Pursuing Private Practice
Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast, hosted by Jennifer McGurk, a Registered Dietitian and business coach. This podcast is your go-to resource for everything related to building and growing your private practice, whether you’re just getting started, leading your team, or celebrating a season of coasting. In each episode, we’ll dive into the real stories of dietitians navigating the ups and downs of private practice. You’ll hear about the challenges, wins, and lessons learned from dietitians who help clients reinvent wellbeing on their health journey. Get ready for actionable tips, proven strategies, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in private practice. This show will empower you with the knowledge and inspiration to run your private practice like the CEO you are. CEO is not just a title— it means you are Choosing Extraordinary Opportunities.
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Leading a Business That Lets You Live Your Life
08/26/2025
Leading a Business That Lets You Live Your Life
Welcome to the 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 , a group practice specializing in eating disorders, and a business coach at . 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. 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. 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. Post‑Sabbatical Structure & Work‑Life Balance: Implemented “No‑Work Wednesdays,” a four‑day work week, and strict time‑batching across multiple projects. 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 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? 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: Find Pursuing Private Practice on Instagram
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Fractional Practice Management for Group Practice Owners
08/12/2025
Fractional Practice Management for Group Practice Owners
Welcome to the 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. 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. Introducing Fractional Practice Management: A part-time, on-demand practice manager service that keeps operations running smoothly during leaves or breaks. The Three Core Pillars of a Healthy Business: Discussion on services (bones), systems (muscles), and energy (gut/heart) as essential, interlocking components. Routine Business Check-Ins: The speakers recommend semiannual full reviews and mentorship input aligned with personal life cycles for sustained balance. 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 . Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🧠 Feeling overwhelmed trying to build your team? The 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? 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: Find Pursuing Private Practice on Instagram
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COAST: A Business Strategy When Life Comes First
08/05/2025
COAST: A Business Strategy When Life Comes First
Welcome to the 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. COAST Stage of Business: Coasting is defined as an intentional phase in business, often necessary during personal life events. Boundaries and Self-Care in the COAST Stage: Emphasizes the importance of evolving boundaries and prioritizing self-care during coasting. Personal Development and Self-Understanding: Business ownership offers opportunities for personal growth and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. Saying No and Identity as a Business Owner: Discusses the power of saying no and balancing personal identity with business responsibilities. 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 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. . 👥 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 today. 📱 Find us on Instagram
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LEAD: Hire, Manage, and Build Your Private Practice Team
07/29/2025
LEAD: Hire, Manage, and Build Your Private Practice Team
Welcome to the 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. Introduction to the LEAD Stage: Learn why hiring is essential for expanding your business without compromising self-care and boundaries. New Resources for Hiring and Leading: Discover a and upcoming to assist in the hiring and leadership process. Challenges and Solutions in the LEAD Stage: Explore common fears in hiring and strategies for building a strong company culture. 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. 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 for hiring preparation and an upcoming 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. . 👥 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 today. 📱 Find us on Instagram
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GROW: What It Really Takes to Get Fully Booked on Your Terms
07/22/2025
GROW: What It Really Takes to Get Fully Booked on Your Terms
Welcome to the 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. GROW Stage of Business: Transitioning from the start stage, the GROW stage involves defining "fully booked" and personalizing business goals with systems and strategies. Challenges and Considerations: Key challenges include understanding finances, setting boundaries, and implementing effective marketing strategies. Launching New Offers: Business owners are encouraged to refine current offers and consider audience size before launching new services or products. 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? 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 toward building a business that works for your life. 📈 Are you tired of feeling stuck with getting new clients? 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 , 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 - , 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
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START: How to Counsel Your First 5 Clients and Keep Them Coming Back
07/15/2025
START: How to Counsel Your First 5 Clients and Keep Them Coming Back
Welcome to the 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. Characteristics of Dietitians in the START Stage: Highlights the experience of working with dietitians and the importance of counseling skills. Thoughts and Feelings in the START Stage: Discusses the excitement, overwhelm, and hopefulness experienced by dietitians in this stage. Challenges in the START Stage: Identifies selling services and customer service as key challenges for dietitians. Requirements to Move Forward: Stresses the need for strong counseling skills and forming therapeutic alliances. 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. 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? 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 toward building a business that works for your life. 🤝Want to improve your counseling skills? Join the , 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 today! ✔️Want to see what private practice is all about? Download 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
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SET UP: Open Your Business in 30 Days
07/08/2025
SET UP: Open Your Business in 30 Days
Welcome to the 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. 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. SET UP Stage of Business: The SET UP stage is defined by being new to private practice, with resources like the and to assist in this phase. 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. Celebrating the SET UP Stage: Recognizing the achievement of becoming a business owner, despite challenges similar to those faced by clients in health recovery. 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 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? 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 toward building a business that works for your life. 🧰Just want the Open For Business Toolkit? 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 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
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The Highs, Lows, and Lessons of Every Stage of Business
07/01/2025
The Highs, Lows, and Lessons of Every Stage of Business
Welcome to the 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. Introduction to the Podcast Series: The podcast series explores the stages of business, emphasizing personalized approaches in life and business. Changes to Business School: and EXPAND are being combined into one program with two tracks, providing more direct support. 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, . She is also the CEO of , her website and branding studio for weight-inclusive businesses. Find Courtney on Instagram at @ Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 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 toward building a business that works for your life. 📱 Find us on Instagram
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Big Risk, Bigger Rewards: Expanding Insurance Services as a CEO
06/10/2025
Big Risk, Bigger Rewards: Expanding Insurance Services as a CEO
