The Isolation Trap: How Independent Providers Can Build Their Professional Village – A Special Snack Episode, EP 211
In this candid snack episode, Miranda and Tracy explore the critical importance of building intentional professional community as a practice owner. Drawing from Tracy's recently updated blog post "Choosing Your Village" (originally written in 2011), they discuss why independent healthcare providers need more than clinical expertise—they need a village of people who understand the unique challenges of practice ownership.
Episode Highlights
Why community matters more now: The impact of digital connection versus genuine human connection, and how COVID increased isolation for independent practice owners
Village vs. support network: Understanding the difference between personal support and professional community
Energy audit for relationships: How to identify which connections drain you and which ones light you up—and what to do about it
Recovery from burnout: Practical steps for practice owners running on empty, including the WHO's 12 stages of burnout
Incremental progress over perfection: Why starting small (like drinking enough water) creates sustainable change
Memorable Quotes
"I think we are more digitally connected and yet feeling more disconnected. For all humans, we're really feeling that, and COVID really increased our sense of isolation."
"I need professional friends. I need professional colleagues in my world, other business owners... other crazy people who can show you that what you're going through is common, maybe even normal."
"If I'm feeling this way with lots of people, it might be time for me to take a nap and have a snack."
"Mindful means slowing down. Sometimes literally putting my hand on my heart and just checking in."
"It's better, it's more sustainable to start with something that you know you can do. I know I can carry my water bottle around and sip on it all day."
Closing
This episode serves as a gentle reminder that practice ownership doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Whether you're evaluating your current professional relationships or looking to build new connections, the Thriving Practice community is here to support you. Visit thrivingpracticecommunity.com to learn more about working with Tracy and joining a village that truly gets it.
Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment
Miranda’s Bio:
Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022.
Tracy’s Bio:
Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.
Connect With Us: