Don’t forget to look at my UPCOMING EVENTS
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Chisem from Knaresborough Podiatry in the UK, AKA the “Paddleboarding Podiatrist.” Sarah’s journey into the world of podiatry is anything but conventional. From a career in law and fashion retail to becoming a podiatrist and running her own clinic, Sarah’s story is an excellent reminder of the power of change and resilience.
A Career Shift Like No Other
Sarah began her professional life studying law and languages, but she soon realised that her heart wasn’t in it. She found herself in high-end retail, working with prestigious brands like Harvey Nichols and Adidas. But a conversation with a podiatrist during a routine foot care session made her reconsider everything.
“Why not become a podiatrist?” the podiatrist asked, sparking a lightbulb moment for Sarah. At the time, she was working long hours and juggling the demands of motherhood. It was the catalyst she needed to make a bold decision.
The Transition to Podiatry
Sarah’s transition into podiatry wasn’t instantaneous. She first trained as a Foot Health Professional, working around her family’s needs, including income generation. But as she gained experience, she felt a pull to learn more, and that’s when she decided to return to university to complete her full podiatry degree.
As a mature student, Sarah had a lot to juggle, but it was worth it in the end. The decision to return to study gave her the skills and confidence to open her clinic, Knaresborough Podiatry.
Paddleboarding Across England
After a friend passed away from cancer, she took on an incredible challenge: paddleboarding across England, from Liverpool to Goole, for charity. Paddleboarding eight to ten hours daily gave her a lot of time to reflect on her business and personal life and the decision to establish a stand-alone podiatry business. Before this, she had shared premises with other allied health professionals.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Sarah?
Now 54, Sarah is looking ahead, excited about the next chapter of her career. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about having a profession I’m proud of,” she says. With her new clinic up and running and a solid team by her side, Sarah is focused on striking a work-life balance.
If Sarah’s journey inspires you, you can follow her on Instagram at @paddleboardingpod_54 for a glimpse into her life on and off the water, or if you’d like to contact Sarah, you can do so at Knaresborough Podiatry.
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.
FREE Business Guidance:
Do you have a business question? A podiatrist I spoke with in early 2024 made an extra $40,000 by following my advice from a 30-minute FREE Zoom call. They were so happy they bought me a $400 bottle of bourbon. You don’t have to do that, but if you do, I will never say no!!!
Think about it – you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Please follow the link below to my calendar and schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call. I guarantee that after we talk, you will have far more clarity on what is best for you, your business and your career.
FACEBOOK GROUP: Podiatry Business Owners Club
My book, It’s no Secret…There’s Money in Podiatry is available on AMAZON
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel – Tyson E Franklin