exploration of the overwhelming multitasking, emotional attachment, and common pain points that practice owners face daily.
2. Introducing Fractional Practice Management: A part-time, on-demand practice manager service that keeps operations running smoothly during leaves or breaks.
3. The Three Core Pillars of a Healthy Business: Discussion on services (bones), systems (muscles), and energy (gut/heart) as essential, interlocking components.
4. Routine Business Check-Ins: The speakers recommend semiannual full reviews and mentorship input aligned with personal life cycles for sustained balance.
5. Recurring Themes Across the Business: A conversation on boundaries, burnout, and visibility as recurring challenges that need intentional focus.

This episode is for you if you’re looking for actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and practical next steps you can use to create a business that supports both your mission and your life.

Timestamps: 

• 02:31 Charlie’s Background: From an eating‑disorder dietitian to a B2B educator, Charlie brings many years of private‑practice experience to group‑practice consulting.
• 03:51 Why Group Practices Struggle: Accidental “boss” status, rapid scaling, and lack of business foundations leave many dietitians overwhelmed.
• 07:07 Boundaries & Sustainability: Charging enough, protecting personal time, and building a profitable practice are essential for long‑term success.
• 08:15 Three‑Pillar Framework: Services (bones), Systems (muscles), and Energy (heart/gut) must stay balanced for a healthy business.
• 17:20 Assessment Categories: Finances, hiring/onboarding, operations, contractor vs. employee, burnout, and general support guide the audit.
• 24:25 Coasting as Strategy: Deliberate “coasting” periods let owners rest while a well‑oiled machine runs smoothly, often with a temporary CEO.
• 29:06 Emotional Validation: Feeling uneasy about taking a break is normal; you deserve rest and sustainable success.

Whether you’re running a solo practice or managing a growing team, this conversation will leave you inspired, better equipped, and ready to make confident decisions for the future of your business.

Charlie Golightly supports the visionaries behind group practices by acting as the integrator - the person who brings it all together. Through fractional practice management, they help human-centered teams get the nitty gritty details done with clarity, sustainability, and care. Whether its reimagining your systems, putting out administrative fires, or supporting your team while you take a leave, Charlie has your back. Learn more about their services and get your free Business Vitality Assessment at GroupPracticePartner.com.

Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

🧠 Feeling overwhelmed trying to build your team? The Lead Your Team Toolkit helps you hire, manage, and lead with confidence. Take up space as the CEO you’re meant to be.

👥 Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Hire Your Next Team Member is a free training that walks you through the first steps of hiring support for your business.

🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

Find Pursuing Private Practice on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the COAST stage of business. Join them to discuss the importance of coasting as a business owner, how it can be a strategic and intentional phase, and the benefits it brings to personal and professional life. 

When you’re a business owner, the need to COAST can come up at any time, sometimes planned, and sometimes unplanned. Whether you think you’ll be coasting anytime soon or not, this episode will leave you feeling confident when it’s your time to COAST. 

1. COAST Stage of Business: Coasting is defined as an intentional phase in business, often necessary during personal life events.
2. Boundaries and Self-Care in the COAST Stage: Emphasizes the importance of evolving boundaries and prioritizing self-care during coasting.
3. Personal Development and Self-Understanding: Business ownership offers opportunities for personal growth and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses.
4. Saying No and Identity as a Business Owner: Discusses the power of saying no and balancing personal identity with business responsibilities.
5. Motherhood and Coasting: Highlights how motherhood and family responsibilities necessitate coasting in business.

This conversation will help you see coasting not as a setback, but as a strategic way to build a sustainable business and life.

Timestamps: 

• 00:38 Podcast Series Details: The series will explore the five stages of business, emphasizing personalized roadmaps for success.
• 01:53 Resources and Toolkits: Highlights available resources and toolkits for different stages of business, including upcoming releases.
• 04:23 COAST Stage of Business: Introduction to the COAST stage, emphasizing its importance and intentional nature in business management.
• 05:55 Reasons for Coasting: Lists various reasons for coasting, such as personal health and life events, validating its necessity.
• 06:43 Defining Coasting: Clarifies that coasting involves intentional management, not inactivity, similar to intuitive eating misconceptions.
• 08:50 Boundaries and Self-Care: Discusses evolving boundaries and prioritizing self-care during the coasting stage of business.
• 13:01 Learning About Yourself: Highlights the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses through assessments.
• 14:12 Saying No and Personal Development: Explains the power of saying no to prioritize personal life and shares personal growth experiences.
• 16:14 Motherhood and Coasting: Discusses how motherhood and family responsibilities necessitate coasting in business.
• 18:35 Mindset Shift and Diet Culture: Encourages rejecting societal pressures in business and diet culture, advocating for personal success definitions.

