When it comes to running a business, wellbeing isn't just about yoga classes, lavender oil, or taking a day off on your birthday; it's about empowering yourself, taking control, and creating systems that actually reduce stress.
In this episode, Dr Leanne Faulkner, founder of Fortitude at Work, joins us to explore the reality of business wellbeing; how financial strain, lack of boundaries, and dependency on clients or staff can quietly erode both your business and your mental health. Leanne also shares her Fortitude Framework to help practice owners regain power, take control, strengthen their connections, and design businesses that support sustainable success.
Whether you're an optometry practice owner or any small business leader, this conversation will leave you with fresh knowledge, perspectives, and maybe even the motivation to find your very own "Goose."
About the Guest:
Dr Leanne Faulkner is a small business advocate and founder of Billie Goat Soap. Leanne shares her powerful journey from building a multimillion-dollar business to facing depression, and how that experience set her on a path to advocate for the mental health of small business owners.
Key Topics with Timestamps:
1:21 - Leanne Faulkner's background
5:31 - What does well-being in business mean?
8:15 - Why traditional self-care fall flat for small businesses
9:55 - Business health mirrors the owner's mental health
13:33 - Relevance of mental health to optometry practice
17:41 - The importance of power and control
20:52 - The negative connotation of power and control
23:04 - Red flag of losing control
24:55 - Seeking wellbeing support for business owners
27:38 - Fortitude framework
31:14 - Finding your "Goose"
36:51 - Building support structure
38:54 - Risk factors that keep business owners awake at night
41:34 - Dependency on business wellbeing
46:37 - The power of community connection
49:15 - Networking vs. Connecting
51:18 - First step towards better wellbeing
54:45 - Book recommendation for small business owners
Join us on the bigger, sharper, and more connected Optipro Roadshow ever!
Register for FREE here: https://optipro.com.au/2025-roadshow/
All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at
https://www.thefocusedview.com.au
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Learn More About Us:
Website: https://www.thefocusedview.com.au/
Email: Michael@thefocusedview.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-focused-view
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefocusedview/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefocusedview
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Send us your thoughts about the episode
Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!
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