Why I Only Work With People Who Are Better Than Me

I’ve always been drawn to work with people who are better than me. Not because of some arbitrary standard, but because I find myself surrounded by those who inspire me daily. Their drive, passion, and expertise push me to grow, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Let me tell you why.

At MovementX, we are more than a rapidly expanding Physical Therapy Company here in the US. We aren’t just offering the best physical therapy services in places like DC, Portland, and California. With over 60 providers, we are part of something much bigger. It’s a team, a community, a space filled with exceptional people who make me better at what I do, every single day.

But it’s not just about numbers or locations. It’s about the people.

The People (Examples)

I want to share my gratitude for some of the people I work with—those who challenge me and motivate me to continually strive for excellence. Below is a shortlist and I wish I could share more. People like:

• Josh, Keaton, Fred, and Scott: Our executive team who have not only built this company but have created an environment where learning and growth are constant. Their leadership is something I look up to. Josh effortlessly gives pep talks, shares gratitude from himself to others and stories of gratitude from others about others. Keaton asks the hard questions, the ones that make you better, the systems or projects better, that serve the patients better. Fred is always the positive person to chat to about anything and is so good about giving praise. Scott is also very positive, and is also the king of teaching providers, like me, more about marketing.
• Mandy: Our Talent Acquisition Lead, whose warmth and welcoming spirit make every new hire feel immediately valued and part of the family. She made me feel so welcomed when I first reached out, and makes me feel as if we’ve known each other since pre-k.
• Ciara: A pelvic floor specialist whose expertise I trust so deeply that I send my patients to her. And they return, raving about her care and skill.
• Lauren: My fellow Campbell University alum, who is a fantastic provider and is now part of our Parkinson’s newsletter team. The work she does is so impactful that my own Parkinson’s patients express their appreciation for her insight.
• Mel: A TMJ specialist whose work with patients suffering from jaw pain and headaches and other related disorders is nothing short of remarkable.
• Mikaila: A Physical Therapist and caseload coach with a unique gift. She has this rare ability to make providers feel comforted, yet always pushes them outside their comfort zones. How does she do it? By blending empathy with accountability in a way that makes growth not just possible, but inevitable.

And then, there’s Gary. A mentor, a guide, and an example of what excellence in physical therapy looks like. He’s been teaching me long before I got into PT school, and even knew what I was capable of in this field. His lessons stay with me, shaping the way I approach patient care.

Why This Matters So Much To Me (and You)

At MovementX, we operate around four core values: Empathy, Passion x Purpose, Kaizen, and Community. Here’s what they mean to me:

Empathy

Empathy isn’t just about understanding our patients’ needs; it’s about centering ourselves around them and solving their problems. It’s why people like Lauren pour their heart into newsletters for Parkinson’s patients, or why I trust Ciara to provide the best care for my patients.

I’ve seen time and time again, in this profession and really in all professions, that without empathy people have both: less results, and negative experiences they don’t want to have again. It can apply to teachers and their students, doctors and their patients, companies and their customers, and in any time of relationship for that matter.

Passion x Purpose

Passion x Purpose fuels everything we do. We don’t just excel for the sake of it—we do it with intention, constantly refining our focus. Our executive team has built systems that allow providers like me to integrate this into my daily practice.

In my first full year with MovementX, I’ve taken 3 continuing education courses, with 3 more planned by the end of this year. With a passion for supporting career-oriented mothers to optimize their health I’ve hand selected these courses to provide me meaningful tools to support these individuals with their goals. Goals from being able to take care of and play with their children, to perform optimally at work, and to return to their favorite stress relieving activities like pickleball, tennis, running, or CrossFit.

Kaizen

Kaizen, the principle of continuous improvement, isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s visible in every colleague I meet. I look at them and see endless ways I can become better, so I can serve my patients better.

In our model, we are beyond blessed to have a base pay when we are first starting out and acquiring patients. For me as I was growing, I began taking patients anywhere and everywhere I could get them. Day of week and time of day did not matter. Yet with full control over my schedule I’ve now reeled in my schedule to be exactly how I want it. I’ve got a full caseload, at the days and times that are ideal for me and my lifestyle. I now have plenty of room for daily workouts and relaxed meal times, hanging out with friends, and long weekends for trips. I feel so grateful for this, and always come into my sessions full of energy and refreshed… ready to give my patients my very best.

Community

And finally, Community. We are not just providers—we are a network, a diverse and multifaceted group that lifts each other up. Empowerment here is not just a goal; it happens organically, intentionally.

Let me ask you readers a question: what was one positive community experience in your personal or professional life? As you reflect on something in the past, also consider how you might get that type of experience again in the future.

Conclusion

In this community, I am constantly learning, constantly evolving. I’m grateful for the daily push to be better, for the people who model what greatness looks like, and for the shared commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.

With values like empathy, passion x purpose, kaizen, and community, our leaders have built a foundation of which we stand on. Gary with his vast experience getting results for his patients with positive reviews. Ciara, Lauren, Mel, absolutely crushing it for their niche patient populations. Mikaila is not just changing the lives of her patients, but other providers in our community, holding us accountable to live out these values for our patients and for the betterment of our own lives too. And Mandy, being the light for people being on the outside and wanting in on pioneering the positive change in the PT profession across the country.

At MovementX, we don’t just work together—we grow together. And that’s something worth celebrating.