Renay Bull is the founder and principal podiatrist of Happy Feet Podiatry in Newcastle. Alongside her podiatry career and interest in building businesses and mentoring clinicians, she competes in fitness and won the 2025 FMG World Championship in the Fitness 45 Plus division.
Discovering what podiatry could offer
Renay explains how a varied day of work experience introduced her to the profession. We discuss why exposure to different clinics and clinical interests can help podiatrists find a direction they enjoy.
When ambition divides your attention
Opening a cupcake franchise shortly after starting her clinic taught Renay about the demands of running multiple businesses. We explore the importance of understanding and strengthening your existing business before taking on another venture.
Consistency and confidence
Renay describes her return to exercise after a long period of inconsistency. Completing a 10-week challenge gave her a starting point to rebuild self-belief and pursue competitive fitness.
Developing the people around you
Weekly one-to-one meetings are part of Renay’s approach to supporting her podiatrists. We discuss confidence, clinical development and helping team members connect their work with their wider goals.
The work behind a world championship
We talk about competition categories, presentation, preparation and the pressure of returning after a win. Renay is open about the temporary sacrifices involved and the importance she places on support and accountability.
Fixing the leaks
Renay shares how confronting her finances and engaging an industry-specific coach changed her approach to business. Her experience highlights why more marketing isn’t always the first problem to solve.
Connect and learn more
Find Renay Bull on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook by searching her name.
Ten key takeaways
- Explore the variety within podiatry. A different clinical setting or interest may change your experience of the profession.
- Learn what you enjoy before designing your clinic. Renay deliberately gained experience across different businesses.
- Strengthen one business before adding another. A second venture can stretch your attention before the first is ready.
- Build self-belief by finishing a manageable commitment. Renay’s 10-week challenge gave her evidence that she could follow through.
- Protect space for your own wellbeing. Renay connects rebuilding her fitness and personal structure with improvements elsewhere in her life.
- Ask what your team wants beyond work. Personal goals can help you understand what matters to each person.
- Keep mentoring experienced clinicians. Years in practice don’t eliminate the value of feedback and support.
- Be honest about the demands of ambitious goals. Renay describes the sacrifices involved in competition preparation and her need for a break.
- Understand your numbers before prescribing more marketing. Investigate where the existing business is losing money or operating poorly.
- Seek useful support before a crisis. Experience and capability can sit alongside a need for guidance and accountability.
Attend One of My Podiatry Business Events
If this episode has made you think about your working week, patient experience or the direction of your practice, visit tysonfranklin.com and click on events. I love doing business coaching and mentoring, but I’m now restricting it to podiatrists who have completed one of my LIVE or ONLINE podiatry business or marketing events.
Other episodes that may be of interest:
440 – Why Podiatry Matters with Dr Savannah Santiago
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