We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

A few years ago, I made the decision to leave my job, knowing deep down it was time for a major shift. I wanted to be at the forefront of psychedelic medicine and research — not just as a participant in the conversation, but as someone helping to shape it. With a background that spanned clinical work, research, business development, and strategy, I found myself qualified for many different roles. But ironically, that made it harder to find the right one. The psychedelic field was still nascent, especially in biotech, where hiring was focused on hyper-specific roles.

So I started creating my own path. I networked — attending conferences, reaching out to people whose roles inspired me, and connecting with companies doing groundbreaking work. I realized I didn’t just want a seat at the table — I wanted to help build the table.

I began hosting a private dinner series for those in the psychedelic, plant, and functional mushroom spaces, from the curious to the professional. These gatherings brought the right people into my orbit — many of whom became friends, collaborators, and some even clients. I started consulting on the kinds of projects I knew I could meaningfully support. I spoke at conferences, shared my expertise, and stayed grounded in service and science.

Before long, I realized I was doing exactly what I had set out to do — just not through a job I had applied for, but through a business I built. That’s how Beyond Consulting was born — a firm designed to support visionary organizations in psychedelics, plant medicine, and wellness with research, strategy, and operational solutions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Stephanie Karzon Abrams — a clinical neuropharmacologist by training, a researcher and strategist by experience, and a creative at heart. I’ve always been deeply curious about the human condition — how we heal, connect, grow, and transform. That curiosity led me through a diverse and unconventional career path that has included ICU work in neuroscience and brain injury, research in integrative and psychedelic medicine, business development in healthcare, and community-building through music, art, and plant medicine. I also co-own a music label and collective called Public Secret, am a writer, public speaker, and musician.

I founded Beyond Consulting to bring all of that together — to be of service to mission-driven organizations at the intersection of science, healing, and innovation.

Our Core Services:

Clinic & Center Development: We build and scale clinical practices in integrative medicine and psychedelic-assisted therapy, including brick-and-mortar clinics and retreat centers.

Research Design & Strategy: We develop decentralized research studies and research programs for plant medicine, psychedelics, and botanical/natural product brands.

Strategic Advisory & Fractional Leadership: We provide consulting and contractor support for nonprofits, biotechs, and psychedelic organizations — including fractional COO, research director, and clinical operations roles.

Launch & Growth Support: From protocol development to community engagement and marketing strategy, we help visionary teams go from concept to execution.

Our clients range from psychedelic-assisted therapy clinics and biotech startups to functional mushroom farms and natural product brands. We help launch clinics, design protocols, structure research partnerships, build membership models, plan go-to-market strategy, and craft powerful messaging that is both evidence-based and soul-led.

What sets us apart is not just what we do — it’s how we do it. I understand both the science and the spirit. I speak the language of data, but I also understand culture, story, and community. I’ve worked in high-stakes clinical environments and co-led women’s circles under the stars. I’ve sat at the bedside, in the boardroom, and on the dancefloor — and I bring all of that lived experience into the way I build relationships and support projects.

What I’m most proud of is the way Beyond has grown — not from a flashy launch or a traditional business plan, but through connection. I left my last full-time job knowing I wanted to work in psychedelic medicine, but found that many of the roles didn’t quite fit. So I started showing up — at conferences, in conversation, and eventually by hosting a private dinner series for people working in psychedelics, plant medicine, and mushrooms. The connections I made through those gatherings became collaborators, clients, and friends. That’s when I realized I didn’t need to wait for someone to hire me — I could build something that served the ecosystem in a unique way.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and Beyond Consulting, it’s this: we are here to support the emergence of a new paradigm — one that is scientifically rigorous, culturally conscious, and deeply human. Whether we’re helping launch a clinic, write a research protocol, or design an event, our work is grounded in care, clarity, and a belief in what’s possible.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” – A classic, but still deeply relevant. It helped me realize that the “why” behind Beyond Consulting is what attracts aligned clients, not just the “what” we offer.

“Let My People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard – Patagonia’s founder shares his journey in building a purpose-first company. It taught me how integrity and environmental stewardship can coexist with profitability and global reach.

“Daily Rituals” by Mason Currey
A fascinating anthology of the everyday routines of famous artists, writers, and thinkers. Not prescriptive — but reminds you that creativity can thrive within wildly different structures.

Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom by Rick Hanson, Ph.D.

“Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, from Soul to Psychedelics”

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

A big part of what helped me build my reputation in this evolving space has been showing up with both expertise and authenticity — again and again. I’ve spoken at reputable conferences, intimate gatherings, and global events, including giving a TED talk on the role of psychedelics in healing and human connection. I’ve been invited onto podcasts, panels, and interviews, where I share both the science and the soul behind this work.

I’ve also contributed through writing — essays, educational content, and thought leadership pieces — to help demystify the field, expand the conversation, and advocate for safety, ethics, and innovation. These platforms have not only allowed me to share my voice, but to build genuine relationships across sectors.

Over time, this consistent visibility — paired with the depth of my work and the integrity behind it — has helped position me as a trusted bridge between science, clinical application, and the cultural movements shaping the future of plant medicine and integrative health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyondconsulting.life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steph__k
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-karzon-abrams-27027763/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondlife0
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/publicsecretmusic

Image Credits

Emily Eizen
Matt Abrams