We were lucky to catch up with Bree Dedmon-Pitts recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bree, appreciate you joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
In my early 20’s, I began working for an Adult day program. We assisted individuals that were mentally and or physically disabled with daily activities and goals. We were placed on a 3:1 ration client to staff and in a group setting of 3 staff or more. There were often issues and miscommunication among the staff due to our youthful age and inexperience. I was quick tempered and always wanted to tell some one how it is, or how I saw it at least.. My supervisor at the time was a young lady about 7 years my senior named Loni. Loni was bubbly and full of life and amazing with our clientele. both staff and clients alike adored her. It was evident she genuinely enjoyed her position. Working with her she taught me conflict resolution and how to interact with our clients effectively, including other staff members. She would always say for every negative there is a positive. So if you have an issue with someone, always bring the concerns to their attention with assertiveness and respect but be sure to end things with a positive about the individual or situation. To ensure a person doesn’t walk away with a negative mindset but hopeful for the possibilities because you ended the conversation with positive feedback. I began using her method and the work setting became much more pleasant. 20 plus years later I keep that idea model in mind and utilize with my current employees, and clients with great success.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Bree-Dedmon-Pitts and I am a dedicated and Empathic Advocate for holistic wellness and Community support . It Saddened me to see the youth mental health crisis that can be seen across the country, Mental health and behavioral health conditions have risen a great deal over the past ten years. It is no secret kern County has felt this challenge personally and we are still an underserved area. Having personally dealt with the struggle of finding adequate services to serve a youth in need and hitting road block after road block it was imperative that I had to become part of the solution I aimed to see. My journey began with a deep-seated passion for understanding the needs of others and Compassion and Empathy fueled my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This was the birth of Beyond The Stars No Limits which will stop at nothing to become a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents, teens, and young adults who are confronted with hardships, particularly those related to mental health and behavioral health issue. Our Mission revolves around breaking down stigmas, uplifting youth, and fortifying the community by providing a wide range of invaluable services. To answer what sets us apart is actually what makes us stand out, because we do not aim to be apart! We aim to be one band one sound and the sound we aim to deliver is community prosperity !
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale are crucial components for achieving organizational success. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is through clear and consistent communication. Ensure that team members are kept in the loop regarding project updates, organization changes, and expectations. Open lines of communication foster trust and transparency, allowing team members to feel valued and heard. Regular meetings, whether they are one-on-one check-ins or team huddles, can provide platforms for feedback and discussion, which in turn helps to identify and resolve issues before they escalate.
Another critical aspect is recognizing and celebrating achievements. Acknowledging both big wins and small victories can significantly boost morale. Implementing a system of rewards and recognition, such as employee of the month awards, shout-outs in meetings, or even simple thank-you notes, can make a substantial difference. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Furthermore, providing opportunities for professional growth and development shows that you are invested in their future, which can increase job satisfaction and loyalty. Lastly, we are about business and a good time encouraging collaboration and team-building activities that create a culture of productivity, and respect.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met my business partner Catherine through a shared experience of caring for a youth in mental health crisis and who was also a close relative. The mutual efforts to support the youth was a profound and unique starting point for our professional relationship. The situation brought out the best in both of us, revealing qualities such as empathy, resilience, and dedication. These are invaluable traits in any business venture. Our shared commitment to supporting someone in need not only built a strong foundation of trust but also demonstrated our ability to work together under pressure.
In the midst of navigating the complexities of a mental health crisis, we both were required to communicate effectively, make swift yet thoughtful decisions, and remain patient and compassionate. These skills are directly transferable to the business world, where clear communication, strategic planning, and a people-first approach ultimately were our keys to success. The experience fostered a deep mutual respect and a sense of purpose, which has driven both of us to achieve great things together.
Moreover, this unusual beginning to our partnership highlights a shared value system centered around care and support for others. This has been a powerful guiding principle for our business, influencing not only our internal culture but also how we aim to interact with clients, customers, and serve the community. By embedding these values into our business practices, we aim to create a venture that is not only successful but also socially responsible and ethically grounded. Our Journey, rooted in compassion and collaboration, can be a source of inspiration and strength as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: Beyond thestarsnolimits.com
- Instagram: Beyondthestars NL
- Facebook: Beyondthestars NL