This conversation is a reminder that coasting can be part of growth, and it’s an essential step in a business that works for your life, not against it. 

🧑‍💻Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

Sign up for the Business School Mastermind waitlist! 

🧠 Feeling overwhelmed trying to build your team?

The Lead Your Team Toolkit helps you hire, manage, and lead with confidence. Whether it’s your first hire or your fifth, you’ll get clear steps, templates, and support to grow your business without burnout.

Take up space as the CEO you’re meant to be. Enroll now.

👥 Ready to stop doing it all yourself?

Hire Your Next Team Member is a free training that walks you through the first steps of hiring support for your business. You’ll learn how to plan your team structure, write clear job descriptions, and lead with confidence, without the overwhelm.

Start building the support you need. Sign up for the free workshop today.

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the LEAD stage of business. This stage is focused on the importance of hiring and leading a team. Hear insights on how dietitians can step into leadership roles, overcome the fear of hiring, and build a sustainable business. 

Whether you already have a team, are ready to hire, or may want to hire in the future, this episode is for you. 

1. Introduction to the LEAD Stage: Learn why hiring is essential for expanding your business without compromising self-care and boundaries.
2. New Resources for Hiring and Leading: Discover a free guide and upcoming Team Toolkit to assist in the hiring and leadership process.
3. Challenges and Solutions in the LEAD Stage: Explore common fears in hiring and strategies for building a strong company culture.
4. Combining Business School and the EXPAND Curriculum: The new Business School Mastermind will support dietitians in the LEAD stage of business as well as dietitians starting and growing.
5. Celebrating Success in the LEAD Stage: Emphasize the importance of focusing on your strengths and achieving business sustainability.

Tune in to gain the tools, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you need to confidently LEAD your business to the next level.

Timestamps: 

• 00:28 Free Guide and Team Toolkit: Two resources are highlighted: a free guide for hiring preparation and an upcoming Team Toolkit for the hiring process.
• 01:37 Podcast Series Introduction: Jennifer introduces the podcast series focused on the five stages of business: SET UP, START, GROW, LEAD, and COAST.
• 02:24 Resources for Different Business Stages: Various resources are available for different stages of business, including toolkits for marketing, finances, and team building.
• 03:56 Business School Mastermind Program: The Business School Mastermind program is introduced as a comprehensive support system for dietitians.
• 05:46 LEAD Stage of Business Discussion: Jennifer and Courtney discuss the LEAD stage of business, emphasizing the necessity of hiring to avoid burnout.
• 08:53 Challenges and Mindset in the LEAD Stage: Insights from the EXPAND program highlight challenges in hiring and leadership, focusing on building company culture.
• 18:24 Skills and Requirements for the LEAD Stage: Key skills for moving forward include hiring, training, managing, and leading a team effectively.
• 21:03 Celebrating the LEAD Stage: The celebration involves stepping into one's zone of genius and delegating tasks to maintain business sustainability.

This conversation will leave you feeling empowered to build the team you need, so you can lead with confidence, protect your energy, and grow a sustainable practice. 

🧠 Feeling overwhelmed trying to build your team?

The Lead Your Team Toolkit helps you hire, manage, and lead with confidence. Whether it’s your first hire or your fifth, you’ll get clear steps, templates, and support to grow your business without burnout.

Take up space as the CEO you’re meant to be. Enroll now.

👥 Ready to stop doing it all yourself?

Hire Your Next Team Member is a free training that walks you through the first steps of hiring support for your business. You’ll learn how to plan your team structure, write clear job descriptions, and lead with confidence, without the overwhelm.

Start building the support you need. Sign up for the free workshop today.

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the GROW stage of business. This is a stage where you'll focus on expanding your reach, refining your marketing strategies, and implementing new systems, all while continuing to serve your clients effectively. This stage of business is all about getting fully booked but on your terms. In this episode, Jennifer walks you through the ups and downs and practical advice for marketing, finances, and much more. 