Welcome to the 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. 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. Business Strategy and Operations: The conversation highlights the importance of efficient systems, leveraging team capacity, and experimenting with new business offerings. 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. 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. 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 Visit her Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food
05/27/2025
Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food
Welcome to the 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Visit EDRDPro’s Purchase her book: Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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Navigating Work and Motherhood
05/13/2025
Navigating Work and Motherhood
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Deanna Belleny Lewis, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Diversified Dietetics. Deanna opens up about the first year of postpartum life, navigating the tricky balance of motherhood and meaningful work. In this episode, she shares what it really looked like to “balance” the many hats she wears. Deanna shares her journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and the challenges of balancing her professional roles with motherhood Whether you’re a parent, a dietitian business owner, or both, this honest conversation will remind you that growth often happens in transitions and that you don’t have to do it all alone. Integration Over Balance: Deanna emphasizes the importance of integrating work and life rather than striving for a perfect balance. By focusing on what truly matters and setting realistic goals, we can create a fulfilling life that accommodates both our personal and professional aspirations. Building a Supportive Community: Surrounding ourselves with a strong support network is crucial. Whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, having people who understand and support our journey can make all the difference. Embracing Change and Flexibility: Motherhood teaches us to be adaptable and open to change. Deanna highlights the importance of being flexible and embracing the evolving nature of both motherhood and business. Pursuing Passion with Purpose: Deanna's dedication to her work showcases the impact of pursuing a career full of passion. By aligning work with values, we can all create meaningful change. Timestamps: [03:41] Career Impact of Motherhood: How Deanna's career was affected by motherhood, highlighting the significant changes and adjustments she had to make. [05:16] Maternity Leave Planning: Deanna talks about her approach to maternity leave, including the support from her team and the guilt she felt about stepping away from work. [08:43] Team Support and Guilt: Deanna reflects on the support she received from her team and the guilt associated with not being able to contribute fully during her maternity leave. [11:01] Balancing Roles: The conversation explores the concept of work-life integration versus balance, with Deanna sharing her strategies for managing multiple roles. [16:38] Future Vision: Deanna discusses her vision for a more easeful life, focusing on setting herself up for a balanced future while managing current responsibilities. [20:02] Support Systems: The importance of support systems in both career and motherhood is emphasized, with Deanna acknowledging the role of her team and community. [23:07] Identity Shifts: Deanna shares her evolving identity as a mother and professional, highlighting the unexpected joys and challenges of motherhood. [31:37] Vision for Motherhood: Deanna outlines her vision for motherhood and what that means for her and her family. Deanna’s journey highlights how staying rooted in your values can guide both personal growth and professional evolution, especially during life’s biggest transitions. Deanna Belleny Lewis is a Weight-Inclusive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Public Health practitioner currently living in the Bay Area. She is the co-founder of Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering nutrition leaders of color. Deanna is passionate about creating system-level changes that advance equity, especially for Black and Brown communities. Before living in the Bay she worked for Harvard Medical School's Center for Primary Care as the Assistant Director of Systems Transformation. She has trained numerous allied health teams in leadership and professional skill development with an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. She is the co-author of Embracing Diversity & Embodying Inclusive Leadership in Nutrition and Dietetics, a chapter in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Effective Leadership and Management textbook. In her free time, she’s either exploring the outdoors with her husband, Mikal, and daughter, Ella, or sipping a latte and savoring pastries while listening to a Tiny Desk concert. Want more from Deanna? Visit her . Follow her on Instagram Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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Creating a Merchandise Product as a Dietitian
04/29/2025
Creating a Merchandise Product as a Dietitian
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Nicole Groman, MS, RDN, as Nicole shares her journey from starting a private practice to launching a line of anti-diet merchandise that resonates with both clients and professionals. You’ll hear about the ups and downs of selling merchandise, the creative process behind Nicole’s designs, and how a product line supports her business mission. Whether you're just starting out or growing your brand, this episode is full of inspiration for turning your passion into creative offers that make an impact. Get ready to be inspired by Nicole’s story to grow your business in a meaningful way. Journey to Becoming a Dietitian: Nicole shares her background in psychology, her lived experience with healing from disordered eating, and her transition into private practice. Development of Private Practice and Merchandise Line: Nicole outlines her journey from starting a private practice to launching a merchandise line. Success at Conferences and Expos: Nicole shares her experiences and successes at FNCE and what she would have done differently. Marketing Challenges: Nicole talks about how marketing merchandise can be challenging, but integrating a product line into other business offers and promotions has worked well. Timestamps: 03:23 Nicole's Journey: Nicole shares her transition from psychology major to dietetics, highlighting her personal struggles with food. 05:15 Starting a Merchandise Line: Nicole explains the initial idea for her merchandise, starting with a simple design that gained traction on social media. 06:51 Initial Challenges: Nicole discusses the logistical challenges of handling production herself, leading to a temporary pause of the merchandise line. 10:06 Revamp and Success: Nicole talks about revamping her merchandise line, leading to success at FNCE in 2022 and 2023. 16:17 Marketing Challenges: The hardest part of selling merchandise is marketing, as Nicole balances multiple business offers and different ideal clients. 20:10 Future Plans: Nicole shares excitement for new designs and products, discussing strategies to engage her audience for feedback on colors and styles. 25:20 Creative Process: Nicole talks about her creative process and hopes for the merchandise line to grow and reach more people. Nicole’s journey shows how blending creativity with purpose can turn an idea into a meaningful and successful extension of your brand. Nicole is a Registered Dietitian with close to 10 years of experience helping individuals heal their relationships with food and their bodies. Her own history working towards intuitive eating has shaped her compassionate, non-diet approach to nutrition. Nicole believes that all foods can fit into a balanced and fulfilling life, and she empowers her clients to let go of dieting and find peace with food through one to one counseling and group programs. She shares her intuitive eating philosophy and practical tips for a sustainable relationship with food with her community on Instagram and has created an apparel line of merchandise that celebrates and encourages breaking free from dieting for good. Want more from Nicole? View her Visit her Check out her Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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What Every Dietitian Needs to Know About Website Design
04/15/2025
What Every Dietitian Needs to Know About Website Design
