Why Fall Semester Always Brings Me Back to My "Why"—And How That's Changing My Business

You probably know by now that I teach sports medicine classes at a local university part-time. The first week of fall semester hit, and just like that, it's like I'm back in the athletic training room. Students are filtering in with their usual mix of excitement and nerves, and I'm reminded—again—why I fell in love with healthcare in the first place.

There's something about being back in that environment that cuts through all the noise. It's not just the adrenaline of game day or the satisfaction of getting an athlete back on the field. It's the problem-solving. The systematic thinking. The ability to assess, strategize, and execute under pressure while keeping a clear head and focusing on what actually matters.

After 14+ years in healthcare, these skills have become second nature. But this semester, something clicked differently.

I realized I've been approaching my fractional COO work with the same methodical, results-driven mindset that made me effective in sports medicine—and it's time to own that connection.

Here's the thing: healthcare entrepreneurs face challenges that most business consultants have never touched. We understand compliance nightmares, the complexity of patient care workflows, and what it means to make decisions when people's well-being is on the line. We know how to build systems that don't just scale—they protect and serve.

That's not something you learn in a traditional business program. That comes from years of managing emergencies, coordinating care teams, and understanding that every system you build has real consequences for real people.

The Strategic Shift

Moving forward, I'm leaning into what I know best. My focus is shifting toward healthcare entrepreneurs who need someone who actually gets it—someone who understands that your business isn't just about profit margins and growth metrics. It's about sustainable care, ethical practices, and building something that serves your community while supporting your life.

But here's what's not changing: I'm still the same straightforward, no-bullshit business partner you'd expect from Strolling Sage. I'm not abandoning the incredible women-owned businesses I've had the privilege to work with across other industries. If anything, my healthcare lens makes me more valuable to any business owner who wants systems that actually work under pressure.

My varied background—from crisis management in sports medicine to building scalable business operations—gives me a unique ability to see the 10,000-foot view while keeping the details tight.

What This Means for You

Whether you're a healthcare entrepreneur struggling to balance patient care with business growth, or you're in a completely different industry but want someone who approaches business strategy like a seasoned clinician approaches patient care, my approach remains the same:

• Systematic assessment of what's working and what's not

• Evidence-based solutions that are sustainable long-term

• Crisis-ready systems that keep you operational when things get tough

Clear, honest communication about what needs to happen next

I've had to pivot more times than I can count—sometimes by choice, sometimes by necessity. But each time, I've learned how to make myself useful in any situation. That healthcare foundation taught me how to stay calm under pressure, think systematically, and always keep the bigger picture in mind.

The Bottom Line

You didn't start your business to get stuck in the operational weeds. Whether you're managing patient care or client care, you deserve systems that work for you, not the other way around.

I'm not here to add complexity to your life—I'm here to cut through it. Let's build something that lasts, serves your people well, and gives you the freedom to focus on why you started this work in the first place.

Why Fall Semester Always Brings Me Back to My "Why"—And How That's Changing My Business

The first week of fall semester hit, and just like that, I'm back in the athletic training room. Students are filtering in with their usual mix of excitement and nerves, and I'm reminded—again—why I fell in love with healthcare in the first place.

There's something about being back in that environment that cuts through all the noise. It's not just the adrenaline of game day or the satisfaction of getting an athlete back on the field. It's the problem-solving. The systematic thinking. The ability to assess, strategize, and execute under pressure while keeping a clear head and focusing on what actually matters.

After 14+ years in healthcare, these skills have become second nature. But this semester, something clicked differently.

I realized I've been approaching my fractional COO work with the same methodical, results-driven mindset that made me effective in sports medicine—and it's time to own that connection.

Here's the thing: healthcare entrepreneurs face challenges that most business consultants have never touched. We understand compliance nightmares, the complexity of patient care workflows, and what it means to make decisions when people's well-being is on the line. We know how to build systems that don't just scale—they protect and serve.

That's not something you learn in a traditional business program. That comes from years of managing emergencies, coordinating care teams, and understanding that every system you build has real consequences for real people.

The Strategic Shift

Moving forward, I'm leaning into what I know best. My focus is shifting toward healthcare entrepreneurs who need someone who actually gets it—someone who understands that your business isn't just about profit margins and growth metrics. It's about sustainable care, ethical practices, and building something that serves your community while supporting your life.

But here's what's not changing: I'm still the same straightforward, no-bullshit business partner you'd expect from Strolling Sage. I'm not abandoning the incredible women-owned businesses I've had the privilege to work with across other industries. If anything, my healthcare lens makes me more valuable to any business owner who wants systems that actually work under pressure.

My varied background—from crisis management in sports medicine to building scalable business operations—gives me a unique ability to see the 10,000-foot view while keeping the details tight.

What This Means for You

Whether you're a healthcare entrepreneur struggling to balance patient care with business growth, or you're in a completely different industry but want someone who approaches business strategy like a seasoned clinician approaches patient care, my approach remains the same:

• Systematic assessment of what's working and what's not

• Evidence-based solutions that are sustainable long-term

• Crisis-ready systems that keep you operational when things get tough

• Clear, honest communication about what needs to happen next

I've had to pivot more times than I can count—sometimes by choice, sometimes by necessity. But each time, I've learned how to make myself useful in any situation. That healthcare foundation taught me how to stay calm under pressure, think systematically, and always keep the bigger picture in mind.

The Bottom Line

You didn't start your business to get stuck in the operational weeds. Whether you're managing patient care or client care, you deserve systems that work for you, not the other way around.

I'm not here to add complexity to your life—I'm here to cut through it. Let's build something that lasts, serves your people well, and gives you the freedom to focus on why you started this work in the first place.

Here's what I want to know: What's your "WHY"?

What drew you to your work in the first place. What fires you up? What made you think "I have to do this" when you started your business?

Because here's the thing—when you're crystal clear on your why, everything else becomes a systems problem. And systems problems? Those I can solve.

Leave me a comment. I read every response, and I genuinely want to know what drives you. Maybe it's time we figured out how to get you back to that original spark without all the operational chaos getting in your way.