Episode 90

How Values-Driven Leadership Turned This Clinic Into an Employer of Choice

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If you’re a GP or Practice Owner who’s ambitious (and a bit overwhelmed), this episode is a blueprint for scaling without burning out. 

Dr Todd sits down with clinic co-owner Kylie Yates and Practice Manager Scott Weaire to unpack how they rebuilt culture from the ground up, aligned every decision to values, and turned “busy” into sustainable growth. 

You’ll hear how they embedded simple rituals that lifted morale and accountability, used a banking-grade finance lens to transform a loss-making nursing department into a profit centre, and operationalised a visionary–integrator rhythm so ideas turn into outcomes. 

We also dig into their next strategic bets — Veterans Health and practical AI — plus the candid advice they wish every owner heard sooner. 

Expect real talk, numbers, and repeatable plays you can action this week.

 

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

  • 03:27 – How to build culture that scales and use simple rituals to make accountability feel safe
  • 14:38 – Turning your nursing team into a profit engine 
  • 21:09 – Keeping every unit aligned to a clear vivid vision and scoreboards.
  • 34:28 – The live-then-tweak rollout method, how to invite “loyal disagreement,” and how celebrating wins sustains buy-in
  • 42:08 – Picking growth bets that compound and lightweight AI adoption that removes admin drag

 

ABOUT SCOTT WEAIRE

Scott Weaire

Practice Manager

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? After 25 years in banking, Scott decided it was time for a career change – one that involved more people and less paperwork. He joined The Surgery at Jerra in early 2023 after completing his Certificate III in Health Services, eager to gain hands-on experience in patient care. Originally planning to start a Bachelor of Nursing in 2024, Scott quickly realised he loved TSAJ too much to leave. He was promoted to Reception Manager in mid-2024 before stepping up the ladder in 2025.

A father of five, Scott is no stranger to multitasking, organisation, and a little bit of chaos—all skills that serve him well in keeping the practice running smoothly. When he’s not supporting the TSAJ team, he’s busy being a dedicated groupie, cheering on his partner as he rocks out on the drums in a pipe band.

Scott also loves gardening and discovering new coffee spots, so much so that he and his partner are setting up their own coffee van to run on weekends. Because if you can’t find the perfect brew, why not serve it yourself?


CONNECT WITH SCOTT WEAIRE

Website: https://tsaj.com.au/team/ 


ABOUT KYLIE YATES

Kylie Yates

TSAJ Co-owner

As the owner and business manager of The Surgery at Jerra, Kylie is responsible for the bigger picture—strategic planning, financial operations, and making sure the practice runs like a well-oiled machine (or at least as close as possible!). With a strong focus on care, compassion, teamwork, and trust, she’s passionate about building a thriving workplace culture where both staff and patients feel valued.

Before stepping into the world of general practice, Kylie had an extensive career in broadcast media and communications, working as a news journalist, presenter, newsroom chief of staff, and producer for multiple television networks. She’s also worked in communications for the Australian Medical Association and as a media adviser to a senior Federal Cabinet Minister across three portfolios—so she’s no stranger to high-pressure environments!

At home, Kylie and Dr David Yates have three teenagers together, and she’s a  ‘stepmonster’ to two very big boys. A long-time Brumbies fan, she’s even spent years coaching junior rugby for the Queanbeyan Whites (why just watch when you can get involved?).

When she’s not overseeing the practice, wrangling teenagers, or watching rugby, Kylie enjoys traveling, crosswords, and the idea of going bike riding—though finding the time and energy is another story! She’s recently taken up CrossFit, but she’s the first to admit she’s more ‘CrossUnfit’ than a ninja warrior. And while some people swear by coffee, Kylie is firmly in the tea camp—preferably enjoyed in peace and quiet, though she knows that’s wishful thinking!


CONNECT WITH KYLIE YATES

QUOTES

“You can’t do anything unless your culture is right. When you look at the background behind most problems, HR, financial, or operational. It comes down to culture and communication. There’s no point fixing spot fires. You’ve got to look underneath the surface and fix what’s really broken.” – Kylie Yates

“Part of your culture is making sure you’ve got the right people in the right jobs. Loyalty can only go so far if they don’t want to get on the culture train.” – Scott Weaire

“Deep and meaningful work can’t be rushed and it can’t be installed. It needs to be collaborated on.” – Dr. Todd Cameron

“The culture is owned by the practice, not enforced by the owners. That’s the big difference.” – Dr. Todd Cameron

 

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 89 here: Running 3 Clinics, Raising Kids, Avoiding Burnout: How Lucy Built Her GP Business Without Losing Herself

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