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk with guests Courtney Vickery, Whitney Bateson, and Morgan Sinclair as they share their unique journeys and expertise in creating impactful websites for healthcare professionals. Discover the importance of a well-designed website as an extension of your business, learn about the different platforms and tools available, and gain insights into the technical aspects of website maintenance. Whether you're a dietitian looking to enhance your online presence or simply curious about the intersection of nutrition and design, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration. Transition from Dietitian to Designer: The guests discuss their journeys from working as dietitians to becoming website designers, highlighting pivotal moments and motivations. Importance of Having a Good Website: The discussion focuses on how a website acts as a business extension and a crucial sales tool, compared to social media. Google Analytics and Tracking: An overview of basic tracking metrics, their importance, and the impact of AI and ChatGPT on search and analytics. Favorite Aspects and Challenges of Being a Website Business Owner: The guests share what they love about their work, the challenges they face, and the importance of outsourcing. Timestamps: 03:29 Guest Introductions: Meet our guests as they share who they are and their unique takes on designing websites for dietitians. 03:51 Wellness Pro Website System: Whitney talks about her Wellness Pro website system and how it helps dietitians get online with ease. 04:50 Branding and Web Design Studio: Morgan talks about her studio that supports weight-inclusive clinicians with branding and website design. 05:58 WordPress, Support, and SEO: Courtney shares how she helps dietitians build solid WordPress sites with ongoing support and a focus on local SEO. 07:14 Journey from Dietitian to Designer: Hear how each guest made the leap from being a dietitian to becoming a website pro. 19:05 Importance of a Website: Speakers dive into why a website isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key part of your business that works like a 24/7 salesperson. 26:56 Website Components and Planning: From domains to plugins, they break down the essentials of planning and setting up a professional site. 32:45 Maintenance and Technical Aspects: Discussion on website upkeep, especially what it takes to keep a WordPress site running smoothly. 42:13 Google Analytics and Tracking: They explore how to track what’s working (and what’s not) on your site using Google Analytics. 46:23 Impact of AI on Websites: A quick chat about how tools like ChatGPT and AI are shifting the digital landscape, especially around analytics and traffic. 51:56 Favorite Aspects and Challenges: Our guests reflect on what they love most about their work and the real challenges that come with running a website business. This episode is your reminder that building an intentional, effective website is totally doable and a powerful way to grow your business. About Whitney: MPH, RD, is a website strategist and marketing expert who has helped over 130 wellness professionals create high-converting websites that attract clients and grow their reach. As the creator of the Wellness Pro Website System, she has developed a proven, step-by-step framework that empowers business owners to launch beautiful, strategic websites - without the tech overwhelm. Whitney is also the host of , where she shares practical marketing strategies and website tips to help health and wellness entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses. Find Whitney on Instagram: About Morgan: Morgan Sinclair (she/her) is a multipassionate entrepreneur in Houston, Texas. She designs brands and websites for clinicians through , hosts trips through The Eating Expedition, and co-hosts the Weight Inclusive Innovators podcast. When not working, Morgan can most likely be found grabbing drinks with friends, signing up for a new hobby, or on her way to the airport for a weekend getaway. Morgan is an extroverted Enneagram Type 7, feel-your-feelings, dessert-before-dinner kinda gal. When not working, Morgan can most likely be found grabbing drinks with friends, signing up for a new hobby (like getting her level 2 wine educator certification!), or on her way to the airport for a weekend getaway. Find Morgan on Instagram: About Courtney: Courtney is an anti-diet dietitian turned designer who swapped MyPlate for WordPress and now spends more time crafting websites than meal plans. These days, she’s the CEO of , where she helps weight-inclusive businesses shine online with websites, SEO, strategy, and branding that reflect their unique approach to health. Before launching Declet Designs, Courtney was deep in the world of dietetics, running her own practice, Vickery Wellness, as an anti-diet dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. When she's not designing websites or teaching future dietitians, she's at home with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband of 15 years, their two kids, a dog named Oliver, and two cats, Finn and Callie. It’s a full house, but she wouldn’t have it any other way! Find Courtney on Instagram: Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join the Get More Clients Challenge: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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How a Book Idea Becomes a Business Project
04/01/2025
How a Book Idea Becomes a Business Project
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Julie Duffy Dillon, Registered Dietitian and host of Find Your Food Voice® podcast. Julie shares her journey of writing her book, "Find Your Food Voice." The conversation dives into the business aspects of writing a book, the challenges faced, and the strategies that worked for Julie. Whether you’re thinking about writing a book or have some big business projects in mind, this episode is perfect for you. Writing Process and Challenges: Julie shares her initial expectations versus the reality of writing, including managing chronic migraines and adjusting her writing schedule for better productivity. Purpose of the Book: The book focuses on eating disorders and a non-diet approach, providing therapeutic and practical tools to help people find their food voice. Finding Your Voice in Business: The conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, creating space for growth, and tips for setting up a productive workday. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Julie encourages aspiring authors to write a book when the time is right, emphasizing patience and readiness based on her personal experience. Timestamps: 02:51 Writing Process Expectations: Julie shares her initial expectations of the writing process and how she adapted her approach to writing in smaller, manageable chunks to accommodate her chronic migraine condition. 08:51 Book Content Overview: Julie talks about the content of her book, "Find Your Food Voice," which aims to provide practical tools and therapeutic guidance for those struggling with eating disorders and diet culture. 12:29 Celebrating Success: Julie discusses her plans to celebrate the book's release, including in-person and virtual events, and the importance of celebrating wins in business. 19:44 Future Business Plans: Julie shares her thoughts on the future of her business, considering a pivot away from one-on-one client work towards more writing and speaking opportunities. 24:16 Finding Your Voice: Jennifer and Julie discuss the parallel process of finding one's voice in business and helping clients do the same, highlighting the personal growth that comes with such projects. 31:19 Encouragement for Aspiring Authors: The episode concludes with Julie encouraging aspiring authors to write their books when the time is right for them, emphasizing that readiness is a decision rather than a feeling. Through speaking and writing, Julie helps people with a complicated relationship with food strategize how to remove the shame and blame dumped on them from the diet industry. Her work has been featured on TLC and in the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Shape and other outlets. She is the author of the book, (Hachette, March 2025.) Attend her free book launch event on Tuesday, April 1st! . Want more from Julie? Visit her website: Purchase her book: Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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From Solo to Team and Back To Solo to Find the Right Business Model
03/18/2025
From Solo to Team and Back To Solo to Find the Right Business Model
