388 - Risk and Reward: What Every Young Podiatrist Can Learn from Ben Wilkinsons Career
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Podiatry Legends Podcast
Healthy Practitioner, Healthy Business: The Future of Podiatry Practice Running a podiatry clinic shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, happiness, or home life. Yet far too many practitioners are running on empty, juggling long hours, heavy patient loads, and the constant pressure to keep their businesses afloat. In this week’s episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I spoke with Daniel Monteleone, the owner of in Geelong, Victoria. Daniel’s outlook is refreshing: he’s built a business model that values wellbeing just as much as revenue, proving that a healthy...
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This week, we explore how divorce, drink-driving offences, and defamation can cripple a career or clinic if not handled properly, and why most people react far too late. My guest, Tad Nelson, a criminal defence lawyer and “Super Lawyer” from Galveston County, Texas, who brings more than three decades of courtroom experience, plus a master’s degree in forensic toxicology, to our conversation. Tad has seen the best and worst of human behaviour, and his insights apply directly to business owners navigating legal, personal, or reputation challenges. Tad explains the importance of acting...
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This week, I’m joined again by Dr Patrick McEneaney, DPM from . Patrick shares how he’s grown to 16 clinics by hiring intentionally, tracking the right metrics, and knowing when to consolidate. We talk about the lessons of leadership, the art of delegation, and why cultural alignment is the real key to long-term success. Five Big Takeaways Numbers tell the truth. Always track performance and retention. Hire for attitude, not just skill. You can train techniques, not culture. Growth requires letting go of ego. Make decisions based on data. Consolidation isn’t failure;...
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What happens when you take the Red, Blue, and Purple Team Strategy and apply it inside a podiatry clinic? In this episode, I share what I learned firsthand while running this creative exercise with a clinic team, and how it revealed new insights into teamwork, reputation, and readiness. Joined by Dave Frees, we also unpack how AI can help clinics think smarter, act faster, and build lasting resilience. If you want a deeper understanding of this concept, please go back and listen to Learn more about Dave’s training at . If you found this episode helpful, share it with another...
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If you're a younger podiatrist considering business ownership at some stage in the future, see what happens when you trust your gut and take a calculated leap. That’s exactly what Ontario Chiropodist (Podiatrist) and owner of , Ben Wilkinson, did, moving from employee to clinic owner in just a few short years. In this episode, Ben shares how he rebranded his business twice in less than a year, embraced innovation with 3D printing, and grew a thriving clinic culture built on positivity and professionalism. “The business name is such a big part of the business, but people shouldn’t...
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This is Part Two of my conversation with Dr Fern Kazlow, clinical psychotherapist, business strategist, and mentor to high achievers, based in New York, USA. In this episode, we explore her Resistance Paradox™, how to understand your own patterns, and why changing your mindset starts with compassion. We go beyond communication and dive deep into resistance, beliefs, and the psychology of change. We discuss how high achievers get stuck, why old patterns hold us back, and how to lead and live with more clarity and connection. If you haven’t heard Part One yet, go back and check it out; it...
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returns to the podcast, and we dive into the critical role communication plays in building trust with our patients. This is Part One of our conversation, where we focus on how poor communication can damage connections with patients, staff, colleagues, and also family and friends. We also examine the dangers of outsourcing, particularly when it comes to compromising your authenticity, and why connection-powered business is the future. PLEASE, take a look at my . Eight Key Takeaways from (Part One) Poor communication directly decreases trust and weakens patient loyalty. Human...
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In this solo episode, I introduce the concept of The Energy Audit, a simple weekly reflection that helps podiatrists identify what fuels them, what drains them, and how to realign their schedule for better focus and motivation. Ending the week mentally flat and emotionally drained is not uncommon, and more often than not, the problem isn’t time management. It’s energy management. In this episode, you'll discover: The 4 energy zones that shape your week: recharge activities high-energy work low-level essentials, and energy vampires (the blood suckers) The most...
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My guest today is Jonathan Small, and this is his 14th appearance on the Podiatry Legends Podcast, and probably most controvesial. This time, we dive into a bold comparison: podiatry versus dentistry. We discuss why podiatry must stop underselling itself, the dangers of low-cost clinic setups, and how adopting a dental-style model could elevate the profession. From training standards and fees to public perception and professional respect, this episode is a call-to-arms for podiatrists everywhere. If you’ve ever wondered why dentistry commands higher fees and greater status, tune in as...
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Finding reliable locum cover has always been one of the toughest challenges for podiatry clinics. In this episode, I speak with Hayley Uden about her groundbreaking app, , which simplifies the entire process. From automated invoicing and quick payments to flexible opportunities for podiatrists, is changing how we think about staffing. Tune in to hear how this app could make your professional life easier and more rewarding. Seven Key Takeaways Locuming in podiatry has lacked a centralised, transparent system. connects clinics and locums directly via an easy‑to‑use app. The app...
info_outlineIf you're a younger podiatrist considering business ownership at some stage in the future, see what happens when you trust your gut and take a calculated leap. That’s exactly what Ontario Chiropodist (Podiatrist) and owner of Collective Footcare & Orthotics, Ben Wilkinson, did, moving from employee to clinic owner in just a few short years.
In this episode, Ben shares how he rebranded his business twice in less than a year, embraced innovation with 3D printing, and grew a thriving clinic culture built on positivity and professionalism.
“The business name is such a big part of the business, but people shouldn’t be afraid to change it.” - Ben Wilkinson.
It’s a must-listen for any podiatrist thinking about ownership, marketing, or how to grow smarter in today’s competitive world.
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