Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski's podcast engages in conversations with experts from the medical and dental fields.

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Latest Episodes

From Prohibition to Profit: How One Entrepreneur is Connecting Doctors and Cannabis Patients Featuring Aspen Noonan, EP 197

From Prohibition to Profit: How One Entrepreneur is Connecting Doctors and Cannabis Patients Featuring Aspen Noonan, EP 197

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Aspen Noonan, founder of Elevate Holistics, a pioneering telemedicine company connecting healthcare providers with patients seeking medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Aspen pulls back the curtain on this highly regulated but often misunderstood industry, sharing insights about entrepreneurship in the cannabis space, the complex patchwork of state laws, and innovative ways healthcare providers can support their patients while creating new revenue streams. 

Key Highlights 

  • The Business Model: How Elevate Holistics streamlines the medical cannabis recommendation process with 2-hour turnaround times and comprehensive support systems 
  • Regulatory Landscape: Why cannabis laws vary dramatically between states and how entrepreneurs must constantly adapt to survive 
  • Recommendations vs. Prescriptions: The crucial distinction that affects liability, insurance coverage, and provider participation 
  • Provider Opportunities: Affiliate programs and educational resources that allow healthcare professionals to help patients without directly handling cannabis recommendations 
  • Industry Insights: Why Oklahoma has 2,000+ dispensaries and how medical cards create value even in recreational states through tax savings 
  • Personal Stories: Aspen's journey from 10 years on ADHD medication to cannabis advocacy and the life-changing patient stories that drive her mission 
  • Future Outlook: Potential for insurance coverage, employee benefits, and the role of states' rights in cannabis policy 

Memorable Quotes 

"Change is the only constant in my world. The ability to pivot in this industry has been what stands the test of time." 

"Cannabis used to be the first thing you tried. You used to try plants first, and then you would go to science. Now it's the opposite." 

"I think cannabis can be seen as a crutch. When you break a leg, you need crutches. But when you're introducing alternative medicine, you use it for a little while and see what else can I fix?" 

"This industry is highly regulated, but not enforced. The blame goes to a lot of different places." 

Closing 

Aspen's work at Elevate Holistics demonstrates how entrepreneurs can build meaningful businesses while navigating complex regulatory environments and genuinely helping people access alternative healthcare options. Her insights into the cannabis industry reveal opportunities for healthcare providers to better serve their patients while exploring new revenue streams in this rapidly evolving space. 

Bio: 

Aspen Noonan is the CEO of Elevate Holistics, a telehealth platform connecting patients with medical cannabis recommendations across 18 states. Since becoming CEO in June 2024, Aspen has been driving the company's ambitious goal of helping one million individuals obtain legal access to medical marijuana. With deep expertise in cannabis industry regulations and a commitment to holistic health, she has positioned Elevate Holistics as a leader in making medical cannabis accessible through streamlined online services and comprehensive patient support. 

Find Aspen: 

Website 

LinkedIn 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

Why Your Patients Need More Than Medical Care: The Functional Nutrition Solution Featuring Andrea Nakayama, EP 196

Why Your Patients Need More Than Medical Care: The Functional Nutrition Solution Featuring Andrea Nakayama, EP 196

In this enlightening conversation, Andrea Nakayama breaks down the often confusing world of functional nutrition and explains how it can transform healthcare practices. Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or one-size-fits-all protocols, functional nutrition takes a personalized approach that considers each individual's unique history, physiology, and circumstances. Andrea shares how practitioners can integrate these services into their practices to better serve patients with chronic health issues, while working collaboratively within appropriate scopes of practice. 

