Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Provider Playbook! In this episode, Chris and Rachel are joined by Joanna, a federal government policy expert and NDIS participant, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities within the NDIS framework.

Joanna shares her unique perspective as both a government insider and a participant navigating the complexities of disability services. From the systemic hurdles faced by participants to the pressing need for societal change in how disabilities are perceived, this conversation sheds light on the realities behind the headlines.

For more tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, connect with us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
7:59 - Joanna’s career
9:02 - Being an NDIS recipient AND government worker
10:10 - How politics effect the disability sector
13:40 - Joanna’s health challenges
18:59 - Has forced independence helped or hindered?
26:08 - Joanna’s 3 tips to be the best NDIS provider
29:34 - Challenges as an NDIS recipient
31:41 - Rach’s takeaways

Welcome to another transformative episode of the Provider Playbook! In this episode, Chris and Rachel sit down with Jessica Matotek, a seasoned psychotherapist and the founder of Ink and Intuition. Jessica brings over 8 years of experience in youth mental health, trauma, and disability services, and shares her expertise on the profound impact of art therapy as a non-verbal, creative approach to mental health recovery.

Jessica takes us through her journey, from starting as the first Art Therapist in the headspace Primary Care Program to developing and leading creative therapeutic teams in mental health services. Learn what art therapy truly is, how it differs from traditional psychology, and the significant role it plays in helping individuals who struggle to express themselves through words.

As the conversation unfolds, Jessica dives into the neuroscience behind art therapy, the subjective nature of color, and why this form of therapy is gaining recognition for its validity in mental health treatment. Whether you're curious about alternative therapies or looking to deepen your understanding of trauma-informed care, this episode offers valuable insights into the healing power of creativity.

For more tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, connect with us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Connect with Jess:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.the.art.therapist/
Ink & Intuition: https://www.inkandintuition.com.au/

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
9:22 - Jessica’s Story
10:46 - What is art therapy?
14:01 - Who are the recipients of art therapy?
16:26 - Art therapy & traditional psychology
17:35 - Perceptions vs reality of art therapy
24:19 - Neuroscience & art therapy
30:32 - Is colour subjective?
34:40 - Why art therapy?
35:23 - The validity of art therapy
36:32 - Rach’s takeaways

Join us for Episode 8 of the Provider Playbook, where we sit down with Phil Schizas, Director of HPA (Health Provider Assist) - A Leading NDIS registration company based in Melbourne.

Join us as Phil shares how he’s built an empire in only 2 years. We discuss topics from how the giant gained 40% market share in NDIS registration to building out a killer team that has helped the success of his business.

HPA has an upcoming webinar on the 8th February which Chris will be a guest on sharing all the secrets on how he has helped hundred of providers deliver millions of support hours.

Tune in now to learn from the HPA founder Phil, and unlock the secrets to empowering your business and achieving your goals. 

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris: 
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja 
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au 

Rachel: 
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Health Provider Assist
Website: https://healthproviderassist.com.au/
Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hpa-presentsthe-ultimate-guide-to-start-and-operate-your-own-ndis-business-tickets-794923857657

Welcome to Episode 7, marking the debut episode of 2024 on the Provider Playbook! Dive in as we engage in a host chat, sharing the latest from our Christmas break and dishing out some juicy details about some recent events.

In this episode, Rachel drops a bombshell and unveils some news that you definitely don't want to miss! Curious about Chris's recent whereabouts? We've done some digging and have the inside scoop for you. 

Plus, Chris has been harbouring a secret, and he spills the beans on an upcoming event he's been gearing up for —tune in to be the first to hear more about the big announcement!

But that's not all —get the lowdown on Allara's Bathurst SDA sites, and we take you through the highlights of the Provider Retreat 2. Rachel also unveils her exciting new personal brand, and we share the details of the Jamie Zhu Provider Tour.

We also discuss why every provider needs to hop on the YouTube train this year. From insights into the platform's potential to practical tips for providers.

Looking ahead to 2024, we explore upcoming events, and what's hot in the provider space. It's a sneak peek into the future you won't want to miss!

Tune in for all this and more in Episode 7. Follow us for the latest tips and trends to stay ahead in the industry! 

Connect with Chris:

NDIS Ninja IG: @ndisninja

‘Growing Up With Chris’ on YouTube

GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Connect with Rachel:

Rachel IG: @officialrachelcarey

Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Join us for Episode 5 of the Provider Playbook, where we sit down with Suzanne Walker, Director of Clear Path Accounting - An Award Winning Firm in Blaxland.

