In this episode, I sit down with Emma McLaurin, a powerhouse in the NDIS space who has seen what works, what doesn’t, and where providers are wasting time. Emma shares her insights on:

✅ Why copying and pasting what others are doing will sink your business
✅ How to pick a niche that actually works – and why passion plays a key role
✅ The biggest mistake providers make in their marketing
✅ How to differentiate yourself in a flooded market
✅ Why being genuine leads to long-term success – not just quick cash

Emma doesn’t just talk theory—she’s been in the trenches, working with providers to build sustainable businesses that stand out instead of blend in. If you’re an NDIS provider looking for real, no-nonsense advice on growth, branding, and making your business profitable AND impactful, this episode is a must-watch.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to join the conversation? If you have a short message or want to answer one of our podcast questions, add your voice to the show here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

💡 Watch, take notes, and start growing your NDIS business the right way! 🚀

In this episode, I sit down with Giuliana from Genovation, a true game-changer in the NDIS space. She’s not just running a provider business—she’s creating a future for young adults with disabilities, including her own daughter.

We dive into:
✅ The biggest fears parents have about their children’s future and how Genovation is tackling them head-on.
✅ How they’ve built a team of carers who genuinely care—not just about providing support, but about building real relationships.
✅ Why they don’t do generic activities like bowling or cinema trips and instead focus on purposeful, enriching experiences like ice skating and beach outings.
✅ The vision for an provider's future—a long-term, community-driven approach where families can truly feel secure, even decades from now.

💡 Giuliana and her husband Jake have built something that’s designed to outlive them—so their daughter and other young adults always have a place to belong.

🔥 If you’re an NDIS provider, a parent, or someone passionate about real change in disability support, this episode is a must-listen.

📩 Learn more about Genovation: https://genovation.org.au
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Want to be part of the podcast? Leave a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0?si=b6150f13f42a4cd1

Hit play, get inspired, and let’s redefine what’s possible in the NDIS space! 🚀

In this episode, I sit down with Tania Gomez, someone who has helped over 8,000 NDIS businesses get registered and grow. She’s worked with small and medium-sized providers, helping them break through the ceilings that so many get stuck under.

We dive into some of the biggest challenges NDIS providers face, from scaling a business without burning out to learning when to step back and let systems and teams do the work. Tania shares what it takes to build a business that doesn’t run you into the ground, why putting yourself first isn’t selfish, and how small providers can set themselves up for long-term success instead of just surviving month to month.

We also talk about how to get your time back, what providers should focus on first, and how finding the right balance in business and life is possible—even when juggling a million things. Tania opens up about the lessons she’s learned, the sacrifices she’s made, and the non-negotiables she won’t compromise on anymore.

This episode is packed with real-world advice, practical strategies, and a reality check for providers feeling stuck in the daily grind.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0?si=b6150f13f42a4cd1
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Follow Tania Gomez Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tania-gomez-consulting/
📩 Check out Tania’s website: https://taniagomez.com

💬 Got something to say? If you have a short message or want to answer one of our podcast questions, you can add your voice to the show! Leave us a message here: https://athletickoala.com.au/add-to-the-podcast/

Give it a listen, take some notes, and let’s grow together! 🚀

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, host Michael Clark sits down with leadership and mindset expert David Wolverton to tackle one of the biggest challenges for business owners, executives, and managers—burnout.

David shares why burnout doesn’t just affect you—it impacts your family, your staff, and your ability to lead effectively. They explore the common mistakes leaders make, from overcommitting to neglecting work-life balance, and discuss practical strategies for staying sharp for the long haul.

Key takeaways include the importance of delegation (without abdicating responsibility), setting priorities, and creating sustainable work habits that prevent exhaustion. Whether you’re leading an NDIS business or working your way up the ladder, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay focused, productive, and mentally strong.

Guest: David Wolverton – Leadership & Business Coach (wolverton.net.au)
Host: Michael Clark – Athletic Koala (athletickoala.com)

Listen now and future-proof your leadership! 🎧

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, host Michael Clark sits down with John Gibbons, CEO of The Personnel Group, to talk about leadership, workplace culture, and how to build a team that actually cares.

John shares his journey from frontline support to CEO, offering insights on keeping staff engaged, reducing absenteeism, and creating a workplace where people feel valued. They discuss the importance of personal connection, the power of recognition, and why leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.

Michael and John also tackle real-world challenges like dealing with unmotivated staff, handling difficult conversations, and maintaining a work-life balance while still being present for a growing team. This episode is packed with practical advice for NDIS business owners, managers, and leaders who want to create a workplace where both staff and participants thrive.

Guest: John Gibbons – CEO, The Personnel Group (personnelgroup.com.au)
Host: Michael Clark – Athletic Koala (athletickoala.com)

Listen now and start building a stronger team today!

In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, host Michael Clark sits down with Paul Bryan, an expert in helping NDIS businesses grow. Paul shares how his background as a tradesman shaped his approach to collaboration and why working together is key to long-term success.

They dive into the biggest missed opportunities for medium-sized providers, the dangers of a scarcity mindset, and why many NDIS businesses struggle to differentiate themselves. Paul also shares real-world examples of providers who are thriving by focusing on their niche, building strong partnerships, and thinking outside the box.

From the myth of fake networking to the power of generosity in business, this episode is packed with insights to help NDIS providers grow sustainably. Tune in to learn how collaboration, creativity, and long-term thinking can transform your business.

Guest: Paul Bryan – NDIS Business Coach (Find him at actionintent.com.au)
Host: Michael Clark – Athletic Koala (Find us at Athletic Koala)

Listen now! 🚀

In this episode, I sit down with Stu Paull, a BDM at Plan Manage Assist, who’s become known for actually helping NDIS providers move forward instead of just talking about it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like the NDIS world is too cutthroat, this one’s for you.

Stu shares why collaboration beats competition in the provider space and how small changes in the way you network can completely change your business. We also dive into the biggest mistakes providers make, why trying to offer everything doesn’t work, and what to do when your business growth slows down.

We even chat about his new podcast, NDIS TLDR —a short and sharp podcast packed with insights for busy providers.

📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala
📩 Connect with Stu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stu-p-a5693315b/
📩 Email Stu: spaull@planmanageassist.com.au

Give it a listen, take some notes, and let’s grow together! 🚀