Key Highlights 

  • What functional nutrition really is: A systems-based approach focused on individual experience rather than dietary protocols, guided by the principles that "everything is connected, we are all unique, and all things matter" 
  • The three-tier framework: 
  • Tier 1: Non-negotiables (sleep, digestion, blood sugar balance) 
  • Tier 2: Deficiency to sufficiency 
  • Tier 3: Dismantling dysfunction 
  • The "three roots, many branches" model: Addressing genes, digestion, and inflammation as the root causes while symptoms and diagnoses are the branches 
  • Scope of practice collaboration: How functional nutrition practitioners can work alongside medical providers to fill gaps in care without overstepping boundaries 
  • Making nutrition accessible: Moving away from expensive testing and supplements toward a way of thinking that can be democratized for all income levels 
  • The bike lane analogy: Understanding your personal "path" versus "poison ivy" - what foods and choices work for your individual physiology and circumstances 
  • Business integration options: How practices can incorporate functional nutrition through hiring trained practitioners, referral networks, or additional training 
  • Patient empowerment: Helping individuals understand their personal "mediators" - what makes them feel better or worse - rather than following rigid good/bad food rules 

Memorable Quotes 

"We may be asking too much of our doctors... when we ask them about nutrition, that's an out of scope question." 

"If somebody's having an issue with compliance, I say we didn't match the pacing of our recommendations to that person's aptitude to be able to take them on." 

"Your body is likely more functional than it's not. It's doing a lot for you. And when it comes to a functional practice, we're fine tuning the dial." 

"We're not replacing [medical care] - food is better, lifestyle should do it. We're augmenting all the different things that person is experiencing." 

"It's not about a protocol, it's about making steps forward and working within frameworks that help people know where to start." 

"We can't walk a very narrow path for a very long time, and we shouldn't." 

"When we know our mediators, we're making the decisions, we're not farming out our agency for somebody else to tell us we're good or bad." 

Bio: 

As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health. 

Find Andrea: 

Andrea's Website 

FX Nutrition Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

Twitter 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

How to Buy Future Days Off Featuring Clint Harris, EP 195

How to Buy Future Days Off Featuring Clint Harris, EP 195

Former medical sales professional Clint Harris discovered that financial independence alone wasn't enough - he needed time and location freedom too. After building 14 Airbnbs that replaced his income but kept him essentially on call, Clint pivoted to truly passive investments. Now a General Partner at Nomad Capital, he helps others break free from trading time for money through alternative investments like converting vacant big box stores into storage facilities. 

Episode Highlights 

  • The Three Pillars of Investment Success: Time, experience, and money - and how to partner with others when you only have one of the three 
  • Why "Saving Your Way to Retirement" No Longer Works: The impact of inflation and fiscal policy on traditional retirement strategies 
  • The Millennial Storage Boom: How 34% of the population is driving demand for climate-controlled storage as lifestyle extensions 
  • Independence of Purpose: Moving beyond financial freedom to create time and location independence 
  • The 2008 Wake-Up Call: Why market volatility at the wrong time can derail decades of traditional investing 
  • Community Impact: How converting vacant buildings revitalizes small towns while generating returns 
  • Vertical Integration Strategy: The importance of controlling every aspect of the investment process 

Memorable Quotes 

"Financial independence is really not what I was after. I'm looking for financial time and location independence." 

"If you buy enough of them, you can break this cycle of trading your time for money and paying for other people's days off." 

"Independence of purpose is where you go where you want, when you want, do what you want, you raise your kids the way that you want." 

"Money can't buy happiness, but what it can buy is ease and options." 

"Instead of you getting up and working and trading more of your time for dollars, you can put that money to work. And that money is getting up and out of bed and going to work on the days that you don't feel like it." 

"The most important thing is start with the end goal in mind and work backwards. And the end goal in mind should be purpose, happiness, ability to have a positive impact on the people around you." 

Closing Thoughts 

Clint's story reminds us that true wealth isn't just about accumulating money - it's about designing a life that aligns with our values and gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most. Whether through storage facilities, multifamily properties, or other alternative investments, the key is finding partners who share your ethics and vision, then building assets that work for you instead of the other way around. 

The conversation challenges us to examine our own relationship with work and money. Are we building toward independence of purpose, or are we trapped in the cycle of trading time for dollars? As Clint puts it, the goal isn't just to make money - it's to buy future days off and create a legacy that extends far beyond our bank accounts. 

Bio: 

Clint Harris has a 15-year background in medical device sales. Clint has always been in the business of innovation, and creative solutions. In addition to his work with Nomad, Clint owns a strong multifamily real estate portfolio and built a highly successful property management company from the ground up with an emphasis on streamlining automation and vertical integration. Clint’s core belief is that financial independence, when combined with location and time independence, creates independence of Purpose. He joined Nomad with the goal of sharing that vision with our investors daily. 

Find Clint: 

Website 

LinkedIn 

YouTube 

Truly Passive Income Podcast 

 See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

The Clinical Mindset That's Killing Your Practice Growth – A Special Snack Episode, EP 194

The Clinical Mindset That's Killing Your Practice Growth – A Special Snack Episode, EP 194

Tracy Cherpeski reveals why healthcare providers struggle with the business side of practice ownership and shares practical strategies for overcoming the mental barriers that keep talented practitioners stuck. This candid conversation explores the disconnect between clinical training and business success, offering actionable mindset shifts that unlock breakthrough results. 

Key Highlights: 

  • The "hat switching" technique for separating patient care from business strategy 
  • Why imposter syndrome affects even the most successful healthcare providers 
  • How to maintain confidence during inevitable growth plateaus and setbacks 
  • The practical approach to turning unlimited potential into achievable business goals 
  • Why connecting with other practice owners accelerates your success 

Memorable Quotes: "When you're seeing patients, you're not thinking about money. Please don't be thinking about money. But while you're on the business strategy side, you gotta track your KPIs, you gotta know your numbers." 

"Most of us, even experts, are making educated guesses based on history... but sometimes we're still guessing and we're taking an informed leap of faith." 

"98% of the people that we've worked with would still do what they do even if they didn't need to make money, because they love it, because they feel called to it." 

This episode perfectly captures the authentic dynamic between Marina and Tracy while addressing the real challenges practice owners face when scaling their businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a growth plateau, you'll find practical strategies you can implement immediately. 

Miranda’s Bio: 

Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022. 

 Tracy’s Bio: 

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated. 

 See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

 

How to Save and Spend Money Simultaneously (The Three-Cup Method) Featuring The Banking Bros, EP 193

How to Save and Spend Money Simultaneously (The Three-Cup Method) Featuring The Banking Bros, EP 193

Brothers Jonah and JDew from Banking Bros demystify infinite banking and reveal how business owners can leverage specially designed whole life insurance policies to create guaranteed cash flow, fund business needs, and retain top talent. Using their signature three-cup visual method, they explain how to save and spend money simultaneously while building wealth outside traditional market-dependent vehicles. 

Key Highlights 

  • How infinite banking works using the three-cup system: premiums, cash value, and death benefit 
  • Why whole life insurance is the only insurance product that guarantees a payout 
  • Practical business applications including employee retention strategies 
  • Buy-sell agreement funding without market risk 
  • Salary continuation and deferred compensation options for small businesses 
  • Tax advantages and guaranteed growth features 
  • Common misconceptions about life insurance and age/health requirements 

Notable Topics Discussed 

  • Employee retention strategies for small businesses competing with larger companies 
  • Using infinite banking for equipment purchases and business investments 
  • Cross-purchase and buy-sell agreement structures 
  • The difference between term and whole life insurance for cash flow purposes 
  • How to become your own banker and reduce third-party interest payments 
  • Tax implications and guaranteed contract features 

Memorable Quotes 

"We are not talking about investment from us. We have a baseline of guarantee and consistency, a spot of certainty with cash flow privately used with no taxes." 

"There are guarantees inside the contracts that we're utilizing for this cash flow structure, there are things that we can promise in the future to these people." 

"You cannot make a decision of uncertainty until you have a guarantee and certainty place to start from." 