With over 25 years of accounting experience, Suzanne is not only a professional but also a dedicated mentor on a mission to transform lives and empower business owners to achieve success. Her friendly and vibrant personality shines through as she breaks down the barriers that make numbers intimidating, making them interesting and accessible for all.

Join us as Suzanne shares invaluable insights and practical strategies that will help you understand the importance of knowing your numbers and leveraging them to drive your business forward. From finding a hype mentor to overcoming challenges and making positive changes in your business, Suzanne's guidance will inspire you to take control and streamline your operations.

Tune in now to learn from the Confidence Queen herself, Suzanne, and unlock the secrets to empowering your business and achieving your goals. 

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris: NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja  GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au  

Rachel: Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Join us for Episode 5 of the Provider Playbook, where we sit down with Alicia Melita, relationship and sexuality support educator and counsellor for people with disabilities.

Alicia firmly believes that all individuals have the right to learn about and make their own choices regarding relationships and sexuality. However, people with disabilities often face barriers and limited access to education and support in these areas. In our conversation, Alicia shares invaluable insights on the importance of inclusive relationships and sexuality education that embraces positivity, pleasure, and empowerment.

With her extensive expertise and experience, she challenges the notion of gatekeeping access to comprehensive education and advocates for a more inclusive approach. Whether you're seeking a better understanding of relationships and sexuality or looking to support individuals with disabilities, this episode is filled with eye-opening perspectives and actionable advice.

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris: 
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja  
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au  

Rachel: 
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Alicia:
FrankChatswithAlicia.com.au

Join us for episode 4 of The Provider Playbook, the recap of the FIRST EVER Provider Retreat!

We’ve just gotten back from hosting the BIGGEST change to happen to the sector - the NDIS Provider Retreat!

We had over 850 applications from providers, support coordinators, allied health practitioners, plan managers and more.. and unfortunately we could only take 30. 

So how did it go? Listen now to find out if we selected the right 30 providers. How did the networking opportunities compare to other events in the sector? How about all of the amazing workshops and speakers? Did the NDIS Ninja get some stupid tattoos?

PLUS we're running it back THIS September! Be the FIRST to find out how you can apply, and how you can be one of the lucky providers selected to attend

And as always, whether you're just starting out as an NDIS provider or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed.
 Tune in now and start unlocking the secrets to being a top-notch NDIS provider!

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Join us for episode 3 of The Provider Playbook, an out of sequence launch episode!

We’ve got a whole heap of episodes locked and loaded to go, but we’ve gotta get you out most recent one ASAP!

When we started, we missed a very important part - WHO we are, WHAT we do, and WHY we do it + a lot of info about what to expect from the podcast moving forward

Think of this as our launch episode, get to know us, listen to us talk absolute nonsense, and enjoy our totally out of sequence LAUNCH!

PLUS we only filmed this episode last week, so get the latest update on the NDIS provider retreat, and listen to us read out some feedback from our first few podcasts (or mean tweets for some of them!)

Whether you're just starting out as a provider or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed.
 Tune in now and start unlocking the secrets to being a top-notch NDIS provider!

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Join us for episode 2 of The Provider Playbook, where we sit down with Tania Gomez, of Tania Gomez Consulting, and Founder of Provider Plus, to discuss what goes into compliance and audits.

Having founded the industry's largest compliance and registration business, and since moving on to now working privately in Tania Gomez Consulting, Tania brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, sharing insights on how to be prepared for audits, remain compliant, and of course all the stories of how she built and sold Provider Plus.

Whether you're just starting out as a provider or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed. Tune in now and start unlocking the secrets to being a top-notch NDIS provider!

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Tania:
TaniaGomez.com.au
instagram.com/taniagomezconsulting

Join us for episode 1 of The Provider Playbook, where we sit down with Ashley from Support Agency to discuss what it takes to be a great NDIS provider.

As a specialised support coordinator, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation, sharing insights on how to connect with support coordinators, generate referrals, and ultimately deliver exceptional outcomes for NDIS participants.

Whether you're just starting out as a provider or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed. Tune in now and start unlocking the secrets to being a top-notch NDIS provider!

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Provider Playbook! In this episode, Chris and Rachel are joined by brothers Tommy and Jackson Trout, each bringing a unique perspective to the conversation. Tommy is a social entrepreneur, disability educator, and founder of WeFlex and Inclusive-AF, while Jackson, an animator and educator, shares how he uses his autism to deep-dive into history and complex subjects.

