Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, interviews Dr. Wendy Broughton, COO, about her journey and leadership. Wendy shares her pride in her daughter's graduation and the impact of TURN's work on her family. She discusses the recent strategic retreat, highlighting the board's engagement and vision. Wendy emphasizes the importance of compassion in treatment, noting that therapeutic relationships are crucial for client success. She recounts her 28-year career at TURN, from program manager to COO, and stresses the value of lived experience in the workforce. Wendy also touches on the use of AI in therapy and the rewarding aspects of her role.OutlineIntroduction and WelcomeJim Callahan introduces the Behavioral Health Brief podcast, emphasizing the mission of TURN Behavioral Health Services to improve lives through compassion and expertise.Jim welcomes Dr. Wendy Broughton, TURN's Chief Operating Officer, to discuss leadership, lived experience, and the journey of turning personal recovery into a lifelong commitment to helping others.Wendy expresses her excitement about being on the podcast and reflects on their 10-year working relationship.Jim highlights the growth of TURN from 2006 to 2026, noting the significant achievements and challenges they have faced together.Wendy's Personal MilestoneWendy shares her recent personal milestone of her daughter graduating from UCSB, expressing pride and mixed emotions about her daughter growing up.Wendy recounts how her daughter has been involved with TURN since childhood, donating toys and clothes to the women's residential program, which helped shape her character and sense of giving back.Jim asks Wendy to reflect on specific moments during her daughter's college years, and Wendy shares her daughter's inclusive nature and how she always made sure everyone had a friend.Wendy proudly mentions her daughter's achievements, including finishing her classes early and securing a full-time job in wealth management.Strategic Retreat InsightsJim asks Wendy about the recent strategic retreat with the board, and Wendy praises the board members for their personal experience and dedication to the cause.Wendy describes the retreat as highly engaging, with board members actively participating and providing valuable feedback.Jim and Wendy discuss the importance of the board setting a clear vision and direction for TURN, which they refer to as the "North Star."Wendy highlights the board's commitment to leveling up and engaging at a higher level, contributing to the organization's growth and success.Compassion and Therapeutic RelationshipsJim and Wendy discuss the importance of compassion in their work, emphasizing the need to provide a soft place for clients to land without judgment.Wendy explains that the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of successful treatment, and the counselor's empathy and compassion are crucial for client success.Jim shares a story from a guest on his previous podcast, illustrating how compassion can change a client's perception of a program.Wendy reflects on her own journey at TURN, starting as a program manager and evolving into the COO, highlighting the growth and changes she has witnessed over the years.Mentorship and Career DevelopmentJim and Wendy discuss the importance of mentorship and coaching within TURN, with Wendy emphasizing the privilege of imparting wisdom and lessons learned.Wendy shares a personal story about encouraging a program manager to take her licensing exam, which she passed, and how this boosted her confidence and career prospects.Jim and Wendy talk about the value of aligning personal missions with the company's mission, creating a win-win situation for both the employee and TURN.Wendy advises new employees to take care of their own issues and traumas, as suppressing them can lead to burnout, and to be authentic in their work with clients.Guiding Principles and Workforce DiversityJim and Wendy discuss the guiding principles of people, culture, and growth, which drive their decision-making and organizational values.Wendy emphasizes the importance of putting people first, understanding client needs, and maintaining a supportive culture for staff.Wendy highlights the value of lived experience and diverse backgrounds in the workforce, noting that TURN embraces individuals with unique experiences to provide authentic and effective care.Jim encourages listeners to explore opportunities at TURN, whether through internships, volunteering, or career transitions, emphasizing the diverse modalities and growth opportunities available.Treating the Whole PersonJim asks Wendy about the practice of treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and Wendy explains the importance of understanding the client's entire dynamic and context.Wendy uses the example of a client with substance use disorder, who might be self-medicating undiagnosed mental illness, to illustrate the need for a comprehensive approach.Jim shares a story about a client who thought his ceiling fan was a spaceship, highlighting the severe mental health issues TURN deals with and their expertise in handling such cases.Wendy discusses the role of the family in recovery, noting that family involvement can make or break a client's progress and that the family also needs support and understanding.AI in Therapy and DocumentationJim and Wendy discuss the rise of AI models like ChatGPT in therapy and their potential role as a supplement but not a replacement for human connection.Wendy emphasizes the importance of the human connection and the nuances that cannot be replicated by AI, such as emotion and energy between people.Jim mentions TURN's use of AI for clinical notes, which aims to improve efficiency without replacing the human touch.Wendy explains that while AI can help with documentation, the professional training and acumen of the therapist are still crucial for providing meaningful and personalized care.Rewards of the Job and Final ThoughtsJim asks Wendy about the most rewarding part of her job, and she expresses her love for the people at TURN and the transformations she has witnessed over the years.Wendy shares stories of clients who have become counselors, program managers, and even vice presidents, highlighting the endless possibilities for growth and success within TURN.Jim thanks Wendy for her leadership and commitment, and Wendy encourages listeners to join TURN's workforce, emphasizing the impact they can make in the lives of clients and staff.Jim concludes the podcast by expressing gratitude to the TURN workforce, board of directors, and listeners, and invites them to continue the conversation and explore opportunities at TURN Behavioral Health Services. About TURN Behavioral Health Services: Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. To Learn more about the life changing people and services from TURN, please visit their website: TURN Behavioral Health Services About Cloudcast Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit Cloudcast Media Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting | Listen Where You Live. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.