Whether you're looking to refine your current practice or considering launching new offers, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you grow sustainably.

1. GROW Stage of Business: Transitioning from the start stage, the GROW stage involves defining "fully booked" and personalizing business goals with systems and strategies.
2. Challenges and Considerations: Key challenges include understanding finances, setting boundaries, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
3. Launching New Offers: Business owners are encouraged to refine current offers and consider audience size before launching new services or products.
4. Graduating from the GROW Stage: Success in this stage involves understanding conversion rates, maintaining sustainability, and celebrating achievements.

This episode will empower you to make strategic decisions, streamline your systems, and confidently step into the next level of your business growth.

Timestamps: 

• 00:29 Introduction to the GROW Stage: Jennifer McGurk introduces the GROW stage, highlighting its personalized nature and the importance of defining "fully booked" for each practitioner.
• 05:13 Defining the GROW Stage: Jennifer explains how dietitians can identify if they are in the GROW stage, focusing on confidence in client work and setting personal business goals.
• 10:36 Challenges in the GROW Stage: The episode addresses common challenges such as setting boundaries and understanding finances, emphasizing the need for experimentation.
• 14:57 Marketing and Finances: Jennifer discusses the critical role of marketing and financial understanding in maintaining a sustainable private practice.
• 16:18 Launching New Offers: The discussion covers the idea of launching new offers, advising caution due to the significant effort and resources required.
• 12:38 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship: Jennifer highlights the importance of understanding financial needs for those considering leaving a full-time job.
• 26:36 Celebrating Success: Jennifer encourages listeners to celebrate their achievements in reaching the GROW stage and reflect on their business progress.

No matter where you’re at in growing your business, this episode will help you clarify your goals and take intentional action to build a business that works for you.

🧑‍💻Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

Business School is officially open for enrollment, and it’s the best way to get direct support for your private practice. This program combines business coaching, accountability, office hours, and the most supportive community of dietitians you’ll find. 

Plus, it includes a full curriculum designed to help you at every stage, whether you're seeing your first clients, refining your marketing, or ready to hire a team. 

With Business School evolving into a mastermind experience, you’ll have access to two tracks: one for starting and growing your practice, and one for leading and building your team. No matter where you are, you’ll get the resources, support, and confidence to run your business like a CEO.

Enrollment closes July 25th, so now’s the time to join us and take the next step toward building a business that works for your life.

📈 Are you tired of feeling stuck with getting new clients? 

Your Marketing Plan Toolkit will help you map out your marketing strategy to attract more ideal clients to your private practice. This toolkit gives you the strategies, tools, and templates to find, connect, and convert a potential ideal client into a long-term customer in your private practice. 

💸Are you ready to finally make more money? 

Check out the Make More Money Toolkit, designed to get you unstuck with private practice finances. You’ll get the tools and guidance to: 

• Set realistic goals for your life and finances, starting with where you are right now

• Connect your business to your life: figure out the "paycheck" you need and how income, expenses, and taxes all fit together

• Build simple systems that support your financial goals (and make things feel easier!)

• Feel confident about your pricing, your profits, and the big vision you’re working toward

💰 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days (for FREE)? 

Join the training - Grow Your Business: Get Clients Now, for actionable strategies to clarify your ideal client, streamline your marketing funnel, and execute a visibility plan that works. With daily videos, workbooks, and steps tailored to grow your business, you’ll build confidence and see real results. 

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and team member Courtney Vickery, CEO of Declet Designs, to talk about the START stage of business, the time where you transition from setting up your private practice to seeing your first clients. We'll explore the emotions, challenges, and action steps involved in this stage, focusing on the importance of developing strong counseling skills and effective customer service strategies. 

Whether you're just starting to see clients in your private practice or looking to refine your counseling approach, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to help you keep clients coming back.

1. Characteristics of Dietitians in the START Stage: Highlights the experience of working with dietitians and the importance of counseling skills.
2. Thoughts and Feelings in the START Stage: Discusses the excitement, overwhelm, and hopefulness experienced by dietitians in this stage.
3. Challenges in the START Stage: Identifies selling services and customer service as key challenges for dietitians.
4. Requirements to Move Forward: Stresses the need for strong counseling skills and forming therapeutic alliances.
5. Celebrating the START Stage: Encourages recognizing the importance of work and passion in fueling business growth.