The discussion kicks off with Tommy sharing the mission behind WeFlex and Inclusive-AF, organizations dedicated to making fitness and health services more accessible for people with disabilities. Jackson delves into the importance of understanding history and how unequal treatment often leads to discrimination, drawing parallels between societal challenges and their personal journeys.

As the episode unfolds, Tommy breaks down what it means to be "Inclusive AF" and why inclusivity in health, fitness, and allied health services is crucial for better outcomes. He also shares his top five factors that drive success in training and development, offering practical tips for those working in the disability and fitness sectors.

Join us for a powerful conversation that blends personal insight, professional experience, and the shared goal of making the world more inclusive and accessible for all.

For more insights and tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, connect with us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Connect with Tommy and Jackson:
Inclusive-AF: https://inclusive-af.com/
Tommy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troutie_/
Jackson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackson_t_trout/

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
4:35 - Weflex & Inclusive AF
11:17 - The importance of history
26:21 - Unequal treatment is discrimination
33:42 - What is Inclusive AF?
47:41 - Top 5 factors in training for better outcomes

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Provider Playbook, where Chris and Rachel are joined by Yasser Zaki, the visionary CEO behind Tender Loving Care (TLC), a global NDIS-registered service provider making waves in the disability sector.

In this episode, Yasser shares his incredible journey, from working in sales to becoming a leader in the disability space, building an organization that spans across eight countries and transforms lives with innovative services. Dive deep into thought-provoking discussions, including the sustainability of working from home, the impact of technology on intelligence, and how TLC is empowering individuals with disabilities around the world.

Yasser also recounts his mentorship experience with Richard Branson and the valuable lessons he learned from both the streets and the boardroom, highlighting how risk management and perseverance have shaped his leadership style.

Join Chris, Rachel, and Yasser as they explore the profound impact TLC is making, from accessible travel to inclusive employment opportunities, and discover the personal philosophy that drives Yasser to push the boundaries of what's possible in the disability sector.

For more insights and tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, connect with us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Connect with Yasser:
TLC: https://www.tlcdisabilityservices.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9/

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
7:15 - Is working from home sustainable?
12:22 - Is technology making people less intelligent?
24:06 - Yasser’s incredible story
28:24 - From sales to disability sector
32:52 - TLC
35:18 - Yasser & Richard Branson
43:57 - Lessons learnt from the streets to mentoring

In this exciting episode of the Provider Playbook, we dive into the transformative journey of Kevin Finlayson. From enduring hardships that felt like living in a concentration camp to finding hope and freedom through the NDIS, Kevin's story is a powerful testament to resilience and change.

Join Chris and Rachel as they explore Kevin's life before and after the NDIS, delving into the stark contrast between his struggles and his newfound independence. Kevin shares his candid experiences of navigating the support systems, highlighting the profound impact the NDIS has had on his life.

Discover how the NDIS became a lifeline for Kevin, enabling him to reclaim his autonomy and pursue his passions. Alongside Kevin, we discuss the importance of comprehensive support networks, the transformative power of the NDIS and most importantly... how to sell a PEN.

Tune in to hear how Kevin's journey from hardship to empowerment serves as an inspiring example of the positive change the NDIS can bring to those living with disabilities.

For more invaluable tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, be sure to follow us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au
Provider Growth: www.providergrowth.com.au
Provider Impact Summit: https://www.providerimpactsummit.com.au/

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman
https://www.rachelcarey.com.au/
Instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

In this exciting episode of the Provider Playbook, we dive into the incredible journey of Sam Maloney. From his early days in an NDIS day program to becoming a prominent radio host at Australia’s largest media network, KIISfm, Sam’s story is a testament to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

Join Chris and Rachel as they explore Sam's inspiring path, from navigating the support systems of day programs to achieving his dream of entertaining millions on the airwaves. Discover how Sam's determination and unique voice propelled him to the top of the broadcasting world.

Alongside Sam, we’ll delve into the transformative power of following one's passion, the importance of resilience, and the support networks that make success possible. Tune in to hear how Sam turned his life’s challenges into a platform for connection and inspiration on one of Australia’s most popular radio stations.

