In this episode, Michael speaks with allied health manager Michael Hasson about what leadership looks like inside an NDIS business right now.

They talk openly about frozen and reduced NDIS fees, rising costs, and the pressure this puts on providers trying to stay sustainable. Michael shares how he has adapted his business model to stay lean, why cutting unnecessary overheads matters, and how leaders can make hard decisions without losing sight of their people.

The conversation explores staff retention when budgets are tight, showing how recognition, growth, and appreciation often matter more than money. Michael also reflects on the reality many directors face — earning less than their senior staff — and why this can still make sense when building a stronger business long term.

They discuss leadership beyond ego, choosing flexibility and lifestyle over short-term income, and why seeking outside perspective through consultants or coaches can be a turning point for growth. The episode closes with reflections on humility, acting on advice, and making decisions that support both the business and the people behind it.

This episode is a grounded look at the real decisions NDIS leaders are making, and the thinking required to keep going when the work feels heavy.

Do BDMs still belong in the NDIS world? That’s the question we tackle in this episode of the NDIS Provider Growth Journey, where Michael sits down with Stu Paull—one of the most respected and connected BDMs in the sector. They talk honestly about the reality of the role, what’s not working, and why some businesses struggle to get results from their BDMs.

Stu shares what small providers can do if they can’t afford a full-time BDM, why niche and clarity matter more than networking, and what he’d do differently if he ran his own SIL business. They also dive into marketing mistakes, lazy copywriting, and the difference between good ideas and real impact.

This isn’t just theory. Stu brings real talk, grounded advice, and the kind of perspective only someone deep in the NDIS trenches can offer.

This episode is a continuation of an earlier episode with Stacey you can listen to here: https://youtu.be/jdWFUcTdOfw -

We sit in a warm and honest space with Stacey Goulding from LumaBloom. She talks about leadership in a real way. She shares how she works with complex participants, stays close to support workers and keeps things human in a field that can feel heavy. Stacey explains how her training is built with support workers, not at them, and why teamwork is the only path that feels right for her. She also talks about pressure, emotions and the everyday reality of this work.

Stacey opens up about the loneliness that can sit inside leadership. She talks about boundaries and the tricky line between being friendly and becoming a friend. She shares how burnout crept up on her and how it hit all at once. She talks about the months that followed and the slow return of energy and joy. She opens up about tiny things that helped her through it, like time with her dog, gaming nights with family and small moments where she could breathe again.

She also shares how LinkedIn changed her world. In one week she met people who understood her work and wanted to connect. She talks about finding a networking space that felt kind, safe and welcoming. She explains how that moment pushed her to keep showing up. Stacey also shares why “Free Day Fridays” mean so much to her and why giving back is the heart of her work.

If you work in the NDIS and you feel tired or stretched, this conversation will feel gentle and grounding. Stacey speaks with care, honesty and lived experience. She reminds us that we all learn as we go, and that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the people you support.