“If you can’t figure out your purpose,

figure out your passion.

For your passion will lead you

right into your purpose.”

Bishop T.D. Jakes

As this blog project grows and I continue to interview and capture beautiful businesswomen to help promote their personal brands, I am LOVING having the opportunity to talk to them about their passions.

Passion is infectious! It’s intellectual adrenaline! Moreover, the passionate seem to have it all; a love for what they do, a track record for success and that relentless knack of getting shit done. You know the ones I’m talking about! They’re the ones who you can’t help but follow, in the best possible way.

Passion is what fuels us to keep asking questions, to be motivated to find out more and to share. Passionate people are fascinating; they are immensely talented and skilled in their fields and to be an outsider, hearing them speak or looking into their world for a moment, is exciting and inspiring.

Welcome to The Bigger Picture; a blog that is all about building NETWORK and CONNECTION. Each month, I feature a woman in small business within my community with the sole purpose of showing support, building solidarity and sharing stories of passion.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible small businesses in the South West run by mums in their spare rooms or out in their gardens and they each have a unique story to be told; a BIGGER PICTURE to be discovered.

My feature for December is a woman who simply oozes passion. She is pure energy and sunshine personified. A Director of two local businesses, public speaker, educator, advocate of women’s health, wife, mum of two beautiful kids and a true force to be reckoned with, whether she’s doing acrobatics and dangling from a hoop in the air, or speaking to a room full of people! I’m very pleased to introduce you to the very talented:

Jess Fishburn

Gen Health Hamilton

Tell us about your business and what services you offer.

So, I straddle a few businesses! I am a Director at Gen Health Hamilton, at Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton and I have my personal brand as a public speaker, health educator and women's health advocate.

At Gen Health Hamilton - we are a combined allied health clinic in Hamilton. We combine Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Exercise Physiology and Occupational Therapy - all with the mission "Together strengthening the health of our local community". Our point of difference is that we are collaborative, working together as a team on the patients’ goals or needs rather than health professionals working independently. I am one of the founding directors and this year, we celebrated 10 years of business! Starting with 2 Physios and 2 Podiatrists, we have grown to be a team of 24! I personally work in the business clinically as a Pelvic Health and Pain Physiotherapist and as a Director with the lens of PR, Community and recruitment. My patient load includes everything from antenatal and postpartum care, through to constipation/bowel management, pelvic organ prolapse assessment and treatment and all variations of pelvic pain - including menstrual pain, bladder & bowel pain and sexual pain (and everything in between).

We also opened a shoe store in 2022 Called Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton. Which is a Podiatrist recommended shoe store, stocking all of the popular brands but using podiatry assessment and technology to ensure the correct shoe is fitted to your foot for your needs. This is great as it is keeping people local, without having to travel out of town or buy on line for good quality (yet stylish) shoes that their health professionals recommend. We sell all the major brands and are the only shoe shop in Hamilton now.

Finally - I have my own personal brand as a public speaker; often speaking to topics on leadership, health and women's health advocacy. In this role, I use my experience as a post graduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist and pain physiotherapist to teach health literacy including anatomy and physiology to women in relation to hormonal health, pain, and how to advocate about their health needs. I am often asked to be a keynote speaker, panelist or deliver workshops at events, schools, universities and forums.

Is there a story behind the name you chose?

Prior to starting Gen Health in 2015 there wasn't any collaborative allied health clinics in the region. Everyone was either working independently or in a contractor arrangement (which doesn't really encourage between practitioner referrals). "Gen" comes from a number of angles; General populations, All Generations, All Genders and Genesis - meaning origin + together. So Gen Health was born.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration really comes from my patients! I have a fierce passion for gender equality and removal of barriers to women in health care. This really comes from patients telling me their stories and the common theme "I wish someone told me this earlier" or "Why didn't I get taught this in schools". I feel very privileged to have the knowledge and experience I have - so I feel really compelled to right that and disperse it at a population level. I have also had some really inspirational women lead before me in the community who I look up to. I also want to inspire younger women in business!

What is your favourite part of your job?

Definitely education! I love delivering my public talks - empowering women to know what is normal with the anatomy, what isn't and removing shame and stigma. Especially around female pain and learning the importance of pleasure (both sexual in nature - but also, just taking pleasure in what we do - and having fun!) There is so much benefit and neuroscience behind the power of a hobby! I love challenging the status quo, and having the uncomfortable conversations. The results equal empowered women, and therefore better health (and community) outcomes.

What do you offer your clients that no one else does?

I think this is hard to answer. I do believe that all pelvic floor physios are extra special humans. But I get lots of feedback from patients that I am empathetic, that I am validating, and that I take time to actually listen. I also create a really safe and welcoming environment, so patients feel safe to disclose their experiences. As a clinic, I do believe that we create a really fun, inclusive and thriving workplace culture! It is a team effort - but I am very proud of that!

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since starting your business?

I have a few tips from my own personal learning on the way.

1. Know your hourly rate. Just because you’re a small business, doesn't mean you have to be an expert in all areas of the business. When things get busy - outsource what you can (whether that be marketing, email management or website design and updates).

2. Be vulnerable! Seek feedback, all of the feedback, and action it. We should always be learning and striving to be the best version of ourselves. I think this is the best way to grow - both personally and professionally.

3. Take opportunities and take risks! If it feels right, go for it. If it feels 80% right - go for it! Our own lack of confidence or imposter syndrome can really get in the way of having a go. Again, we learn from mistakes!

4. And finally - be kind to yourself. You don't have to be everything to everyone, at all times (something I am continuously learning of myself). My number 1 priority is my family and if customers are angry with you for your priorities - they aren't your ideal customer!

Jess’ passion and energy for her chosen field is the type that motivates and inspires. If you have worked with her in her clinic, or had the opportunity to hear her speak at events like @ruralwomensday, you’ll know you’re in safe hands. We are so lucky to have a professional like Jess in our community, advocating for women’s health and making those sometimes taboo subjects, more accessible and relatable.

Edwina xx

If you are in need of any of the health expertise or advice that Jess’ clinic provides, then pop onto her website and look what Gen Health Hamilton has to offer. For all FAQs, information and availability, give Jess and her team a follow (and your support) on her social media pages…

Website: www.genhealthhamilton.com.au

Instagram: @gen_health_ AND @profeetfootwear_hamilton

Facebook: Gen Health Hamilton