Why I Started the Empowered to Lead Podcast

A note from Lisa Catallo

If you’ve ever sat with the weight of a big decision in your group practice—unsure, overwhelmed, and quietly wondering if everyone else has it figured out but you—I see you.

I’ve been there.

Starting and growing a group practice is a bold move. It’s exciting, meaningful, and filled with possibility. But it can also feel incredibly isolating. You’ve got therapists relying on you, clients to serve, admin fires to put out, and a vision to chase—if you can even remember what that vision was in the first place.

That’s exactly why I started the Empowered to Lead podcast.

This space was created for the leaders of group practices who are walking that fine line between sustainability and burnout, growth and disconnection, confidence and self-doubt. It’s for those of you who need a reminder that you’re not alone—and a nudge to keep showing up, as the leader your business needs.

When You Start a Group Practice, You Become a CEO

That transition from solo practice to group practice is a pivotal one. It doesn’t just mean you’re hiring people. It means you’re stepping into a whole new identity in your business. Whether or not you feel like it yet, you’ve moved into the CEO role.

And that shift comes with a new set of responsibilities—vision casting, culture building, decision-making, leadership development, financial planning. The things no one told you about in grad school.

What I’ve seen again and again (in my own practice, and in coaching others) is that group practice owners are often incredible clinicians but under-equipped CEOs. Not because you’re doing anything wrong—but because leadership is a skill set you have to grow into. It’s not innate. It’s built over time, through reflection, learning, and often some hard-earned lessons.

And I wanted a place where we could talk about those parts.

This podcast isn’t just about strategies—it’s about becoming. Becoming the leader who can carry the vision. Becoming the CEO who knows how to lead with clarity, values, and intention. Becoming the business owner who understands how to make hard calls without abandoning themselves in the process.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

One of the biggest myths I see in the group practice world is the idea that there’s one “right” way to build a business. That if you just follow someone else’s model—down to the org chart and onboarding templates—you’ll be fine.

But the truth is: this job is not one-size-fits-all.

There are as many ways to build a successful group practice as there are personalities out there. Some of us want to stay lean and scrappy with a small, high-touch team. Others want to grow a big practice with multiple layers of leadership. Some prioritize flexibility, others profitability, others impact. All of that is valid.

But underneath all those different shapes, there are a few constants:
✅ Healthy systems
✅ A clear vision
✅ The willingness to make hard decisions
✅ The courage to step into a leadership role

That’s where real sustainability lives—not in copying someone else’s formula, but in building a business that’s aligned with you… and having the internal skills to carry it forward.

I’ve Made Mistakes—You Don’t Have To

When I look back at my early years in group practice ownership, I think about all the trial and error, all the over-functioning, all the lessons I learned the hard way. Like how not to let unclear contracts come back to bite you. Or how to price your services in a way that actually supports the business. Or what happens when you avoid a hard conversation with a team member for too long.

It’s taken me years (and a lot of coaching, reading, and reflecting) to integrate what I know now. I don’t want others to have to stumble through quite as much as I did.

So part of the podcast is about that: sharing what I’ve learned through lived experience. But I also wanted to bring in other voices—because there’s so much wisdom in our community.

Each episode features either a solo teaching moment from me or a conversation with another group practice owner. People who have been where you are. People who’ve made mistakes, found their way forward, and are still learning as they go. Because hearing real stories makes everything feel a little more doable. And a lot less lonely.

It’s Not Fluffy—We Keep It Real

You won’t find sugarcoated soundbites or overused inspiration quotes here. Empowered to Lead is grounded, direct, and real. I share what’s working—and what isn’t. I name the hard stuff, the uncomfortable decisions, and the emotional weight that comes with being the one at the top.

This podcast is built for people who want to lead with intention and courage, not just check off business to-dos.

Yes, we talk about systems and strategy. But we also talk about burnout, boundaries, team dynamics, and money mindset. It’s a mix of the practical and the personal—because let’s be honest, those two are always connected when you’re a business owner.

I keep it short, actionable, and relevant. And always rooted in the belief that leadership is something we can grow into together.

What I Want You to Walk Away With

When you tune into Empowered to Lead, my hope is that you leave feeling two things:

• More connected – to your purpose, to your leadership, and to the wider group practice community.

• More equipped – with practical tools, thought-provoking insights, and the confidence to take your next right step.

You’ll hear about leadership frameworks, systems that save time and energy, common pitfalls to avoid, mindset shifts that change everything, and real-life case studies from folks just like you.

Some episodes are short and punchy (because we’re all busy), while others go deeper into the nuance. All of it is designed to support your leadership journey—and help you build a practice that works for you, not just because of you.

If You’re Just Getting Started…

If you're still early in your group practice journey and feel like you're flying blind, I want to point you to something beyond the podcast:
→ Ambition Alliance

It’s my mastermind for new-ish group practice owners who want structure, guidance, and community as they grow. We cover the nuts and bolts, but also the deeper stuff—like leading your team well, clarifying your vision, and creating a practice that doesn’t burn you out.

It’s a beautiful container for building the strong foundation you need.

If You’re Further Along…

And if you’ve already built something and are now in the thick of managing, refining, or expanding it, then Group Practice Connection might be a great fit:
→ Group Practice Connection

It’s a membership designed specifically for established group practice owners who want to lead more sustainably, grow with intention, and have a trusted network of peers and tools at their fingertips.

It’s one of my favourite communities I’ve built—because it’s real, supportive, and rooted in the belief that we don’t have to do this alone.

Ready to Tune In?

If you're craving clarity, leadership growth, or a reminder that you’re not the only one doing hard things—I’d love for you to check out the podcast.

🎙️ Search Empowered to Lead wherever you get your podcasts, and hit follow.
✨ Start with Episode 1: Reconnecting to Your Why—it’s a powerful place to begin.

And if you like what you hear?
✔️ Share it with a colleague
✔️ Leave a review
✔️ Or send me a DM and let me know what resonated

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a conversation. One I hope will help you feel more supported, grounded, and, well… empowered to lead.

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