Shows
Empowered to LeadFrom Therapist-Owner to CEO: The 5 Steps That Change EverythingIf you listened to my conversation with Jessica Cowling and felt that “oh wow, that’s me” moment — this episode is your next step. We’re talking about two common crossroads for group practice owners: avoiding the numbers and leading from people-pleasing. I share my own experiences (including the resentment trap), and I walk you through five practical leadership steps you can take this month to protect your energy, lead with clarity, and build a practice that truly serves you.What You’ll Hear:The hidden cost of “I’ll just leave the numbers to the professional”How...
2026-01-2728 min
Empowered to LeadLeading Through Growth: From People Pleaser to CEO with Jessica CowlingIn this heartfelt and practical conversation, Lisa sits down with Jessica Cowling, founder of Innerworks Counselling in London, Ontario. Together, they explore what it means to grow as a leader — from the early stages of group practice ownership to running a multi-layered organization with a leadership team, clear systems, and financial clarity. Jessica shares the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped her move from “I don’t want to be a leader” to confidently calling herself a CEO.What You’ll Hear:- How Jessica went from solo practice to leading a team of 28 (and why th...
2026-01-2036 min
Empowered to LeadWhat Season is Your Group Practice In?In this episode, Lisa explores the idea that group practices move through distinct seasons—and leadership looks different in each one. Whether you're planting, growing, tending, or harvesting, knowing your current season helps you lead with clarity, reduce pressure, and stop comparing your practice to others. Lisa walks through practical markers to identify your season, common leadership traps to avoid, and healthy boundaries that support you as the leader.What You’ll Hear:Why comparing your practice to others can distort your leadership decisionsThe 4 seasons of a group practice: Planting, Growing, Tending, HarvestingClear ways to identify whic...
2026-01-1323 min
Empowered to LeadYour Leadership Reset: Reflect, Reorient, ReclaimWe’re kicking off Season 2 with a grounded, intentional reset for group practice owners. This episode invites you to slow down, take stock of the past season, and step into the next quarter with clarity, energy, and purpose—without the pressure or hustle culture vibes. You’ll hear reflections on wintering, the natural seasonality of practice ownership, what’s ahead for the podcast, and a simple three-step process to reset your leadership for Q1.What You’ll Hear:A warm welcome to Season 2 and what’s new in this next chapterWhy seasonality matters in leadership and practice own...
2026-01-0619 min
Empowered to LeadSeason One Reflections: Leadership Lessons, Growth, and the Power of WinteringIn this reflective season finale, Lisa looks back on the first four months of the Empowered to Lead podcast — the growth, the surprises, the learning curves, and the themes that kept surfacing across every conversation. She shares what she’s learned as a leader, a coach, and a new podcast host, and invites listeners to consider where they’re being stretched and how they might “winter” in their own leadership. With warmth and honesty, Lisa closes out Season One and offers a glimpse into what’s coming in Season Two.What You’ll Hear:Why Season One was full o...
2025-12-0928 min
Empowered to LeadPartnerships That Work: Building a Group Practice Together with Lucinda Bibbs and Stefanie IversonIn this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa sits down with Lucinda Bibbs and Stefanie Iverson, co-founders of New Ground Wellness, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a group practice in partnership. From defining roles to building trust, they share candid insights into navigating challenges, staying aligned with values, and leading with vision and collaboration.What You’ll Hear:The story of how Lucinda and Stefanie met and transitioned from solo practices to forming a partnership.Why clearly defining roles and responsibilities has been key to their success.How trust, transparency, and shared va...
2025-12-0229 min
Empowered to LeadWhy People Pleasing Is Quietly Undermining Your LeadershipPeople pleasing shows up in almost every group practice owner — even the ones who look calm, confident, and steady on the outside. In this episode, we explore why it’s so common for therapists-turned-leaders, how it quietly erodes clarity and confidence, and what you can do to shift into grounded, assertive leadership that protects your time, your energy, and the long-term health of your practice.You’ll walk away with a simple leadership challenge to help you practise clearer, more values-aligned decision-making this week.What You’ll Hear:Why people-pleasing is so common for group pr...
2025-11-2520 min
Empowered to LeadStarting Small, Leading by Example: Wendy Huang’s Group Practice JourneyIn this episode of the Empowered to Lead podcast, Lisa Catallo interviews Wendy Huang, a group practice owner, about her journey in starting and managing a group practice. They discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership, the importance of having a vision and mission, and the common misconceptions about running a group practice. Wendy shares her experiences, insights on marketing, and the significance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of business ownership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, setting achievable goals, and finding support in the journey of entrepreneurship.What You’ll Hear:Yo...
