In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I welcome back Michael Stephenson to talk about the evolution of Tomorrow’s Podiatry and why soft skills may be the most undervalued asset in our profession.
We cover a lot in this conversation, everything from public speaking, networking, mentorship, student leadership, culture and the importance of belonging, especially in small professions like ours.
But the real theme? Teaching students confidence changes everything.
Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
We often focus heavily on clinical skills, and rightly so, but clinical excellence without confidence can leave podiatrists invisible to their community.
Michael shared how Tomorrow’s Podiatry has been investing in soft skills like:
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Public speaking
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Emotional intelligence
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Teamwork
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Networking
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Leadership development
And the impact has been powerful. Students who once avoided the front of the room are now confidently presenting at conferences.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because someone created a safe environment to practise.
The Awards That Spotlight the Future
Tomorrow’s Podiatry Awards are now in their seventh year and continuing to grow.
Categories include:
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Student of the Year
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Student Leadership Award
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Research Student of the Year
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Society of the Year
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Inspirational Podiatrist of the Year
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Educator of the Year
What I love about these awards is that they do more than hand out trophies.
They build a sense of belonging, recognition, and identity within the podiatry profession.
Why Community Prevents Burnout
One of the most powerful parts of this discussion was around connection. Podiatry can be isolating. We close the clinic door and often work alone.
Michael made the point that culture matters. That creating networks early helps students stay engaged in the long term.
And I’ve seen this myself. Podiatrists with strong professional friendships rarely leave the profession; however, those who feel disconnected often do.
Connection is retention.
Dig the Well Before You Need the Water
I’ve said this for years. Networking isn’t something you do when you’re desperate; it’s something you should do habitually.
You need to dig the well before you need the water, not when you’re thirsty.
Students who get out there and network early in their careers build resilience, and this often leads to opportunities opening when needed.
And this same principle also applies to business owners. You’ve got to develop your soft skills alongside your clinical skills.
What This Means for Business Owners
If you’re running a clinic, ask yourself:
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Are you mentoring younger podiatrists?
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Are you building leadership inside your team?
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Are you encouraging visibility?
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Are you helping your team develop soft skills?
Because your clinic culture is, in a small way, shaping the profession, too.
10 Takeaway Points from Ep 407
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Soft skills are career multipliers.
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Public speaking builds professional confidence.
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Networking should start early in your career.
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Belonging increases retention in podiatry.
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Leadership can be developed, not just inherited.
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Recognition builds motivation.
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Community reduces isolation.
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Culture shapes long-term professional identity.
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Mentorship accelerates growth.
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Confidence compounds over time.
Want to Build Your Own Leadership & Business Confidence?
If this episode resonated with you and you’d like help building clarity, systems and leadership inside your clinic, I’d love to help.
I coach podiatrists who want more structure, more profit and more control over their business. To learn more, head to www.tysonfranklin.com and schedule a call.