In this episode, we reminisce with Allison Walsh as she bids her farewell to new audiences and long-time listeners alike. It’s been a challenging yet fulfilling journey - from experiencing anxiety and depression to campaigning for adolescent mental health. She shares how the podcast has become a huge part in her path to a healthier mindset as she is able to use her voice to influence others positively.
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Memorable Moments:
2:58 - I'm a constant learner, and just obsessed with that. That personal development mission that is just at my core of continuing to evolve into that complete person you're intended to be. And as a result, I've had the chance to build an incredible team. My team is my heart. I have enjoyed not only working alongside them, but also watching their evolution and pushing them to grow.
7:45 - One perfect example is we launched an educational program called Real Talk back in 2016. And I got to really marry my two worlds. For those that don't know, I'm a former Miss Florida. I have absolutely loved being involved with the Miss America organization. And I saw an opportunity to have Miss Florida and potentially Miss America service spokesperson for Real Talk and the prevention of teen drug abuse and misuse. And so we were able to do something in tandem with the Miss America organization. We have Miss Florida who has been an ambassador for us for six years.
10:14 - Our team is rooted in strengths-based coaching. We use Gallup's StrengthsFinder to help clients identify their strengths, because people will naturally gravitate towards “I need to fix my weaknesses”, or “I’m not good at this”. Your strengths are where you should stay in play.
11:32 - A huge part of what's made me successful is the level of self-awareness and being able to articulate when I see a potential in something and having a plan to execute it.
13:21 - Don't be afraid to be amazing. Putting one foot in front of the next incremental growth on a daily basis is going to add up over time, and you'll be blown away by your results. But it requires you to actually take the step forward. And it doesn't mean you have to climb Mount Everest, it's literally one foot in front of the next like that's it. So don't overwhelm yourself in the process. Commit to growing, commit to learning.
15:27 - I've been on this show and just throughout my entire life, really over the last 20 years, I struggled significantly when I was in high school. I had terrible eating disorders. I struggled with anxiety and depression—my own battle. I always utilized my voice to create change and try to create a safe place for other people to recognize that they were struggling with that themselves. And so I am now going to be working primarily with adolescent mental health, which is very exciting to me.
17:15 - Happiness means being happy with how I'm showing up for others and with where I'm at.
15:22 - I struggled significantly when I was in high school. I had terrible eating disorders. I struggled with anxiety and depression—my own battle. I always utilized my voice to create change and try to create a safe place for other people to recognize that they were struggling with that themselves.
Dear Mind, You Matter is brought to you by NOBU, new mental health, and wellness app. To download NOBU, visit the app store or Google Play.
This podcast is hosted by Allison Walsh and Dr. Angela Phillips. It is produced by Allison Walsh, Savannah Eckstrom, and Nicole LaNeve. If you’re interested in being a guest on this podcast, please visit www.therecoveryvillage.com/dearmindyoumatter.
Note: We use AI transcription so there may be some inaccuracies
Allison: 00:02
Hello and welcome to the dear mind, do you matter podcast? My name is Allison Walsh. I'm a longtime mental health advocate and vice president at Advanced Recovery Systems. On each episode, I will be joined by my colleague and clinical expert, Dr. Angela Phillips. This show along with our mental health and wellness app, Nobu are just some of the ways we're working to provide you with actionable tips and tools to take really good care of yourself each and every day. So sit back, relax and grab your favorite note taking device. It's time to fill your mind with things that matter.
Angela: 00:36
All right, so today we have a guest, her name is Alison Walsh, she is my my most amazing co host. And it is an exciting day. It is I don't want to say sad. It is a bittersweet day because this is our last day with Alison, our last podcast day with Alison an episode. And so I wanted to take some time and we wanted to just chat and give her a lovely send off. Also just kind of recap on how amazing this experience has been. And get a little bit of depth. And I guess emotion into what the experience has been like for Allison. So welcome, Allison. Oh my
Allison: 01:18
gosh, as well. I know it is bittersweet. It's really the culmination of nearly a decade at Advanced Recovery Systems, which is crazy to say, but it has been the most beautiful journey. And I have loved being able to work alongside amazing people like yourself and so many others. And yeah, just crazy, though. It's really like the end of an era for me.
Angela: 01:41
No, it's been years since the
Allison: 01:42
very beginning to which I think is also part of the challenge. And the emotions exiting is just I was here when it was nothing right before we had even opened our first center. It's crazy that this is the next chapter for me. So wild. So speaking of that, I know you do so much work around female empowerment and just trying to really make things build things, make things your own, but also collaborate with so many other amazing people build up teams build up people build up yourself. There's so many missions out there that just spread far and wide. And I'd love to hear and I think share with others. What does that experience been like for you? And obviously using your experience with ARS. But what does that been like for you and this setting? And how have you really developed or honed that skill over time in such an organization that really focuses on mental health and wellness and having shared your own experience with burnout and your own experience with mental health challenges, things like that, that have come up for you What's that been
Angela: 02:42
like for you?
Allison: 02:43
It's been incredible, because I've had the opportunity to pour into people and to programs and to building the company. As a direct result of lived experiences that I've had the knowledge that I've gained over the years, I'm a Constant Learner, and just obsessed with that, like 1% better mentality, that personal development mission that is just at my core of continuing to evolve into that complete person you're intended to be. And as a result, I've had the chance to build an incredible team, my team is my heart, I have enjoyed not only working alongside them, but also watching their evolution and pushing them to grow. I've got several team members that have been with me since the early early days, like almost nine years ago, they signed on to the team too. So I've gotten to see them evolve. And for me as a leader, one of the most fulfilling parts of being in the seat that I've learned is to see people reach their potential and optimize their potential because they have it within them. But sometimes they can't see it in themselves. And so as their leader, as their coach, as their trainer, as their mentor is their boss, right? Like I've been able to help them get to that next level. And I just really appreciate the opportunity to do that. And I do enjoy starting something from scratch, I enjoy whether it's a team, whether it's bringing in a new person that's never done this before to the team and helping to pour into them, whether it's starting a new treatment facility like I love a good ribbon cutting, and I've got pieces of every ribbon cutting in my office. And I will be taking those with me from every center that we've opened. And I just really love what that signifies, which is new beginnings and gross transformation from not only the individuals that are going to walk through those doors and change their lives, but also what that means for that team that's going to be alongside them helping them do that. It's just such a powerful experience. And it's meant the world to me to continue to be able to grow and evolve. I mean, I started here when my daughter was just a few days shy of being one and she will be turning 11 In a couple of months and like that's crazy to think about and just how much I've grown and the investment that IRS has made into me to be able to continue to elevate professionally as well and take on new challenges and change in my role and grow in my role and do things I'd never done before. I think that's been Oh, cool. And I've loved being able to work with our joint venture partners and with the IFF with our firefighters. It's just been an amazing career. And then Nobu, oh my gosh, like being able to do that start something new there, we had never thought we'd be launching a mobile first rate application. And how cool is that? So I mean, again, it's just these opportunities that have presented themselves and being willing to try and being willing to not know or have all the answers and being okay with that, but knowing that we're surrounded with support, and really smart people that we're going to figure it out together. And I've loved that. If you or someone you know, is struggling with addiction, or mental health issues, we encourage you to reach out to us today, Advanced Recovery Systems is a leading behavioral health care company with locations across this country. Don't hesitate, call us today at 855-409-1753. That's 855-409-1753 help is just a phone call away.
Angela: 05:56
Before we talk about new beginnings, because I know there's so much in your future, obviously, that you've not even tapped into. And I know you're excited about next steps, and we're so excited for you. But what do you think and sort of reflection on what you've been doing with ARS? And just for a decade, what's one direction that you didn't think you would take? And why do you think that is?
Allison: 06:18
There's been a lot of directions.
Angela: 06:21
I know it's hard to pick one there.
Allison: 06:22
Oh, my gosh, I think for me, I always thought that I would be leading a team. That was never something that I haven't questioned. I love leadership, I love pouring into people. I didn't necessarily think that I would be as involved with Nobu from the beginning. So like, I thought I would just be on the sales front, I would be sharing the message with the world. And I loved being a little bit behind the scenes really, in the early days of that, which has been really fascinating. And then, of course, you came on the team, and you're building out this beautiful vision of what this app can do. And that's been really neat. So I didn't necessarily see that coming. And I think because of that, it challenged me, it was exciting. It was something new. And as we were building the plane as we were flying it I mean, I think you remember these days literally trying to get this app into AAPs and employers and make it a resource and make it available before it was even ready to go. Like talk about like not anticipating that I did not at all. But it was great. Because again, surrounded by a team that everybody wants to win, everybody wants to do the best they possibly can put out a great product, create great customer service, all of the things. But it definitely wasn't something I anticipated, I thought it would always be on the treatment side and working with the business development team and community outreach and focused on those relationships. So that was really cool. And I think there's been a lot of fun projects along the way that have had a very special place in my heart that I didn't necessarily think would come to fruition. One perfect example is we launched an educational program called Real Talk back in 2016. And I got to really marry my two worlds. For those that don't know, I'm a former Miss Florida I have absolutely loved being involved with the Miss America organization. And I saw an opportunity to have Miss Florida and potentially Miss America service spokesperson for real talk and the prevention of teen drug abuse and misuse. And so we were able to do something in tandem with the Miss America organization we have Miss Florida has been an ambassador for us for six years. I think that's an amazing experience for them. We've also hired a lot of Miss Florida's now to which I think is also really fun that I get to work alongside I've had the chance to work alongside so many young women that I absolutely adore. So again, it's like the marrying the blending of my worlds has been really special. And something that back in 2012, when I signed my offer letter and started in early 2013, like I didn't think that would be a possibility. I didn't know that I would work with so many people from a past life, so to speak. And that I would be able to create something that allowed a really cool relationship to develop. So that's definitely another one of those things. It's like, wow, that was really neat that we got to do that.
