Growing and scaling a practice can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, especially when you’re navigating the challenges of leadership and decision-making. But what if you didn’t have to go through it alone?

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of communities and peer groups for Practice Owners. Whether you’re looking for support, accountability, or fresh perspectives, being part of the right community can help you overcome obstacles, accelerate growth, and build a practice that thrives.

Join us as we unpack how communities can provide clarity, confidence, and actionable insights to help you make better decisions and achieve your goals. From the importance of curated groups to the value of vulnerability and psychological safety, this conversation is packed with practical advice for Practice Owners ready to take their business to the next level.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Why peer groups are essential for practice owners and how they can save you years of trial and error (00:51)
• The four key benefits of being part of a community (02:44)
• How to identify and avoid toxic or unhelpful communities (13:30)
• What a mastermind session is and why it’s a game-changer for problem-solving and decision-making (21:50)
• The role of psychological safety in building trust within a group and how to foster it (31:28)

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about the next steps for your practice, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward building a practice that works for you.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about Mastering Financial Systems in General Practice: Build and Maintain a Profitable Clinic with Ryan Sela Part 2, go back and check out Episode 46.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general Practice Owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Owning a clinic is a bold move. Scaling it is next-level.

In this conversation, two incredible GPs, Dr Petrina Barson and Dr Arete Kotouris, pull back the curtain on their journey from dreamers with a vision to established owners of a thriving inner-suburban clinic.

They didn’t start with deep business expertise. They started with clarity, guts, and a shared commitment to doing things differently.

This episode is about what it really takes to grow beyond the spreadsheets and into the grit of daily decisions, the messiness of setbacks, and the power of betting on yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered what scaling a successful, values-led practice looks like in real life (including all the screw-ups and savviness learned along the way), this episode is unmissable.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Why defining your non-negotiables early can fast-track your ideal practice (04:44)
• How to protect your business by learning to lead with boundaries, not blind trust (10:10)
• Practical lessons in council permits, strategic delegation, and stepping back without losing control (13:44)
• The “Flourish Conversations” approach to uplift team morale and improve billing outcomes (21:04)
• How evolving as a leader can unlock unexpected wins inside and outside your practice (26:31)

These stories aren’t just inspirational. They’re practical. They’ll show you what’s possible when you lead with heart, back yourself, and stay fiercely committed to building something that lasts.

Listen now to discover the moments that matter most when scaling your clinic from the inside out.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about The 12.5% Bulk Billing Incentive Is a Trap — Here’s What GP Owners Need to Know, go back and check out Episode 49.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

ABOUT DR PETRINA BARSON

Dr Petrina Barson [MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG, BA (Hons), Grad Dip MHS] graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1988. She enjoys her work as a general practitioner because it gives her the potential to know her patients over time and accompany them through the various phases of their lives.

Petrina loves to make a real difference for people by compassionate listening, by skilful medicine, and by partnering with them to help them best manage their health. She enjoys the full variety of general practice, and has special interests in women’s health, psychological medicine, and resolving the underlying causes of anxiety and depression through The Richards Trauma Process.

Petrina has been involved for many years in medical education, in particular teaching communication skills and compassion cultivation to medical students. She is the Director of the Centre for a Compassionate Society and is actively engaged in advocacy for refugee rights.

ABOUT DR ARETE KOUTERIS

Dr Arete Kouteris [MBBS, FRACGP, FAMAC] graduated from the University of Melbourne with a medical degree in 1991. She has been in general practice for over 20 years. Dr Kouteris also holds a degree in...

There’s a lot of noise around the government’s upcoming 12.5% bulk billing incentive, but before you jump at the promise of “free money,” take a beat.

This episode is a deep dive into what’s really going on behind the curtain. If you’re a GP or Practice Owner in the “maybe” camp — uncertain whether to take the deal or wait it out — this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward in a way that protects your clinic, your income, and your patients.

We unpack the hard truths and hidden strings behind the November incentives and how jumping too soon could lock you into a high-volume, low-autonomy future. If you've built your business on high-quality care and sustainable growth, this episode will give you the mental tools to see past the headlines.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How to assess if the 12.5% incentive is a win or a trap (00:30)
• The real cost of “free” care: rising unpaid workload and the slow death of practitioner autonomy (08:00)
• What happens when your clinic’s identity is no longer yours (18:26)
• A proven alternative: how one clinic went from 20% to 93% private billing in 9 months (33:29)

Whether you're leaning toward bulk billing or planning to stay private, this episode will help you future-proof your business, avoid burnout, and serve your patients without selling your soul to government contracts.

Listen now to hear why a short-term gain could become your long-term pain and what you should be focusing on instead.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about The Metrics Powering Australia’s Top GP Clinics with Chris Smeed, go back and check out Episode 48.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general Practice Owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Feeling like your practice is collecting more data than it knows what to do with? You’re not alone. Many Practice Owners find themselves buried in numbers, unsure how to make those insights drive meaningful change.

