Season 6 Episode 6: Leading Your Way: Growing into Leadership Without Losing Yourself

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, I'm joined by John, an occupational therapist who made the move from vocational rehabilitation in New Zealand to complex psychosocial NDIS practice in Australia, and who is now stepping into leadership as an OT team leader.

After seven years as an occupational therapist and one year in a leadership role, John reflects on the transition from being a confident clinician to supporting others to grow. Together, we explore the challenge of teaching skills that have become second nature, balancing clinical work with leadership responsibilities, and discovering that authentic leadership isn't about becoming someone else, it's about becoming more intentional in how you lead.

We explore:

Transitioning from clinician to team leader while continuing to grow clinically

Why being an excellent OT doesn't automatically prepare you for leadership

Helping therapists develop clinical reasoning by making your own thinking visible

Time management, billable hours, and supporting sustainable ways of working

Creating systems that improve report writing, supervision, and professional development

Leading former peers while finding your own authentic leadership style

Supporting staff wellbeing alongside quality clinical outcomes

Continuing your own professional development while mentoring others

Key takeaways: