Martina Tierney Podcast

• 16. Imposter Syndrome, Leadership & Better Days | Rachel Brimblecombe, OT & Founder of Better Rehab

  In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Brimblecombe - founder of both Better Rehab and Better Days, to uncover an inspiring story of turning frustration into meaningful impact.Rachel had a dream: to reshape how we see and deliver occupational therapy and rehab internationally. What started as a small idea in her living room grew into a global mission, supporting hundreds of clinicians across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.🔍 What we cover in this episode: • The moment that sparked Rachel’s shift from burnout to bold leadership • The rise of Better Rehab and Better Days: 700+ team members, systems that empower, a vision beyond treatment • How confidence, curiosity and courage, not just credentials, shape true leadership • The power of mindset: when you can’t change your thoughts, you can change your feelings - and that shift ripples into action • Why “plodding” (slow, steady progress) often outpaces flashy shortcuts when you’re building something that mattersWhether you’re an OT student, a leader in healthcare, or simply on the lookout for a story of purpose and persistence, Rachel’s journey will remind you that small steps, bold belief and community make all the difference.🎧 Thanks for tuning in, and if you’re inspired by this episode, I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Send me a message at [email protected].(Be sure to rate, review and share if this episode spoke to you - your support helps this message reach more people.)

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• 15. Reablement & Elizabeth Casson Trust | Dee Christie OBE, Chair of Casson Memorial Trust

  Dee Christie OBE has been an Occupational Therapist for over 51 years - a career defined by leadership, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of meaningful occupation.In this episode, Dee reflects on her extraordinary journey - from her early days in community OT in 1970s London, to chairing the Council of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, to leading the Elizabeth Casson Trust and shaping the future of the profession.She shares the story behind receiving her OBE at Windsor Castle, the colleagues who made it possible, and what true recognition means after a lifetime of service.Dee also opens up about her passion for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning - and why she believes retired OTs still have so much to give. Her reflections on the changing face of OT, the pressures of modern practice, and the enduring importance of human connection will resonate deeply with every listener.We discuss:✨ The evolution of OT across five decades✨ The inspiring legacy of Elizabeth Casson✨ Why brave, bold leadership is key to OT’s future✨ How mentoring can empower the next generationDee’s warmth, wisdom, and humility remind us why occupational therapy changes not only lives - but hearts and minds.I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future conversations.If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please get in touch at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your colleagues and friends, and don’t forget to follow the show for more inspiring OT stories.Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast!

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• 14. Housing, Mentoring & an Ancient Charity | Kate Sheehan FRCOT & Housing Design Specialist.

  Kate Sheehan⁠ has been an Occupational Therapist for nearly four decades, and her passion for housing as a cornerstone of health and wellbeing shines through every part of her career.In this episode, Kate shares remarkable stories - from her early days in London where she encountered homes without indoor plumbing, to powerful cultural lessons like supporting a grandmother who was trying to use a Western toilet in the only way she knew how. Her “Chicken Story” has become legendary in OT circles, showing how listening deeply to what matters most to clients can transform recovery and motivation.Kate reflects on her leadership in shaping housing policy, her influential role in the Royal College Specialist Section in Housing, and her frustration at its recent closure. She also opens up about her current charity work in Stratford-upon-Avon, providing homes for those most in need and tackling centuries-old housing endowments with modern compassion.We discuss her mentoring of OTs moving into private practice, her collaborations with companies, and how she continues to advocate tirelessly for accessible housing across the UK. Despite changes in professional structures, her message is clear: never stop networking, seizing opportunities, and telling the real stories of OT’s impact.Kate’s joy for the profession, her belief in the power of housing, and her unshakable energy will inspire every OT listening - whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career.Connect with ⁠Kate on Linkedin⁠ and follow the work of her private practice KS Occupational Therapy Services.***I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.If you like what you’ve heard I’d be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠Martina

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• 13. Healthcare & Lean. Who Cares? | Ryan Tierney, Lean Made Simple Podcast Host

  The latest episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast is live — and it’s a special one. I sat down with my son, Ryan Tierney, the driving force behind Lean at Seating Matters. From the chaos of our early factory days, to discovering Lean, to building a culture that improves outcomes for patients worldwide - Ryan shares how passion, purpose, and small daily improvements transformed not only our business, but the lives of those we serve.💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:Why Lean and occupational therapy are more alike than you thinkHow respect for people and resources drives real changeThe role of visualisation and purpose in creating a meaningful future 🎧 Also available on:🎙️Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4345sYc🎥Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4cgxB2B I’d love to hear what you think - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please let me know, drop me an email or text anytime at [email protected] / +44 7918 905 297 Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!Martina 

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• 12. A Bullet for my Boss | Paraig O'Brien, Housing Adaptations OT

  Paraig O'Brien is my former boss and an inspiration to me. He has transformed policy around Housing Adaptations for people with disabilities in his native Northern Ireland and across the UK. He shared some eye-opening experiences of being an Allied Health Professional during the Northern Irish "Troubles" conflict period such as the time he was shot or when there was an attempted car-jacking as he tried to deliver bathing equipment to a service user. Cross-departmental collaboration has been a theme throughout his career where he has sought to combine the skillsets of Product Designers, Researchers, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with the feedback from service users and their caregivers to make sure that equipment and services for those living with disabilities really meets their needs. Occupational Therapy is a family affair for Paraig, he was originally inspired by his Aunt Brenda and his daughter as an OT is also now the Long Covid lead for Ireland. Paraig and I discussed our personal experiences of injury and how it has allowed us to really feel what it is to be a patient - vulnerable from loss of function and relying on the help of healthcare professionals in our rehabilitation. Paraig shares his passion for being a keen musician and a sailor. He reflected on how he has had to use his OT skills in a voluntary role he has in a local sailing club for people with issues with mental health or physical disabilities. ***  I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media. Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠Martina

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