Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Richard Piekarczyk-Vacca, Co-Owner of RD Psychotherapy, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
RD Psychotherapy is owned by myself and Dayana Romero. We are a private practice with a multidisciplinary healthcare team that provides ethically guided, evidence-based treatment through face-to-face and online sessions to individuals, couples, families, and groups. As part of the practice, I also provide leadership and team development consultancy for businesses. With our integrated healthcare team, I combine my military experiences with education and practice in organizational and clinical psychology.
Recently, we also opened RD Medical Spa. Our goal is to bridge common gaps in the medical and wellness industry by building deeper relationships with our clients through a better integrated, multidisciplinary team. We can better educate clients about their conditions and treatment through a holistic lens. Similar to RD Psychotherapy, our mission is to provide ethically guided, evidence-based treatment to reach optimal client care and experience.
Tell us about yourself
Before my traumatic brain injury, I never imagined doing anything else but military service. However, my medical release forced me to transition from a Regular Force member to eventually a Registered Psychotherapist. It gave me a different mission but always the same reason to serve.
Presently, I am particularly involved in treatment, teaching, and advocacy for First Responders, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families. Education is essential, but experience has given me the ability to relate while dedication and commitment keep me focused.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Nothing seems more satisfying than seeing progression and positive treatment outcomes among clients and developing potential in our multidisciplinary teams. This demands a genuine commitment to a collective consciousness of service before self that involves nothing short of professional excellence. However, if I do not provide our teams with what they need to be successful in our mission or act in a way not representative of those expectations and standards, that failure begins with me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Certainly, finding talent and the right character can be difficult. However, once you do, it is the investment of time, sincere interest in their knowledge, and constant development of their potential that is the greatest asset you have. Our clients are our mission, so we need to build teams and look after them if we expect them to share and always develop a vision of our mission.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Having a strong sense of discipline demands the highest standard from yourself first. People learn more and are more likely to meet your expectations and imitate your standards based on what you do, not what you say or write. You need to self-direct before you can lead.
- Build relationships because nothing important is ever achieved in isolation. To do this, you must build trust. Trust ultimately demands discipline because discipline involves the accountability needed for anyone to place their faith in you.
- The willingness to change. When there is trust, ideas can be shared, and the creativity needed to pivot amid changes and challenges keeps you competitive. Ultimately, everything comes back to having a strong sense of discipline because it is that moral compass you need.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Major achievements come from small decisions and steps. You need to stay aware and act on hidden opportunities, especially the ones that come out of challenges.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rdpsych.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdpsych
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdpsychotherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rdpsychotherapy/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.