In this episode of NDIS Provider Growth Journey, host Michael Clark welcomes back mindset and leadership expert David Wolverton to tackle one of the biggest obstacles to success—our own self-talk.

David explains how negative thinking, self-doubt, and mental overload keep leaders, business owners, and professionals stuck in cycles of stress and underperformance. They explore how shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can transform not just your work but your entire life.

This episode dives into practical strategies for rewiring the way you think, setting long-term goals that actually stick, and why speaking kindly to yourself is just as important as supporting your team. Whether you're a director, manager, or someone looking to break out of old habits, this conversation will give you real tools to shift your mindset and get bigger results—without burnout.

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

Tune in now and start transforming the way you think! 🎧

As the founder of NDIS Black Belt, Amy brings her straight-talking insight to one of the biggest challenges in the disability space right now: How collaboration is dying under the weight of scarcity.

In this episode, we unpack:
🧠 Why some providers are getting cutthroat
🤝 How internal silos kill collaboration
💥 The truth about 3% margins, burnt-out BDMs, and disappearing values
⚔️ What it really means to be “dangerously good” in today’s NDIS
💬 The leadership challenge no one wants to talk about

If you’ve been feeling the squeeze or wondering how to stay people-first when the system feels broken—this is the episode you need.

👉 Get ready for real talk, real strategies, and a whole lot of honesty.
#NDIS #Leadership #DisabilityServices #NDISBusiness #NDISProviders #AmyGray #NDISBlackBelt

Michael sits down with the one and only James Loveday, a creative genius when it comes to NDIS marketing strategy. If you've ever struggled to stand out as a provider, this episode is full of real, practical, outside-the-box marketing ideas that actually work – and most of them are incredibly low-cost. Tote bags at op shops, transparent coffee cups for sensory support, olive oil instead of wine, adaptive recipe books featuring participants – James has done it all.

In this episode, you'll learn why traditional approaches fall flat, and how clever branding and community insight can help build a business that people talk about for all the right reasons. Whether you're a new provider or a larger org looking for cut-through ideas, James will inspire you to think differently, act boldly, and bring your brand to life.

You won't find this kind of thinking anywhere else. James is one of a kind – and this chat proves it.

In this episode, Michael chats with Gregg Chadwick—strategic marketer and founder of Chadwick Digital—about how NDIS providers can stop blending in and start standing out. They talk about why so many businesses look “vanilla” in 2025, what new and mid-sized providers can do to build real trust without relying on Google or Facebook ads, and how attraction-based marketing can be a better option for growing your client base. Gregg shares honest insights from building hundreds of provider websites and explains why the process—not a silver bullet—is the real shortcut. They cover how to create events that connect with the right participants, the importance of knowing your niche, and why building a community matters more than ever. If you're serious about building a people-focused, sustainable NDIS business, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice that actually works.

NDIS providers, this episode is for you. If you’ve been hit with setbacks, struggling with marketing, or just wondering how to keep going, you NEED to hear from Jenn Donovan.

Jenn has built multiple businesses, navigated droughts, recessions, and business failures—and still came out ahead. She shares real, no-fluff advice on handling setbacks, building a strong brand, and marketing your business the smart way.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The one-day rule – how Jenn handles setbacks without getting stuck
✅ Why NDIS providers must stop relying on word-of-mouth alone
✅ How to market smarter, not harder, without burning out
✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make with social media and branding
✅ Why LinkedIn is still the best place for NDIS growth—but not the only option

This episode is packed with gold for NDIS business owners, BDMs, and support coordinators. If you want to grow your business without losing your sanity, this is one to watch and share.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Connect with Jenn Donovan: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/
🎙️ Listen to Jenn’s Podcast: Small Business Made Simple
📖 Check out Jenn’s book: 107 Marketing Strategies You Can Actually Use

🔥 Struggling with marketing? Stuck in a setback? Drop a comment or DM me—let’s get you back on track! 🚀

If you're an NDIS provider, BDM, or support coordinator, you NEED to hear this.

In this episode, I sit down with Louis Butterfield, a LinkedIn expert who’s helping businesses go from invisible to in-demand—without spending a cent on ads. He shares practical, no-fluff strategies that NDIS providers can use to generate referrals, build trust, and grow their business on LinkedIn.

💡 Why LinkedIn?
Most NDIS providers waste time on Facebook, trying to reach participants directly—but referrals come from industry professionals like support coordinators and plan managers. LinkedIn is where they are. Louis breaks down exactly how to connect with the right people, build relationships, and get referrals without being salesy.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why Facebook doesn’t work anymore for NDIS businesses (and what to do instead)
✅ How to attract referrals from support coordinators and other providers
✅ What to post on LinkedIn to build trust and authority in the industry
✅ The biggest mistakes NDIS businesses make on LinkedIn (and how to avoid them)
✅ A step-by-step LinkedIn strategy that works in 2025

This is REAL, no-nonsense advice—and if you’re an NDIS business looking for more referrals, participants, and opportunities, you cannot afford to miss this one.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3sruYKcihnI94xnKmL7Rv0
📩 Connect with Louis Butterfield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-the-butterfield/
📩 Follow Athletic Koala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-koala

🔥 Ready to stop chasing referrals and start attracting them? Drop a comment below or DM me on LinkedIn—let’s make LinkedIn WORK for your NDIS business!

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! 🚀