August 2025 – Binh Doan

The Question That Often Comes Up

When I first moved to Australia as a teenager, one of the first questions people asked me was: “What’s your English name?”

Sometimes people didn’t even ask. They just assumed. I’ve been called Ben more times than I can count, probably because it sounds a little like Bình, and it felt easier for them.

Even my pastor in Brisbane once gave me the name Timothy. For a few months in high school, I tried it out. I introduced myself as Timothy, signed my name that way, and went along with it. But it never sat right. Every time I heard it, I felt disconnected, like I was playing a role that didn’t belong to me. Eventually, I let it go.

Names Carry Stories

In Vietnamese, Bình means peace. It’s short, simple, and powerful. More than that, it carries the story my parents gave me at birth. It connects me to my family, my culture, and the resilience of generations who lived through the Vietnam War.

Trading it for something “easier” felt like erasing that story. My name is part of who I am, and it deserves to be spoken.

Authenticity Over Convenience

I understand why many people adopt English names. Sometimes it feels easier. You don’t have to repeat yourself three times in class or sit through the awkward silence of someone struggling to pronounce it.

But for me, keeping Bình has been an act of authenticity. Yes, it means people stumble. Yes, sometimes they call me Ben without asking. But each time I correct them, I’m affirming: my name matters, and so do I.

Representation Matters

If people can learn to say names like Schwarzenegger or Tchaikovsky, they can learn to say Bình. It’s about effort, respect, and expanding what we consider “normal.”

By keeping my Vietnamese name, I hope I make space for others too. The more we hear names from different cultures in classrooms, workplaces, and communities, the more they become part of our shared story.

Owning My Identity

My name grounds me. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to reshape who I am to fit in. I am not Ben. I am not Timothy. I am Bình and that’s enough.

So no, I don’t have an English name. And I don’t need one. My name is part of my authenticity, and authenticity is something I’ll never trade away.

Names are not a burden; they’re a gift. Honor them, speak them, and wear yours with pride.

Whether it’s your name, your culture, or your story, don’t feel you have to shrink or change it for others.

Your authenticity is your strength. Be proud!

Hugs,

Bình

This year, we celebrate 11 years of Speakable Speech Pathology – a milestone that reminds us how far a simple idea can grow when it’s backed by passion, persistence, and purpose.

When I first started Speakable in 2014, I couldn’t have imagined the incredible journey it would become. What began as a vision to help children find their voice has grown into a thriving practice that impacts families every day.

Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about what it takes to build not just a business, but a mission-driven start-up that lasts.

To celebrate, I’d like to share 11 lessons from 11 years that shaped Speakable and can help guide anyone dreaming of starting something of their own.

1. Start with purpose

The heart of any successful start-up is a clear “why.” For Speakable, it was simple: helping children become confident communicators and learners. Purpose fuels resilience – it’s what keeps you going when things get hard.

2. Solve a real problem

A start-up only works if it addresses a genuine need. Parents were searching for practical, evidence-based strategies to support their children’s speech and language. Speakable was built to fill that gap with accessible, personalised solutions.

3. Begin small, dream big

Speakable didn’t begin with a full team, branded office, or polished systems. It started with a commitment to serve (and a small table). Growth followed naturally as we stayed focused on helping one family at a time.

4. Build relationships, not just clients

Our growth has always come from word-of-mouth referrals and long-term relationships. People don’t just buy services as they invest in trust, care, and genuine connection.

5. Adapt and evolve

The pandemic taught us this lesson most vividly. We pivoted to online services, developed new resources, and found ways to support families remotely. Flexibility kept us relevant and resilient.

6. Hire for heart and skill

As Speakable grew, so did our team. We learned to bring in people who not only had the expertise, but also shared the same vision and values. Culture is the backbone of a strong start-up.

7. Keep learning

Running a business means wearing many hats. At the start, I was a clinician, a marketer, a manager, a technician, a cleaner and a coach. I invested in learning constantly, whether it was professional development, business strategy, or leadership training.

8. Celebrate small wins

Every milestone matters. From a child saying their first word to expanding our clinic, celebrating progress kept the journey joyful.

9. Stay financially grounded

Growth is exciting, but sustainability requires careful planning. From reinvesting profits to setting fair fees, keeping Speakable financially healthy ensured we could keep serving families long-term.

10. Give back

Success isn’t just measured in profit – it’s about impact. Speakable has always been about more than therapy sessions. It’s about empowering parents, training future clinicians, and sharing knowledge through workshops and writing.

Over the years, we’ve also extended our impact by supporting charities such as the World Food Programme, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, and One Tree Planted. Giving back has been an essential part of our journey because true success comes from creating ripples of change beyond your own business.

11. Never lose sight of the vision

Through every challenge, from long hours to unexpected changes, the vision of Speakable – to give children a voice – has been the guiding light. That vision has kept us grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

Looking ahead

Eleven years in, Speakable is stronger than ever. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. If there’s one message I’d share with anyone starting a new venture, it’s this: anchor yourself in purpose, stay adaptable, and keep learning.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to every dreamer ready to turn their idea into something remarkable.

Big hugs,

Bình