This week's episode is a personal one. After experiencing a lower back injury with severe sciatic symptoms, I was forced to step away from working, cancel commitments, and rethink a lot of what I thought I had under control. In this episode, I share five key lessons that came from that experience, covering empathy, financial protection, planning ahead, and the importance of taking action before it's too late.

What made this experience even more challenging was the complete loss of independence.

Something as simple as walking a few steps, sitting in a chair, or driving a car became almost impossible. I had to rely heavily on my wife to get to appointments and manage day-to-day tasks, which is something I've never had to do before. That feeling of helplessness really hits you, especially when you're used to being active, working, and in control of your schedule.

It also forced me to cancel a number of commitments, including coaching calls, podcast interviews, and even a speaking engagement in Canada that I had been looking forward to for months. That was a tough pill to swallow.

But in hindsight, having that time blocked out turned out to be a blessing. It gave me the space to focus on recovery, attend appointments, and reflect on what had happened without the added pressure of trying to push through it.

Throughout this process, I also experienced very different levels of care from healthcare professionals. Some were exceptional, showing genuine empathy and understanding, while others felt distant and disengaged. That contrast really reinforced how important communication, tone, and presence are when working with patients.

These experiences don't just apply to podiatry; they apply to every healthcare professional and business owner.

Because at the end of the day, it's not just about clinical skills or business strategy. It's about how you show up, how you prepare for the unexpected, and how you treat people when they need you most.

If you have any questions, you can always contact me via email at tyson@podiatrylegends.com, and if you get the chance, check out the Podiatry Legends Website

Artificial Intelligence is no longer something for the future; it's already influencing how patients search for answers and choose healthcare providers.

• AI is already influencing patient decisions
• ChatGPT is becoming a new search engine before choosing Google
• AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) is the next evolution of SEO
• Early adopters will gain a competitive advantage over late adopters
• AI can dramatically reduce admin time
• Your prompts determine your results
• AI can help personalise your podiatry marketing
• Patients are becoming more informed before visits by using AI
• Perfection isn't required, but progress is, so start taking action
• The best way to learn AI is to start using it

In this episode, Tyson Franklin is joined by Jonathan Small to explore how podiatrists can begin using AI in practical ways within their clinics. From marketing and content creation to improving systems and patient communication, AI offers opportunities to save time and operate more efficiently.

They also discuss the importance of early adoption, the role of Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), and why resisting change could leave podiatrists behind.

If you've been unsure about AI, this conversation will help you understand where it fits and how to start using it today.

Do you love the Podiatry Legends Podcast? If you do, consider leaving a rating and review. It will only take you two minutes.

Have you checked out the Podiatry Legends Podcast website?

Have you ever considered a Podiatry-Specific Business Coach?

A common phrase I hear from podiatrists is: "Once I get busier, I'll look into business coaching." On the surface, it sounds logical, but in reality, it's one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

In this solo episode, I unpack why waiting creates more problems than it solves. I discuss the "amplification effect," "the I'll wait till later trap", how inefficiencies grow under pressure, and why being busy often leads to stress rather than success.

1. Waiting until you're "busier" is backwards thinking
   Growth doesn't create clarity—clarity creates growth.
2. Being busy doesn't fix problems—it amplifies them
   Weak systems, poor communication, and inefficiencies all get worse under pressure.
3. The "I'll sort it out later" mindset keeps you stuck
   When you're quiet, you delay. When you're busy, you don't have time.
4. There is no perfect time to improve your business
   The ideal moment you're waiting for doesn't exist.
5. Business coaching is a lever, not a reward
   It's something you use to create success—not something you earn after achieving it.
6. Mental space is your biggest advantage when things are quiet
   It allows you to plan, think clearly, and implement properly.
7. Growth without structure leads to chaos and burnout
   More patients + poor systems = more stress, not more success.
8. Fixing a busy, broken clinic is harder than building it right early
   Untangling inefficiencies under pressure is slow and frustrating.
9. Successful clinics prepare for growth before it happens
   They build systems, strategy, and team alignment early.
10. Your pricing should be flexible and value-based—not fixed or competitor-driven
    Factor in your costs, future expenses, and the value you deliver—not just what others charge.

I also share two bonus insights (Easter Eggs) around pricing at the end of this episode.