By understanding the unique dynamics and realistic expectations of the START stage, you’ll be better equipped to counsel clients and make an impact with your business. 

Timestamps: 

• 04:49 START Stage of Business: Explanation of the transition from SET UP to START stage, focusing on seeing first clients.
• 05:49 Counseling Skills and Client Retention: Emphasis on developing counseling skills to retain clients and build therapeutic relationships.
• 08:28 Challenges in the START Stage: Discussion of common feelings and challenges, including selling services and managing customer service.
• 13:12 Ideal Clients and Business Growth: Encouragement to experiment with different client types to identify ideal clients.
• 14:08 Counseling Skills Toolkit: Announcement of an upcoming Counseling Skills Toolkit focusing on counseling and customer service. Join the waitlist today.
• 15:31 Celebrating the START Stage: Recognition of the significance of the START stage in feeling fulfilled as a dietitian.

Navigating the START stage is not just about getting clients. It's about becoming a confident, capable counselor for your clients, which is the foundation of your private practice. 

🧑‍💻Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

Business School is officially open for enrollment, and it’s the best way to get direct support for your private practice. This program combines business coaching, accountability, office hours, and the most supportive community of dietitians you’ll find. 

Plus, it includes a full curriculum designed to help you at every stage, whether you're seeing your first clients, refining your marketing, or ready to hire a team. 

With Business School evolving into a mastermind experience, you’ll have access to two tracks: one for starting and growing your practice, and one for leading and building your team. No matter where you are, you’ll get the resources, support, and confidence to run your business like a CEO.

Enrollment closes July 25th, so now’s the time to join us and take the next step toward building a business that works for your life.

🤝Want to improve your counseling skills? 

Join the Nutrition Counseling Skills Toolkit Waitlist, launching Fall 2025! This brand-new toolkit is designed to equip dietitians with the essential counseling strategies they need to effectively support their clients. Whether you're just starting your private practice or looking to sharpen your skills as you grow, this resource will help you:

• Build confidence in your counseling sessions
• Strengthen your communication techniques
• Navigate tough conversations with compassion
• Enhance client motivation and engagement
• Integrate evidence-based counseling methods into your unique style of counseling

Join the waitlist today! 

✔️Want to see what private practice is all about? 

Download The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice and get step-by-step guidance to start your business with confidence. Take the first step toward more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment today. 

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, as she kicks off the brand new Stages of Business Series with the very first stage: SET UP. In this episode, Jennifer dives into what it really takes to get started - from finding the courage to begin, shifting your mindset for success, and the practical steps to open up a business. This is the first of five episodes, each one dedicated to a different stage of business growth!

If you’re thinking about starting a nutrition private practice, now or in the future, this episode will give you the insight, advice, and resources to help you get set up with confidence.

1. Podcast Series on Stages of Business: The series explores the five stages of business, with episodes dedicated to each stage, focusing on emotions, mindset, challenges, and action steps.
2. SET UP Stage of Business: The SET UP stage is defined by being new to private practice, with resources like the Open for Business Toolkit and Business School to assist in this phase.
3. Challenges and Mindset in the SET UP Stage: Common feelings include imposter syndrome and excitement, with an emphasis on courage and mindset shifts to progress.
4. Celebrating the SET UP Stage: Recognizing the achievement of becoming a business owner, despite challenges similar to those faced by clients in health recovery.
5. Working for Nutrition Tech Companies: Discusses the pros and cons of working for these companies versus owning a private practice, with advice for transitioning.

No matter where you’re starting from, this episode will help you take those first bold steps toward building a business that works for your life.

Timestamps: 

• 00:33 Podcast Series Introduction: Overview of the upcoming series on the five stages of business, emphasizing a personalized approach.
• 04:18 SET UP Stage of Business: Discussion on the initial stage of business, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step.
• 05:40 Challenges and Emotions: Acknowledgment of emotions like imposter syndrome and excitement in the SET UP stage.
• 06:04 Toolkit and Resources: Explanation of the Open for Business Toolkit and its role in setting up a business.
• 10:01 Mindset and Legal Considerations: Importance of mindset shifts and legal decisions in the SET UP stage.
• 12:53 Celebrating Success: Encouragement to celebrate the achievement of becoming a business owner.
• 13:53 Working for Nutrition Tech Companies: Discussion on the pros and cons of working for nutrition tech companies as a stepping stone.

