Ep.52 Servant Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Seth Kaplan’s Journey in Physical Therapy

1/ Meet Seth Kaplan, owner of Baton Rouge Physical Therapy-Lake for nearly 37 years—and a servant leader on a mission. His secret? It isn’t hiring the “top performer.” It’s finding people who put team and patients first.2/ “It’s not always the person who stands out as number one… It’s the people that connect, put themselves second, their team and patients first.” (Seth Kaplan)3/ Seth Kaplan inherited his work ethic and generosity from grandparents who ran small businesses—dry goods in Mississippi, auto parts in Albuquerque. “There was never a day off. You were always doing something for someone else.”4/ Leadership style? Servant leadership, modeled after PT legends before him. His daily goal: “Bring my team to a higher level… demonstrate the behavior I want my team to demonstrate.”5/ 60+ years in business and counting. Why? “Longevity comes from finding the right people, building trust and shared value, and treating everyone—techs and therapists alike—with respect.”6/ Seth Kaplan lives by “Never said no.” When faced with a challenge, the answer is How can I help? How can I make that happen? That’s how he survived the Muddy Waters—from tough moves early in his career to weathering COVID’s 80% business loss.7/ A major mistake: Hiring for resume alone. “It never works out if you put the wrong people in place.” Instead: Wait for the right fit. “People tend to attract those like-minded people.” Humble, hungry, smart—the Ideal Team Player.8/ Culture isn’t accidental. Seth Kaplan’s team does Enneagrams, reads “Ideal Team Player,” and runs a mentorship program so new therapists have support and customized growth.9/ As for industry disruption? COVID was a reset button. Now, AI is on the horizon—especially to tackle documentation burdens and burnout. “Seth Kaplan’s philosophy: “We’ll only grow at the pace of excellence, with the right people.”10/ Community matters: Baton Rouge PT sponsors races, events, and educates locals. In Louisiana, you can see a PT without a physician referral—saving time, money, and pain.11/ And it doesn’t stop at work: Seth Kaplan raises 3 daughters to give back, runs pet therapy with golden retrievers, and volunteers at Camp Dream Street for kids with disabilities. Leadership is lived, not claimed.12/ Final words? “If we take care of each other, taking great care of patients will follow—and we’ll continue to grow.” Want a team that thrives? Hire for heart, coach for growth, serve the community. Follow Seth Kaplan’s lead. #Leadership #PhysicalTherapy #ServantLeadership #TeamCulture #CommunityImpact