388 - Risk and Reward: What Every Young Podiatrist Can Learn from Ben Wilkinsons Career
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Podiatry Legends Podcast
This week’s episode is a personal one. After experiencing a lower back injury with severe sciatic symptoms, I was forced to step away from working, cancel commitments, and rethink a lot of what I thought I had under control. In this episode, I share five key lessons that came from that experience, covering empathy, financial protection, planning ahead, and the importance of taking action before it’s too late. What made this experience even more challenging was the complete loss of independence. Something as simple as walking a few steps, sitting in a chair, or driving a car...
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Artificial Intelligence is no longer something for the future; it’s already influencing how patients search for answers and choose healthcare providers. 10 Key Takeaways from this Episode AI is already influencing patient decisions ChatGPT is becoming a new search engine before choosing Google AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) is the next evolution of SEO Early adopters will gain a competitive advantage over late adopters AI can dramatically reduce admin time Your prompts determine your results AI can help personalise your podiatry marketing Patients are becoming more informed before...
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A common phrase I hear from podiatrists is: “Once I get busier, I’ll look into business coaching.” On the surface, it sounds logical, but in reality, it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In this solo episode, I unpack why waiting creates more problems than it solves. I discuss the “amplification effect,” "the I'll wait till later trap", how inefficiencies grow under pressure, and why being busy often leads to stress rather than success. 10 Key Takeaways Waiting until you’re “busier” is backwards thinking Growth doesn’t create clarity—clarity creates growth. ...
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In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I chat with Jason Cunningham, business advisor, author, and media commentator, about what it really takes to build a successful business. We explore why many podiatrists get stuck working in their business instead of on it, and how shifting your focus to strategy, systems, and structure can completely change your results. If you want to build a podiatry business that gives you more freedom, better patients, and long-term growth, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Key Takeaways Build your business as if you plan to sell it Most...
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In this episode, Anne Melville shares how she built a successful private practice in the small Scottish town of Gourock and implemented a membership model that now supports both her business and her lifestyle. The result has been increased stability, stronger patient relationships, and the ability to create a genuine sense of community. We explore the importance of professional connections, why you need to overcome self-doubt, and why podiatrists who stay engaged with their peers are far more likely to thrive in the profession and less likely to leave long-term. The Turning Point Most...
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In this episode, Tyson Franklin is joined by Melbourne Podiatrists, Richard Chasen, for a deep and thought-provoking discussion about business, life choices, and what success really looks like in podiatry. They explore the idea that while you can have anything you want, you can’t have everything, and how this impacts decisions around hiring, income, lifestyle, and long-term career direction. The conversation also challenges common beliefs about money, patient care, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable practice. This episode is ideal for podiatrists who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or...
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This episode is a special one. It’s a conversation from my previous podcast, It’s No Secret with Dr T, recorded back in 2020—long before the Savannah Bananas became the global sensation they are today. Back then, Jesse Cole was already doing things differently, selling out games and rethinking what a sporting experience could be. But what makes this episode so valuable isn’t baseball… It’s business. Jesse shares how shifting focus from product to experience completely transformed his team. The same principles apply directly to podiatry clinics and small businesses. How you...
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In this episode, Tyson Franklin welcomes back Melbourne podiatrist James Ferrie, the owner of My Sports Podiatrist, to explore regenerative medicine and ultrasound-guided treatment techniques. James shares insights into prolotherapy, PRP and nerve hydrodissection, explaining how these approaches stimulate healing in degenerative tissues and relieve nerve-related pain. The conversation also covers clinical growth, continuous learning and why podiatrists should never feel trapped in the type of practice they’ve created. The registration link for the workshop is You can also...
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This week, I’m digging deep into the archives and bringing back one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Episode 64 originally aired in 2020, and it went gangbusters. But many of you who’ve discovered the show more recently may never have heard it. My guest is Dr Dave Weiman, psychologist and leadership consultant from Pennsylvania. Dave has worked with business owners across multiple industries, including podiatry, and in this episode, we explore something far more important than marketing tactics or business growth strategies. We dive into why motivation alone...
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In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Jae Grymes from Delaware, USA, a dual board-certified dental anaesthesiologist and paediatric dentist. While her clinical world is dentistry, you’ll quickly realise how similar our professions are. We dive into the realities of healthcare today, debt, corporate pressure, perfectionism, burnout, and the silent struggles many clinicians face but rarely talk about openly. Jae shares her personal journey through grief, professional dissatisfaction, and rebuilding her mindset from the ground up. We discuss why “everything is...
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.
If you’re looking for a speaker for an upcoming event, you can email me at tyson@podiatrylegends.com or tf@tysonfranklin.com, and we can discuss the range of topics I cover.
Alternatively, you can visit my SPEAKERS PAGE.
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Would You Like A Little Business Guidance?
A podiatrist I spoke with in early 2024 earned an additional $40,000 by following my advice from a 30-minute free Zoom call. Think about it: you have everything to gain and nothing to lose, and it’s not a TRAP. I’m not out to get you; I’m here to help you.
Please follow the link below to my calendar and schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call.
I guarantee that after we talk, you will have far more clarity on what is best for you, your business and your career. ONLINE CALENDAR
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I offer three coaching options:
- Monthly Scheduled Coaching Sessions (90 minutes)
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