2025-11-1827 min
Empowered to LeadMaking Sense of the Mess: Using Practice Vital to Understand Your Numbers with Madeline LarsenIn this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa sits down with Madeline Larsen, co-founder of Practice Vital, to talk about how data can empower group practice owners to make confident, informed decisions. Together, they unpack how understanding your metrics can strengthen leadership, improve team conversations, and help you step fully into your CEO role—without drowning in spreadsheets.What You’ll Hear:The story behind Practice Vital and how it helps group practice owners access key business dataHow to make sense of your numbers (without being a “numbers person”)Turning data into meaningful insight for leadership and team...
2025-11-1133 min
Empowered to LeadThe Power of Quarterly Meetings in Your Group PracticeIn this solo episode, Lisa dives into one of the most underrated leadership habits for group practice owners — quarterly meetings. Whether you have two team members or twenty, regular one-on-one meetings can help you build connection, boost engagement, and strengthen your team culture. Lisa shares practical strategies, common objections, and her own lessons learned (the good, the awkward, and the surprising!) to help you make quarterly meetings meaningful and manageable.What You’ll Hear:Why quarterly meetings are essential for connection and engagementCommon objections (and why they’re missing the bigger picture)How to structure your meetin...
2025-11-0425 min
High Vibe Podcast NetworkHow to Lead with Heart, Structure & Authenticity in Your Practice with Lisa CatalloThis conversation is a grounded, heart-centered reminder that leadership doesn’t have to feel heavy or lonely. Lisa Ca shares how therapists and small business owners can create sustainable growth, prevent burnout, and build communities that feel aligned, supportive, and deeply human. What You’ll Hear:Why therapists often feel isolated in business—and how to build a community that truly gets you How authenticity becomes your most powerful leadership strategy when guiding clients and teams The systems and structures every small business or group practice needs to avoid burnout and overwhelm The real difference between $25/hour t...
2025-10-2923 min
Empowered to LeadNavigating the Journey: Insights from a Group Practice Owner with Barbara BrownIn this episode, Barbara Brown shares her experiences and insights as a group practice owner. From the unexpected challenges to the rewarding moments, Barbara discusses the importance of building a supportive team, staying true to one's values, and the continuous journey of leadership and growth.What You’ll Hear:The transition from solo practice to group practice ownership can be challenging but rewarding.Building a reliable and trustworthy team is crucial for success.It's important to stay aligned with your values, even in a for-profit setting.Learning to delegate and trust others is a key part of...
2025-10-2825 min
Empowered to LeadEthics, Leadership, and Sustainability in Practice with Becky PalmerIn this episode, Lisa chats with Registered Clinical Counsellor Becky Palmer, who brings a unique blend of experience as a former pharmacist, military leader, and now clinical director at OK Clinical in BC. Together, they dive into the intersection of ethics, leadership, and sustainability in private practice — and how those principles play out when you’re leading a team.Becky also shares about her collaborative project, “This Is Why We Practice,” a hub for ethics-based continuing education co-developed with BC family lawyer Betti White, designed to demystify the legal side of counselling.What You’ll Hear:H...
2025-10-2130 min
Empowered to LeadRetreat, Reflect, Realign: Finding Clarity as a Practice OwnerI just returned from a powerful retreat in Greece that reminded me why stepping away is essential for growth. In this episode of Empowered to Lead, I share what retreats have taught me about connection, clarity, and leading with intention—whether you travel across the world or take a solo weekend close to home. When we give ourselves space to reflect, we return stronger, clearer, and ready to lead with purpose.What You’ll Hear: Why retreats are not a luxury but a leadership practice that helps you reset and refocus.How intentional time away can brin...
2025-10-1430 min
Empowered to LeadEmbracing Leadership as a Small Business Owner with Marshall SternIn this episode of Empowered to Lead, I chat with Marshall Stern, a leadership coach and longtime small business owner, about the power of embracing leadership in your business. We explore how to move from working in your business to leading it, why building a team of leaders is essential, and how small business owners can create vision, ownership, and success without doing it all alone.What You’ll Hear:Why leadership is not about a title, but a mindset and a way of being.The importance of building a team of leaders rather than followers.Co...
2025-10-0739 min
Empowered to LeadDo You Need a Business Partner or a Village of Support in Your Group Practice?In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa explores one of the biggest questions group practice owners face: Do I really need a business partner, or do I just need more support?Drawing from her own experiences (including both successful and challenging partnerships), Lisa unpacks the risks, benefits, and alternatives to bringing on a partner. She also highlights the power of building a “village of support” through leadership teams, admin staff, coaches, and trusted advisors.You’ll walk away with clarity on whether partnership is the right move for you—or whether your practice simply needs a...
2025-09-3020 min
Empowered to LeadWhen a Contractor Leaves: Taking Care of You, Them, and ClientsWhen a contractor leaves your group practice—whether by your choice or theirs—it can stir up a mix of emotions and logistical challenges. In this episode, I’m walking you through the three key areas to focus on during this transition: taking care of yourself, supporting the contractor, and ensuring clients feel cared for. You’ll leave with practical steps to navigate the process with clarity, professionalism, and compassion.What You’ll Hear:How to prepare yourself emotionally and practically before having a tough conversation.Ways to support a contractor in their exit while protecting your busin...