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Maggy Doherty, the dietitian behind Maggy the Dietitian. Together, they explore the theme of "one size does not fit all" in business, discussing the pros and cons of small versus large practices, the complexities of insurance-based versus private pay models, and the unique challenges dietitians face in their careers. Maggy shares her personal journey from starting her own practice to managing a large team and then pivoting to a solo model, highlighting the importance of freedom and the inevitable challenges that come with growth. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate your own path in the world of private practice. Embracing Individuality in Business: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a business. Every dietitian gets to make decisions based on their unique values and circumstances. Balancing Freedom and Responsibility: The podcast dives into the balance of freedom in both small and large practices—how more freedom can bring exciting opportunities but also new responsibilities. The Importance of Mental Health: As a business owner, prioritizing mental health and setting boundaries isn’t just important—it’s essential. Self-care is the foundation of sustainable success. Navigating Insurance and Self-Pay Models: The podcast breaks down the pros and cons of different business models, helping you navigate the options and choose the best path for your practice. Timestamps: 03:06 Maggy's Entrepreneurial Journey: Maggy shares her background, early ventures in nutrition, and her transition from corporate work to starting her own practice, Doherty Nutrition. 05:34 Growth of Doherty Nutrition: Maggy discusses the rapid growth of her practice, the hiring of dietitians, and the challenges of managing a larger team. 10:59 Navigating Business Decisions: The importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in business and making decisions based on personal values. 12:07 Maggy's Pivot to a Smaller Practice: Maggy reflects on her decision to pivot to a smaller, self-pay practice after experiencing burnout and the impact of motherhood on her business. 19:31 Pros and Cons of Insurance vs. Self-Pay: Discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of accepting insurance versus operating a self-pay model, including marketing and financial implications. 35:21 Working with Dietitians: The unique challenges and rewards of coaching dietitians in private practice and the importance of understanding their specific needs. Maggy Doherty, MS, RD, LD, CEDS-C, started her practice Doherty Nutrition in 2019 as a one-woman show, wearing all the hats- biller, scheduler, marketer, and dietitian- before building it into a 30-person practice. In 2024, she felt a calling to get back to her entrepreneurial roots and use the lessons learned in business to open her next practice, , where she focuses on her most rewarding work: mentoring private practice owners, supervising eating disorder dietitians, and helping clients in their eating disorder recovery journey. Maggy’s business coaching style is derived from the tough lessons she learned from her own journey. Want more from Maggy? Visit her website: Find her on Instagram: Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram
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More Than Nutrition: The Life-Changing Work of Dietitians
03/12/2025
More Than Nutrition: The Life-Changing Work of Dietitians
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, for a special bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! Jennifer shares her journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian, highlights the powerful impact dietitians have on their clients, and explains why she’s so passionate about supporting fellow dietitians. Whether you’re an RD2Be, have been a dietitian for years, or someone who values the work of dietitians, join Jennifer to celebrate RD Day with 10 reasons why dietitians are an essential part of health and well-being. Personal Journey to Becoming a Dietitian: Jennifer talks about her own struggles with disordered eating during the early stages of her career and her journey to eating disorder recovery. Starting a Private Practice: Jennifer decided to start her own private practice after years of “research”. The ups and downs of business are worth all the benefits of private practice: freedom, autonomy, feeling valued, and making a difference in the lives of so many clients. Reasons Why Dietitians Are So Powerful: Celebrate RD Day with Jennifer’s top 10 reasons why she loves being a dietitian! Timestamps: 00:08 Introduction: Celebration of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day (RD Day) with Pursuing Private Practice! 01:44 Personal Journey: Jennifer shares her experience with disordered eating and how it led her to study nutrition at Penn State University. 04:32 Transition to Private Practice: Jennifer realized that she wanted to open her own private practice for flexibility and freedom. 08:59 Reasons Dietitians are Powerful: Introduction to the 10 reasons why dietitians are impactful in their clients' lives. 09:01 Reason #1: We help people change their relationship with food from negative to positive. 10:50 Reason #2: We see people get excited about food rather than fearful. 12:27 Reason #3: We get to the root of eating disorders and help clients find lasting recovery. 13:49 Reason #4: We support body image healing and help clients end the war with their bodies. 15:22 Reason #5: We see the difference nutrition makes in mental health. 17:10 Reason #6: We witness the power of hunger and satiety signals returning. 17:50 Reason #7: We help clients fuel their bodies for joyful movement. 18:30 Reason #8: We continually learn and provide cutting-edge nutrition information. 19:10 Reason #9: We embrace that sometimes there are no ‘right’ answers in nutrition—but there is always a next step. 19:50 Reason #10: We collaborate! 18:43 Conclusion: Celebration of all dietitians on Registered Dietitian Day and a reminder to feel valued and inspired in your work. Today, we celebrate the dedication, passion, and impact of dietitians everywhere—because the work we do truly changes lives. Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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Exploring Diverse Business Offers for Dietitians
03/04/2025
Exploring Diverse Business Offers for Dietitians
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Elizabeth Stasny, owner of , to discuss the nuances of running a private practice as a dietitian. They explore the various business models available, including the decision to take insurance vs. private pay, the benefits of in-person vs. virtual sessions, and the potential of group offerings. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of building her practice, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community and support in the dietetics field. This episode emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all in business; instead, each dietitian must find what works best for them. Whether you've been a dietitian for many years or are brand new to the field, this episode will inspire you to explore different types of business offers in private practice. No One-Size-Fits-All in Business: Elizabeth shares how every private practice looks different. From taking insurance to choosing between virtual and in-person sessions, success comes from making choices that fit your values and goals. The Pros and Cons of Taking Insurance: Accepting insurance can increase accessibility and referrals, but it also comes with billing headaches and administrative burdens. Elizabeth explains why the best choice depends on your business model. Elizabeth’s Passion Project: With more clients using GLP-1 medications, Elizabeth believes dietitians play a crucial role in guiding them. Her group program provides non-judgmental, science-based support to help clients build healthy habits. The Power of Running a Group Program: Elizabeth highlights the benefits of group programs, from fostering community to creating new revenue streams. She encourages dietitians to explore group offerings alongside one-on-one care. Timestamps: 00:01 Different Revenue Streams in Private Practice: Discussion on ways to diversify income beyond insurance, including group programs, digital products, and courses. 01:50 No One-Size-Fits-All in Business: Elizabeth and Jennifer emphasize that success in private practice looks different for everyone, and the best approach is the one that aligns with your goals and values. 06:32 Elizabeth’s Private Practice Journey: Elizabeth shares how she started her business, from in-person visits to growing her practice after a layoff. 16:05 In-Person vs. Virtual Practice: The pros and cons of each, including energy management, accessibility, and client connection. 22:22 Taking Insurance vs. Private Pay: A breakdown of the benefits and challenges of accepting insurance, including billing issues and accessibility for clients. 32:25 Running a Group Program: Elizabeth explains how group programs can complement one-on-one care and provide additional income opportunities. 34:19 Elizabeth’s Current Passion Project: Elizabeth advocates for dietitians to be a key part of the conversation, ensuring clients receive proper education and support. As you continue to grow your private practice, remember that the decisions you make should align with your values, boundaries, and your unique strengths. Elizabeth is a dietitian and the owner and CEO of . Since starting her career in 2012, she has built a thriving private practice with a passion for group programs and community engagement. She blends intuitive eating, HAES, and behavioral health with clear, evidence-based guidance, focusing on real-life, sustainable nutrition instead of diet rules. Her mission is to free people from the pressure to eat perfectly and challenge the guilt tied to food and health. She helps clients create a nutrition plan that supports their goals, preferences, and well-being - one they can truly LIVE with. Find Elizabeth on Instagram and 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: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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How To Improve Your Counseling and Retain More Clients
02/18/2025
How To Improve Your Counseling and Retain More Clients