For more invaluable tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, be sure to follow us on social media:

Chris:

NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja

GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au
Provider Growth: www.providergrowth.com.au

Provider Impact Summit: https://www.providerimpactsummit.com.au/

Rachel:

Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Provider Playbook! In this compelling episode, join us on a journey with Karen Abdallah as she opens up and shares her triumph over adversity. From receiving a life-altering brain tumour diagnosis while living abroad to rediscovering purpose back home in Australia, Karen's story unfolds with resilience and inspiration.

Discover how Karen's personal odyssey led to the creation of MyLife Housing, an SDA provider committed to transforming lives through beautifully designed homes. Delve into the profound impact of accessible living spaces on independence, community, and the joy of finding one's true home.

Chris, Rachel, and Karen further illuminate crucial topics in this episode, shedding light on the SDA journey for participants. From insightful discussions on choosing the right support coordinator to invaluable advice for support coordinators navigating the SDA space.

Tune in and be inspired by a story that beautifully combines resilience, purpose, and the creation of homes that truly matter.

For more invaluable tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, be sure to follow us on social media:

Chris:

NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja

GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:

Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Connect with Karen at My Life Housing:
Website:https://www.mylifehousing.com.au/ 
Instagram: instagram.com/mylifehousing

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Provider Playbook! This week, we are thrilled to bring you one of our most fun episodes yet! We have a conversation with Zoe, the Founder of Infinite Abilities Performing Arts and a former professional dancer based in Sydney.

In the heart of this episode, Zoe unfolds her remarkable dance journey. Having made the bold decision to transition from professional dancing, she shares her story of founding Infinite Abilities Performing Arts. Zoe takes us on a poignant exploration of her commitment to making dance accessible to everyone, particularly those with disabilities. With unwavering dedication, she has already established two disability-only creative arts studios in Sydney, spreading joy and inclusivity through the power of movement.

This episode is not just informative; it's a fun and inspiring one. We also chat (and sing) about the hottest songs at the moment, our favourite quotes, and talk about how you know when it's time to expand. Zoe's infectious vibe and commitment to inclusivity make this one of the most enjoyable and uplifting episodes to date. 

For more invaluable tips on becoming an industry-leading provider, be sure to follow us on social media:

Chris:
NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja
GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au

Rachel:
Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au
Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Connect with Zoe:
Instagram: instagram.com/zoekarat

Website: www.infiniteabilities.com.au/
Instagram: instagram.com/infiniteabilities.pa

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Provider Playbook! This week, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Farzana, the Founder of Apex Support Services, a leading provider in South West Sydney.

In this special Valentine's Day episode, Farzana shares her love story, reflecting on the serendipitous moments that led her to meet her now-husband. As the conversation unfolds, Farzana. Rachel and Chris delve into talking about how day programs SHOULD be run, passionately advocating for a transformative approach that she believes should be the standard for ALL day programs. Her passion shines through the screen! 

Not only is Farzana a valued client of Rachel's, but she also attended the inaugural provider retreat with Chris. Farzana's business ascended to new heights, drawing on insights not only from Chris in the realm of marketing but also from Rachel on the crucial significance of value and making the right hires.

But wait, there's more! We also touch on Farzana's SIL house open day, which, to everyone's amusement, Chris wasn't invited to (he’s not happy lol!). She talks on the success of the event. 

Tune in for a captivating episode filled with love, passion, valuable insights, and a touch of party gossip!

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris: 

NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja 

GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au 

Rachel: 

Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Apex Support Services

Website: https://www.apexsupportservices.org/ 

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Provider Playbook! In this week’s instalment, we sit down with Saleha, the Founder of Ability Alliance Care, a small provider in the heart of Parramatta, Western Sydney.

This episode was recorded a few months ago, in late 2023. Since recording, Ability Alliance Care has hit 1 year of providing care - we are so proud of them! Saleha talks about why, as a provider she’s passionate about focussing on her participants ability, her previous work experience in the sector (back before the NDIS) and shedding light on the catalysts that led her to start her own business at 25 years young. She also gets into some recent success stories, a few areas she can improve in and some talk about… dating apps and Doritos… ?! 

Tune in now to learn from Saleha, and discover her passion and purpose behind starting Ability Alliance Care.

FOLLOW for more tips on how to be an industry leading provider!

Chris: 

NDIS Ninja: instagram.com/NDISNinja 

GrowDSP: GrowDSP.com.au 

Rachel: 

Allara Services: AllaraSupportservices.com.au

Rachel Carey - The Powerhouse Woman: instagram.com/officialrachelcarey

Ability Alliance Care

Website: https://www.abilityalliancecare.com.au/