In this week’s episode, we rebroadcast a conversation between SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Holly McAlister, and mental health occupational therapist, Michelle Bihary, about developing skills and capabilities that support us to have courageous conversations. They discuss what early career and experienced professionals bring to the table, self-care, reasonable expectations, principles of emotional intelligence, and how engaging in courageous conversations benefits us and other. Speak Up co-producer, Nathan Cornish-Raley, reflects on learning from the episode. Resources: A range of learning resources produced by Michelle Bihary are available at: https://www.michellebihary.com SPA Learning Hub resources: Communication and courageous conversations in the workplace: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=2915 Having challenging conversations with families: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3475 Challenging conversations about ceasing services: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1225575 Talking business – Effective communication with clients: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=836277 SPA Member-only resources: Challenging Conversations resources: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=540 Mental health and wellbeing supports: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Member-benefits/mental-health-wellbeing-support.aspx?hkey=41da9687-1b53-4de0-baa6-4641080d0667 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/),, you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.