This episode is your path to clarity. Join Dr. Sachin Patel and Chris Smeed (Cubiko’s Chief Data Whisperer) as they unpack how data, when paired with purpose and leadership, becomes your greatest leverage point. You’ll learn how to move beyond information overload and into a space where your numbers actually work for you, helping you lead better, grow faster, and breathe easier.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a whole new lens on what data can really do for your practice and how to start using it to reduce overwhelm, spot black holes, increase billings, and bring your team into alignment.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How to set simple, high-impact financial baselines so you know when you’re winning and when you need to pivot (08:18)
• How data can unite everyone behind one clear direction (18:50)
• Using live dashboards to drive focused action (22:19)
• How to use goals, gamification, and real patient stories to energize teams and create meaningful change (33:33)

You don’t need to drown in spreadsheets or become a finance geek to make your practice more sustainable. You just need the right numbers, the right mindset, and the right questions. This episode will show you how to bring them all together.

Listen now to start using your data like a leader, not a lab rat.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about The #1 Mistake Holding General Practice Owners Back (And How Coaching Fixes It), go back and check out Episode 47.

CEO and Founder, Cubiko, Founder and Director, Halo Connect

Chris Smeed is a dynamic leader in the healthcare industry, known for his innovative vision and commitment to improving practice life. He is the CEO and co-founder of Cubiko, a Brisbane-based software startup that provides an innovative platform for Practices to gain valuable insights into their business and operations. With his extensive experience in practice management and support roles, Chris has been passionate about harnessing the power of practice data for the last seven years.

In 2022, Chris founded Halo Connect, a healthcare technology company that aims to solve the interoperability crisis. His deep commitment to improving healthcare has driven his entrepreneurial pursuits and he strives to make a positive impact on the industry.

With a clear vision for the future of healthcare, Chris is dedicated to making a positive impact on the industry through his innovative ventures. His entrepreneurial pursuits are fueled by his passion for improving healthcare and creating a healthier practice life for all.

• Website: https://www.cubiko.com.au/
• Email: info@cubiko.com.au
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissmeed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cubikosoftware
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubiko_software/

Subscribe to the

Building a thriving practice isn’t just about working harder. It’s also about working smarter. But how do you navigate the inevitable challenges of ownership without getting lost in the noise of endless information?

One of the most powerful ways to accelerate growth, avoid costly mistakes, and gain clarity is through coaching. But it isn't just about learning new strategies. Coaching is about developing the mindset, execution skills, and accountability that separate successful Practice Owners from those who stay stuck.

In this episode, we dive into the true value of coaching — what it is, what it isn’t, and why it might just be the key to unlocking your next level of success.

Whether you're a Practice Owner looking to scale, a leader aiming to make better decisions, or simply someone who feels overwhelmed by the complexity of business growth, this conversation will shed light on how coaching can provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How coaching differs from consultancy and why the depth of experience matters when choosing the right guidance (00:48)
• Why following through on decisions is more important than simply knowing what to do (10:59)
• The hidden cost of bad decisions (19:18)
• Group vs. one-on-one coaching (27:35)
• The hidden cost of hesitation and how inaction can result in lost revenue, lost time, and years of unnecessary struggle (40:05)

Coaching will help remove the roadblocks that are keeping you from growing. Whether it’s scaling your practice, improving leadership skills, or making better financial decisions, the right guidance can save you years of trial and error.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about Mastering Financial Systems in General Practice: Build and Maintain a Profitable Clinic with Ryan Sela Part 2, go back and check out Episode 46.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Resources

What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

Pick a Fight by David Burkus

The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham

Dunning–Kruger Effect

Scaling Up by Verne Harnish

EOS Implementer

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general Practice Owners and follow us on

Building a thriving practice goes beyond delivering top-notch patient care. It requires a solid command of your finances behind the scenes. Without a firm grip on your numbers, you risk running a practice that looks busy but struggles to turn a profit.

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the financial operating system every General Practice Owner needs, featuring Ryan Sela, GM of GP Bookkeeper. If you’ve ever felt like your financials are more reactive than strategic, this conversation is for you.

Understanding how and when to track your key financial metrics is the difference between making informed decisions and flying blind. A predictable, structured approach to financial management can ensure that your practice grows in a sustainable, profitable way without constantly playing catch-up or being surprised by tax bills.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How often you should review financial reports and what to look for at each stage (03:11)
• The must-have financial dashboards that show you where your money is really going (15:03)
• Why room utilisation is the hidden profitability factor most Practice Owners overlook (17:18)
• The biggest financial blind spots that cost Practice Owners thousands (37:41)
• How to implement Profit First and take control of your cash flow (44:50)

Ready to move from financial uncertainty to clarity? We’ll show you how to track the right numbers, make proactive decisions, and keep more of what you earn.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about Mastering Financial Systems in General Practice: Build and Maintain a Profitable Clinic with Ryan Sela Part 1, go back and check out Episode 45.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

Resources

Dext

Hubdoc

Xero

MYOB

Cubiko

Fathom

Tenders

Deputy

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

ABOUT RYAN SELA

Ryan Sela is the General Manager of GP Bookkeeper, an organisation dedicated to enhancing financial management solely for General Practices. With over 9 years of experience, Ryan has expertise in managing finances for over 50 medical practices. His role involves overseeing financial operations, implementing strategies to optimise revenue and reduce costs, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Prior to his current role, Ryan gained valuable experience as a Practice Manager, where he developed a deep understanding of the day to day...

