1 – Q) Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A) The Speech Path is a speech-language pathology practice based in San Francisco, California. We are dedicated to providing children and adults the skills to effectively share their thoughts, convey their feelings, and develop meaningful relationships. Our team works closely with our clients and their families to develop personalized and functional communication goals and work towards these goals using evidence-based, neurodiversity affirming approaches. We offer in-person services in San Francisco, as well as teletherapy services throughout California.
2 – Q) Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A) My name is Dr. Shivani Patel, and I am the founder of The Speech Path Speech and Language Therapy Inc. I am a clinician and researcher by training. I received my doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University, where my clinical and research training focused on speech and social communication differences in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. I have authored several peer-reviewed publications, presented at national and international conferences, and I continue to conduct clinical research focused social communication in autistic individuals. I completed advanced training in childhood apraxia of speech and have incorporated this knowledge with my expertise in autism to serve populations with these overlapping diagnoses.
3 – Q) What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A) I started The Speech Path while working as a speech-language pathologist full-time at a prominent children’s hospital. Working in a medical setting gave me invaluable experience—particularly in managing complex cases, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and adhering to rigorous standards of care. However, I often found that the structure and pace of work didn’t consistently allow for the level of individualization and ongoing therapeutic relationship that I knew could make a significant difference in clients’ lives. I wanted to create a practice that addressed these gaps while maintaining the high standards of evidence-based care from my hospital. At The Speech Path, my team and I have the flexibility to tailor therapy plans to each individual’s needs and goals, spend more time with clients when needed, and actively involve families in the process. This approach builds lasting, supportive relationships that foster continued growth and progress.
4 – Q) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A) First, find your niche. Figure out what you do best within your field or identify a gap that needs to be filled. Focus on delivering exceptional value in that area—being known for something specific helps set you apart and build a strong reputation. I believe prioritizing relationships is also key. Don’t view others in your industry strictly as competition—there’s room for multiple voices, and collaboration often leads to unexpected opportunities. Relationships with clients are just as important, too. Third, I’d say be flexible. Challenges and changes will come up, and your ability to adapt will make all the difference. Stay curious, be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
5 – Q) What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A) Successful entrepreneurs are skilled communicators, team builders, and resilient in the face of challenges. Strong communication is essential, whether you’re working with clients, employees, or referral sources. Being clear, approachable, and transparent builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. Good communication also means actively listening to others—your clients and your team are key stakeholders who can provide valuable feedback and help guide your business in new directions. As an entrepreneur, you can’t do everything on your own. Surrounding yourself with a skilled, reliable team that shares your vision is crucial for growth and success. Lastly, resilience is key. Entrepreneurship often involves navigating uncertainty and setbacks, but the ability to bounce back, learn from mistakes, and stay focused during these times helps you grow.
6 – Q) How many hours do you work a day on average?
A) On average, I spend about 5 hours per day working directly with clients and 2 hours a balancing various administrative, marketing, and professional development tasks. There are certainly weeks where I spend more time on administrative and professional development tasks than that, but this comes with the territory of owning and operating a business.
7 – Q) To what do you most attribute your success?
A) My dedication to continuous learning. For me, this means learning from my clients’ experiences, staying informed on the latest research, and spending time synthesizing this information so my team and I can provide the best care for our clients.
8 – Q) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A) My practice has benefited most from word-of-mouth referrals. This is especially exciting for me as a business owner because it really highlights that our clients value our work and are eager to share their positive experiences with others. In addition to word-of-mouth referrals, we’ve seen increased referrals from SEO optimization and community outreach.
9 – Q) Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A) I initially funded The Speech Path with personal savings and gradually reinvested profits to expand my business. I was able to pay myself back over time, and the business has continued to grow organically without additional personal or external investments.
10 – Q) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A) Again, I think continuous learning is critical to long-term success. When I first started my practice, I had to learn about starting and operating a business. This was not something I learned in graduate school. I dove books, podcasts, and community resources for small business owners to fill the gap. What I’ve learned from these sources, combined with insights from my clients and community about what they value and need, continues to guide me in setting my practice up for sustainable success.
11 – Q) Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A) In the next 5–10 years, I hope to see The Speech Path make even more progress towards ensuring as many people as possible have the tools they need effectively express themselves and develop meaningful relationships. This might include establishing a physical office location in San Francisco and neighboring cities to offer our local families an alternative option to in-home therapy. We also want to expand our reach beyond California by developing and offering online courses focused on supporting communication skills.
