As a lover of people and food, being a Dietitian has always made sense.
Starting my career in hospitals and health services as a Clinical Dietitian, in 2019 I started to branch out into community based private practice, and in 2021 I founded Pod Dietetics. Since then, I have loved serving the community through provision of nutrition care, with a special interest in supporting people with a disability or chronic illness, as well as adults who experience weight and body image concern.
I have also had the privilege to grow a wonderful team, and I am proud to now lead a great group of Accredited Practising Dietitians and Admin Staff across two standalone clinic locations on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, South Australia. We provide high quality nutrition care to individuals of all ages and all backgrounds, working from a position of strengths based, affirming care which includes a commitment to the frameworks of Weight Inclusive Practice, Health at Every Size, Non-Diet Approach, Responsive Feeding Therapy, Trauma-Informed and Neurodiversity Affirming Care. In addition to my work with clients, I am committed to the growth and development of Dietetics as a profession, and I provide supervision to other Dietitians and am a member of the Dietitians Australia Disability Leadership Group. I regularly speak and present to a variety of groups, on topics including navigating the NDIS, implementing weight inclusive practice, use of the biopsychosocial model in disability care, general nutrition education for community groups, and building body positive cultures for young people in environments such as schools and sporting clubs, or for adults in the workplace.
Throughout the past few years I have been so grateful to my wonderful husband and family who have supported me through all the highs and lows of starting and building a business. Outside of work, you can find me at the Farmers Market on a Sunday, curled up on my couch with a good book and a cup of tea, or out exploring the beautiful country we are fortunate to live on.
// What do you love most about being in business?
Being a business owner makes me feel empowered to create social change and meet the needs of the community in new and innovative ways. I love the opportunities a business offers to create meaningful change in people’s lives, not only through the service we provide to our clients, but also through the opportunity I have to create a workplace environment that supports the growth and development of my team both personally and professionally. For me, business is about service, and it will always be a privilege to be in a position to be of service to others, leveraging the privilege and social capital I am fortunate to hold in order to create opportunities that lift others up.
// Share with us how life has changed since being in business?
Founding Pod Dietetics has changed my life in so many ways. The time and energy invested has been more than anything I have ever done before. Chasing this dream has come at a cost to our financial situation, my physical wellbeing, and in some ways my relationships, as building this business has meant choosing to prioritise work repeatedly, over many days, weeks, months and now years. Despite this though, the return on this investment has been so worthwhile, providing such an immense sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in my work, in my team, and in my vision for the future.
// Who has supported you the most on your business/career journey?
My husband Dillon has been a source of strength and wisdom throughout this entire journey. He has never wavered in his support of my decision to leave a very comfortable permanent government position in pursuit of this vision I had for what my Dietetics business could look like, despite the many challenges it has led to in our day to day lives. He has repeatedly held his faith in me and our vision, to ensure that I can continue to work towards it, even in moments where letting that dream go would have been far easier.
// Lets talk South Australia, What do you love most about doing business here?
I love that South Australia still has so much room for growth and innovation. We are big enough to offer plenty of opportunity, but small enough that there are so many new ideas still to be planted, developed and implemented.
// Share with us a quote or mantra you live by…
Opportunities are like buses, there is always another one coming, you just have to know which one to take.
Get in touch with Natalie:
Facebook: Pod Dietetics
Instagram: @poddietetics
LinkedIn: Natalie Mullins
Website: poddietetics.com.au
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