"Cash flow does not care how old you are. Insurance does. Cash flow does not care if you're healthy. But insurance does." 

Closing Thoughts 

The Banking Bros offer a refreshing perspective on financial strategy that prioritizes certainty and control over speculation. Their approach to infinite banking provides business owners with practical tools for growth, employee retention, and wealth building that don't depend on market performance. This conversation is particularly valuable for small business owners looking for competitive advantages in talent retention and flexible funding solutions. 

Guest Bios: 

Jonah Dew - IBC Practitioner, Entrepreneur & Speaker Based in Greenville, SC, Jonah discovered infinite banking in 2016 and was immediately drawn to its ability to keep wealth within families while maintaining control. With a Business Administration degree and background in banking and insurance, he's passionate about helping others become good stewards of their wealth through this proven system. 

Jeremiah "JDew" Dew - Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur & IBC Practitioner  After tackling his own debt challenges post-college, JDew discovered infinite banking in 2015, which tripled his net worth within two and a half years. As a father of four, he understands the real-world financial pressures families face. Together with his brother Jonah, he co-founded their educational platform to make infinite banking concepts accessible to everyone. 

Find the Banking Bros: 

Banking Bros Website 

Cash Compound Website 

YouTube 

LinkedIn 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

The 5-Question Framework That Stops Second-Guessing (And Why Every Practice Leader Needs It), EP 192

The 5-Question Framework That Stops Second-Guessing (And Why Every Practice Leader Needs It), EP 192

In this solo episode, Tracy shares the exact Strategic Decision Framework that her most successful clients use to make confident business decisions without the sleepless nights. If you've ever found yourself second-guessing strategic choices or avoiding important decisions altogether, this episode reveals why practice leaders struggle with business decision-making and provides a simple but powerful 5-question filter that brings immediate clarity to any strategic choice. 

Episode Highlights: 

  • Why clinical training actually works against you when making business decisions • The hidden cost most practice owners miss when evaluating opportunities • How to distinguish between strategic opportunities and shiny objects • The crucial question that separates reactive leaders from proactive ones • Why "not deciding" is still a decision with real consequences

Notable Quotes: 

"Your clinical training taught you to make evidence-based decisions with clear protocols. But business decisions require you to act with incomplete information." 

"Every yes is an automatic no to something else." 

"Strategic thinking isn't a luxury when you're a practice owner—it's a necessity." 

"When you make one good strategic decision, it eliminates dozens of smaller decisions down the road." 

Ready to discover where your practice stands? 

Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment to identify your current stage and biggest leverage points for sustainable growth. Strategic thinking starts with knowing exactly where you are in your leadership journey. 

This episode is part of the Thriving Practice podcast series, focused on helping healthcare provider-owners build sustainable, profitable practices through strategic operations and leadership development. 

Take your Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

 Tracy’s Bio: 

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated. 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

From Isolation to Innovation: Building Healthcare Practices Through Community Support - A Special Snack Episode, EP 191

From Isolation to Innovation: Building Healthcare Practices Through Community Support - A Special Snack Episode, EP 191

In this intimate snack episode, Miranda interviews Tracy about the power of community in healthcare practice management. Tracy shares why she believes the traditional approach of "going it alone" leads to burnout and how a community of practice model provides both practical business support and crucial emotional backing for healthcare entrepreneurs. 

Key Highlights 

  • The difference between community of practice and traditional networking - it's about taking off your masks and being raw 
  • How isolation and solitude plague healthcare business owners, even those with great teams 
  • The three-pronged challenge: full-time practitioner + practice owner + chief strategist roles 
  • A real client story: discovering thousands in monthly losses due to double-billing text reminders 
  • Why solo providers need creative business solutions while multi-provider practices need leadership focus 
  • The value of 360-degree feedback systems for practice owners 
  • How community support creates a sense of limitless possibility 

Memorable Quotes 

"When we feel as humans supported, we feel pretty limitless, like we can do anything." 

