Leading with Values: How SupaFoot Scaled with Heart 

Episode #419: With Emma Price, Founder of SupaFoot 
 
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we hear from Emma Price, the founder of SupaFoot, a podiatry practice that has grown from a solo operation into a 9-person team over the past decade. What sets Emma’s story apart is her deep commitment to leading with values and creating a team culture that feels like family. 
 
Emma’s journey is an inspiring example of values-driven leadership. Her business strategy isn’t just about numbers and growth but about ensuring her team embraces the same vision of excellence and care that has driven SupaFoot’s success. She credits much of her growth to personal referrals, highlighting the importance of living your values authentically as a business owner. 
 
One key takeaway for business owners is Emma’s focus on employee accountability and performance feedback. By fostering an open environment where feedback is encouraged and mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, Emma has built a culture of continuous improvement. Her approach to team building involves leading by example, and it’s clear that she believes in going first when it comes to embracing vulnerability and growth. 
 
As SupaFoot expands into a new 7-room clinic, Emma remains laser-focused on maintaining the same family-like atmosphere that has set her business apart. Her strategic vision is clear—full capacity within five years, with potential franchise options in the future. It’s an exciting journey of organic growth, rooted in the strength of strong leadership and a commitment to values. 

Efficiency and Automation: Made by Studio’s Journey to a Four-Day Work Week 

 

Episode #420: With Sam Taylor & Matt Wheeler, Founders of Made by Studio 
 
If SupaFoot’s story is about leadership, Made by Studio’s success hinges on efficiency and business execution. Sam Taylor and Matt Wheeler, the founders of this design agency, share how they implemented a four-day work week without sacrificing productivity or pay. Their approach offers a blueprint for businesses looking to streamline operations and create a more balanced work environment. 
 
At the core of their strategy is data tracking and measurement. Sam and Matt highlight the importance of tracking every aspect of their business—from job times to financial data. This meticulous attention to detail, supported by automation tools, allows them to quickly identify bottlenecks and improve their processes. For instance, they’ve used tools like Dext and make.com to automate administrative tasks like invoicing and project proposals, freeing up valuable time for creative work. 
 
One of their standout accomplishments is how they’ve built capacity within their team. By documenting business processes in a resource hub, they’ve empowered their team to work autonomously, reducing dependence on any single person’s knowledge. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances employee accountability, as team members are clear on their roles and expectations. 
 
Perhaps most impressive is their successful implementation of the four-day work week. This change didn’t happen overnight—it required careful planning, regular check-ins, and a commitment to maintaining a strong team culture. Sam and Matt prove that, with the right systems in place, businesses can achieve more in less time, all while enhancing profit maximisation and profitable growth. 

Common Lessons: What Every Business Can Learn from SupaFoot and Made by Studio 

While these two businesses operate in different industries, there are clear parallels that any business owner can apply: 
 
Lead with Values: Emma Price’s focus on living her business values reminds us that a clear value proposition is essential for long-term success. Whether in podiatry or design, leading with heart and authenticity builds trust with clients and motivates teams. 
Leverage Automation and Efficiency: Sam and Matt show how automation tools can free up time and eliminate bottlenecks, allowing businesses to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s client relationships or creative work. 
Foster a Culture of Accountability: Both businesses emphasise the importance of team building and employee accountability. From performance feedback at SupaFoot to documentation at Made by Studio, creating clear systems and encouraging open communication are key to scaling successfully. 
Strategic Planning is Key to Growth: Whether it’s Emma’s plan for a fully booked clinic or Sam and Matt’s process improvements, successful scaling always involves thoughtful business planning. Mapping out a clear path for the next five years (or 90 days!) ensures growth is sustainable. 

Final Thoughts: Applying These Insights to Your Own Business 

Scaling a business is never easy, but the lessons from SupaFoot and Made by Studio show that it’s possible to grow without sacrificing your core values or burning out your team. Whether you’re looking to lead with heart like Emma or streamline operations like Sam and Matt, the key to success lies in balancing leadership, efficiency, and strategic planning. 
 
So, how will you apply these lessons to your business? 
 
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