The SET UP stage of business is all about shifting your mindset, executing legal decisions, defining your ideal-ish client, and creating your first offer. And yes, it’s totally possible in 30 DAYS! 

🧑‍💻Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

Business School is officially open for enrollment, and it’s the best way to get direct support for your private practice. This program combines business coaching, accountability, office hours, and the most supportive community of dietitians you’ll find. 

Plus, it includes a full curriculum designed to help you at every stage, whether you're seeing your first clients, refining your marketing, or ready to hire a team. 

With Business School evolving into a mastermind experience, you’ll have access to two tracks: one for starting and growing your practice, and one for leading and building your team. No matter where you are, you’ll get the resources, support, and confidence to run your business like a CEO.

Enrollment closes July 25th, so now’s the time to join us and take the next step toward building a business that works for your life.

🧰Just want the Open For Business Toolkit? 

Open For Business is for brand-new beginners! You'll receive step-by-step guidance to set up your nutrition practice, including mindset shifts, the legal essentials, picking an ideal-ish client, and how to design your first offer. This toolkit includes all the paperwork and templates you need to get started. In just one month, you'll be confident, organized, and fully prepared to announce you're "Open for Business."

✔️Want to see what private practice is all about? 

Download The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice and get step-by-step guidance to start your business with confidence. Take the first step toward more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment today. 

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Courtney Vickery, a valued team member and a multi-passionate entrepreneur in the weight-inclusive space, as they dive deep into the journey of building a successful private practice. In this special series, they explore the five distinct stages of business: SET UP, START, GROW, LEAD, and COAST. Each stage comes with its own set of emotions, challenges, and action steps, and they’re here to guide you through them all. Whether you're just setting up your practice or looking to expand and lead a team, they’ve got insights and resources tailored for you. Join them for stories, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you run your business like a CEO. 

Get ready to take up space in business and redefine what success means for you. 

1. Introduction to the Podcast Series: The podcast series explores the stages of business, emphasizing personalized approaches in life and business.
2. Changes to Business School: Business School and EXPAND are being combined into one program with two tracks, providing more direct support.
3. Stages of Business Framework: The framework outlines five stages of business, each with unique challenges and focuses.

Introducing each stage of business:

In the SET UP stage of business, you're laying the foundation to officially open your practice within 30 days. This phase is all about taking action and shifting into the mindset of a business owner. It's a time to make important decisions, like defining your ideal client and creating your first offer, while navigating the legal aspects of your practice. While this stage is filled with excitement and hope, it's also normal to experience anxiety and fear.

In the START stage of business, it's time to actively present your practice and announce that you’re open for business. This phase is all about experimenting with different marketing strategies, refining your systems, setting boundaries, and discovering your unique counseling style. As you build your skills, you'll gain confidence in your ability to market your business and deliver client results. Although this stage is exciting, it can also be frustrating at times, especially when you feel overwhelmed with balancing so many different tasks.

In the GROW stage of business, you'll focus on expanding your reach, refining your marketing, and improving your systems—all while continuing to serve your clients effectively. During this stage, you’ll experiment with different strategies to grow your audience and streamline your business. You may feel proud of your progress but also feel the pull to transition into full-time entrepreneurship, especially if you’re currently balancing a job. Both the excitement and the challenges you face are part of the journey.

The LEAD stage is all about stepping into a leadership role that helps you grow your business without burning out. It’s not just about constantly growing—it's about making your business more efficient, finding ways to take a step back when needed, and setting up systems that keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re preparing to coast or just want to focus on leading your team, this stage is about building a sustainable business that works for you. It’s a chance to refine your leadership skills and make sure your business is set up for long-term success.

The COAST stage is all about reconnecting with your "why" and giving yourself the permission to take a breather when you need it. It might be the most important stage of your business journey because it’s all about recharging, refocusing, and keeping things going at a pace that works for you. Whether you're working through burnout or just enjoying the space after a period of hard work, slowing down can actually be a big step forward for your business.

No matter what stage you’re in, this series will inspire you to take bold action and build a business that works for your life. It’s time to take up space in business! 

