Episode Summary: Private Practice Startup Podcast

Episode 183: How to Migrate in Turbulent Times
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guest: Michael Dill, Award-Winning Business Coach (Action Coach)
Date: April 25, 2020

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode centers on navigating and adapting private practice businesses through turbulent times—specifically amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux are joined by Michael Dill, an experienced business coach, to discuss the principles of attitude, action, and results. The conversation is grounded in practical advice, personal stories, and encouragement directed at mental health practitioners and small business owners who are facing uncertainty and disruption.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Dual Nature of Crisis: Challenge and Opportunity

[02:01 – 04:02]

• Katie Lemieux highlights how, in every crisis, an opportunity exists for growth and transformation, including for those newly entering private practice or established practitioners working on their business.
• Michael Dill's background is introduced, spanning decades in hospitality, finance, and coaching, setting the stage for insights from multiple economic downturns.

2. Grounding in What You Can Control

[04:02 – 06:31]

• Michael shares lessons from three major economic downturns he experienced (1990, 2000, 2008).
• The core learning: Control your attitude and actions, focus on what you can manage (your business, mindset, and effort).
• Quote:

  "There’s certain things I cannot control. There’s certain things I can control. I can control everything in the four walls of my business. I can control my mindset, my attitude, how I show up every morning." — Michael Dill [05:02]

3. The Critical Role of Attitude

[08:07 – 09:37]

• Attitude is presented as the foundation for survival and growth.
• Being service-oriented and focusing on how to help others creates meaning and helps practitioners avoid getting stuck in negativity.
• Quote:

  "We’re not necessarily here for us; we’re here to serve. So, whatever profession we’re in, when we put our energy into what I’m not getting... I guarantee you will be stuck and you will go down. However, if you get into the mode of I am here to be a beacon of light, to add value to others… then you’re not stuck." — Michael Dill [08:34]

4. Self-Care Is Essential (Especially for Caregivers)

[10:40 – 13:27]

• Michael and the hosts stress the need for therapists and business owners to care for themselves before serving others.
• Morning routines, meditation, affirmations, and limiting news intake are emphasized.
• Katie recounts her struggle with chronic pain due to overwork and the necessity of stepping back for self-care.
• Quote:

  "You really got to make sure you’re on your A game. … Right now you really need to get creative… allow yourself to be creative, really serve yourself so you can serve others." — Katie Lemieux [13:31]

5. Creativity and Flexibility in Adversity

[15:52 – 17:14]

• The notion of “compression” (like a diamond forming under pressure) is used to describe how challenging times present unique opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Practitioners are encouraged to embrace adversity, as these are often the most significant periods of personal and professional development.
• Quote:

  "In adversity, this is where you’re going to find out a lot about yourself… there’s two ways of doing this. You can either rise and shine or you can crack and break." — Michael Dill [15:57]

6. Practical Actions for Surviving and Thriving

[17:14 – 21:01]

• Take advantage of relief funds and financial supports (e.g., Facebook grants, SBA loans) [17:20].
• Stay connected to community: communicate with your team, clients, and positive influences; disassociate from negativity.
• Focus only on that which serves you, your family, your business, and your clients.
• Develop a 90-Day Plan (and check in frequently—every 6 weeks if needed): Put plans on paper, share publicly for accountability, and track small, consistent actions.
• Quote:

  "If it doesn’t fit into those five categories [yourself, your family, your community, your business, your clients]… don’t even put your time or energy there." — Michael Dill [18:41]

7. Results: Redefining Success in Crisis

[21:01 – 26:13]

• Not all results are about money; personal growth and impact on others count.
• Testimonials (from a client and from the hosts’ practice) show how showing up with strength and service creates meaningful results, even if financial payoff is delayed.
• Results also come from small moments—one supportive conversation can be transformative.
• Quote:

  "The results are sometimes not monetary… but just my strength and my energy alone will guide my clients through this. That’s it. That’s good enough for me right now. That’s the results right there." — Michael Dill [21:48]

8. Reframing Doubt and Celebrating Wins

[26:13 – 28:04]

• Michael introduces the idea of a "Wins Wall": Collect evidence of positive impact to revisit in challenging moments.
• Katie and Kate validate how easy it is to undervalue your contribution—track progress to boost resilience and confidence.
• Reflection and reminders of past adversities overcome inspire trust in one’s ability to get through the current challenge.
• Quote:

  "Write that down and tap into that strength, because we all have what we need, but sometimes we forget it’s there." — Michael Dill [27:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "In times like this, great opportunities and innovations have come out of situations like this. We’ll read about these companies and these innovators a year, two years down the road that they were starting right here, right now to serve a purpose. You’re like, oh my God. So it’s possible if you keep your head in the right place and your eye on the prize." — Michael Dill [11:46]

• "One thing you do could be the thing that saves someone’s marriage, saves their career, gets them to shift." — Michael Dill [25:06]

• "Sometimes we can, you know, talk a good game and give really good advice, and then sometimes we're not caring for ourselves." — Katie Lemieux [14:48]

Practical Takeaways (with Timestamps)

• Attitude: Mindset must come first—practice gratitude, meditation, and seek supportive communities. [08:26]
• Action:
  • Stick to communication with clients and team. [12:10]
  • Apply for available business relief resources. [17:20]
  • Set (and write down!) tangible, short-term business plans (like a 90-day plan). [19:14, 20:11]
• Results:
  • Recognize and celebrate non-monetary achievements—personal growth, client testimonials, and team resilience. [21:01]
  • Keep a "Wins Wall" to remember and celebrate your positive impact. [26:13]
• Self-Care: Step back when needed, limit exposure to stress, and manage workload creatively. [13:27]

Resources & Guest Information

• Michael Dill
  • Email: Michaeldill@actioncoach.com
  • Website: businesscoachmichaeldill.com
  • “Monday Morning with Coach Michael” and masterminds/webinars available.

Essential Timestamps

• [04:02] — Michael’s personal recession experiences and core lessons
• [08:26] — How to safeguard your mindset; being a beacon for others
• [10:40] — Michael’s routine for resilience (meditation, affirmations, community)
• [17:20] — Financial resources and pivoting actions
• [19:14] — The importance of a 90-day plan and accountability
• [21:48] — Redefining results in crisis
• [26:13] — Building a Wins Wall
• [27:23] — Remembering and writing your personal wins to inspire yourself

Conclusion

This episode is an encouraging, actionable discussion for private practitioners navigating times of upheaval. Attitude, action, and a willingness to adapt are highlighted as critical ingredients for sustainability and growth. By blending personal stories, practical steps, and reframing of adversity, both hosts and guest empower therapists and entrepreneurs to recognize their strengths and transform crisis into a catalyst for lasting growth.