In this solo episode, Emily dives into a topic close to every early-career clinician’s heart; what true support really means in your first year as an allied health professional. Drawing from over 16 years of experience as a speech pathologist and business owner, she unpacks the difference between “having someone around to ask questions” and building a structured, values-driven support system that helps new grads thrive, not just survive.
From supervision and systems to workplace culture and red flags to watch out for, Emily offers a grounded, practical roadmap for both new graduates entering the field and leaders wanting to create safer, more nurturing workplaces.
Key Takeaways
True support is structured, not spontaneous: Weekly (or daily) supervision beats an “open-door policy” every time.
Observation without judgment: Safe feedback and the chance to watch others in action accelerate growth.
Build gradually: Avoid overwhelming case loads—progressive onboarding prevents burnout.
Systems and resources matter: Consistent frameworks and materials support clinical confidence.
Culture counts: Growth happens where mistakes are seen as learning, not failure.
Red flags to note: No induction process, overwork normalization, or “checklist-only” supervision.
Leaders set the tone: Empathy, transparency, and clear expectations create thriving teams.
Align your values: Choose (or build) workplaces that reflect who you want to become—not just who will hire you first.
Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive
If this episode helped you reflect on what support really means, share it with a fellow clinician, supervisor, or friend who’s navigating their first year in allied health.
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Connect With Us
Emily Mackie
Website: www.emilymackie.com.au
Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Lizzy Dawson
Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au
Instagram: @lizzydawson_