In this episode, Michael speaks with James Loveday, one of the most experienced voices in the NDIS sector, about the real challenges behind disability support work.

They explore what it’s like to work in the NDIS while living with neurodiversity and mental health struggles. James shares his personal journey through burnout, addiction, and masking—along with practical ways support workers, BDMs and leaders can create safer, more supportive workplaces.

Topics covered include:

How neurodivergent support workers are affected by workplace isolation

The hidden impact of masking in the NDIS sector

Why most KPIs no longer make sense for NDIS providers

What types of events are actually worth attending

How lived experience can shape better NDIS service delivery

Why we need to focus on staff wellbeing, not just compliance

If you're an NDIS provider, business owner, BDM, or support coordinator, this is a must-watch conversation about the reality of working in disability support today.

Visit https://athletickoala.com.au
Connect with James Loveday: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-loveday-0a60b119b/

#NDIS #DisabilitySupport #SupportWorkers #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #NDISProviders #NDISBusiness #DisabilitySector #NDISLeadership

Is growing your NDIS business always the right move?

In this honest and practical conversation, Michael speaks with Vanessa Norman, a former NDIS provider who built a successful business, then chose to walk away. They unpack the realities of scaling in the NDIS sector, from burnout and financial strain to identity loss and the pressure to look successful.

Vanessa shares the turning points that led her to leave her business, the impact on her health and family, and why helping others build sustainable, profitable NDIS businesses has become her new mission.

If you're running an NDIS business, feeling the weight of responsibility, or wondering whether it's time to shift your strategy, this episode offers real insight and grounded advice.

What You'll Learn:

Why bigger doesn’t always mean better in NDIS

How burnout can creep in without warning

The truth about referrals, results, and profitability

Letting go of shame when stepping back

What matters most when the business is gone

Vanessa now helps NDIS business owners simplify, stabilise, and refocus. Learn more at vanessanorman.com.au

#NDIS #NDISProvider #VanessaNorman #NDISCoaching #BusinessBurnout #NDISReferrals #ScalingNDIS #NDISLeadership #NDISSupport #NDISBusinessChat #MichaelFromLinkedIn

Kezia didn’t just grow fast—she did it differently. In just 15 months, she went from a solo OT to leading a thriving NDIS business with 17 staff, 80 clients, a leafy green expo garden… and zero interest in playing by boring provider rules.

In this energising and refreshingly honest episode, Kezia shares how she:

– Grew Staying Independent into a standout NDIS business
– Built an integrated outcomes model that connects support workers and allied health
– Balances business, parenting, and flipping houses
– Avoids beige branding and brings bold energy to every event
– Leads with curiosity, gratitude, and no time for whingeing

Whether you’re an NDIS provider, team leader, or just trying to figure out how to grow without losing yourself, this conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and big laughs.

Perfect for providers who want to work smarter, lead braver, and still get home in time for Uber Eats.

Learn more about Kezia and Staying Independent: https://www.stayingindependent.com.au
Follow Kezia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keziakingston/
Tag a provider who needs to hear this!

#NDIS #NDISProvider #AlliedHealth #OccupationalTherapy #SupportWorkers #BusinessLeadership #WomenInBusiness #DisabilitySupport #Kezia #StayingIndependent #NDISAustralia #NDISBusinessTips

What really makes a family work? In this honest and funny conversation, a dad and daughter sit down to talk about what matters most—connection, tech-free time, and why weekends off might just be the dream.

From running a business and feeling burned out, to sending a simple text to your brother, this episode is packed with little reminders that relationships aren't built in a day, but they are worth building.

You'll hear about:
- Why tech-free days became something they actually love
- What work-life balance really means to a teenager
- The power of doing just one small thing today to show someone they matter

Plus, some unexpected laughs about Tic Tacs, learning Spanish, and why the bulldog might miss you most.

Stick around to the end—because the best line in the whole episode might just be:
"Throw in the towel and go camping with your daughter."

