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
Binh Doan 