In this episode, we explore the importance of professional and personal development (PD) as essential components of success, emphasizing the need to lead and master oneself before leading others.   We delve into the concept of "why" – understanding your personal mission and career mission, inspired by Simon Sinek's influential book and video, "Start With Why." We encourage listeners to reflect on their motivations and identify who is doing what they aspire to do. We discuss the significance of setting both long-term (5 years) and short-term (1 year) career goals, applying the same principles to personal development as one would with clients. This involves defining the specific populations you want to work with and setting goals in various aspects of life, including work, personal, health, possessions, and family.   The episode provides practical guidance on how to approach PD, from selecting the right courses and modalities (online, face-to-face, research) to budgeting and implementing what you've learned. We emphasize the importance of assessing the effectiveness of your PD efforts and refining them over time to ensure continuous growth and development. We discuss strategies for proposing PD opportunities to employers, including presenting a business plan outlining how you will contribute and serve your peers through your newfound skills.   Researching available PD courses and taking advantage of professional organizations like Speech Pathology Australia, ESSA, OT, and Physio can also be beneficial. Drawing from our own experiences running courses, we share insights into what we have learned from the process and stress the importance of completion, engagement, and feedback.   This episode aims to empower listeners to take control of their professional and personal development by setting clear goals, selecting appropriate courses and modalities, and effectively communicating their PD needs and contributions to employers. By adopting a strategic and proactive approach to PD, listeners can pave the way for continued growth, success, and fulfillment in their careers.   Join us as we navigate the intricacies of professional and personal development and explore practical strategies for achieving your goals.   Check out our courses and websites: https://www.lizzydawson.com.au/ https://www.emilymackie.com.au/   For more check out our social pages and we would love you to subscribe, review and share this episode with your community. @movetalkthrive https://www.instagram.com/movetalkthrive/ @lizzydawson_ https://www.instagram.com/lizzydawson_/ @emilymackie.speechie https://www.instagram.com/emilymackie.speechie/