An Inspired Chat with Mai Ling Chan CCC-SLP, PMP

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mai Ling Chan CCC-SLP, PMP. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Mai Ling, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Imposter Syndrome. It’s real. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy all my life, but nobody knew it. Although I’ve been described as a “born leader”, whenever I was volun-told for a position or project, inside I was thinking, “Really? You want me?” and then I poured all of my efforts into overachieving because I didn’t think I deserved the “honor” of the role. But it wasn’t until I fully matured that I realized, not only did I deserve it – but based on my experience, talents, skills, and hard work ethic – I was perfect for it. I’ve also struggled with this when it comes to self-elected roles: author, publisher, podcast host, presenter: “Who am I to be a source of such important information?” and worse, “What if I fail?” However, I can now look back and realize that my hesitancy has been my strength, even my superpower, because, as usual, I threw myself into achieving a high bar of success in order to overcome my own doubts. But recently, I was approached to unite 50+ contributors in an academic-level publication that is an expansion on the unique anthologies I have been organizing and self-publishing over the past four years. And for the first time, I’m not feeling like an imposter, I’m feeling excited, prepared, organized, and proud. I am solid in my connection to the enormous value of this offering and am prepared to lead my fellow contributors on a unique and courageous journey. I know my purpose, recognize MY value, and embrace this opportunity. I am no longer an imposter – I am a leader.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a speech-language pathologist, executive consultant, industry historian, and international presenter. As a third-generation entrepreneur who built & exited two companies while juggling three kids, ADHD, & working full-time, I’m on a mission now to help disability-focused businesses become as successful and profitable as quickly as possible.

I’m also known as a Powerhouse Connector because I’m always thinking of someone I know who you need to meet – because they can help you succeed.

In order to achieve this at the highest level, my Exceptional Leaders Network unites people with disabilities, parents, special education, speech/occupational/physical therapy, assistive technology, and other people who have dedicated their lives to creating and scaling services and offerings that make the world more accessible and inclusive.

I’m also on the cutting edge of AI integration into the practice of clinical speech therapy and provide workshops to help understand and utilize this exciting new technology with efficiency and ethical guidance.

Finally, through my Xceptional Leaders Podcast, now in its eighth year with over 140 guests from around the world, I amplify the voices of disability-focused leaders. These powerful narratives are also featured in my Amazon Best-Selling Becoming an Exceptional Leader book series, which highlights lived experiences at the intersections of disability, augmentative and alternative communication, speech-language pathology, and diverse cultures.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I started hearing the term “ableism” in 2021 and I was very confused. It was a bit of a journey to fully unlock its definition and being able to see blatant examples in everyday life. It began with exposure to a variety of social media posts and podcasts, and grew through direct conversations with people who took the time to explain and introduce a new way of interpreting the world. But when I got it – boy did I get it! Not only was I able to see structural offenses, but I was suddenly able to identify prejudice in everyday conversations, and most upsetting, in my own remarks and sentiments. It was difficult to admit that I too had an ablelist lens and needed to take the granular steps of self-identifying and then changing my language, actions, and ultimately, my respect for a world with all abilities. Since then, I have tried to provide opportunities for others to learn more about this still relatively misunderstood terminology through storytelling – through my books, podcast episodes, presentations, and other interesting platforms where I have the honor to share. Now I clearly articulate what once confused me: ableism is the systemic discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities, rooted in the false belief that there is one “normal” or superior way to move, think, communicate, and exist in the world, and understanding this is essential for anyone committed to creating truly equitable spaces and opportunities for all people.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could talk to little Mai, I would tell her to “Never play small to yourself”. That’s a little ironic because I am only 4’11 and without heels, I am typically the shortest person in a small group. However, my message is not about physicality, but about self-talk. I am grateful to my Asian culture for instilling essential foundations of humility, which have helped shape my professional relationships, but I have also been known to diminish my own value and accomplishments publicly and, most importantly, inwardly. This is a truly personal message that little Mai would understand – it’s okay to celebrate all that you are and do. I would use this as an example: “When I published each of my Becoming and Exceptional Leader Books and they achieved Amazon Best Seller in target categories on launch day, I took myself out to a fancy dinner and toasted with a glass of champagne! That’s because I deserved it! Please try and do this more often as you’re growing up and you will learn the joys associated with all the hard work you are doing in addition to the satisfaction of accomplishment.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I believe our profession attracts high achievers and individuals with high standards. These characteristics are beneficial for the quality of service and resources provided, but it can also be detrimental on a personal level. As a result of this culture, there is an unspoken code of “Perfectionism” in speech-language pathology that negatively affects us on a personal level and leads to burnout, overwhelm, and ultimately, attrition from the field. This is why I have been advocating for the identification of one’s unique talents, vision, and purpose, to help guide practitioners to integrate their individuality into their profession, rather than fitting in to an unachievable goal of “The Perfect SLP”. Instead, I challenge people to be the unicorns they already are and take the path less traveled by trailblazing unique strategies, resources, and ideas that will help continue to grow and shape the world of Communication Science Disorders in creative and exciting new ways.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
People often tell me that they admire the breadth and speed of my accomplishments, but my greatest hope is that they will understand the common thread of where my focus has been throughout the years – Mai Ling was dedicated to helping people in the disability community expand their reach through a variety of opportunities. That’s really the point of all that I do. I have come to realize that I enjoy being a bridge for others to connect through. I’m a fixer, a helper, a do-er. I enjoy serving a cause that aligns with my vision of the world and pour all my resources, energy, and talent into every project I’m involved in. I hope my legacy will be one of fostering global connections and playing a meaningful role in advancing the critical work of inclusivity and accessibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mailingchan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mailingchan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailingchan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mailing.chan
• Other: http://exceptionalleadersnetwork.com/

Image Credits
I own all copyrights