"The blessing and curse of being a practice owner who's also a practitioner is pretty much working full time providing healthcare services and then the full time job as the practice owner." 

"You get to take off your masks and just be yourself and be raw and talk about the hard stuff with other people who get it." 

This episode reinforces why the Thriving Practice Community exists - to ensure healthcare providers have the support, systems, and community they need to build sustainable, thriving practices without sacrificing their well-being. 

Miranda’s Bio: 

Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022. 

 Tracy’s Bio: 

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated. 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

Why 82% of Physical Therapists Quit - And How One Doctor Created the Solution Featuring Dr. Sarah Crawford, EP 190

Why 82% of Physical Therapists Quit - And How One Doctor Created the Solution Featuring Dr. Sarah Crawford, EP 190

Episode Overview 

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, shares how she's revolutionizing healthcare delivery through Anchor Wellness Center - an innovative collaborative model that brings independent practitioners together under one roof. With 98% patient retention and 30% year-over-year growth for member practices, Sarah's approach proves that excellent care and profitable business aren't mutually exclusive. 

Key Highlights 

  • The Healthcare Crisis: Only 18% of licensed physical therapists actually work in clinics due to system burnout and barriers to quality care 
  • The Collaborative Advantage: Shared overhead, unified systems, and peer accountability create better outcomes for both providers and patients 
  • Breaking the Poverty Mindset: Healthcare providers must value their expertise and charge accordingly - "if you don't make money, you have an incredibly expensive hobby" 
  • The Entrepreneurship Reality: Building a practice will "crack you wide open" - embrace the vulnerability as essential growth 
  • Systems vs. Solo Practice: Creating scalable businesses that can operate without the founder, not just "expensive lifestyle businesses" 

Memorable Quotes 

"The biggest barrier to healthcare is continuity of care - patients get bounced from provider to provider with too much time and space between them." 

"Political correctness doesn't work in healthcare because it doesn't help people get better. If someone's had ineffective care, let them know it." 

"Entrepreneurship cracks you wide open - all your vulnerabilities and insecurities are right at the forefront. You can surround yourself with people who help you grow, or you can resist it." 

"You can't help anybody authentically if you haven't done your own work first." 

"Love the hell out of people, including yourself. Sit into your own power and recognize that your zone of genius is a gift to the world." 

Closing Thoughts 

Sarah's model represents the future of healthcare - provider-centered care that actually centers the patient. By removing administrative burdens and creating true collaboration between practitioners, she's proving that the answer to our healthcare crisis isn't more regulations or bigger systems - it's empowering excellent providers to do what they do best. Her message is clear: bet on yourself, value your expertise, and don't apologize for building something profitable that genuinely serves people. 

Bio: 

Dr. Sarah Crawford, DPT, COMT, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2011. With over 14 years of experience in physical therapy and healthcare administration, she has served as office manager, clinical director, and partner for several independent practices before founding Anchor Wellness Center and Wave Physical Therapy and Pilates in 2019. 

Dr. Crawford specializes in orthopedic manual therapy, chronic pain management, and Pilates-based rehabilitation. She was the first physical therapist certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling in Ohio and brings extensive training in neurological rehabilitation. Her comprehensive approach integrates neuromuscular, fascial, and musculoskeletal systems to optimize patient outcomes. 

Driven by the recognition that traditional healthcare is reactive and fragmented, Dr. Crawford created the Anchor Wellness Center to support local healthcare entrepreneurs in a collaborative environment that ultimately improves patient care through true integration of services. 

Find Dr. Sarah: 

Website 

Instagram  

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

Building a Practice That Runs Without You Featuring Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, EP 189

Building a Practice That Runs Without You Featuring Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, EP 189

When Dr. Ruth Mannschreck faced a life-changing situation that forced her to compress five full days of dentistry into just two and a half days, she discovered something remarkable: the systems that gave her life back were the exact same ones that made her practice incredibly valuable to potential buyers. In this episode, Ruth shares her five-step framework for transforming from a "cave dweller" practice owner who's involved in everything to a leader who's built a self-propelling business. We dive deep into creating intentional culture, the art of delegation beyond clinical tasks, and why the best time to start planning your exit is right now – whether you plan to sell in two years or twenty. 