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and , Therapist, Eating Disorder Expert, & Confidence Coach to talk about what dietitians need to know about counseling in private practice. The heart of a successful private practice isn’t just about providing nutrition education—it’s about building strong, supportive therapeutic relationships that truly help clients heal. In this episode, we dive into what makes counseling different from education, why setting boundaries is crucial for both you and your clients, and how to navigate client ambivalence. This episode will give you key takeaways to transform your counseling strategies, create better connections with your clients, and ultimately improve retention in your private practice. The Therapeutic Relationship: A therapeutic relationship is about creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable exploring their challenges, while the provider maintains professional boundaries and understands personal biases. Counseling vs. Education: Counseling goes beyond simply providing information, as it requires understanding how clients receive and interpret that information, as well as addressing any resistance they may have. Counseling Tips for Dietitians: A key tip for dietitians is recognizing that not all clients are fully invested in the counseling process, and acknowledging their ambivalence can help nurture a more effective and supportive relationship. Boundaries in Counseling: Setting clear and consistent boundaries is essential, not only for preventing burnout in providers but also for creating a structured environment that supports clients' personal growth and accountability. Timestamps: 03:30 Private Practice Journey: Rachelle shares how her work evolved from one-on-one therapy to podcasting to speaking and becoming a leader in her community. 05:54 Counseling and Business Success: Discussion on how strong counseling skills are essential for building a thriving private practice. 08:30 Counseling vs. Education: Rachelle explains the difference, stressing the need to understand clients' experiences and resistance to make changes. 12:18 Creating a Safe Space: The importance of acknowledging clients' ambivalence and providing a safe environment for expression. 16:13 Naming Client Feelings: Discussion on the importance of naming clients' emotions while avoiding assumptions. 23:45 Importance of Boundaries: The necessity of boundaries for both clinician well-being and client healing. 30:39 Defining Good Work: Discussion on the qualities of good counseling, including attentiveness and being human. 34:16 Tolerating Discomfort: Exploring the importance of helping clients develop resilience in uncomfortable situations. 37:10 Holding Space for Clients: Rachelle reflects on pivotal moments in counseling and the value of holding space rather than fixing problems. 39:10 Advice for Dietitians: Rachelle shares the importance of cross-education, supervision, and therapy for enhancing counseling skills. Rachelle Heinemann is a speaker and eating disorder educator. She provides trainings for providers about eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, and effective therapy practice. She is the host of the podcast Understanding Disordered Eating. Rachelle is also a licensed mental health counselor (NY), licensed professional counselor (NJ), and certified eating disorder specialist (CEDS) in private practice. Rachelle is part of executive leadership at IAEDP NY (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals). 📱 Connect with Rachelle on her or Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead your team with confidence? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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Counseling Strategies That Will Change Your Client Sessions
02/04/2025
Counseling Strategies That Will Change Your Client Sessions
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Shawna Melbourn, a non-diet Registered Dietitian and owner of . Shawna shares the journey of starting her online program, the evolution of her offerings, and the importance of human connection in counseling. Development & Growth of ED for RDs: ED for RDs grew from a single course created during maternity leave into a robust program with diverse offerings, addressing the evolving needs of dietitians. Feedback Guides Change: Participant surveys and focus groups provided essential insights, enabling program adjustments to better align with learner levels and preferences. Counseling Strategies & Techniques: Shawna and Jennifer discuss building genuine connections with clients through techniques like emotional coaching and the importance of meeting clients where they are. Personal Challenges in Counseling: Dietitians often face pressures like perfectionism and delivering measurable results, requiring a balance of empathy and self-boundaries to take care of themselves in private practice. Timestamps: 00:34 The Importance of the Conversation: The conversation begins with an introduction to the importance of discussing the journey of a business owner, including the ups and downs, and the significance of counseling skills in private practice. 06:14 Seeking Creativity and Connection: Shawna shares her experience of feeling the need for creativity beyond private practice and the desire to connect with other dietitians, especially during the transition into motherhood. 08:13 Laying the Groundwork for a New Program: Shawna discusses the initial organization of their program, outlining the modules they wanted to include, and how they began selling it even before it was fully developed. 14:53 Adapting to Feedback: The conversation shifts to the feedback received from participants, leading to changes in the program structure, including the frequency of Q&A sessions. 19:41 Tailored Training for Diverse Learners: Shawna emphasizes the importance of tailored training for different levels of learners, highlighting the shift from a large program to smaller, more focused offerings. 23:13 Launching "ED for RDs Essentials": Announcement of the upcoming launch of "ED for RDs," a six-module program designed for early to intermediate learners, which will replace the one-year program and offer more flexible access. 25:59 The Art of Effective Delivery: Discussion on the importance of delivering information effectively to ensure client transformation and the significance of building human connections in counseling. 30:40 Normalizing Pressure in the Profession: Shawna talks about the pressure dietitians may feel to deliver results and earn their worth, normalizing these feelings within the profession. 41:38 Resources: The episode concludes with the importance of the website as a central hub for resources. Shawna Melbourn is a non-diet Registered Dietitian, an Approved Supervisor through the International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (CEDS-S), and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She has walked alongside many individuals and families while they take courageous steps toward recovery from an eating disorder. With almost 20 years of dedicating her career to this vulnerable and rewarding population, she developed an online training course for Registered Dietitians and other healthcare providers to learn these valuable and caring tools. In ED for RDs: Eating Disorder EDucation for Registered Dietitians online courses, she shares her years of training, and clinical experience from both hospital and private practice and offers a safe place to gather non-diet, evidence-based practical knowledge. Want to connect with Shawna? 🌐 Website: 📱 Instagram: Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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How the Right Team Changes Everything
01/21/2025
How the Right Team Changes Everything
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, Kat Durston, the owner of , and Jordyn Springer, lead VA at Flourish and Jennifer’s assistant to discuss the incredible impact the right team can have on business growth, team dynamics, and how Flourish supports dietitians. Whether you’re just starting your business or looking for ways to grow sustainably, you’ll gain valuable insights from this conversation. Flourish’s Story: Kat discusses how she founded Flourish during her undergraduate studies, combining her creative background and nutrition education to support dietitians with social media and content creation. Why Jennifer Hired Flourish: Jennifer explains that she hired Flourish because she values that they have both nutrition education and marketing skills, among other attributes. The Importance of Delegating: Kat and Jennifer emphasize the power of delegating to a skilled team, which allows them to focus on growth. Unconventional Dietetics Journey: Jordyn discusses how working for Flourish and Pursuing Private Practice gave her the courage and confidence to shift gears and pursue a master’s degree in digital marketing rather than dietetics. Challenges in Business: Kat reflects on the early struggles of building Flourish, from handling rejections to meeting the evolving needs of clients. Adapting has been key to Flourish’s business growth. Timestamps: 02:17 The Birth of Flourish: Kat shares the origin story of Flourish, a company that provides virtual assistant services specifically for dietitians. Jennifer expresses excitement about the growth of Flourish and the impact it has on the dietitian community. 