From Solo to Team and Back To Solo to Find the Right Business Model

Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast! Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Maggy Doherty, the dietitian behind Maggy the Dietitian. Together, they explore the theme of "one size does not fit all" in business, discussing the pros and cons of small versus large practices, the complexities of insurance-based versus private pay models, and the unique challenges dietitians face in their careers. Maggy shares her personal journey from starting her own practice to managing a large team and then pivoting to a solo model, highlighting the importance of freedom and the inevitable challenges that come with growth.  Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate your own path in the world of private practice. Embracing Individuality in Business: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a business. Every dietitian gets to make decisions based on their unique values and circumstances. Balancing Freedom and Responsibility: The podcast dives into the balance of freedom in both small and large practices—how more freedom can bring exciting opportunities but also new responsibilities. The Importance of Mental Health: As a business owner, prioritizing mental health and setting boundaries isn't just important—it's essential. Self-care is the foundation of sustainable success. Navigating Insurance and Self-Pay Models: The podcast breaks down the pros and cons of different business models, helping you navigate the options and choose the best path for your practice.   Timestamps:  03:06 Maggy's Entrepreneurial Journey: Maggy shares her background, early ventures in nutrition, and her transition from corporate work to starting her own practice, Doherty Nutrition. 05:34 Growth of Doherty Nutrition: Maggy discusses the rapid growth of her practice, the hiring of dietitians, and the challenges of managing a larger team. 10:59 Navigating Business Decisions: The importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in business and making decisions based on personal values. 12:07 Maggy's Pivot to a Smaller Practice: Maggy reflects on her decision to pivot to a smaller, self-pay practice after experiencing burnout and the impact of motherhood on her business. 19:31 Pros and Cons of Insurance vs. Self-Pay: Discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of accepting insurance versus operating a self-pay model, including marketing and financial implications. 35:21 Working with Dietitians: The unique challenges and rewards of coaching dietitians in private practice and the importance of understanding their specific needs.   Maggy Doherty, MS, RD, LD, CEDS-C, started her practice Doherty Nutrition in 2019 as a one-woman show, wearing all the hats- biller, scheduler, marketer, and dietitian- before building it into a 30-person practice.  In 2024, she felt a calling to get back to her entrepreneurial roots and use the lessons learned in business to open her next practice, Maggy the Dietitian, where she focuses on her most rewarding work: mentoring private practice owners, supervising eating disorder dietitians, and helping clients in their eating disorder recovery journey. Maggy's business coaching style is derived from the tough lessons she learned from her own journey.  Want more from Maggy?  Visit her website: https://www.maggythedietitian.com Find her on Instagram: https://www.maggythedietitian.com   Sponsor: ✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.   Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/   Connect with Pursuing Private Practice: 🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice 📧 Email: Contact Us   Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business: 🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice ✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge 👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member 💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog 🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast