We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Holley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
In December 2019 I checked myself into a substance abuse treatment facility.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I spent my first 25 years in the hospitality industry in various positions from back of the house to owning a small management company. That experience gave me the foundation of understanding of being in service to others as well as operating efficient business’. I left with a great understanding of being in a people centric business. Now I get to use those same skills in operating an LGBTQ youth homeless shelter. Understanding the two career paths are very similar. One being providing superior customer service to people paying for lodging and the other being using a client centered approach to ensuring youth have the opportunity to get the lives back on track to being self sufficient in a compassionate and caring way. I am most proud that I was able to make the switch into non profit after experiencing my journey in recovery from substance abuse. Going through this journey allowed me to take stock in what life really was meant for me. Obstacle in life are really gifts – what you make of them and how you use them to better yourself are your god given talents.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In December 2019 my life changed drastically when I had to accept responsibility for my substance use issues. After some very special people in my life confronted me on my actions, I checked my self into a substance abuse clinic to receive treatment. This experience has drastically changed how I live life today. Being able to work through past traumas and internal emotions gave me pause to consider what my future would look like. I live life for today and am able to help others that are going through their own struggles. Today having the tools to deal with any challenges that may arise that I would have normally turned to substances to change the way I feel is a gift from God.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely! The service industry is an incredible industry to be able to learn so many usable skills that are able to be transferred to any profession. The reality of todays world is that to succeed you need to know how to work with others. It is too easy to bury yourself in your phone and shut the world off, all too often we get lost in what we believe is reality in social media. The service industry can provide the training to learn to work in a society that still depends on the ability to be social. The skills I learned working with people for 25 years allows me to be more effective in my current role, using past experiences handling customer service issues give me knowledge on how to work with youth that are getting their lives back on track.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thriveyouthcenter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveyouthcenter/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveyouthcenter/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-holley/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thriveyouthcenter2015
Image Credits
NA all internal photos