Zhi Wei Khoo is a chartered, musculoskeletal specialist physiotherapist who has been in the physiotherapy field for the last 7 years. She has a master’s degree in Pain Management and is passionate to work with clients with complex, persisting pain. Therefore, she started Physiolosophy where it employs the mind-body connection in empowering her clients to move their personal best.
Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Zhi Wei (Zee Way). I am the founder of Physiolosophy, a physiotherapy clinic based in Marylebone, London. I created Physiolosophy to spread my philosophy in physiotherapy: pain is NOT purely physical; hence, physiotherapy is NOT purely physical. My physiotherapy method involves a strong emphasis on the mind and body connection.
I enjoy practicing Pilates, and fun fact, was intending to pursue being a professional ballerina if I hadn’t chosen physiotherapy as my career path. It was my journey in training to be a ballerina that led me to physiotherapy, prompting me to question whether pain is purely physical. This is because I noticed that my previous injuries flare up when I get nervous and stressed before my ballet performances back then.
Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?
I was working for the NHS prior to Physiolosophy. I didn’t find the satisfaction and fulfilment I desired during my time there. Physiolosophy had a slow start, the operating hours was twice a week to build up the branding gradually. Since August, I have expanded my operating hours to three days a week to meet the high demand, and I am genuinely pleased and proud of this achievement.
The primary goal Physiolosophy aims to achieve is for clients to feel listened to and understood, empowering them to work towards their goals with personalised and unique treatments.
Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?
I have not made any significant changes thus far, as it is still a new business to date. However, I am currently brainstorming a new business model and approach because the current model does not seem sustainable, and the pace at which the business is growing is not satisfactory to me.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so how has this benefitted you either personally or professionally?
I haven’t had an official mentor, though I always felt that I am surrounded by intelligent people who generously contribute their ideas, provide feedback, and share experiences. I am exploring the possibility of having a mentor guide me in building my business at some point.
What outlets do use for marketing?
My main marketing outlet is social media platforms, and I have also attended several networking events to meet people in a similar field, exploring opportunities to collaborate.
What or Who has inspired you most recently?
Since joining the BYO Inner Circle, I have met many inspiring women striving and working towards their respective businesses. I recently had a Visibility Zoom meeting with Shim, whom I met through BYO. Our hour-long conversation was invaluable to me; sharing our stories and experiences made me realize why I felt stuck and drove me to move forward.
What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?
“Just do it. What have you got to lose?” I had an inner debate with myself about whether I should start my physiotherapy business for many years prior to founding Physiolosophy. These words were what I needed to hear for the final push in creating Physiolosophy.
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
I have a habit of timetabling my tasks and sticking to it. I use a journal to prioritize 1-3 SMART tasks per day, depending on how busy my clinical day is. I find this method helps me stay disciplined and move the business forward.
Name a seminal point in your career so far?
Having started Physiolosophy in April of this year, I learned that I broke even starting in August.
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
Being a physiotherapist has always been a rewarding career for me. Moments like when my clients break their records in a marathon and the happy tears when they can finally take control of their bodies give me the greatest satisfaction.
Nonetheless, watching the business grow gradually is another aspect of satisfaction for me. I appreciate that it can take time, but I am driven to see it grow quicker and stronger.
Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so, why?
I have recently started listening to podcasts by Steve Bartlett. I have huge respect for him due to his strong discipline and endless curiosity. His emphasis on discipline made me reflect on myself and encouraged me to be more consistent with my journaling, reflecting, and creating daily SMART tasks.
How do you define your own success?
My definition of success for myself is achieving a work-life balance, which means seeing Physiolosophy progress while also maintaining and building relationships with myself and others. This is crucial for me because I acknowledge that looking after my mental and emotional health is equally as important as my physical health. Thus, having a good work-life balance naturally contributes to a well-rounded sense of well-being.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
It is still a secret to the public, but I am going to incorporate Pilates into my physiotherapy business. The exercise, mindfulness, and breathing aspects in Pilates fit into my philosophy in physiotherapy like a puzzle.
Another significant, slowly building goal of mine is to spread my physiotherapy philosophy to people of different cultures, particularly one that I resonate well with—the Asian culture, which perceives pain very differently. I acknowledge that this will take time, but I want to be the one initiating this change
