Sonia Bestulic is the founder of Talking Heads Speech Pathology, an innovative clinic providing people a means to successful, fulfilling communication interactions.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I have been a Speech & Language Pathologist for over 20 years; having worked both nationally and internationally within a variety of settings and organisations including hospitals, community health, education departments, private practice and teaching clinical education at Sydney University. I also served as a board director, for an allied health network, extending across a broad area of Sydney.
Almost 15 years ago, I started the Sydney based clinics, Talking Heads Speech Pathology, of which I am currently Founding Director. Together with this leadership role, I am also a bestselling and multi award nominated children’s book author, podcast producer and host of Chatabout Children with Sonia Bestulic, and author of the upcoming book for mums; Flourish for Mums: 21 Ways to Thrive with Self-Care and Acceptance.
In the early years of starting the clinic, I also had three children in two and a half years; which certainly added a new level of richness and depth to all my work.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
A typical day can be quite varied; which is part of what I enjoy. I love waking up early, and having quiet space to greet the day, and do some uninterrupted creative work; before everyone else wakes up.
A recent workday included; a 4:30am wake up; with a multi-sensory start to the day, including shower, essential oil moisturising, scented candle lighting.
I then launched into creative work; in the form of producing content in various formats; before having breakfast with the kids around 7am. School lunches for the day were then prepped before driving them to school.
After school drop off; I took a walk along the local beach for 20 – 30 mins; before working from home for the morning; doing various tasks and contributing to various online meetings. I did have short dance breaks as needed!
I then went into one of the speech pathology clinic locations to provide clinical coaching, write up content for a parenting course; and work on social media planning.
Arriving home at 5:30pm, my husband had picked up the kids from school; and we enjoyed a family dinner together; before another short walk on the beach with my children. As the kids readied for bed; I prepped my action list for the following day; and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Yes, it offers both! Flexibility, and the ability to remotely work as needed, is an absolute treasure. It allows me to follow my flow; be present for activities and events with family; adapt to changes, and choose how and when to work, so I can deliver with peak performance.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
For me, the balance comes from being aligned in mind, body and spirit; and being in tune with yourself, so you can respond to what is going on in the outer world, from your ever evolving inner world.
Work is part of life; so do your best to be mostly doing something you enjoy, that gifts you to be who you are; and allows quality time with the people who mean the most to you.
Achieving this comes with a daily commitment to valuing myself; contributing value to those around me and to the greater community.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I was already an early riser; but in the last 12 months I have been waking even earlier to allow myself a slower, quieter, and centred start to the day.
Part of this time is dedicated to a multi-sensory way to greet each new day; with showering, cleansing, and body moisturising combined with an essential oil scent that feels right for that particular day.
I then take some moments to feel gratitude and set clear intentions. This has helped me better manage and distribute my energy throughout the day.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Gosh – there are heaps! To narrow it down:
- Greater Good Magazine
- Breathe Magazine
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- The Art of Wellbeing by Meredith Gaston
- Healthy-ish
- Super Soul Sunday with Oprah
Of course the latest release and gift book for mums: Flourish for Mums: 21 Ways to Thrive with Self-Care and Acceptance.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
My iPhone! I use it so much for such a wide range of purposes. Don’t we all?! I also love workflow and communication tools, such as Trello and Slack.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Jacinda Ardern – A woman, wife, mother, Prime Minister. Need I say more?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
My top five principles would be:
- Come back to your values; reprioritise when needed.
- Use yes and no to set your boundaries.
- Accept you are always learning and embrace this.
- Tune in to you; and your needs.
- Accept others for who they are and you for who you are – no comparisons.
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