I’m sitting in my office (aka my she-shed), trying to record a podcast episode while simultaneously keeping Oliver from barking at the mailman and praying that V and D don’t choose this exact moment to start World War III over the last cookie. #momlife, am I right?
But here’s the thing – as chaotic as my life can be sometimes (okay, most of the time), I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And that’s exactly what I chatted about with Jennifer McGurk and Danielle Young from Pursuing Private Practice on my latest Dietitian Turned Designer podcast episode.
These ladies know a thing or two about juggling multiple balls without dropping them (unlike me at my high school cheerleading tryouts – but that’s a story for another day). We dived deep into the nitty-gritty of running a weight-inclusive business, and we uncovered some gems!
First things first – let’s talk about support. And no, I don’t mean the kind you get from your favorite sports bra (although that’s important too, especially if you’re still holding onto your cheerleading dreams). I’m talking about the people who’ve got your back when the going gets tough.
Jennifer opened up about her journey to finding the right support, and it was like listening to my own story. Remember when I first started this business? I was trying to do everything myself, from designing websites to managing clients to keeping the kids alive (priorities, people). I felt like a hamster on a wheel, but instead of getting anywhere, I was just getting really, really tired.
But then, just like Jennifer, I had my “aha” moment. I realized that I couldn’t do it all alone – and more importantly, I didn’t have to. That’s when I found my own Danielle (shoutout to my amazing VA, Katie!).
Having someone who can handle the details while you focus on the big picture? It’s like finally being able to breathe after holding your breath underwater for way too long.
Jennifer and Danielle’s partnership is a perfect example of how the right support can transform your business. They complement each other’s strengths, share the same vision for a weight-inclusive world, and probably finish each other’s sentences (though I didn’t ask about that last part).
The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, partnering with another professional, or just calling your mom for some much-needed encouragement, support is what’s going to keep you sane in this crazy entrepreneurial journey.
Now, let’s talk about something that’s near and dear to my heart: organization. Or, as I like to call it, “the thing that keeps me from losing my mind on a daily basis.”
Jennifer and Danielle swear by Asana for project management, and I’ve got to say, it’s a pretty good tool. This tool is like having a personal assistant who never sleeps, never complains, and never steals your last cup of coffee.
With Asana, you can break down projects into manageable tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
But here’s the catch – and it’s a big one. Asana is great for a lot of things, but it’s not suitable for clinical purposes. Why? Because it’s not HIPAA compliant. And as someone who’s dealt with the joys of HIPAA compliance, that’s not something you want to mess with.
So, while Asana is fantastic for managing your marketing projects, team tasks, and that never-ending to-do list, it’s a big no-no for anything involving patient information. For that, you’ll need a system that’s locked down tighter than Fort Knox (or at least one that won’t get you in trouble with the feds).
The moral of the story? Choose your tools wisely. What works for one aspect of your business might not work for another. It’s like trying to use a fork to eat soup – sure, you might eventually get some in your mouth, but it’s going to be a messy and inefficient process.
Alright, let’s chat about communication. And no, I don’t mean the kind of communication where you’re trying to explain to your kids why they can’t have ice cream for breakfast (though if you’ve mastered that, please share your secrets).
When you’re working with a team, communication is everything. Without it, you’re just a bunch of people doing random tasks and hoping it all comes together in the end (spoiler alert: it won’t).
Jennifer and Danielle emphasized how crucial clear communication has been for their success. It’s not just about talking – it’s about really listening, understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and being on the same page about your goals.
So, how do you achieve this communication nirvana? Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Now, let’s talk about something that’s been a personal struggle for me: delegation. As a recovering control freak, learning to delegate has been… well, let’s just say it’s been a journey.
But here’s the truth bomb that Jennifer dropped during our chat: delegation isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. It’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – sure, you might be able to do it for a while, but eventually, something’s going to catch fire (probably your eyebrows).
Danielle’s role as Jennifer’s right-hand woman is a perfect example of effective delegation. By trusting Danielle with key responsibilities, Jennifer can focus on the areas where she truly shines. It’s like having a superpower – suddenly, you can be in two places at once (sort of).
For me, learning to delegate has been like learning to breathe again. I used to think I had to do everything myself to ensure it was done right. But you know what? That’s a one-way ticket to Burnoutville, population: you.
Now, I try my best to delegate tasks to my amazing team, and guess what? Not only does it get done, but often it gets done better than if I’d done it myself. It’s like when I finally let my husband load the dishwasher his way – turns out, there’s more than one right way to do things (who knew?).
So, if you’re still clinging to every task like it’s the last lifeboat on the Titanic, it’s time to let go. Trust your team, play to everyone’s strengths, and watch your business (and your sanity) flourish.
Jennifer opened up about her struggles as a working parent, and let me tell you, I felt that in my soul. There have been days when I’ve been on important client calls while simultaneously trying to prevent World War III between V and D over who gets to pet Oliver first. It’s not pretty, folks.
But here’s the thing – it’s okay to admit that it’s hard. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. And it’s definitely okay to sometimes feel like you’re failing at everything (pro tip: you’re not).
Jennifer shared how she’s learned to set priorities, establish boundaries, and communicate effectively with her team about her situation as a working parent. And that’s some solid gold advice right there.
For me, finding balance has been an ongoing process. Some days, I feel like I’m crushing it both as a mom and as a business owner. Other days, I’m just happy if everyone’s fed and I managed to put on pants (yoga pants count, right?).
Here are a few strategies that have helped me in my quest for balance:
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for Jennifer or me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is to keep trying, keep adjusting, and most importantly, be kind to yourself in the process.
Phew! We’ve covered a lot of ground here, haven’t we? From finding the right support to mastering the art of delegation, from choosing the right tools to juggling work and family life – running a weight-inclusive business is no small feat.
But here’s what I want you to take away from all this: You’ve got this.
Yes, it’s challenging.
Yes, there will be days when you want to throw in the towel (or throw your laptop out the window).
But with the right support, systems, and mindset, you can build a business that not only survives but thrives.
Remember, we’re all in this together. Whether you’re a dietitian, a designer, or somewhere in between, we’re all working towards the same goal – creating a more inclusive, body-positive world. And if we can do that while also managing to keep our sanity (and maybe sneak in a nap every now and then), well, that’s just the cherry on top.
So, here’s to all of you out there hustling, juggling, and making it work.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go referee a heated debate between V and D about whose turn it is to feed Finnick. Because apparently, that’s a highly coveted job in this household. #momlife #entrepreneurlife #sendcoffee
Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD is a marketing and wellness strategist with 15+ years of experience in WordPress web design, workflow optimization, and client experience strategy.
She has served in leadership roles as a Director of Corporate Health Services, Group Fitness Program Manager, and Lead Wellness Dietitian, and built her own private practice, Vickery Wellness.
Courtney also has an extensive academic background. At the University of Georgia, she taught undergraduate nutrition courses, served as Interim Director of the Dietetic Internship, and continues to teach as needed.
She is a proud UGA alum, holding:
MS/DI in Foods & Nutrition
BS in Dietetics
BA in Political Science
With her unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and design-driven strategy, Courtney helps professionals and organizations improve their systems, websites, and client experiences with clarity and confidence.
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