Ep. 46: Multi-Passionate OTs Creating Work They Love, One Layer at a Time with Guests, Áine O'Dea & Jen Trzeciak

Ep. 46: Multi-Passionate OTs Creating Work They Love, One Layer at a Time with Guests, Áine O'Dea & Jen Trzeciak

Author: Carlyn Neek - OT Entrepreneur Coach, Educator, Founder of ACTivate Vitality August 2, 2025 Duration: 1:07:17

Ever feel like you're the only OT who doesn't have their career path mapped out? Like you should have it more figured out by now or you thought you were on the right path and something's not right?

Meet Áine and Jen, two multi-passionate OTs who've built thriving practices by embracing the messy, non-linear path of figuring it out as they go. From car crashes that changed everything to setting up businesses because "I don't really know what else to do," these two prove that sustainable, fulfilling OT careers don't require having it all planned out.

 

What You'll Learn

We explore how clinical supervision works as real professional development (not just another box to tick), practical ways to combat the isolation of solo practice, why starting with one client is enough to begin, and how to work with your ADHD brain instead of against it. Áine and Jen share the honest reality of career pivots, the power of getting help instead of doing everything yourself, and why the smallest therapeutic moments often create the biggest breakthroughs.

This episode is for multi-passionate OTs feeling scattered, anyone considering private practice but overwhelmed by where to start, OTs feeling isolated in their current work, and those ready to stop apologizing for not having a traditional career path.

 

Connect with Our Guests

 

Join the Conversation

Head over to The BRAVE OT Facebook group to continue this conversation about supervision, private practice, and owning our professional worth. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

Explore the ACTivate Vitality Planner

The personal development planner (made by me!) that blends science and soul to guide you towards a vibrant, authentic, values-driven life. Now is a great time for a new start! Check it out here.

 

Change Your Relationship with Documentation

Not only will you get to explore the tool that we have all been wishing for that magically makes great chart notes while you're busy working directly with your client, you can also use my code VITALITY for a one month grace period on your new Jane account. Book a demo today.


Hosted by Carlyn Neek, an OT entrepreneur coach and educator, The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy Trailblazers is a space for honest dialogue about the evolving landscape of occupational therapy. This isn't about abstract theory; it's grounded in the real-world experiences of practitioners who are actively reshaping their careers and the profession itself. Each conversation delves into what it means to build a meaningful practice, whether that's in clinical settings, through entrepreneurial ventures, or by advocating for systemic change. You'll hear stories of navigating challenges, redefining success beyond burnout, and discovering innovative ways to serve clients. The discussions naturally weave together the science of occupational therapy with the practicalities of business and the social impact of the work. Listening to this podcast feels like joining a candid mentorship circle, one that values curiosity and growth over perfection. It’s for OTs who are ready to examine their assumptions, try new approaches, and find a deeper sense of fulfillment in their professional journey. Carlyn brings her perspective as the founder of ACTivate Vitality to these interviews, fostering talks that are both supportive and provocatively thoughtful, always aimed at empowering therapists to live their mission more fully.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 58

The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy Trailblazers
Podcast Episodes
Episode 6: Jam With 2 Mental Health OTs on 2 Continents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:40
Come jam with 2 mental health OTs, on 2 continents who coach other therapists and have similar names. Karlien and Carlyn at your service! We talk about finding our way in business, applying what we know to impact other t…
Episode 4: Balance is Elusive with Guest Ashley Reina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Work-life balance, occupational balance, balancing roles, finding balance. These are all terms that roll around in conversations among business owners. Well, occupational therapists are probably the only ones talking abo…
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Well behaved women seldom make history. That is what Alice's shirt said when I met her in the UK in the fall of 2022. I knew we'd get along famously at that point. Alice Hortop has made conscious rebellion an art form. I…
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Duration: 12:05
Ugh! Are you tired of hearing about how you should be doing more self-care, better self-care, and loving every minute of it? I bet you're even beating yourself up about not doing as much as you'd like. But you're busy. T…
Episode 1: Who am I and how the heck did I get here? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:17
In this episode my friend, Arno van Vuuren of The OT Minute, helps me introduce myself to you and why I started The Brave OT Podcast. We dig into my personal and professional mission and the values that underpin how I sh…
Welcome to The Brave OT Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34
I am Carlyn Neek. I'm the host of the Brave OT Podcast and I'm thrilled to have you join me as I dive in and explore what being a brave occupational therapy practitioner is all about. I have a lineup of important topics,…