Episode Highlights 

  • The "handpiece rule"that transformed Ruth's delegation approach: If you don't need your license or specialized tools to do it, you shouldn't be doing it 
  • Culture as competitive advantage: How to turn vague core values into specific, observable behaviors your team can demonstrate and celebrate
  • The "showtime" principlefor creating consistent patient experiences, even when team members are having personal challenges 
  • Why "harmony" beats "balance": Understanding work-life integration as a dynamic dance rather than a static state
  • Systems thinking for small practices: How to create communication flows that eliminate silos and keep everyone informed
  • The psychology of millennial and Gen Z team management: Moving from "I know, so I'll tell you" leadership to outcome-focused delegation
  • Exit planning as daily practice: Why building a sellable business improves your current quality of life and protects your team's future
  • Differentiation beyond revenue: The multiple factors that make practices attractive to buyers, regardless of size

Memorable Quotes 

"If you don't need a handpiece and you don't need your dental license to do it, you're not allowed to do it." 

"I call them cave dwellers where we're off on our own and we cling to each other when we go to conventions every year, because we need to speak with someone, an adult, another person who's in the leadership role." 

"No one wants to buy your job. If you are part of everything in running your business, you're selling them a job and that's not what they're looking for." 

"Balance means you're static and I don't want people to be static. Harmony is one way, and then two measures later, it's in a whole different key, but it's still balanced." 

"Pick one thing that makes your heart sing, that you are amazing at, that people come to you for, stick to that one thing that you do, and then surround yourself with experts to do all the other things." 

"Start like today. Today's a good day to get your business ready to sell. Tomorrow, in 10 years, whatever it is, because you'll be a happier business owner when you're not doing everything yourself." 

Resources Mentioned 

  • Free Resource: Visit workfewerhours.com for Ruth's checklist on building systems that give you your life back

Whether you're drowning in daily operations or already thinking about your exit strategy, this conversation offers a roadmap for building a practice that serves you instead of consuming you. The best part? Every step toward freedom is also a step toward creating something truly valuable – for you, your team, and your future buyers. 

Bio: 

Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, DDS is a business strategist who helps small business owners transform their practices into businesses they can step away from – and eventually sell. Drawing from her experience on both sides of buying and selling businesses, Ruth specializes in systems design, team building, and creating client experiences that work without the owner's constant involvement. She guides business owners from "business as usual" to "business designed for YOU," focusing on fewer working hours, stronger teams, and exit-ready operations. Ruth hosts the Team Led Business Success Podcast and has successfully built and sold her own dental practice using the systematic approach she now teaches. 

Find Dr. Ruth: 

Website 

LinkedIn 

See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

Connect With Us: 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Thriving Practice Community 

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy 

Tracy’s LinkedIn 

Business LinkedIn Page 

Bio of Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski is a podcast designed to support practice owners in building successful and sustainable businesses while maintaining their focus on providing excellent care. Hosted by Tracy Cherpeski, an executive coach and consultant specializing in mindset mastery and time leadership, the podcast offers valuable insights and strategies to help practitioners thrive in their professional and personal lives.

Each week, Tracy engages in conversations with experts from the medical and dental fields, exploring various aspects of practice management, growth, and success. By interviewing industry professionals, the podcast delves into topics such as scaling businesses, overcoming challenges, and aligning personal values with business goals. Listeners gain practical advice and actionable wisdom that can be applied to their own practices.

Tracy also shares her own insights and expertise in solo episodes. Through these episodes, she provides guidance on mindset mastery and time leadership, empowering listeners to enhance their productivity, prioritize effectively, and create a thriving practice that aligns with their desired lifestyle.

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