From SLP to CEO

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Ebony Green—speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and founder of a thriving multidisciplinary clinic, The SPEAK Center for Language and Learning—about what it really takes to bet on yourself and build a business from scratch. Ebony shares her winding path from Teach for America teacher to SLP to CEO, gets real about the fears that almost kept her playing small, and breaks down how she diversified her income, built her team, and eventually stepped out of the day-to-day to pursue her passion for coaching and courses. This episode is full of practical strategy, hard-won honesty, and a much-needed reminder that you don't have to feel ready to start.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• What pushed Ebony out of the schools and into private practice
• How she built multiple income streams from day one
• When she knew it was time to stop doing everything herself
• What seven years of monthly hiring taught her about people and culture
• How COVID became the catalyst for her courses and coaching community

Here’s what we learned:

• Private practice doesn't require a perfect plan — it requires a first step.
• Diversify your income early so no single stream can sink the whole business.
• Build your brand online before you ever post a job listing — candidates are watching.
• Every failed hire teaches you what alignment actually looks like for your team.
• You don't have to start big — Ebony started solo with a trunk full of therapy materials.
• Delegation is what makes growth sustainable, not just possible.
• Working on your business instead of in it is the shift that separates operators from CEOs.

Learn more about Ebony Green:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-green-slp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slpbizqueen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeakcenter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-SPEAK-Center-for-Language-and-Learning-100063620978634/

Podcast: https://theslpbusinesspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theslpbusinesspodcast

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

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📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets