In this episode, Dawn Gabriel, Steph Korpal, and Christy Pennison come together to discuss the power of collaboration and its potential to fuel growth for group practice owners. They share personal experiences of finding support and connection within a community of like-minded professionals.
Stephanie Korpal and Christy Pennison are both group practice owners with multiple locations. Both women are passionate about their group practices, teams, and communities they serve–Stephanie in St. Louis and Chicago, Christy in central Louisiana (Alexandria and Natchichoes to be exact). That passion also extends to fellow group practice owners, a role they both know takes so much! Together, they have founded and launched a unique, special place for group practice bosses to connect, collaborate, and crush it. Their business, The Practice Collab, is designed to help practice owners work less, make more, and live most.
The Problem with Group Practice Ownership
Group practice owners often face unexpected challenges and feelings of loneliness in their decision-making processes. They may feel overwhelmed and second-guess their choices. The weight of responsibilities can lead to burnout, but finding a supportive community can be the key to preventing that.
Steph Korpal: “Group practice ownership is one of those things that you can prepare all day long for, but you’re never gonna be fully prepared for everything that’s going to come at you… It can also feel really lonely because you’re having to make decisions oftentimes… by yourself.”
Christy Pennison: “Group practice owners often don’t give themselves enough credit for what they are actually doing, and so they often feel overwhelmed or they’re worrying about… did I make the right choice?”
The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration allows group practice owners to bounce ideas off one another, find clarity, and make effective decisions. Working together in a supportive environment gives them the freedom of time and space to work on tasks that can transform their practices.
Dawn Gabriel: “Collaboration is so important… Sometimes it’s just getting that space… to really clearly define where you wanna go and then get the help of a supportive community to be able to move the needle forward.”
The Birth of “The Practice Collab”
Steph and Christy describe their vision for “The Practice Collab,” a membership community designed for group practice owners to co-work weekly, hold brainstorming sessions, and gain accountability. They believe in creating a safe and nurturing space for practice owners to grow, connect, and succeed together.
Steph Korpal: “We are building a membership community that isn’t another membership. What we are building is a collaboration, so a cohort of people, group practice owners, to work together weekly for six months… to collaborate and crush it.”
Soul Care Through Collaboration
The power of collaboration extends beyond business goals; it also addresses the soul care of group practice owners. The sense of community, validation, and support helps individuals find peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose in their lives and businesses.
Dawn Gabriel: “I would say that’s spiritual and it’s where, to me, I feel God in that place. It’s a piece of God in my life. Like it’s a spiritual place for me.”
The Invitation to World Changers
Group practice owners play a vital role in the mental health of their clients and, in turn, the well-being of the world. “The Practice Collab” is an invitation to world changers to receive the support they need to continue their impactful work.
Christy Pennison: “Group practice owners are like the world changers, but world changers need support… and a supportive community to be able to move the needle forward.”
Reasons Why Practice Owners Face Burnout and Need a Supportive Community
- Isolation and Loneliness: Both therapists and group practice owners often experience feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the nature of their work. Therapists spend much of their day behind closed doors with clients, while group practice owners may find themselves making difficult decisions alone even with a leadership team in place.
- Overwhelm and Burnout: Group practice owners can feel overwhelmed by the unexpected challenges that come with running a practice. The constant need to put out fires and handle day-to-day operations can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
- Lack of Support: Group practice owners may not always have access to a supportive community that understands the unique challenges they face. This lack of support can make decision-making and problem-solving even more difficult.
- Time Constraints: The busy schedule of therapists and group practice owners often makes it challenging to find dedicated time to work on important tasks, such as implementing systems or developing new initiatives.
- Comparisons and Competition: Group practice owners may fall into the comparison trap, comparing their progress or success to that of other practice owners. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to keep up with others in the field.
- Lack of Clarity and Direction: Without a space for brainstorming and collaborating, practice owners may struggle to find clarity on their goals and the next steps for their practice. This lack of direction can hinder growth and progress.
- Feeling Overwhelmed with Multiple Roles: Group practice owners wear multiple hats, juggling their roles as therapists, business owners, and leaders. This can create a sense of being pulled in many directions and lead to stress.
- Lack of Time for Self-Care: As they focus on the needs of their clients and practice, therapists and group practice owners may neglect their own self-care, leading to potential burnout and decreased well-being
Resources and Links
- Helping Practice Owners- The Practice Collab
- The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results
Podcast Production and Show Notes by James Marland