The Franchise Success Formula: Values, Vision, and Making Hearts Sing; Lessons in Culture-First Leadership from ActivOT's Founder Helen Wait

Big Dreams Great Teams® with Paula Maidens

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn't about rigid systems, but about leading with your values?

In this inspiring episode, Helen Wait shares how she transformed her solo occupational therapy practice into ActivOT, Australia's first OT franchise business with over 65 franchisees across five states.

From unconventional hiring practices to creating a culture that truly puts people first, Helen reveals how she built a multi-million dollar healthcare empire without compromising her values or vision.

Whether you're dreaming of franchising your business or simply want to scale while maintaining your culture, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for value-driven entrepreneurs.

About Our Guest

Helen Wait is the founder of ActivOT, the world's first occupational therapy franchise business. Founded in 2007 after the birth of her third child, Helen has grown ActivOT from a solo practice to a network of over 65 franchisees serving more than 8,000 clients across five Australian states.

Episode Highlights

[02:05] Helen shares how a conversation with another successful franchisor inspired her business model

[07:44] The pivotal moment that led Helen from working 18-hour days to building her dream team

[14:37] Why Helen chose franchising over traditional employment models

[17:40] The importance of regular business planning and reflection

[20:50] Helen's unique approach to hiring: "I don't actually ever interview"

[25:44] How to build and maintain an amazing culture across a large organisation

[28:25] Creating roles around people's passions rather than forcing people into roles

[33:21] Helen's top three business lessons for entrepreneurs

CONNECT WITH HELEN

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/helen.whait/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/helenwhaitactivot

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-whait/

Website - www.activot.com.au

For Occupational Therapists - https://www.activot.com.au/franchise-opportunities/

For referrals to ActivOT Practitioners - https://www.activot.com.au/referrals/

CONNECT WITH PAULA

Website:https://paulamaidens.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/paulamaidensconsulting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulamaidensbuildingawesometeams

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamaidens/

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