Timestamps: 

• 00:01 Introduction to the Podcast Series: Introduction of the new podcast series focused on the stages of business development, emphasizing that "one size does not fit all.”
• 00:24 Structure of the Podcast Series: The series will include an introduction and individual episodes for each business stage, encouraging listeners to download relevant episodes.
• 01:56 Business School Mastermind Program: Business School offers business coaching and a supportive community for dietitians. We're adding more to the program in September!
• 04:09 Co-host Introduction: Courtney is introduced as the co-host, having experienced all stages of business.
• 13:45 SET UP Stage of Business: Focus on laying the foundation to open a private practice within 30 days, addressing emotions and challenges.
• 17:57 START Stage of Business: Emphasis on presenting the practice, experimenting with marketing, refining systems and counseling style.
• 24:20 GROW Stage of Business: Expanding reach, refining marketing, and balancing client work with business growth.
• 32:50 LEAD Stage of Business: Importance of stepping into a leadership role, hiring, and building a sustainable business.
• 38:53 COAST Stage of Business: Emphasis on reconnecting with the business's "why" and taking a breather to recharge and refocus.

This episode gives you a quick overview of each stage, so you can reflect where you are and decide which episodes in the series are going to help move your business forward. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes dedicated to each stage of business this month! 

Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD is She's an anti-diet dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with her own private practice, Vickery Wellness. She is also the CEO of Declet Designs, her website and branding studio for weight-inclusive businesses.

Find Courtney on Instagram at @decletdesigns 

Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

Business School is officially open for enrollment, and it’s the best way to get direct support for your private practice. This program combines business coaching, accountability, office hours, and the most supportive community of dietitians you’ll find. 

Plus, it includes a full curriculum designed to help you at every stage of business! 

In September, Business School will evolve into a mastermind program with two tracks: one for starting and growing your practice, and one for leading and building your team. No matter where you are, you’ll get the resources, support, and confidence to run your business like a CEO. Join now to lock in current pricing!

Enrollment closes July 25th, so now’s the time to join us and take the next step toward building a business that works for your life.

📱 Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Amy Plano, Founder of The Reimbursement Dietitian, a successful private practice CEO passionate about helping dietitians create profitable nutrition private practices using insurance. Amy shares her journey of expanding The Reimbursement Dietitian by introducing a new service to help dietitians get credentialed and contracted with insurance companies. Jennifer and Amy chat about the ups and downs of starting something new, why meeting clients where they’re at really matters, and how group practices are shifting and growing.

Whether you're a seasoned dietitian or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to help you grow your business. 

1. New Insurance Credentialing Service: Amy discusses her decision to add a new service to her business, focusing on credentialing and contracting dietitians with insurance companies.
2. Business Strategy and Operations: The conversation highlights the importance of efficient systems, leveraging team capacity, and experimenting with new business offerings.
3. Challenges and Lessons in Business: Amy shares insights on overcoming internal struggles, the importance of teaching team members, and the realities of group practice ownership.
4. Team Dynamics and Leadership: The discussion emphasizes the significance of having the right people in the right positions, providing growth opportunities, and stepping up to be the leader of your team.
5. Advice for Group Practice Owners: Amy offers advice on hiring, managing a team, and exploring different business models for dietitians.

It’s an honest and insightful look at what it really takes to build, lead, and evolve a successful group practice as a dietitian.

Timestamps: 

• 01:36 New Service: Amy shares her decision to help dietitians get credentialed and contracted with insurance companies, with plans for future service expansion.
• 02:28 Business Evolution and Vision: Amy talks about her evolving business model, her reputation in the dietetics community, and the importance of meeting clients where they are at.
• 06:57 Challenges and Internal Struggles: Amy reflects on the internal struggle of offering done-for-you services versus teaching dietitians to be self-sufficient.
• 10:09 Team Dynamics and Operations: Amy discusses how her team adapted to the new service offering and the importance of efficient systems in managing a practice.
• 20:17 Business Offers and Client Needs: The conversation shifts to the importance of aligning business offers with client needs and avoiding shiny objects that may not serve clients effectively.
• 27:02 Hiring and Team Management: Amy shares insights on hiring practices, maximizing team capacity, and the significance of having the right people in your business.
• 33:10 Leadership and Growth: The discussion touches on leadership, the importance of team growth, and the evolving nature of business boundaries.
• 38:08 Advice for Group Practice Owners: Amy offers advice to group practice owners, emphasizing the importance of internal reflection and the challenges of managing a team.

Amy and Jennifer get real about the highs, lows, and lessons of running a group practice, and what it takes to keep growing without losing sight of what really matters.

Amy Plano, The Reimbursement Dietitian, RD, MS, CDE, CDN, is a successful private practice dietitian passionate about helping dietitians create profitable nutrition private practices using an insured-based model. Together with her husband, Marc Plano, she runs the profitable The Plano Program, a health and wellness-based center in Orange, CT. She teaches dietitians how to use health insurance to make money in their nutrition practices through her coaching programs, online resources, and seminars. 

Want more from Amy? 

Follow her on Instagram @reimbursement_dietitian

Visit her website. 

Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/open-for-business/

📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessplan/

🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/business-coaching/

Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Sumner Brooks, the founder of EDRDPro, co-author of How to Raise an Intuitive Eater, mom of two, and dog-loving RDN. Sumner shares her advice on raising children to become intuitive eaters, drawing from her personal journey in motherhood and her professional expertise. We discuss her three keys framework for fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image in children, and explore the challenges and triumphs of “balancing” motherhood as a business owner. 

Whether you're a parent, a dietitian, or someone interested in Intuitive Eating, this episode is packed with wisdom, tips, and resources to inspire and support you on your journey. 

1. Writing "How to Raise an Intuitive Eater": Sumner shares her collaboration with Amee Severson and the process of writing their book, expressing gratitude to her mentor, Elyse Resch.
2. The Three Keys Model in the Book: The book's framework includes three keys, unconditional love, flexible feeding routine, and intuitive eating voice, that interconnect to support intuitive eating.
3. Advice for Dietitians Working with Families: Sumner advises dietitians to understand intuitive eating with adults first and emphasizes the importance of listening skills and checking biases.
4. Balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership: Sumner discusses her personal experience with prioritizing and managing time to balance work and family life.

Sumner’s insights offer a powerful reminder that supporting intuitive eating in families starts with understanding, compassion, and balance - both at home and in business.

Timestamps: 

• 01:11 Discussion on Intuitive Eating and Parenting: Sumner shares her framework from the book and offers practical tips and resources for parents.
• 03:25 Sumner's Professional Journey and New Podcast: Discussion of Sumner’s new podcast, "What the Fuss? Parenting for Food and Body Image," aimed at addressing parents' questions.
• 05:16 EDRD Pro and Professional Development: Sumner talks about EDRD Pro, an online platform for continuing education in eating disorder care, and its supportive community.
• 08:15 Writing "How to Raise an Intuitive Eater": Sumner shares the journey of writing the book with co-author Amee Severson and the influence of mentor Elyse Resch.
• 16:20 The Three Keys Framework Explained: Discussion of the three keys framework, emphasizing the importance of each component in raising intuitive eaters.
• 22:43 Advice for Dietitians Working with Families: Tips for dietitians interested in working with families on intuitive eating, highlighting the importance of listening skills.
• 32:35 Balancing Motherhood and Business: Reflection on the challenges of integrating motherhood with business ownership, sharing personal insights and strategies.

Raising intuitive eaters and running a business both require flexibility, self-awareness, and a strong foundation of support, whether at home or in your professional community.

Sumner is a mom to 2 amazing kids, an avid reader, and a dog-loving registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) based outside of Portland, Oregon. She has been working in the eating disorder treatment space since 2009.

As the founder of EDRDPro, Sumner’s professional focus is on bringing innovative eating disorder training to fellow dietitians and students through weight-inclusive and diversity-affirming models of care. By marrying her passion for helping people heal with her entrepreneurial drive, Sumner’s goal in building EDRD Pro is to ensure accessible, top-quality training is available to dietitians in the eating disorder space. She is also the co-author of How to Raise an Intuitive Eater: Raising the Next Generation with Food and Body Confidence.

Want more from Sumner? 

Follow her on Instagram @intuitiveeatingrd 

Visit EDRDPro’s website. 

Purchase her book: How to Raise an Intuitive Eater: Raising the Next Generation with Food and Body Confidence.

Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 

🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/open-for-business/

📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessplan/

🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/business-coaching/

Find us on Instagram @pursuing.private.practice