Episode 5: Unschooling to Unworking, One OT's Journey to Ultimate Flexibility

Episode 5: Unschooling to Unworking, One OT's Journey to Ultimate Flexibility

Author: Carlyn Neek - OT Entrepreneur Coach, Educator, Founder of ACTivate Vitality February 20, 2023 Duration: 45:20

Imagine going about your work as an OT in a completely open, curious, exploratory kind of way, letting go of the bounds of externally imposed timelines, locations, goals, expectations and pace. 

For some this might sound like occupational utopia. For others it may sound terrifyingly unclear and frustratingly aimless. Either way, you're going to want to crack your mind open and join Kary and I on a conversational journey as she describes how she has come to work in an entirely different way that follows the rhythms and seasons of her life, her evolving personal and professional values, and expanding into opportunities that arise in the space created by scrapping the 5 year plan.

Our guest, Kary Gillenwaters is an occupational therapist and entrepreneur in Minnesota. She has spent most of her life collecting insights from lived experiences in her roles as an addictions counselor, friend, consultant, mother, wife, daughter, educator, and student. All of these roles, in retrospect, began with some variation of, "it was not what I planned." The learnings from these experiences have led her to her latest endeavors that are focused more on collective occupational needs than individual needs alone. You can find her blog, To a Life Well Occupied, here

Authentic Connection is an Important Value of Mine.

I am passionate about empowering OT business owners to THRIVE without the HUSTLE. If you need support and community to make important shifts in how your work is flowing as part of your life, I'd love to talk to you. I have a community of OTs just like you who are growing together in beautifuly personal and professional ways. Curious? Let's have a quick, casual 15 min chat. Book here.


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]

Duration: 50:48
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…
Episode 3: Belonging-Centred Practice With Guest Alice Hortop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:30
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…
Episode 2: Quit Shaming Yourself About Self-Care, OTs! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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,…