Working with women-allied health clinic owners across Australia, the UK and Canada, Winnie Wu tells us about her journey in business coaching.
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 Winnie Wu, the founder of The Clinic Project, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I have a pure love for entrepreneurship and an endless curiosity for growth. As a dance and pelvic health physiotherapist, and a qualified pilates and barre instructor, I have been in the industry of health and wellness since I was 16.
I opened my solo practitioner clinic the year I graduated as a physiotherapist; after six years, I opened my group practice in 2018, and it became a six-figure business within four months. Fast forward five years, I now have three locations, a team of 20 employees and practitioners, and I just launched another clinic brand and remodelled the structure to become a hybrid one. My clinics supported me through 2 maternity leaves, Covid, and lots of international holidays throughout the last five years.
I started my coaching business this year to help other women do the same. To enjoy life and holidays, and be financially rewarded for the work they put into their businesses. To work smart and have clear boundaries, have solid focus and strategy on where they’re going, and put life first, and business second. I also want to retain women in the health industry and create an impact for patients, teams and business owners through having smarter businesses.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Time management. I have two young babies, aged one and three. We don’t have family in Australia (we’re officially expats), and so I have to manage three businesses in the three days my kids are in daycare. It’s challenging, and it’s ever-changing as two of my businesses are new. Continually balancing time spent with my family, husband, friends, and myself, as well as taking care of my team and my business is challenging. I’m still learning from those who’ve been on the same path.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I value personal and business growth. I continue to invest in programs and coaches, I ensure I’m well-connected with people who are ahead of me, and I draw inspiration from those who’ve done it before to help me accelerate my growth.
I’m not one to stay still; I often over-commit. While I don’t have a problem with motivation, I do have to keep myself in check to ensure I have the best energy for every task and role I’m in. I also make time to zoom out and look at the big picture. This helps me stay focused and understand what my intentions are, and whether my actions are aligned with my intentions.
How do you keep stress levels low?
Having a routine and blocking out time for exercise, myself, holidays, connection time, and just enjoying time with my kids are all important things I schedule in my diary prior to scheduling any work. I value travelling and professional development, so when planning out my diary one year in advance, I put in all my holiday dates prior to scheduling anything else.
Favourite places to work?
Anywhere with white noise. My creative brain works best in the shower or when I’m driving. I’m most relaxed in libraries and cafes, and I feel the most at ease and empowered in my clinics.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
“Make a heaven out of hell.” It’s all about perspective and mindset; enjoy a play mindset on work and business. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Having a great business means you can directly impact your patient care and influence more practitioners and patients. It’s about creating a win-win situation for the patients, team and business owner. This is how you retain people in the workforce!
Your go-to self-care activity?
A trip away – with family or alone, it doesn’t matter – to switch off from work notifications, read a book, listen to music, and connect with people.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Be brave. Do it sooner and set firmer boundaries. Know your value.
Get in touch with Winnie Wu 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!