In this episode, Michael sits down with Paul Bryan—NDIS business coach and the man behind Provider X. They talk about how to grow your business without losing your sanity, and why the secret to success might be other providers.

🎯 What You’ll Hear:

✅ Why generosity (not ego) drives real business success
✅ What Paul learned from being the outsider at school
✅ How to create an NDIS culture that actually works
✅ The truth about event planning, real collaboration, and standing lunch breaks
✅ Why coaching basketball helps him lead NDIS teams better

Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories of his events, how he designs community-first spaces, and why asking “stupid” questions might be the smartest move in business.

If you’ve been looking for your people—or wondering if events are worth the travel—this episode might change your mind.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to be part of the podcast or leave a voice message? Head here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISBusiness #PaulBryan #ProviderX #NDISCommunity #NDISLeadership #NDISGrowth #AthleticKoala #NDISProviderLife #NDISCollaboration #SmallBusinessLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISDirectors #NDISCulture

In this episode, Michael sits down with Nicole Cassin—NDIS director, leader, and absolute powerhouse. Nicole shares what it’s really like to grow fast in the NDIS world… without letting the stress destroy your health, values, or team.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

✅ Why growing fast can be exciting and terrifying
✅ The mindset shift Nicole made to stay calm under pressure
✅ How to balance heart-led care with business realities
✅ Why margins don’t always match the mission
✅ What directors need to hear when the numbers turn red

Nicole opens up about her lived experience, the loss that shaped her leadership style, and what legacy really means when your kids ask, “What was Mum like?”

💬 If you're leading a business, juggling budgets, and trying to stay values-led in a world that feels upside down—this episode is for you.

📍 Nicole’s based in Melbourne and is happy to grab a coffee or Zoom with any NDIS provider struggling with growth, pressure, or profit margins. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to be part of the podcast or leave a voice message? Head here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISBusiness #NDISLeadership #NicoleCassin #AthleticKoala #NDISProviders #SupportCoordinators #NDISAustralia #NDISGrowth #PurposeLedLeadership #CommunityAccess #SmallBusinessLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISDirectors

In this raw, behind-the-scenes episode, Michael sits down with Justin from Willie Works to talk about the emotional weight of leadership—and why most of us are figuring it out as we go.

They dive deep into the stuff we don’t usually talk about:

✅ Crying in car parks and over-apologising
✅ Hiring mistakes and shifting from fixer to leader
✅ Building a team that actually solves problems
✅ Letting go of perfection (and being “too nice”)
✅ Creating a business that works for your real life

Justin shares how he built a thriving NDIS-facing business from scratch, the reality of growing an audience on LinkedIn and Instagram, and how his partner helps bring empathy to the process.

Whether you're leading a team, running your own business, or just trying to hold it all together—this episode is real talk for the managers in the middle.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Message Michael for a personal intro to Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clark-ndis
📩 Want to add your voice to the podcast? Leave a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDISLeadership #WillieWorks #NDISBusiness #PodcastAustralia #NDISProviders #GrowingBusiness #MichaelClark #AthleticKoala #BehindTheScenesLeadership #EmotionalLeadership #LinkedInForNDIS

What if your biggest business breakthrough came from getting it all wrong?

In this brutally honest episode, Michael sits down with Tom—aka Mr Purple—to talk about the lessons most NDIS providers are too afraid to say out loud. This one is for the directors, founders, and managers who are holding everything together behind the scenes.

We talk about:
✅ Why mistakes aren’t just okay—they’re your best teacher
✅ The hidden pressure behind “scaling”
✅ What to do when profit disappears
✅ When to keep going—and when to walk away
✅ How the right coaching can shift your mindset and your life

If you’ve ever felt like everyone else has it figured out and you’re drowning behind the scenes—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want an intro to Mr Purple? Message Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clark-ndis
📩 Want to add your voice to the podcast? Leave a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

#NDIS #NDISBusiness #NDISProviders #MrPurple #Leadership #BusinessMistakes #PodcastAustralia #FoundersTalk #RealConversations #NDISProviderGrowthJourney #MichaelClark #AthleticKoala