In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie Kitchener, co-owner of Feet & Motion in Horsham, West Sussex. Natalie’s journey into podiatry is truly unique and inspiring—she made the transition from equine podiatry (yes, working with horses!) to treating humans, and she hasn’t looked back.
After graduating from Brighton University in 2022, Natalie was offered an extraordinary opportunity to become a co-owner at Feet & Motion just a few months into her career. In less than a year, the clinic has doubled its revenue and expanded to a three-chair practice. Natalie’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late to make a bold career change or leap into business ownership.
Spoiler alert: it’s never too late.
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Seizing Opportunities Early
One of the most remarkable things about Natalie’s journey is how quickly she was able to make an impact. After graduating, she didn’t plan to take on co-ownership of a clinic, but when the opportunity presented itself, she dove in headfirst. She talks about how listening to one of my earlier podcast episodes inspired her to grab this chance. The result? Feet & Motion has grown rapidly, and her team is thriving. Natalie’s message is clear: don’t wait for the stars to align perfectly—sometimes you just have to trust yourself and go for it. Her story is a powerful reminder that taking bold steps early can lead to incredible results.
The Importance of Mentorship
Natalie also shares the impact mentorship has had on her career. Early on, she connected with Jo Shapter, who inspired her while Natalie was still a student. Jo’s journey as a mature student and successful business owner resonated deeply with Natalie, helping her believe that she too could excel in podiatry, despite not fitting the typical student mold. This episode is packed with insights into how finding the right mentors can give you the confidence to pursue your own goals and overcome challenges.
How the Podiatry Legends Podcast Has Kept Her Motivated
As the host, it’s always great to hear how much listeners get out of the podcast, and Natalie is no exception. She credits the Podiatry Legends Podcast with providing her ongoing motivation, especially as a new graduate and business owner. Natalie says that tuning in to the stories and advice from other podiatrists has kept her grounded and inspired. She’s found actionable gems in nearly every episode, whether they relate to business growth, patient care, or mindset. For Natalie, listening to the podcast has been like having a supportive community of mentors on her commute, helping her stay motivated and focused on building her practice.
From Horses to Humans: A Unique Career Path
What makes Natalie’s story truly stand out is how she transitioned from working with horses to treating human feet. Her love for horses led her to study equine podiatry, but a chance comment from a client sparked her curiosity about podiatry for humans. She did some research, realized there was much more to it than just cutting toenails, and the rest is history. Natalie’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the path to success isn’t linear—it can come from the most unexpected places.
Growing the Business and Building a Strong Team
Since joining Flo Paul at Feet & Motion, Natalie has played a key role in the clinic’s growth, helping expand the team and services. With a strong focus on biomechanics and musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry, Natalie has worked hard to build a team that complements each other’s skills. She talks about how bringing on new graduates, including a foot health practitioner on an apprenticeship program, has been vital to their success. It’s clear that Natalie is not only passionate about podiatry but also about building a strong, collaborative team.
Final Thoughts
Natalie’s story is a testament to the power of embracing change, seeking mentorship, and staying open to new opportunities. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced podiatrist looking to make a change, her journey will inspire you to push past your comfort zone and chase your dreams. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make a bold move in your career, this episode might just be it!
If you have any questions about this podcast episode or are looking for a speaker for an upcoming event, please email me at tyson@podiatrylegends.com, and we can discuss the range of topics I cover.
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