Listen "Turning Pain into Purpose: Leadership, Sobriety, and Mental Health with Dan Flanagan"
Episode Synopsis
Dan Flanagan’s journey from addiction, family mental health struggles, and professional setbacks to one of purpose, service, and joy offers a powerful roadmap for transformation. Starting as a sales rep at Group Management Services, Dan faced personal challenges that eventually led him to re-evaluate his life. It wasn’t until May 2019 that he reached a breaking point with alcoholism. Committing to sobriety, now approaching six years, Dan’s foundation in faith and a "one day at a time" mindset has transformed his life. His family’s ongoing mental health struggles inspired him to co-found the Brain Enrichment Initiative (BEI), which offers a 16-week brain wellness curriculum in schools, empowering students to address emotional health proactively. Dan’s story highlights how our darkest moments can become catalysts for positive change and purpose, creating ripples that extend far beyond our own lives.Highlights of this episode:Achieving nearly six years of sobriety after hitting rock bottom in May 2019Growing up with a father battling clinical depression and a brother with schizoaffective disorderFounding the Brain Enrichment Initiative (BEI) to give students proactive mental wellness toolsImplementing a 16-week curriculum where older students (8th- 10th grade) mentor younger students (4th-6th grade)Focusing on proactive mental health solutions rather than reactive approachesFinding purpose in past pain by helping others avoid similar strugglesShifting from victim mentality to victor mentality through faith, sobriety, and focusing on what matters mostBuilding a nonprofit that addresses behavioral health issues before symptoms emergeCreating a model that helps students and relieves pressure on overextended teachershttps://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/episode-30-turning-pain-into-purpose-leadership-sobriety-mental-health-with-dan-flanagan/Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/ https://www.facebook.com/theboltwithtoddb https://www.instagram.com/theboltwithtoddb/ https://www.youtube.com/@theboltwithtoddb ⚡ Ready to ignite lasting transformation in your team or event? Book me for keynotes, corporate training, or Positive Intelligence® coaching at ToddBertsch.com
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