The Leadership Advantage: Small Wellness Initiatives With Big Impact, EP 180

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

In this episode, Tracy explores how independent healthcare practice owners can leverage small wellness initiatives as powerful demonstrations of leadership. Against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges in healthcare—from high turnover to political pressures—she reveals how intentional wellness practices create disproportionate returns for small practices. Unlike large healthcare systems, small practices have a "leadership proximity advantage" that makes even modest wellness initiatives more effective. Tracy shares practical, low-cost approaches that strengthen team culture, improve retention, and ultimately create more sustainable practices. The episode highlights how leadership presence, rather than elaborate programs, is the true foundation of practice wellbeing.

Episode Highlights:

• Why small practices have a distinct advantage in implementing effective wellness initiatives

• A simple 20-minute weekly wellness activity that costs nothing but delivers remarkable results

• Five mindset practices that integrate wellness into everyday leadership

• How to measure the ROI of wellness initiatives through reduced absenteeism and improved engagement

• The critical connection between a leader's own sustainable energy and team wellness

Memorable Quotes:

• "Culture isn't a workshop we attend. It's about the example we set."

• "The most successful practice owners know that wellness isn't about implementing a program—it's about investing in your most valuable asset: your people."

• "Small, consistent wellness actions may seem insignificant compared to the daily operations of your practice, but they can completely redirect your practice culture."

• "The practices that consistently outperform, even in challenging times, aren't necessarily the ones with the most resources—they're the ones led by owners who understand that how they show up matters more than what they say."

• "You can't pour from an empty cup. The foundation of any successful team wellness initiative is your own sustainable energy as a leader."

Free Resource Mentioned: Download the Energy Audit workbook at PracticeSuccess.co/resources

Tracy’s Bio:

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated.

Connect With Us:

Be a Guest on the Show

Thriving Practice Community

Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy

Tracy’s LinkedIn

Business LinkedIn Page