2025-09-2314 min
Empowered to LeadExpanding with Intention: From Solo Practice to Collaborative Leadership with Merrisa LittleHow do you know when it’s time to grow—and what kind of growth is right for you?In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa sits down with therapist and group practice owner Merrisa Little to talk about her journey from solo private practice to a growing, values-aligned team in Langley, BC. Together, they explore what it means to expand with intention, lead with integrity, and build a practice that truly supports both clients and clinicians.You’ll hear real talk about:Merrisa’s shift from private practice to group leadershipHow her values a...
2025-09-1621 min
Empowered to LeadWho are you as a leader?In this episode of the Empowered Leader podcast, Lisa Catallo discusses the complexities of leadership for group practice owners in the therapy field. She addresses common hesitations about embracing leadership roles, such as self-doubt and societal perceptions, and emphasizes the importance of redefining what it means to be a leader. The episode aims to empower therapists to embrace their leadership potential and create a positive impact in their communities.What You’ll Hear:You are a leader whether you want to be or not.Many therapists struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome.Leadership can be collaborative ra...
2025-09-0920 min
Empowered to LeadEmpowered to Lead: Navigating Group Practice OwnershipJoin Lisa Catallo and Alison Maratos as they dive into the realities of being a group practice owner, sharing insights on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of community support.What You’ll Hear:The challenges and rewards of group practice ownershipStrategies for effective leadership and collaborationThe importance of community and peer supportResources MentionedThe Group Practice Connection - https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connectionFeatured Guest: Alison MaratosAlison is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist from Brantford, Ontario where she operates a small group pr...
2025-09-0223 min
Empowered to LeadEvolving as a Leader: The Messy Middle of Group Practice with Alison MaratosWhat happens when your practice starts to grow… but you’re still figuring out who you are as a leader?In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa chats with Ontario-based group practice owner and therapist Alison Maratos about the vulnerable, uncertain, and empowering process of stepping into leadership. Alison shares what it’s really like to grow a practice that reflects your values while also navigating doubts, trial-and-error, and unexpected pivots along the way.Together, They Explore:The identity shift from clinician to leaderLearning to trust your voice and visionHow Alison built a team t...
2025-08-2620 min
Empowered to LeadThe Leadership Trap: Doing It All YourselfAre you carrying the full weight of your group practice alone?In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa tackles a common leadership trap—believing that being a strong leader means doing everything yourself. Whether it’s avoiding delegation, over-functioning for your team, or holding off on hiring help until you’re “ready,” many group practice owners end up unintentionally building unsustainable systems.Lisa shares:Why therapists often default to lone-wolf leadershipThe cultural and personal narratives that feed into doing it all yourselfWhat it looks like to lead from a place of fear vs. visionThe...
2025-08-1913 min
Empowered to LeadWho You Serve Shapes How You Lead: Identifying Your Ideal Client and TherapistIn today’s episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa walks you through the foundational process of identifying your ideal client and your ideal therapist—two key pillars that influence everything from your leadership style to your team culture, marketing strategy, and overall fulfilment.What You’ll HearToo often, group practice owners fall into the trap of saying yes to everyone. But this can lead to burnout, resentment, and a business that no longer feels like yours.Lisa shares:Why defining who you work with and who you work for is a leader...
2025-08-1212 min
Empowered to LeadClarify Your Why: Building a Purpose-Driven Group PracticeIn this episode of Empowered to Lead, we're taking a deep dive into your why and your what. Whether you're just getting started or you're knee-deep in growth, it's crucial to step back and reconnect with your purpose and core values.Lisa shares candid insights from her own coaching journey (including a moment that made her pause and reflect hard!)What You’ll Hear:Why identifying your why and what gives your business directionWhat core values really mean for your team and your decisionsHow to use these as a blueprint for sustainable growthExamples from re...
2025-08-0516 min
Empowered to LeadWho is Lisa and what is Empowered to Lead all about?Welcome to the very first episode of Empowered to Lead — the podcast for Canadian group practice owners who are ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and intention.In this short and meaningful intro, host Lisa Catallo shares:Who she is and how she went from solo clinician to group practice owner to business coachWhy she started this podcast (hint: you’re not alone, and your leadership matters!)Who this podcast is for and what you can expect from each episodeThe values and vision behind Empowered to Lead and how it will support your sustainable growth as a therapis...
2025-07-1111 min
Empowered to LeadTrailerWelcome to Empowered to Lead Podcast with Lisa Catallo. Listeners who tune in will feel confident and supported in their group practice journey, know how to build efficient systems and lead with clarity, do the work needed to create a thriving, values-aligned practice, become strong, ethical, and effective leaders who run their practice with ease and confidence.
2025-07-0502 min