Creative Conversations

Creative Conversations is our conversation series that works with our Rosé Friday IGTV and podcast. Get a snapshot of some of the amazing conversations we have here and you can jump over to our podcast or our IGTV channel for an extended chat to get to know guests even more.

Rhiannon Tracey - The Next Step

Who are you and what do you do?

The girl in the chair with the long golden hair! My name is Rhiannon Tracey and I am a motivational speaker, wellness advocate, model and lifestyle influencer with a beautiful point of difference. While many may let a life-changing injury hold them back from living their dreams,I have used it as further motivation to create a life I love, helping and inspiring thousands along the way. After a pool accident left me a quadriplegic just before my 21st Birthday, my big plans for the future were suddenly put on hold. Understandably, I initially struggled to come to terms with my diagnosis of never walking again, but my tenacious drive and determination have since seen me set out to prove the doctors wrong, while changing the perception of disabilities along the way. How did the business come about? The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre exists because thirteen years ago when I was looking for recovery options and hope here in Australia, there was nothing and nowhere that would encourage recovery post the general “get independent in a wheelchair” mentality. I wanted more! I wanted to be able to do the things I loved prior to being injured, in an adaptive way as well as rebuild the physical strength to do so. This was also a shared frustration amongst the many people I met along my journey with similar injuries, disabilites or conditions.

Best career advice you have ever received? Trust your gut! Honestly, I had no idea how to run a business when our facility opened, so I pulled in the professionals to guide me and assist with the set up. While this was incredibly helpful, at many times I was directed to make decisions that did not align with the purpose of the organisation which in turn, backfired. Your purpose and vision should be the driving force in absolutely everything you do within your business.

Worst advice you have ever received? To not bring your dog to work!

What is one thing we should invest in for our business? The time to build a mutually respectful relationship with your team of staff. I have had the same staff for over 6 years (minus 1 or 2 who did not align with our values) and that is because I hear them, hod space for them and understand that without them, I don’t have a business.

What is one thing you wish you had known when starting your business? How to run a business! (haha)

What is your favorite part of your day to day ? As our facility and business is one of a kind, just being amongst the happiness that is everyone of our TNS Athletes (clients) achieving goals that were once told were impossible is literally the best motivation to get out of bed everyday!

What was an unexpected joy of creating your business? Having the family unit I didn't have before my injury!

Leave us with some words of wisdom? Do something today that your future self will thank you for, and if it doesn't exist, create it!

3 words to live by for 2022 Gratitude, Reflection & perseverance.

To check out Rhiannon's business go here