From NICU Nights to a National Mission & The Power of Niching Down

What happens when you dedicate your life to solving a problem most people don't even know exists?In this episode of The Healthcare Rebellion Podcast, Frank sits down with Theresa Richard, speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of multiple industry-changing organizations in the medical SLP space. Theresa shares her journey from discovering the life-changing impact of swallowing therapy in a nursing home to building and selling successful businesses, creating one of the largest educational communities for medical speech pathologists, and pursuing an ambitious vision to transform swallowing care nationwide.Along the way, Theresa opens up about raising a child with complex feeding challenges, the lessons she's learned through entrepreneurship, why specialization creates opportunity, and what it takes to build something meaningful while balancing family, leadership, and personal growth. This conversation is a masterclass in mission-driven entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation.Key Topics & TakeawaysThe single patient encounter that rerouted Theresa's entire career, and how to recognize the moment that's pointing you toward yoursWhy the niche everyone told you was "too small" is exactly where the biggest opportunity livesThe hidden epidemic most clinicians walk past every day, and what spotting it can do for your patients and your practiceHow Theresa built a company from zero with no business background, and the imperfect first moves that actually workedWhat she learned building and selling healthcare businesses that you can apply todayThe reason so many clinicians second-guess their own expertise, and how to start trusting the instinct you've already earnedWhy "balance" might be the worst advice you've ever been given as a founder and parentHow one specialist is building a national model for an overlooked condition, and what it reveals about replacing the old healthcare playbooLinks & ResourcesConnect with Theresa:Instagram: @theresarichardslpLearn More:The Med SLP CollectiveMedical SLP CoursesMedical SLP Certification ProgramCONNECT WITH FRANKFollow Frank on IG: @frank_benedettoSubscribe to The Healthcare Rebellion Newsletter: https://go.wearehoneybadgers.com/newsletterBook a call to explore what reimagining your practice could look like: https://calendly.com/honeybadger-/the-honeybadger-project-consultFree 60 minute training on innovative practice models: https://thehoneybadgerproject.clickfunnels.com/vsl-page1708016257108