The Start Up Support Surgery

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and the founder of Prescription Strength Limited. Lynette shares her inspiring journey from being a GP partner to launching an online personal training service aimed at empowering women through strength training. She discusses the life-changing benefits of weight training and how she aims to help others overcome health barriers to fitness.
As they dive into Lynette's experiences, she opens up about her decision to take a gap year from general practice to focus on building her business. Jo and Lynette explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the importance of investing in oneself, the necessity of building a supportive community, and the reality of balancing work and personal life. Lynette shares invaluable advice for medics considering a transition into business, emphasizing the need for clarity in one's goals and the significance of embracing the learning process.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to venture into entrepreneurship, particularly in the healthcare space. Lynette's story is a powerful reminder that with passion, resilience, and the right support, it's possible to forge a fulfilling path outside of traditional medical roles.
Key Topics Covered:
- Lynette's journey from GP to entrepreneur
- The impact of strength training on health
- Navigating the challenges of starting a business
- The importance of mentorship and community support
- Finding balance between work and personal life
- Embracing the learning curve of entrepreneurship
Key Takeaways:
1. Discover what truly lights you up.
2. Understand the importance of investment in your growth.
3. Build a supportive network around you.
4. Embrace the journey and learn from failures.
5. Balance your ambitions with your personal life goals.
To find out and connect with Jo:
- https://www.jowatkins.com/
- Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
- https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
 
To connect with Lynette:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prescriptionstrength/

- Website: https://www.prescriptionstrength.com/

On this episode, you can hear J - before THIS podcast even existed - speaking to Rachel Morris on her podcast You Are Not A Frog.
As you'll hear, Jo is at the beginning of her journey, but many of the ideas that she's shared on this podcast - and as part of her work with doctors - have their origins in this conversation with Rachel.
To find out and connect with Jo:
https://www.jowatkins.com/
From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.
https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
 
Listen to the You Are Not a Frog Podcast: youarenotafrog.com
Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@youarenotafrog/
Download the free Overwhelm SOS resource: https://youarenotafrog.com/overwhelm

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the remarkable Dr. Helen Evans Howells, founder of the Helen Allergy Clinic in the New Forest. Together, they dive deep into the world of allergies, but the conversation quickly evolves into a candid discussion about the realities of running a business while juggling family life. Helen shares her unique journey, from her early days teaching in Uganda to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, all while raising five children and working alongside her husband.
 
  Helen opens up about the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with the demands of family, shedding light on the pressures that many healthcare professionals face. She discusses the importance of finding your niche and staying true to your passion, as well as the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity. As she reflects on her own experiences, Helen emphasizes the value of community and support in the entrepreneurial journey, particularly for those in the medical field.
 
  This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while the path to entrepreneurship can be daunting, it is also filled with rewarding moments and opportunities for growth. Whether you're a medic contemplating a transition into business or simply looking for inspiration, Helen's story offers valuable insights and encouragement.
 
  Key Topics Covered
  - Helen's journey from medicine to entrepreneurship
  - The challenges of balancing work and family life
  - The importance of finding your niche in business
  - Resilience in the face of setbacks
  - Navigating the complexities of running a private clinic
  - Building a supportive community for healthcare professionals
  - Strategies for effective marketing in the medical field
 
  Key Takeaways
  1. Embrace Change and Take Risks
  2. Find Your Niche and Stay True to Your Passion
  3. Build a Supportive Community
  4. Balance Work and Family Life
  5. Be Resilient in the Face of Challenges
  
 To find out and connect with Jo:
 https://www.jowatkins.com/

 Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
 https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

  
   
  To connect with Helen:
 
https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/
  
   
  Resources:
  
  Anaphylaxis UK: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes the inspiring Gemma Gilbert, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to coaching, helping clients create leveraged group programs. Gemma shares her personal journey of rebellion against her upbringing in a family of educators and how this shaped her approach to business. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace entrepreneurship.
 
 Throughout the conversation, Gemma emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor, the value of experimenting in business, and the significance of niching down to attract the right clients. She delves into the nuances of running group programs, sharing insights on how to navigate common challenges and avoid the pitfalls of one-on-one burnout. Jo and Gemma discuss the need for resilience in business, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks, and how to maintain a focus on long-term growth while managing day-to-day operations.
 
 This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering a transition into entrepreneurship, especially those in the early stages of their journey. Gemma's practical advice and relatable experiences provide a roadmap for aspiring business owners looking to create sustainable and scalable practices.
 
 Key Topics Covered
  - Gemma's journey from teacher to entrepreneur
 - The importance of finding the right mentor
 - Navigating the challenges of group programs
 - Understanding the value of niching down
 - Experimenting in business for faster growth
 - Building resilience in the face of setbacks
 - Creating a balance between family life and business
  
 Key Takeaways
 1. Invest in Yourself and Find a Mentor
 2. Embrace Experimentation for Growth
 3. Specialize to Attract Quality Clients
 4. Build Resilience Against Setbacks
 5. Balance Your Business with Personal Life
 
To find out and connect with Jo:
https://www.jowatkins.com/
From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.
https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
 
  
 To connect with Gemma:

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmagilbertcoaching/
 Website: https://www.gemmagilbert.com/
 
 Resources:

 Grab Gemma's free resource on creating scalable group offers to kickstart your journey: https://www.gemmagilbert.com/anti-launch-one-sheet

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Matthew Wickham, an entrepreneurial ENT surgeon who has successfully navigated the transition from the NHS to building multiple businesses. Matthew shares his unique journey, highlighting how his military upbringing and diverse experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of running his own private clinic while balancing family life with two young children.

Matthew elaborates on his role as a mentor through Doc Support, where he helps fellow medical professionals explore entrepreneurship in healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of networking, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the medical field considering a leap into entrepreneurship or seeking to enhance their current practice.

Key Topics Covered
- Matthew's journey from military upbringing to ENT surgeon
- The entrepreneurial mindset and its evolution
- Balancing family life with multiple businesses
- The importance of networking in healthcare entrepreneurship
- Embracing failure as a learning opportunity
- Insights into running a private clinic and patient care
- How to effectively utilize AI and technology in practice

Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
2. Network Relentlessly
3. Learn to Accept and Learn from Failure
4. Balance Work and Family Life
5. Leverage Technology for Efficiency
 
To find out and connect with Jo:
Business coaching and mentoring for Doctors | Jo-Watkins
From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.
Free Starter Kit: The Digital Doctor Startup
 
Connect with Matthew and find out more about Doc Support:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-wickham/
https://www.docsupport.co.uk/