Scaling a clinic successfully isn't just about patient care It’s also about having a structured financial system that supports sustainable growth. Yet, many Practice Owners struggle with understanding their numbers, often running on instinct rather than a well-defined framework.

A clear financial operating system is the backbone of any thriving clinic. It ensures every dollar is accounted for, decisions are data-driven, and financial blind spots are eliminated before they become costly mistakes. Without structured financial processes, clinic owners risk losing money, making reactionary decisions, and missing opportunities for growth.

In this episode, we’re diving into what a strong financial operating system looks like in a General Practice. We’ll break down common pitfalls, explore how to transition from chaos to clarity, and highlight the key structures that lead to a profitable, scalable practice.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• The four financial stages of a practice and how to move up the pyramid (03:22)
• The hidden costs of DIY bookkeeping and why it’s costing you more than you think (09:04)
• How a poor financial setup increases risk and the red flags that indicate money is slipping through the cracks (21:36)
• Why inaccurate financial reporting is a ticking time bomb for your practice (30:29)
• The essential elements of a financial system that helps you scale with confidence (35:01)

From breaking free of chaotic financial processes to ensuring your financial data tells the right story, this conversation will give you the tools to build a system that supports your clinic’s success.

Listen now to take control of your practice’s financial future.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about Don’t let circumstance steal your Clinic - with Caroline Holland - Docinsure, go back and check out Episode 44.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

ABOUT RYAN SELA

Ryan Sela is the General Manager of GP Bookkeeper, an organisation dedicated to enhancing financial management solely for General Practices. With over 9 years of experience, Ryan has expertise in managing finances for over 50 medical practices. His role involves overseeing financial operations, implementing strategies to optimise revenue and reduce costs, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Prior to his current role, Ryan gained valuable experience as a Practice Manager, where he developed a deep understanding of the day to day management of a practice and financial intricacies of medical practices.

In addition to his work at GP Bookkeeper, Ryan is also a Financial Operating System coach for Scale My Clinic and the only Profit First Professional in the industry. In this role, he helps medical practices empower their financials by elevating their bookkeeping practices, helping with budgeting and financial reporting. Ryan is passionate about helping medical practices thrive financially. He believes that by fixing their financial focus, practices can achieve greater efficiency, profitability, and overall success.

CONNECT WITH RYAN SELA

Website: www.gpbookkeeper.com.au

GP Bookkeeper...

Running a medical practice comes with countless responsibilities, one of the biggest being protecting what you’ve built. But too often, Practice Owners overlook or underestimate the role of insurance in safeguarding their business from unexpected risks.

Rather than treating insurance as a reluctant purchase, smart Practice Owners see it as a vital safety net that ensures continuity, financial security, and peace of mind. Without the right coverage, a single event, be it property damage, cyber threats, or liability claims, can lead to devastating losses.

In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Holland from Docinsure to unravel the most common insurance mistakes Practice Owners make and how to create a structured, strategic approach to coverage that keeps your practice protected. You’ll gain insight into the key policies every practice should consider, the risks of underinsurance, and why a proactive approach to reviewing your coverage is essential.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• The two biggest insurance mistakes Practice Owners make and how to avoid them (01:16)
• A real-world example of how underinsurance left a practice in financial ruin (02:17)
• How to build a coverage plan that actually works (05:38)
• Why medical practices are prime targets for cyber liability (14:11)
• The must-have policies beyond medical malpractice that every owner should know about (19:29)

Failing to plan is planning to fail, especially when it comes to protecting your practice. Tune in now to learn how to secure your business against the unexpected and ensure long-term success.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode talking about The GP Pay Debate: Stop Playing Into Their Hands! go back and check out Episode 43.

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

Share this episode with other general practice owners and follow us on Facebook at Scale My Clinic for more updates and resources.

ABOUT CAROLINE HOLLAND

Caroline Holland is a ANZIIF Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and seasoned Insurance Broker with over 20 years of and a special interest in the Australian Primary Healthcare Sector. She co-founded Medisure Indemnity Australia, a prominent healthcare underwriting agency back in 2004, and served as CEO of Mediprotect in Brisbane for many years. After the agency and brokerage were sold in 2017, Caroline relocated to FNQ and established the Reef Insurance Brokers Group. Doc Insure is part of this group and provides comprehensive insurance services nationwide to SME clinics in the healthcare and allied health sectors.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE HOLLAND

DOC INSURE - Part of the Reef Insurance Brokers Group

PO Box 104 Atherton Q 4883

Email: admin@reefib.com.au

Call: 0473 007 606

Website: www.docinsure.com.au

Subscribe to the Scale My Clinic Podcast for weekly insights and strategies to scale your clinic.

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