The Owner's Room: When You're the Bottleneck (And You Know It)
In this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper digs into what it feels like—and what it means—to realize you’re the bottleneck in your own business. She explores the emotional weight and operational impact of being the one who unintentionally slows everything down, despite good intentions and strong systems.
Through five reflective questions and one real-world scenario, Dr. Tara walks through why bottlenecking happens, how to spot it in yourself, and what’s actually required to start letting go. From the tension of high standards to the identity hit that comes with releasing control, this episode offers a grounded, honest take on a leadership struggle every practice owner faces (and often hides).
If you’ve ever felt like you are what’s in the way, this one’s for you.
Through five reflective questions and one real-world scenario, Dr. Tara walks through why bottlenecking happens, how to spot it in yourself, and what’s actually required to start letting go. From the tension of high standards to the identity hit that comes with releasing control, this episode offers a grounded, honest take on a leadership struggle every practice owner faces (and often hides).
If you’ve ever felt like you are what’s in the way, this one’s for you.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:07 Understanding the Bottleneck
01:16 Agenda and Structure of the Episode
01:43 Question 1: Justifying Bottlenecking
07:31 Question 2: Fear of Losing Control
10:11 Question 3: High Standards vs. Micromanagement
12:56 Question 4: Being Essential to Every Outcome
16:16 Question 5: Identity and Problem Solving
21:17 Scenario Analysis: Letting Go
28:22 Conclusion and Call for Feedback
-> Learn more about working with Tara: www.taravossenkemper.com