Angela: 08:56
It's such a great example, I think that you set to and sort of how you go about creating these really unique and special roles for yourself. So it's been fun for me to see and coming into as someone who has sort of very eclectic background, I sort of fall into things that way. And to see people like yourself who just want it on that even greater level, you just take that opportunity. And you just think to yourself, oh, putting these two things together. Well, that makes sense. What do I do with that? Well,
Allison: 09:27
I can take that to my leadership at the company I'm working at now or I can create something for myself and another collaboration out of that. And I think a lot of people don't see things that way, but look at people like you and think to themselves, like why don't I have that sort of bone in my body to really push myself to do things like that? What would you say to folks who are trying to figure out career professional, future steps and really don't know where it is hone in on something like that, that really marries things that They love to do with something that either they're already doing or could see themselves doing in the future. There's so many cool assessments that you can take to I mean, if you're in school, your career development is center is probably really helpful with connecting you with those. But one of the things that we do with our team is very rooted in strengths based coaching. And so we do the Gallup Strengths Finder to help them identify where are their strengths, because so many people naturally will just gravitate towards like, I need to fix my weaknesses, or I'm not good at this, where it's like, no, your strengths are, where you should stay in play. And the more that you can stay in play in that arena, number one, you're going to be so much more fulfilled with what you're doing, you're going to be engaged in the work that you're doing, you're going to be good at the work that you're doing. And you're going to be that much more committed to elevating those strengths. And really leaning into what makes you unique, and that unique combination of strengths that you have, I would really start there. And so kind of going back to the example of just being able to think like this, right, two of my strengths, I have futuristic and strategic and my top five, so I can see the potential in people places and things and like what something could be. And then the strategic part of me allows me to kind of cut through the noise and see that but because I know that about myself, I also trust that about myself. And so I know that if I'm going to present an idea to somebody, I am going to have that well thought out, and I'm going to have a vision for it, I'm going to have practice being able to articulate that so that somebody else can kind of buy into that too, and say, You know what, let's give this a shot, or let's try. So that's been a huge part of I think what's made me successful is that level of self awareness and knowing that, what I need to do to be able to articulate what it is I see as the potential in something and then having a plan in which to execute. Such great advice, take
Angela: 11:48
notes, everyone, I think that's my biggest challenge, or has been in the past. And I think many can relate to this, you have so many great ideas, or you think about all these things, and maybe even can do assessments and sort of get at, you know, oh, I'm really clearly very good at this, or I sort of Excel over here. But it's that next step of putting all that together in a cohesive plan or thinking through how to envision that for yourself, and what that path might look like. And then where then would I pivot that into my life? Or what resources do I have that I can tap into, and then really getting that gumption for some people to actually go for it, which you also have a ton of, which a lot of people don't have, right. So it's such an inspirational thing to see. But also just to hear, like, just do this like it, it's not going to hurt you to just see where that strengths based approach is going to come into the picture for you. And it's gonna push you into that next step or that next level, right?
Allison: 12:46
Yeah, because I mean, you're striving ultimately for alignment and fulfillment and happiness. And I think we've talked about the experience I had getting my positive psychology coach certification earlier this year, and how incredible some of these additional tools are, and how important it is to prioritize our happiness or well being our own success. What does success mean to us individually? Not what society is dictating it to be? Not what somebody else's definition is, what is it to you? What does it look like? What does it feel like? And how can you get yourself there, and not being afraid to go after it, I say all the time, like, don't be afraid to be amazing. Put one foot in front of the next incremental growth on a daily basis is going to add up over time, and you'll be blown away by your results. But it requires you to actually take the step forward. And it doesn't mean you have to climb Mount Everest, it's literally one foot in front of the next like that's it. So don't overwhelm yourself in the process. Commit to growing commit to learning, I cannot stress enough the value of mentorship coaching, surrounding yourself with a strong network of people that are doing the things that you want to do and taking advice from people that have done what it is that you want to do. Because that will help you get where you want to go farther, faster. It'll help you navigate potential barriers, roadblocks, whatever it is, and it will help you have the confidence to take those steps even more so and so I really encourage everybody listening to get clear on who you are. Figure out what it is that you really want to do, and start making the moves that you need to make to become that best version of yourself. And that doesn't mean you have to scrap everything and start over. That can mean you just want to show up as the best version of you every single day. I mean, you might be really blessed to be in a position that you are loving what you're doing right now and yay for you. How can you show up 1% better every day? What does that look like? What do you need to be able to do that? Creating that alignment with your strengths so that you're truly fulfilled and lit up on the inside as much as possible. ARS University is the perfect go to resource for anyone looking to learn more about mental health, addiction and other related topics. The on demand library offers a wealth of engaging and informative content that can help you gain a deeper understanding of these complex subjects with ARS University you'll have everything you need to empower yourself with knowledge and support. To learn more, go to www dot IRS university.com.