09:49 Why Jennifer Hired Flourish: Discussion on the relationship-focused approach of dietitians versus traditional marketing strategies. 14:47 Jordyn's Role and Responsibilities: Jordyn introduces her role at Flourish and expresses her enjoyment in learning and taking on various projects. 19:42 An “Unconventional” Dietetics Journey: Jordyn shares her educational background and her decision to pivot from dietetics to a focus on marketing, pursuing her creative strengths. 28:52 The Value of Team Support: Kat and Jordyn discuss the value of having a supportive team, especially for those working from home, and how accountability plays a role in their productivity. 30:11 Navigating Business Challenges: Kat reflects on the challenges of running a business, including the need to adapt to market demands. 35:22 Future Goals and Adaptability: Kat and Jordyn discuss their goals for the future. Kathryn (Kat) Durston is a registered dietitian based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a unique background and multiple degrees in both Art and Design and Nutrition and Dietetics. She blends her creative passion with clinical expertise to craft engaging content and impactful marketing strategies. As the founder of , Kat has grown her marketing and media company from a college startup to a thriving 10-member team in just three years. Flourish has supported over 250 healthcare businesses with services ranging from social media management and blog writing to SEO and email marketing. In addition to her marketing work, Kat runs her own virtual private practice, , specializing in functional nutrition for autoimmune conditions. 📲 Find Flourish on Instagram 📩 Want to work with Flourish? Jordyn Springer is the lead virtual assistant at Flourish, where she has been a key team member for over 1.5 years. During her time at Flourish, she has collaborated with more than 30 dietitians and B2B professionals, delivering exceptional support and expertise. Through Flourish, she works with Jennifer on the Pursuing Private Practice team. With a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, Jordyn is now expanding her skills by pursuing a master’s degree in digital marketing, blending her nutrition background with creative marketing strategies to make an even greater impact. 💬 Interested in chatting with Jordyn? Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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My “Weird” Word of the Year & 2024 Reflections
01/07/2025
My “Weird” Word of the Year & 2024 Reflections
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Courtney Vickery, the owner of to discuss the highs and lows of 2025 and what’s ahead. Whether you’re just starting your private practice or have been a CEO for years, you'll relate to Jennifer and Courtney’s reflections on the past year. Reflection on the Past Year: Courtney and Jennifer discuss the highs and lows of Pursuing Private Practice in 2024. There were significant highs such as the revamp of , and there were plenty of lows like the disappointing outcome of the fall cohort of which received 0 applications. 2025 Word of the Year: Jennifer shares her word of the year for 2025 - content. For her, it doesn’t mean that she’s settling. It means that she’s settled. In a world where we constantly chase an ever-moving finish line, she’s decided that this year, she’s already arrived. Team Dynamics and Changes: Courtney and Jennifer talk about transitions within their teams, which leads to a period of adjustment that takes time. The Future of the Pursuing Private Practice Podcast: The podcast will now feature biweekly episodes, focusing primarily on dietitian business owners. Topics will focus on themes in , such as navigating challenges in private practice and implementing effective business strategies. Timestamps: 03:54 Podcast Goals: The goal of the podcast is to inspire business owners to persevere through challenges and take up space. 06:30 Word of the Year: Jennifer shares her word of the year, "content," and what it means for 2025. 17:00 Revamping Business School: Discussion of the revamping of the business school and the challenges faced in the past year. 22:39 New Consulting Options: Introduction of new consulting options for clients, including 1:1 business consulting and VIP days, allowing for more personalized support. 26:46 Shift to Bi-Weekly Episodes: Announcement of a shift to bi-weekly podcast episodes to allow for richer conversations and better planning. 35:10 Plans for 2025: Jennifer shares plans for 2025, focusing on content creation and potential new offerings, while also emphasizing the importance of boundaries and team effort. 38:32 Closing Remarks: Encouraging listeners to rate, review, and provide topic requests for future episodes. Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD is a multi-passionate entrepreneur in the weight-inclusive space. She's an anti-diet dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with her own private practice, . She is also the CEO of , her website and branding studio for weight-inclusive businesses. She has a double dose of knowledge, with bachelor's degrees in political science and dietetics, plus a Master's degree in Foods & Nutrition from the University of Georgia Her passion for blending her love for weight-inclusive care with her knack for web and branding design makes her your friendly expert in dietetics and web design. Find Courtney on Instagram at @ Want more from Pursuing Private Practice? 🗓️ Looking to start your private practice in just 30 days? Do it with our Open For Business toolkit: 📈 Want to get 3 new clients in just 3 days? Join Marketing Bootcamp: 🌟 Looking for the ultimate support system to build the private practice you’ve always dreamed of? Check out Business School: 🌍 Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO: Find us on Instagram @
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BONUS: Hiring, Team Management, and Leadership
09/27/2024
BONUS: Hiring, Team Management, and Leadership
Welcome to a bonus episode of the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! In this podcast episode, Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, answers questions about hiring and leadership in business. Topics include hiring your first team member, the interview process, the difference between employee and contractor positions, the importance of setting clear expectations and communication, and the complexities of team dynamics in private practice. This episode is full of action steps for you to embrace leadership in your business. 00:04:30 - CEO Time and Job Descriptions The significance of scheduling CEO time to evaluate business operations. Discussion about the different steps to create a job description for a virtual assistant based on tasks needed, outcomes, and budget. 00:09:42 - Paying Team Members Comparison of hiring a virtual assistant versus a dietitian, focusing on roles and revenue generation. Insights on how to determine fair pay for dietitians based on expertise and business finances. 00:17:45 - Employee vs. Contractor Differences Explains the differences between hiring W-2 employees and W-9 contractors, focusing on supervision and responsibilities. 00:21:23 - Marketing Job Positions and the Interview Process Strategies for marketing job openings effectively to attract the right candidates for your business. Advice on conducting interviews and assessing candidates' problem-solving skills and fit for the role. 00:30:06 - Setting Expectations for Retention The importance of setting clear expectations for team members regarding client sessions and communication, including hiring and managing team members effectively. 00:35:21 - Job Descriptions for VAs and Interviewing Candidates Explores the necessity of having a job description when hiring a virtual assistant to ensure clarity of roles and expectations. Highlights the importance of asking the right interview questions to avoid bad hires. 00:38:54 - Addressing Performance Issues and Conflicts of Interest for Team Members Starting a Practice Discusses strategies for addressing performance issues with associates, including setting clear goals and expectations. Explains how to manage situations when associates wish to start their own private practices. 00:46:27 - Client Retention and Building Business Assets Emphasizes the importance of client care during transitions when associates leave, allowing clients to choose their path. Discusses the importance of creating intellectual property and business assets to sustain a practice. 00:49:19 - Pay Structures for Employees and Leadership Support Explores different pay structures for employees in group practices, including hourly rates and fee splits. Encourages business owners to seek support and build leadership skills to create sustainable practices. 00:57:31 - Join EXPAND More information about the business coaching program for support in hiring and leadership. The program helps you hire your team, manage your team, and step into your CEO role as a leader.
