Mental Health Matters: Insights from the Collective Wellness Institute

Celebrating Small Family Businesses

Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of family-owned businesses, this episode features Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons, founders of the Collective Wellness Institute in Tampa.

The conversation includes the origins of their practice, highlighting Sh'nai's journey as a therapist who aimed to create a welcoming environment within mental health services.

The Simmons's share personal insights from their nearly 30 years of working together, discussing how their partnership in business has strengthened their marriage. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of being a family business, offering valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.

With a blend of humor and sincerity, Sh'nai and Taiwan reveal how their relationship dynamics influence their professional roles, managing the balance between personal and business life.

They also touch on the significance of having accountability partners and a supportive community, advocating for the importance of connection and shared experiences among family business owners. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact of collaboration and mutual respect in both personal and professional realms.

The discussion emphasizes the connection between workplace culture and mental health, with the Simmons's advocating for businesses to take an active role in supporting their employees' mental well-being.

The Simmonses emphasize that mental wellness should not be viewed solely as an insurance issue but as a collective responsibility that affects everyone, including employers, employees, and the broader community.

The episode also highlights the practical aspects of their work, as the Simmons's discuss the tangible benefits that wellness programs can bring to businesses, such as reduced turnover and enhanced employee satisfaction.

They detail the staggering costs associated with employee replacement and how investing in mental health can lead to significant savings for companies.

Their innovative approach focuses on offering affordable wellness programs that not only enhance employee retention but also promote a healthy workplace atmosphere, ultimately contributing to a thriving business environment.

They paint a picture of how mental health is everyone's business and underscore the need for community support and collaboration in fostering a culture of wellness.

Their vision for the future includes developing digital products that will allow them to expand their reach and impact.

Ultimately, their insights provide a roadmap for integrating mental health into the fabric of workplace culture, offering listeners practical strategies for enhancing both personal and organizational wellness.

Learn more about them at https://thecollectivewellnessinstitute.com/

00:00 Welcome to Celebrating Small Family Businesses

00:23 Introducing the Collective Wellness Institute

01:24 Scaling and Workplace Wellness

02:33 Insurance Costs and Corporate Wellness Programs

03:38 The Importance of Employee Retention

05:08 The Journey of Sh'nai and Taiwan Simmons

06:20 Balancing Marriage and Business

08:16 Appreciating Each Other's Strengths

10:35 Challenges and Growth in Marriage

12:17 The Role of Emotional Intelligence

15:43 Sh'nai's Background and Purpose

19:26 Life and Business as a Chess Game

22:00 Taking Business Seriously, Not Ourselves

23:04 Overcoming Fear and Trusting the Process

23:35 Balancing Faith and Practicality

25:37 Control vs. Influence

26:36 Personal Growth and Business Success

27:43 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

34:01 The Importance of Community and Accountability

38:20 Future Plans and Digital Expansion

41:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell