In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with Michael Graves, CEO of Visual Care, to unpack how technology is transforming the NDIS landscape. From his unconventional path—from law to footwear startups, edtech, and now disability care tech—Michael shares what it takes to lead change, manage rapid growth, and simplify complexity in Australia's disability services sector - all discussed over the most disgusting drink Rachel has shared yet!

Expect big conversations on leadership, AI, family-life balance, simplifying compliance, scaling through systems, and shifting public perception of the NDIS.

Whether you're an NDIS provider, tech founder, support worker, or social impact junkie—this one’s for you.

🧠 Topics Covered:

✔️ CEO mindset & leadership hacks
✔️ Tech innovation in disability care
✔️ Simplifying rostering, compliance & reporting
✔️ Building scalable systems for NDIS providers
✔️ Working across different industries (and thriving)
✔️ The perception problem with NDIS
✔️ Balancing purpose & profit
✔️ How to build a powerful business culture
✔️ Visual Care’s roadmap & the future of NDIS software

On this special edition of What Are We Drinking? Rachel Carey sits down solo to talk about her life, career, and all things podcasting!Get a sneak peak behind the scenes at Rachel's processes, business insights, experiences with guests and production, and get know everything you want to know about her and the podcast in this special episode in celebration of World Podcast Day!From NDIS, Business, and all things What Are We Drinking? This is an episode you wont forget!

In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with Rebecca Duffy, co-founder of Caring Care, to unpack the realities of building a family-first NDIS business.Rebecca shares her personal story of starting Caring Care with her husband Brenton, the challenges of scaling in regional Australia, and how personal branding is helping her attract the right team. She opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, working alongside her partner, and navigating life after her husband and daughter’s autism diagnoses.This raw and powerful conversation dives into leadership, family values, and the importance of shifting narratives around disability and inclusion.If you’re an NDIS provider, entrepreneur, or someone navigating the intersection of family, business, and purpose — this episode is for you.What we're discussing:- Why Rebecca started Caring Care- The importance of family values in business- Growing and scaling an NDIS business in regional Australia- Workforce challenges and using personal branding for recruitment- Working with your partner and navigating conflict- Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship- Autism diagnoses in the family and lessons learned- The history and language of autism and inclusion- Shifting narratives in disability services

When Suzanne Walker was told she’d “never be anything,” she proved them wrong. From leaving home at 19 with a bag of clothes to becoming the Founder of Clear Path Accounting, Suzanne’s journey is one of resilience, discipline, and unapologetic growth.In this episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey uncorks the bubbly with Suzanne to dive into her story — from family adversity and building a thriving business, to supporting NDIS providers with straight-talking financial advice. They explore the 5 most important numbers every business owner should know, why profit isn’t a dirty word, and how to navigate the financial squeeze in the NDIS sector.But it’s not all spreadsheets and strategy — Suzanne also shares the transformative impact of stillness, her healing journey in an ashram in India, and the personal moments that shaped her into the leader she is today.Whether you’re an NDIS provider, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing clarity in business and life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, real talk, and a few sparkling laughs.0:00 - Intro0:01:31 – Introducing… Suzanne Walker!0:02:21 – What Are We Drinking?0:02:55 – What Prosecco Says About You?0:06:32 – The ‘F It’ Switch0:07:06 – The Suzanne Walker Story0:15:02 – Clear Path Accounting Origins0:17:21 – Business Coaching0:20:05 – Operating your business0:23:16 – Being needed in your business0:24:35 – Elevating your business0:26:58 – Stillness0:30:15 – Ashram experience, reconciling with Mum0:33:50 – People Avoid Doing The Work On Themselves0:39:01 – The 1%0:42:46 – NDIS Financials0:51:43 – Full Time vs. Casual0:55:50 – Biggest challenge supporting NDIS Providers0:56:30 – 5 Most Important Numbers0:58:45 – NDIS Profit1:01:07 – Healing in Bali1:02:31 – How to turn a business around financially1:09:45 – Financial Data1:13:15 – Financial dashboards1:14:56 – “What you measure, you can change”1:15:36 – NDIS vs. Non-NDIS Business Financial differences1:16:47 – The importance of Support Workers on operations and finances1:21:55 – Delegating in the workforce1:22:37 – Is Profit Really A Dirty Word?1:25:26 – If you could change one thing about NDIS Finance?1:28:02 – One Piece of Personal Advice

In this raw and unfiltered episode of What Are We Drinking?, Rachel Carey sits down with her friend and powerhouse entrepreneur Storm Hassett, founder of Identity Clinic – a queer-led, neurodivergent-led psychology service delivering inclusive, gender-affirming mental health care.Storm opens up about their journey from a turbulent upbringing to becoming a fierce advocate for the queer, trans, and neurodiverse community.

In the debut episode of What Are We Drinking, advocate, speaker, media commentator, and Western Sydney representative Amanda Rose joins Rachel Carey for a raw and unfiltered chat unlike any you've see before. From her start in business and background of coming from a family of sole traders, to selling her first business, getting recognised by George Clooney, to currently supporting Western Sydney Business Woman in her current ventures, Amanda Rose spills all about the secrets to progressing, breaking through the glass ceiling, and how to push through the elitism ever present in Australia and beyond. We're getting the inside scoop on how the east views the west, the truth about politicians, and why 'Imposter Syndrome' isn't real, so there's only one question left to ask: What Are We Drinking?

The best conversations always happen over a drink.

I’m Rachel Carey, a CEO, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and now, a full-time mixologist… I mean, sorry, a podcaster, and most importantly, a mum. I started What Are We Drinking? to get away from the desk. I wanted to have real, raw, and honest conversations that educate, bring light to the issues that matter, and address the topics people often avoid, and maybe get a little bit buzzed along the way, too.

We’re talking with NDIS providers, CEOs, parliament members, and so many more inspiring people. We’re here to sip some drinks together and pour all of our knowledge into your cup. So, enjoy a drink with us.Now, there’s only one last question: What Are We Drinking?

02/09/25

The Best Conversations Happen Over a Drink.

Rachel Carey is a business owner, entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and thought leader in the NDIS space. With a passion for business, personal growth, and real conversations, she’s bringing people together to discuss the topics that matter most.

From business insights and industry trends to life, the NDIS, and everything in between, no subject is off-limits.

So, the only question left is… What Are We Drinking?