611 - From Psychiatrist to Practice Owner with Dr. Duncan Gill

611 - From Psychiatrist to Practice Owner with Dr. Duncan Gill

Author: Henry Lopez June 22, 2026 Duration: 32:46

How psychiatrist Dr. Duncan Gill transitioned from employee to entrepreneur and built a thriving behavioral health practice serving children, teens, and families.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/611-duncan-gill-practice-owner/

How psychiatrist Dr. Duncan Gill transitioned from employee to entrepreneur and built a thriving behavioral health practice serving children, teens, and families.

Many highly trained professionals discover that technical expertise alone is not enough to build a successful business.

In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Dr. Duncan Gill, founder of Direction Behavioral Health, about his journey from practicing psychiatrist to entrepreneur and business owner. Duncan shares how frustration with bureaucracy and a desire to serve patients differently led him to launch his own behavioral health practice.

They discuss the challenges of transitioning from clinician to business leader, including hiring and managing employees, navigating partnerships, delegating responsibility, monitoring key performance indicators, and building systems that allow the business to grow beyond the founder.

Duncan also shares why creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks have been critical to his success. He reflects on the lessons he learned from building a team, expanding facilities, and creating a practice that serves children, teens, and families while providing him with the freedom to pursue other interests, including music.

This conversation offers valuable insights not only for healthcare professionals but for any entrepreneur seeking to build a business that can grow beyond their direct involvement.

Healthcare professionals should not underestimate their ability to become successful entrepreneurs.

Dr. Duncan Gill is a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and the founder of Direction Behavioral Health. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Sciences from Harvard University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Saba University School of Medicine. He completed his General Psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Connecticut.

Before founding Direction Behavioral Health, Duncan served as a staff psychiatrist with the Community Council of Nashua's Child and Adolescent Program. He has also worked with Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and performed psychiatric evaluations for New Hampshire's court system.

Today, he leads Direction Behavioral Health, a specialized behavioral health practice serving children, teens, young adults, and families through intensive outpatient programs and other structured mental health services.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
Podcast Episodes
593 – How to Build Business Credit with Gerri Detweiler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:47
Business credit is a critical but often misunderstood tool that can unlock financing, protect your personal credit, and strengthen your small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/593-gerri-detweile…
592 – Smarter Inventory, Better Cash Flow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:54
Inventory is one of the most misunderstood and cash-intensive assets in a small business, and managing it strategically can dramatically improve cash flow, reduce risk, and support sustainable growth. Show Notes Page: ht…
591 – From Survival to Sustainable Business with Neri Sillaman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
Immigrant entrepreneurs often build businesses to last, and their approach to resilience, hospitality, and value creation offers powerful lessons for any small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusines…
R394 – Just Begin! with Norman Crowley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:59
Entrepreneur Norman Crowley shares his remarkable journey and explains why ideas matter far less than the courage to start and the discipline to execute. As Norman explains, "Just begin. The customer will fix your idea v…
590 – Annual Strategic Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:27
A practical 10-step guide to creating your small business strategic plan for the year ahead. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/590-annual-strategic-planning/ In this episode, Henry Lopez breaks down how t…
589 – The Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:20
A referable client experience is the key to earning organic referrals, and Stacey Brown Randall joins the show to break down how small business can get referrals without asking. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusin…
588 – Bookkeeping Essentials with Jodi Arrant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:24
Bookkeeping essentials for small business with Jodi Arrant, including best practices, and the biggest mistakes to avoid in small-business bookkeeping. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/588-jody-arrant-boo…
587 – Eisenhower Matrix Prioritization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:14
How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through chaos, focus on what truly matters, and make faster, smarter decisions as a small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/587-eisenhower-matrix-pr…
R393 – Rethinking Hourly Worker Motivation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Motivating hourly employees starts with a mindset shift. To do it well, it requires rethinking how we lead, communicate, and create purpose for hourly workers. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r393-rethi…
586 – The Power of Play in Business with Cas Holman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:10
Toy designer and educator Cas Holman explores how embracing play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help small business owners reframe failure as part of growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/5…