Angela: 15:10
I have two more questions for you. My first one is what excites you most about your next steps and where you're going from ARS.
Allison: 15:22
I have always had a sincere passion and love for adolescent mental health. I've been on this show and just throughout my entire life, really over the last 20 years, I struggled significantly when I was in high school, I had terrible eating disorders, I struggled with anxiety and depression, my own battle for me, I always utilized my voice to create change and try to create a safe place for other people to recognize that they were struggling with that themselves. And so I am now going to be working primarily with adolescent mental health, which is very exciting to me. I'm joining the Charlie health team, and you know, to continue to have the opportunity to build something beautiful. And that's really what I love doing. And so I'll be joining their team and thrilled there. But I'm also continuing to speak and write and create and I love my she believes she could community. So I've got my podcasts still going on that side of the house. And then I have my book coming out next year. So there's a lot of really cool things that are going on that I just again, feel so grateful and thankful and very blessed to be at this place. You know, just like we were talking about, it was time for me to challenge myself. Like all the things that I inspire and empower other people to do, I really had to look in the mirror and say, Am I doing this for me right now? Am I really living my truth, professionally, because I was doing it outside of here. But it was time for me to really spread my wings and fly professionally too. Absolutely. And
Angela: 16:48
I can't wait to have you back on to talk about and plug your book when that comes out. Next year,
Allison: 16:54
I oh my gosh, that's been a therapeutic process. Wow. Yeah, that's a whole other topic. Hey, we'll we'll table that conversation for our second part of this. Allison, before you go, there's a question we ask all of our guests. And that question is what matters most to you right now. Happiness,
Allison: 17:12
I think in all areas of life, and for me, happiness means happy with how I'm showing up for others happy with where I'm at. And that requires me to be able to show up fully. Sometimes we can lose sight of things that are most important to us. And that has to continue to be at the forefront of everything that we do. And so being truly happy and all areas and being able to be the best mom, Wife, Daughter, colleague, friend, mentor coach that I can be, because when I can show up that way, I'm going to be the most lit up and happy on the inside too. And that's really important. I
Angela: 17:51
love that well, you have made all of us so happy. And we just appreciate you so much. We're gonna miss you so much. I don't want to cry right now, because I just put on my mascara. I'm just gonna say it's so bittersweet. And thank you so much for everything that you've shared with me, and I know so many others, we just love you so much. And we're gonna miss you so much. But we are so excited to see what you're gonna do next. And again, we're gonna pencil you in for next year. And everyone will come back and we'll be able to hear what's going on with Allison Walsh. So thank you so much, Alison,
Allison: 18:24
thank you, I just adore you and I have loved being able to do this with you. It's definitely been an incredible experience. And you're an amazing person that I feel just so blessed to have in my life. And I know we will remain friends outside of all of this, but also to this podcast community. Thank you for showing up and learning and growing and stretching and wrapping your head around maybe some concepts that you didn't think about or consider before just being open to have this conversation because the more we talk about mental health, the more we talk about mental wellness, and really taking really good care of ourselves, the more likely number one it is that will happen and personally that it will also allow you to be really great stewards to others and encouraging them to do the same. So thank you to everybody, especially you Angela and Savannah behind the scenes and to everybody that's responsible for this podcast because this allows us to create change and to continue to propel a mission and a message forward that needs to be discussed and chatted about on a regular daily basis. So just so grateful love to all of you.
Angela: 19:25
Absolutely. Thank you so much Allison, before you run Can you just let everyone know how they can continue to follow you on social media or anywhere else?
Allison: 19:33
Yes, thank you. I am at Alison Walsh on Instagram. I show up there literally twice a day every day so feel free to follow along. I will pour into you and empower you and inspire you on the daily. I also have the she believes she could podcast which you can find on all podcasting platforms. I have a free community on Facebook. She believes she could community feel free to join we'd love to have you. You can also message Hello at Alison Walsh consulting.com If you want additional information about any other things that I do.
Angela: 20:02
Amazing. Thank you and we will miss you and sending lots of love. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode. If you're not already subscribed, we hope you join us regularly. And please leave us a five star review wherever you get your podcasts if you enjoyed the show. We hope that this podcast is beneficial to you and your wellness journey. Dear mind you matter is brought to you by Nobu, a new mental health and wellness app. You can download it today using the link in our show notes. We will talk to you next time and until then remember you and your mind matter