Esme Soan | For Better

Esme Soan has always been passionate about women’s health and with this vision in mind Esme opened Pear Exercise Physiology & Physiotherapy in 2014 which today has grown to a multi-disciplinary hub with an enviable reputation. The QUT Alumni Team sat down with Esme to discuss her career, the emerging challenges within the women’s health space and fostering cohesion within a flexible workplace.

Can you tell us about your journey since graduating from QUT?

Since graduating from QUT, my journey has been a mix of professional development and personal growth. I initially started as a research assistant with Mater Research, starting a Masters and deep diving into exercise in pregnancy. But after about 16 months of writing about how important exercise medicine was, I noticed a gap in the healthcare system when it came to women's health, and wanted to start doing more than writing. I wanted to make a difference by offering a more holistic approach to women's health, particularly around pregnancy care.

This led to the founding of Pear Exercise Physiology & Physiotherapy in 2014. What started as a small clinic has now grown into a multidisciplinary team of 19 passionate professionals, and expanded from just pregnancy and postpartum to also having a focus in chronic pain management, and post-cancer rehabilitation. My journey has been shaped by the opportunity to help others, the challenges (read rollercoaster) of running a business, and the fulfillment of working with a group of wonderful and talented practitioners and admin team who share my vision to support women.

What might a standard week look like for you?

A standard week for me involves a real mix - I still work ‘on the floor’ with client consultations, team meetings, strategy sessions for growing Pear and teaching opportunities with my other business baby, The Women’s Health Collective. I love to spend time working directly with patients, helping them manage chronic conditions, reach goals or recover well from surgery, which is always a rewarding part of my week.

As a business owner, I also dedicate time to overseeing operations, coordinating with my team, and developing new services and passion projects. AND On top of that, (phew) I love learning, and working with Elisha at The WHC in keeping up with the latest trends and research in the women’s health space – and bringing that education via webinars, or short courses to others in allied health – to ensure we are always providing the best care possible.

What are your views around flexible workplaces? What challenges have you faced, and how have you maintained motivation and cohesion within a team?

I believe flexible workplaces are essential, particularly in healthcare, particular for women, where work-life balance with little ones can often be challenging. At Pear, we’ve embraced a flexible and collective work approach, allowing our team to manage their own schedules around their personal needs, and implementing a four-day maximum clinical week.

This has resulted in higher job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and several of our gorgeous team now seeing five, six and seven years at Pear. However, it’s not always easy. I think Pear’s success has really been on building a supportive and cohesive culture. We focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued, which helps maintain team morale even when challenges arise.

Can you tell us what emerging issue/s will have the greatest impact on women’s health in the next 5–10 years?

I think one of the biggest emerging issues in women's health is the both the increasing awareness and growing understanding of endometriosis and demanding better care for perimenopause. Pelvic health concerns, incontinence, prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain, are so much more common than many people think, yet continue to be under-discussed and under-researched.

With the pledge from the politicians to better fund women’s health, interns of access to patients, I hope that in the next 5–10 years, we’ll see more integrated health care approaches with allied health to address these challenges.

Do you have any advice for graduates embarking on their allied health journey?

Start wide, then go narrow to find your niche in the areas of health that really spark you. I think it’s an asset to get experience in working with many different patient populations, and many different people, no matter which direction you go in.

What are your three favourite stretches?

Cat camel, book openings and hip flexor stretch over a bolster. All feel so good.

What is one goal you'd like to achieve professionally or personally in 2025?

Professionally, my goal for 2025 is to expand our services at Pear further and develop (and research) rehabilitation programs for post hysterectomy, particularly for cancer survivors and those dealing with chronic pelvic conditions. Personally, I’d love to strike a better work-life balance—while I’m incredibly passionate about my work, I want to dedicate more time to personal pursuits and family in the coming year.

Can you name some of the individuals who inspire you? What qualities in these individuals do you admire and seek to emulate in your own work/life?

I am deeply inspired by women in healthcare who are pushing boundaries and creating real change, Dr Stacy Sims, her work in the field of women’s health, particularly around menopause, has been a huge influence on me. Dr. Sims has not only challenged traditional approaches to women's training and supporting athletes, but she has also advocated for a more evidence-based and individualised approach to menopause care. Her passion for helping women navigate menopause with proper education and exercise – and her boundless energy for sharing her message on podcasts, book writing, research teams and speaking events – is something I deeply admire.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why?

The ability to multi-task, and to communicate well.

As a small business owner, you are often juggling a few roles and jobs at the same time. The to-do list is never ending.

Communication is also key. Whether it’s with my team or my clients, clear, empathetic communication is so important to building trust and rapport, ensuring understanding, and fostering positive outcomes. In the healthcare and education space, especially, being able to listen carefully, provide clear explanations, and break down complex concepts.

QUT degree – Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (2012)

Do you have a question for Esme? Connect with her on Linkedin.