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Pivoting Your CEO Role with Stefani Reinold and Lindsay Stenovec
03/26/2024
Pivoting Your CEO Role with Stefani Reinold and Lindsay Stenovec
Welcome to the podcast! This is our last episode of Season 2. Season 3 will be back in 2025! In the meantime, visit , check out our programs, and , and make sure to stay tuned about upcoming events. Also, follow us on Instagram! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and her two business best friends, Dr. Stefani Reinold and Lindsay Stenovec, as they discuss the business changes and evolving their CEO roles. Join the conversation to hear about: Business Transitions Are Inevitable: Jennifer, Stefani, and Lindsay share experiences of embracing change to their "job descriptions", team transitions, and the impact of personal and professional shifts on business decisions. Factors for Business Decision-Making and Shifting Priorities: It's important to reflect on the evolving priorities and boundaries in business over time. Jennifer, Stefani, and Lindsay explore how financial security, family boundaries, and personal capacity have influenced business decisions and transitions. Perception vs. Reality in Business: Being CEO is not without its challenges. Business perception has been heavily influenced by skewed online representation of business ownership. Recognizing Burnout Triggers: Jennifer, Stefani, and Lindsay talk about how they recognize burnout triggers and how to take personal accountability in business. Emotional Elements in Business: Navigating transitions and responsibilities as an entrepreneur can be very emotional. Gain insight into personal growth and emotional regulation in business ownership. The key takeaway? Fully stepping into your CEO role gives you freedom and autonomy. While this is a privilege, it can also be a burden. Finding business friends to support you through your entrepreneurial journey is essential for your well-being. Dr. Stefani Reinold is a board-certified psychiatrist, author of the book Let Your Heart Out, podcast host, military wife, and mother of 4. She is the founder of , an integrative, holistic psychiatry practice in Dripping Springs, TX. She is passionate about normalizing mental health struggles, sharing antidotes to hustle culture, and encouraging individuals to live out their unique purpose. When she is not breaking the mold for traditional psychiatrists, you can find her spreading mom life truth bombs, talking business strategy, embracing her infinite Pinterest failures, or living out her minimalist, organized life fantasies in her perfectly imperfect home in Austin, Texas. Find Stefani on Instagram Lindsay Stenovec is the owner of – a group practice in San Diego, CA specializing in eating and feeding disorders. She enjoys offering supervision to dietitians in individual and group settings and has spent 13+ years working with people experiencing eating disorders, the intersection of disordered eating, and pregnancy/postpartum and child feeding challenges. Lindsay is passionate about supporting dietitians so that they feel grounded in their collaborative work with clients, can hold space for healing, and maintain a sustainable career. She is currently navigating a business transition in deciding to close Nutrition Instincts this summer to make space for professional supervision services, consulting projects, and speaking engagements. Find Lindsay Stenovec on Instagram @
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Scale Your Business Using Technology with Stephanie Hofhenke
03/19/2024
Scale Your Business Using Technology with Stephanie Hofhenke
Welcome to the podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Stephanie Hofhenke, the CEO of String Marketing, to discuss an update on technology as a business owner. Episode Highlights: Trends in Technology for Entrepreneurs: Stephanie goes through trends in technology, mindset shifts, and how setting up an EMR can help business owners save time, money, and energy. Challenges and Benefits of Technology: Stephanie and Jennifer emphasize the importance of creating an experience for your clients to keep them coming back. There are so many benefits in setting up technology systems as a way of customer service, but it can be challenging for business owners who aren't "tech-savvy". The Evolution of String Marketing with String Connect: Stephanie shares the development process of the String Connect product, emphasizing the customer-driven approach, addressing client needs, and streamlining marketing activities for practitioners. The key takeaway? Leveraging technology to streamline your business processes can change your life as a business owner. Stephanie Hofhenke is the founder of , a digital agency that has focused on serving dietitians for 14 years. Stephanie and her team of experts are passionate about helping practitioners elevate their practice and master their marketing. She leads a growing team with branding, marketing, and website experience. Together they have worked with over 400 practitioners and have launched even more websites. They build websites that attract millions of unique visitors per year. She has a sincere appreciation for the work that dietitians and healthcare professionals do to impact the world. Her knowledge of the unique challenges practitioners face has been compiled into a remarkably effective toolkit that helps practitioners across the country take their business marketing challenges head-on. Find out more about . Find STRING Marketing on Instagram Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Design Your CEO Role To Transform Your Life
03/06/2024
Design Your CEO Role To Transform Your Life
Welcome to the Podcast! Join Jennifer & Courtney Vickery, CEO of , as they define what it means to be a CEO. They share personal experiences of how their CEO roles have changed and discuss delegation, team support, and the importance of mentorship and coaching. Join the conversation as they discuss: Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries: Boundaries will evolve and change according to your passions, market, and strengths. They discuss the evolution of their CEO job descriptions and how their CEO role has changed through the different stages of business. Taking Care of Your Team and Getting Support: Team members are valuable assets to any company. Jennifer and Courtney stress the need for any business owner to prioritize their own well-being while leading a team. Creating Space for CEO Time: CEO Time is not what you think! It's a mix of data and intuition to make business strategy decisions for the company's vision. Run Your Home Like a CEO: Running a home like a CEO means understanding the big picture of your home, creating systems, delegating tasks, and getting support for your life (just as much as your business!) Use the exercise outlined in this podcast episode to create your ideal CEO job description! Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Systems for Motherhood and Home Life with Heather Rudalavage
02/27/2024
Systems for Motherhood and Home Life with Heather Rudalavage
Welcome to the Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Heather Rudalavage, the owner of , to discuss various systems in motherhood and home. Join the conversation to learn more about: The Intersection of Parenthood and Private Practice: Heather and Jennifer discuss the intersection of parenthood and private practice, and how many private practice professionals desire a flexible lifestyle to balance work and family. The Importance of Running Your Home Like a CEO: Heather emphasizes the importance of running your home like a CEO with examples of systems, tips, and ways to integrate life and work for business owners at every stage of business. Business Growth and Redefining Success: All business owners go through business growth, burnout, and then must redefine success on their terms. The conversation explores the different definitions of success and the factors that contribute to personal fulfillment and achievement in business: schedule, boundaries, money, impact, and flexibility are all "worth" the hard work. Lessons from Parenting and Business Ownership: Heather and Jennifer discuss the lessons learned from parenting and business ownership, emphasizing the similarities in long-term commitment, adaptability, and the ongoing journey of growth and development. Heather shares personal experiences of parenting and the transition to adulthood with her children. The conversation reflects on the different stages of parenting and the impact of family dynamics on personal and professional growth. Reflect on what systems are helpful for you in running your home like a CEO. Heather Rudalavage is an anti-diet, weight-neutral Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Certified Body Trust Coach in the Philadelphia area. She is the founder of . She has spent the last 10+ years helping women achieve their health goals with compassion, empathy, and a dash of humor! She is married to her high school sweetheart and mom to 3 teenagers. She enjoys spending time outdoors, knitting, and reading. She loves meeting new people and has traveled to 20 countries. She is currently about halfway through writing her first novel. Find Heather on Instagram at Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Growing a Group Private Practice with Alyssa Callahan
02/20/2024
Growing a Group Private Practice with Alyssa Callahan