12 – Q) Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A) I read and listened to content about lots of different business while building The Speech Path and one business that really resonated with me was Costco. Costco has built a strong reputation by focusing on delivering exceptional value to their customers while maintaining their commitment to quality. I really appreciate how they’ve created a model that emphasizes both efficiency and customer satisfaction. They also emphasize a respectful work culture where employees are valued and offered growth opportunities, which is something I strive to emulate in my own business.
13 – Q) How important have good employees been to your success?
A) I am fortunate to have 2 amazing employees on my team, and I truly believe they have been critical to the continued growth of my business. My business is an extension of my values and professional goals, and having employees who align with these is so important. My practice reflects my values and professional goals, and it’s essential to have employees who align with that vision. Both my clinical and administrative team members are skilled and compassionate individuals I trust to represent my business, and by extension, me. They help create the environment that allows us to do meaningful work every day.
14 – Q) How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A) I’m always open to exploring new ideas and giving them time to develop. However, if I see that something isn’t working, I make adjustments right away. If those adjustments aren’t enough, I’m quick to step back, reassess, and rethink my approach. Flexibility is key, and I’m not afraid to pivot when necessary.
15 – Q) What motivates you?
A) What truly motivates me is the relationships I build with my clients and their families. Seeing their progress is incredibly fulfilling. The moments when our work truly connects with their needs and contributes to their growth are what keep me going day in and day out.
16 – Q) How do you generate new ideas?
A) I generate new ideas by staying curious and being open to feedback. I make it a point to listen to my clients and their families, as they share valuable insights about their needs and challenges. I also find that engaging with my professional community, reading relevant literature, and reflecting on my own experiences all play a part in sparking new, creative solutions.
17 – Q) How do you define success?
A) To me, success is about having a positive impact on my clients and their families, while also supporting my team’s professional growth and fulfillment. Ultimately, it’s about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone—clients, families, and team members—feels valued and heard.
18 – Q) How do you build a successful customer base?
A) Building a successful customer base comes down to relationship-centered care and consistent, open communication. My team and I focus on providing high-quality, individualized services tailored to each client’s unique needs. Word-of-mouth referrals have played a significant role in our growth, and we make a point to actively seek feedback to ensure we’re meeting expectations and continuously improving.
19 – Q) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A) My favorite part of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to shape my practice according to my values. I also love the flexibility to adapt quickly to the needs of my clients and team, allowing me to make changes that have an immediate and positive impact.
20 – Q) What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A) The major difference is in the level of responsibility and accountability. As an entrepreneur, you’re responsible for supporting the business in its current state and envisioning its future. You’re wholly responsible for the impact your decisions have on your team, clients, and community.
21 – Q) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A) Our culture is rooted in the core values of nurturing relationships, mutual accountability, and continual learning. We believe that strong relationships are foundational for growth, so we prioritize compassion, respect, kindness, patience, and non-judgment in everything we do. This approach creates a supportive environment where staff and clients feel valued. We also emphasize mutual accountability—through open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to excellence, we empower our team, clients, and their families to thrive. Lastly, continual learning is a key value in our practice. We foster an environment of curiosity and professional growth, ensuring that we stay open to learning from each other and from our clients. By integrating these values into our everyday work, we’re able to provide the highest standard of care for our clients while promoting the professional development of everyone involved in our practice.
22– Q) In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A) Dynamic
23 – Q) What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
A) I joined the sourdough trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, and my starter is still going strong! I’ve made it a goal to bake a loaf of bread each week this year, and I’ve mostly kept to that schedule. Recently, I took up crocheting and have been enjoying making accessories and clothing. My favorite way to unwind is by exploring San Francisco with my husband. We love grabbing an iced latte and spending hours walking around the city, especially along the coastline or through the parks. There’s something so energizing about being surrounded by nature while still being in the heart of the city.
24 – Q) What makes you happy?
A) I feel fortunate to say that there’s so much in my life that makes me happy. At work, seeing a client experience a breakthrough or sharing a moment of genuine connection during a session brings me so much joy. Outside of work, I find happiness in simple, everyday moments—strolling through San Francisco with my husband, spending time with my family and friends, and soaking in the beautiful mix of nature and city life that San Francisco has to offer.
25 – Q) What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
A) One of the biggest sacrifices has been balancing my free time with the responsibilities that come with running a business. There are always tasks that could better serve my clients or help the practice grow, and sometimes it’s hard to choose between taking time for myself and pushing things forward. It can be a tough choice at times, but I remind myself that investing in the business is ultimately investing in the future I want to build—for both myself and the clients I serve.
