001 | From Wall Street Dreams to Addiction Recovery Advocate: Hazelden Betty Ford Executive Joseph Skrajewski’s Journey

About the Guest

Joseph Skrajewski is the National Director of Business Development at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Previously serving as the Director of Medical and Professional Education, Joseph has been instrumental in shaping addiction recovery policies and developing educational programs for physicians and healthcare professionals. His background includes significant contributions to public policy while working with leading figures in addiction medicine, such as Dr. Tom McClellan. Skrajewski holds a graduate degree in psychology and is a licensed counselor dedicated to improving lives through his work in addiction recovery and education.

Episode Summary

Welcome to the groundbreaking first episode of Becoming UnDone, a podcast designed for those willing to engage with life’s challenges head-on. Hosted by Toby Brooks, the debut episode invites listeners to join an eye-opening conversation with Joseph Skrajewski, whose trajectory from Wall Street hopeful to a pivotal figure in addiction recovery sets the stage for a rich discussion on resilience, transformation, and finding one’s true calling. Dive deep into stories of overcoming adversity and using setbacks as opportunities for growth, with Toby and Joseph as your knowledgeable guides.

Joseph’s story unfolds with his narrow escape from the 9/11 tragedy, an event that coincided with his career at the World Trade Center. This harrowing experience led him to confront and overcome substance use disorders, ultimately steering him towards a career he never anticipated in addiction recovery. Now at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center, Skrajewski’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and embracing the unknown. Highlights include Joseph’s impact on public policy for addiction treatment, his drive to educate the next generation of medical professionals, and his personal reflections on resilience. This conversation is not just a narrative of success but a blueprint for how to translate personal trials into triumphs.

Key Takeaways

• Joseph Skrajewski’s transformative journey from finance to addiction recovery was catalyzed by his experiences during and after the 9/11 attacks.
• Embracing failure and using it as a springboard for further success is central to Skrajewski’s philosophy and career.
• The intersection of professional achievement and personal well-being can lead to significant life changes.
• The story emphasizes the significance of pivoting to a career aligned with personal values and community impact.
• Joseph’s work with the Hazelden Betty Ford Center underscores the importance of addressing addiction with compassion and comprehensive support.

Notable Quotes

• “The life experiences that [Skrajewski] had and the things that had led him to the point where he realized he had to make a change.”
• “I knew what it felt like to be truly powerless over a situation.”
• “When I arrived here, I went through the interview process, and it was intense… But at the same time, I felt like I could have an even bigger impact in that new role.”
• “I just believed in leveraging the voice that I had to help others.”
• “I want to live a good, positive, profound, proactive, faith-filled life.”

Resources:

• Hazelden Betty Ford Center: hazeldenbettyford.org
• “The Matrix” reference for philosophical introspection
• For more information on Joseph Skrajewski’s work and educational offerings via Hazelden Betty Ford, consider exploring the resources available through their website and educational platforms.

Join us for this inspiring journey and continue to explore how mastering resilience can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Subscribe to Becoming UnDone for more compelling narratives and transformational insights.