Welcome to the podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Alyssa Callahan, the CEO of , to discuss the importance of systems in group practice. They both share valuable insights and tips for implementing effective systems in business. As a business owner, learning to navigate the complexities of running a practice and being an entrepreneur is crucial for success. Join the conversation to learn more about: Navigating Insurance Systems: Taking insurance in a group practice comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in managing cash flow and dealing with insurance companies. Alyssa shares her experience of a major issue with an insurance contract and the impact it had on her practice. Despite the challenges, she highlights the value of having multiple insurance contracts to maintain stability in the business. Financial and HR Systems: In addition to insurance systems, Alyssa discusses the importance of financial and HR systems in her group practice. She emphasizes the use of a reliable payroll system like Gusto for employee management and payroll processing. Having effective HR systems in place ensures smooth operations and supports the growth of the practice. The Importance of Skill Building: Throughout the conversation, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of skill building in creating and managing systems. As a business owner, developing the skills to handle challenges and implement effective systems is essential for long-term success. Building a skill in system creation and management allows for better problem-solving and decision-making in the business. Employee Systems and Project Management Tools: Alyssa shares her experience with Asana, a project management tool that has transformed the way her team operates. From onboarding to benefits checks, having the right systems in place has made a significant impact on the efficiency and success of her practice. Marketing and Onboarding Systems: Alyssa also highlights the importance of marketing and onboarding systems in her practice. From job descriptions to the interviewing processes and onboarding procedures, having well-defined systems in place has streamlined the hiring and training process for new team members. These systems not only benefit the business but also create a positive experience for employees. Alyssa Snow Callahan, MS, RD, CEDS-C, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist - Supervisor, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, author of The Mindful Eating Journal, and Founder / CEO of . Alyssa specializes in eating disorders, binge eating, emotional eating, and body image in teens and adults, as well as a weight-neutral approach to treating fertility/pregnancy issues. She is also passionate about helping eating disorder and non-diet providers grow their business and clinical skills. Find Alyssa on Instagram, and her own Instagram Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Scaling a Company with Jeanne Petrucci
02/13/2024
Scaling a Company with Jeanne Petrucci
Welcome to the podcast! Join Jennifer & Jeannie Petrucci, CEO of , to hear all about Jeannie’s journey starting her private practice, pivoting her business, and the support that helped her get to where she is today. Join the conversation as they discuss: Trying New Things: Pivoting your business and trying something new can be scary, but don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Failure is just an opportunity to pivot and learn. Leaning on Support: The journey of developing your business is tough to do alone. Find a strong support system to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes. Prioritizing Mental Health: Building a business can be isolating, and entrepreneurship can most definitely take a toll on mental health. Remember to find what self-care works for you, and continue to prioritize it. Intellectual Property & Assets: Intellectual property is valuable in your business, and it’s the foundation for scaling your business in a sustainable way. The journey of building a business is filled with challenges, but with the right mindset and support, it’s possible to create a business that serves YOU. We hope this inspires you to keep learning, growing, and expanding your business to take up space. Jeanne Petrucci, MS, RDN, is the CEO and Founder of She is a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has participated in research with gold-standard institutions exploring the impact of evidence-based culinary nutrition education programs and tools on human nutrition-related health behaviors. She is a busy mom of four and grandmother of 3 who has been exactly where many of you are - struggling to create all the content you need to serve your clients and grow your practice while still having energy for everyone else. Jeanne brings her experience as a private cooking instructor for more than 25 years to her second career as a dietitian content creator. She founded Living Plate Rx 5 years ago, building a meal planning platform and content library to support practitioners with all the resources they need to grow their practices without burning out. Today’s Dietitian, the nation's leading media company for dietitians, recently acquired minority ownership in Living Plate Rx. Check out these resources to learn more about Living Plate Rx: Free Workshop: Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Systems to Scale
02/06/2024
Systems to Scale
Welcome to the Podcast! Join Jennifer & Courtney Vickery, CEO of , as they discuss the importance of implementing effective systems in business. They share how systems have revolutionized their business operations and leadership roles. Join the conversation as they discuss: Rest & Reflection in Business: Many professionals who pursue a career in private practice face burnout at some point. It’s important to take a step back to avoid burnout. Systems are essential for being able to COAST in business to maintain long-term success. The Evolution of Systems in Pursuing Private Practice: Pursuing Private Practice began with no systems in place. Now, we use project management tools such as Trello and Asana to leverage systems to meet our overarching business goals. Adjusting for Different Learning Styles: Individuals on your team might have different learning styles. Being able to accommodate various learning styles to ensure effective communication and seamless execution is game-changing. The Impact of Systems on Business Growth: When you have systems in place that align with your business goals and meet your team’s communication needs, business growth can start to happen. Leveraging Visual & Auditory Communication: People learn differently, and using different visual and auditory systems can be extremely effective. Some people like things typed out, some learn best from videos, and others just need to hear it out loud. We hope this encourages you to ask yourself, “How are the systems I have in place allowing me to take up space in business?” and “How can I make them better?” Systems can help you become the business owner you were meant to be. Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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Be Bold with Your Marketing
01/02/2024
Be Bold with Your Marketing
Welcome to the Podcast! In this episode, Jennifer is joined by fellow CEO Deanna Wolfe to discuss resilience in entrepreneurship, practical tips on marketing and selling, and the importance of bold messaging and authenticity in building a strong brand presence. Join the conversation as they discuss: Dream Jobs and Self-Care in Entrepreneurship: Discover how entrepreneurship opens doors to creating dream jobs while highlighting the crucial role of self-care and overcoming limiting beliefs. Integrity in Marketing and Selling: Explore the importance of authentic marketing, handling objections, and selling with integrity as fundamental components in establishing a successful business that resonates with the community. Business Wisdom: Learn that it's perfectly acceptable not to have everything figured out. The discussion also covers wise business investments, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and the ability to adapt to market shifts. Financial Success for Dietitians: Challenge the stereotype that dietitians can't thrive financially. Discover how prosperity positively influences both personal and professional growth. Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights into transforming passion into a thriving business and how to boldly market your offers. Visit to learn more about Pursuing Private Practice Follow us on Instagram! This episode of the Pursuing Private Practice is sponsored by . Join our comprehensive online program to help you set up your business, start to see your first few clients, and grow! Business School includes our educational platform, weekly connection calls with our team and other members, and a Facebook Group for accountability. Customized business education for starting and growing your business Guides + templates + action steps to make your life easier Workbooks to support your business planning An exclusive online community to celebrate with you, vent with you, and cheer you on Are you ready to lead with confidence and expand your impact? EXPAND is your path to stepping into the role of CEO, without sacrificing your self-care, boundaries, or integrity. This comprehensive business consulting program is designed for private practice owners ready to build a sustainable, scalable business. EXPAND gives you the tools, resources, and support to hire a team member and step into leadership. You will graduate working primarily in your zone of genius, delegating tasks that drain your energy, and communicating effectively when boundaries change. Learn more:
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