EP 8 | What Separates Great Therapists From Great Leaders? | Diane Matkowski

What does it take to build a thriving massage therapy career that lasts for decades? In this inspiring Ask Me Anything episode, Paula Nutting sits down with mentor, educator, and business owner Diane Matkowski to explore the lessons she's learned from nearly three decades in the profession.From building an award-winning massage practice to mentoring therapists around the world, Diane shares the experiences, challenges, and mindset shifts that have shaped her journey. Together, Paula and Diane discuss leadership, professional growth, client relationships, mentorship, and the importance of creating a career that aligns with your values.The conversation goes beyond business strategies and techniques to explore personal development, resilience, grief, intuition, and the role community plays in helping therapists grow both professionally and personally. Diane also shares insights from creating The Massage Mentor Institute and the globally recognized "Jams," which bring leading educators together to share knowledge and inspire the next generation of therapists.This episode offers valuable wisdom for massage therapists, bodyworkers, clinic owners, students, and anyone looking to build a meaningful and sustainable career in the wellness profession.In this episode: • Building a successful massage therapy career over nearly 30 years • The power of mentorship and lifelong learning • Growing and managing an award-winning massage practice • Leadership lessons for clinic owners and therapists • Why listening is one of a therapist's greatest skills • Preventing burnout and creating career longevity • The importance of community within the massage profession • Navigating grief, personal growth, and resilience • Learning to trust intuition and embrace uncertainty • How The Massage Mentor Institute and the "Jams" were created • Why stepping through new opportunities can transform your career • Creating a practice that reflects your values and purposeTimeline Highlights:00:35 – Paula introduces mentor and business owner Diane Matkowski.02:55 – Diane shares her journey from solo therapist to clinic owner.05:03 – Recognizing burnout and learning to delegate.07:02 – Letting long-term clients transition to other therapists.11:52 – How The Massage Mentor and mentoring journey began.16:06 – Why listening is one of a therapist’s greatest skills.18:21 – The pandemic, online education, and discovering new teachers.20:10 – The inspiration behind creating the JAM events.28:03 – Diane reflects on grief, loss, and personal growth.30:34 – How service and helping others supported her healing.40:02 – Taking opportunities and embracing calculated risks.43:04 – Not every therapist needs to own a business.45:07 – The importance of patience when developing new skills.46:24 – A preview of the Back JAM and continuing education opportunities.52:12 – Staying open, asking for help, and lifelong learning.53:03 – Diane shares her vision for the future and finding peace.🎥 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/3A82YCP5l9cIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, share it with your colleagues, and rate the show on your favorite podcast platform.Connect with Diane Matkowski:🌐 https://themassagementor.com/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/TheMassageMentor 👥 https://www.facebook.com/groups/themassagementorclosedgroup/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/themassagementor/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-matkowski-32936911/ 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@TheMassageMentorDisclaimer:The following program is for informational and educational purposes only. The content discussed regarding musculoskeletal health, injury recovery, and physical therapy techniques is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-patient relationship between you and Paula or her guest presenter. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or physical injury.If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk.Therapist testimonial highlighting the value of Paula Nutting's Supercharged Therapist Group, mentorship, ongoing support, and professional guidance for therapists seeking continued growth and clinical confidence. The Supercharged Therapist Method, ONLINE option to treat in ONE session what can take THREE or morePaula Nutting talks about her educational journey and why it has made putting the technique of facilitating the Chapmans Reflexes so effective, powerful, and useful for any therapist whether you are a Massage Therapist, Myotherapist, Remedial Massage Therapist, and more! If you are a massage therapist, myotherapist, or remedial massage therapist and been in the industry for less than five years then this message is for you!Learn the Techniques that you might have not done yet like How to do your Muscle Energy Technique, How to do your Myofascial Release Technique and more. Learn from your peers and get valuable mentoring to become a fully booked massage, myotherapist, or remedial massage therapist. 🎁 FREE Resources for Therapists▶ Watch the FREE webinar: https://vimeo.com/577539672?fl=pl&fe=sh🎥 Watch therapist testimonials & clinical education content: https://youtu.be/YfrWsuTJP98 https://youtu.be/pPLkIEEf9k8 https://youtu.be/DHwAxbeEONY https://youtu.be/RCMyWNNTPTA https://youtu.be/3ayD4-jeTTY https://youtu.be/4FB7vh7kIoU💡 Learn more about my Mentorship Programs & Therapist Training: https://yourmusculoskeletalspecialist.com🔗 Access all of my resources, courses, events & links in one place: https://smartlink2.metricool.com/public/smartlink/paulanutting📩 Got questions or want to collaborate? [email protected]