Ivy Yeung tells us about her high points and lessons learnt as a business owner, and gives us a peek at a day in her life.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Ivy Yeung, the founder of Heartland Physio, gets it done like a boss.
Tell us the story behind your business.
Since graduating from physio school in 2002, I’ve wanted my own clinic as this allows me quality time to assess and guide patients on the proper rehab process. Fast forward 18 years to 2020, when I finally gathered more experience from different healthcare settings and mustered enough confidence to set up my clinic, Heartland Physio.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
I’m honoured to be part of Team Singapore as one of the team physios for the past three years. It’s a thrilling experience to work with a team of enthusiastic and professional coaches, scientists and athletes, and travel to major sports games with them. The learning curve was steep but rewarding.
The next best thing in my career is being a mentor to junior and student physios. I’m so glad that some have already become mentors or team physios. My physio mentor mentioned that he considered himself successful if his students could be better physios than himself. I hope the same for my mentees, too.
Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
The day after I registered my clinic name Heartland Physio with ACRA, another physiotherapy clinic, without registering this name, rebranded their clinic to the same name. It took me much time and effort to keep my preferred company name.
This experience taught me there’ll be unexpected twists along the way despite due diligence. Being ready to face challenges is part and parcel of running a business. It also prompted me to do well in personal branding and, more importantly, my clinical skills. In hindsight, I should thank this slight hiccup at the beginning of my business.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
With a very flexible schedule catering to patients’ needs and schedules, I don’t have a typical workday most of the time. If you don’t find me in my clinic, I’m either seeing patients in their homes or lifting weights in the gym. Once in a blue moon, I meet up with friends from networking groups for coffee and chat (as an introvert, this is a rare occasion). When there’s a last-minute appointment cancellation, I catch up on reading, writing posts or gymming in my office.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
I’m reading “Peak Mind” by Amishi P. Jha. It talks about how to prime your attention amidst busy schedules and fulfilling aspiring yet challenging goals. As a solopreneur who needs to juggle multiple tasks, big or small, getting distracted and distressed is expected (and normal, according to the author who’s a researcher in this area).
The book provides valuable insight into understanding these distractions and stress, followed by evidence-based methods to deal with them. You’ll be surprised by the recommendations; do give them a try! They help me calm down and move on during busy or challenging days, which are a “normal” kind of day for an entrepreneur.
Any tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Find a good balance between staying in and out of your comfort zone. If you overestimate your ability and mindlessly take on any risks that come your way, you may get too defeated to stand up again. On the other hand, getting stuck in your comfort zone doesn’t facilitate growth for yourself and your business.
One way to explore this balance is to learn from peers and professionals about the areas you want to explore, and inching out of your comfort zone skillfully and knowledgeably.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Compartmentalise your attention. When you work, work; when you relax, shut down from work. And remember to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
I spend quality time with my loved ones and with myself, looking after household chores, cooking, knitting, or doing nothing and just chilling.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I had a choice between physio and dental school but I chose physio because I didn’t want to look at people’s mouths all day. I wanted to look broader.
Get in touch with Ivy Yeung online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
