Meet Ian Bracken

We recently connected with Ian Bracken and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, is rooted in the crucible of a childhood filled with challenges. My journey began in a home where struggle was a constant companion. My parents divorced when I was six, after years of relational difficulties and an often absent father. Our financial situation was dire from the time I was six until I turned 15. Living on a farm in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, 45 miles from civilization, demanded resourcefulness. I had to learn to work with my hands, building and repairing things, and thinking critically about the consequences of my actions. These early lessons in self-reliance were the bedrock of my resilience.

At 12, life handed me another challenge: a diagnosis of type one diabetes. Managing this condition required me to develop a strong sense of personal responsibility and instill productive habits necessary for a successful life.

A significant turning point came when I moved in with my father and step-mother at age 15. They provided a supportive family environment and encouraged me to join the Texas High School football team. This experience taught me the value of working hard for a team goal rather than solely for personal achievements. Playing football in the sweltering Texas summer heat pushed my physical and mental limits, further honing my resilience.

My journey didn’t stop there. I pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from Baylor University. Alongside my academic achievements, I acquired technical certifications in fiber optics, electronics, and hydraulics from Texas State Technical College. This diverse skill set led me to spend three years working offshore in the sub-sea robotics industry. Piloting a remote-operated vehicle to build oil wells and salvage wreckage from the Katrina Hurricane disaster was a profound experience. The isolation of being on an oil rig, hundreds of miles from shore, underscored the importance of human relationships and community.

However, the solitude of the ocean made me yearn for a more grounded life. I transitioned to working at a Children’s Home, caring for youth with difficult upbringings and relational trauma histories. This work led me to Texas Christian University (TCU), where I trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and became a TBRI Mentor. This training was transformative. It helped me understand and process my own difficult childhood in a healthy way, allowing me to let go of my traumatic experiences with compassion and empathy. I learned that understanding generational trauma and feeling empathy for my caregivers’ struggles were far more healing than harboring blame.

In my journey of self-improvement, I began chasing a childhood dream again at the age of 37. I aspired to be the strongest man in the world, or at least one of the strongest. Now, I compete in strongman events across Texas and the nation. This August, I will compete in the Master’s 40+ regional qualifier, with hopes of qualifying for the Official Strongman Games (OSG) World Championship this winter.

Each phase of my life, from overcoming childhood adversities to navigating professional challenges and pursuing lifelong dreams, has built a resilience that continues to guide me. My story is one of resourcefulness, perseverance, and the unyielding belief that we can rise above our circumstances with compassion and strength.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My professional journey is a complex one, marked by a series of transformative experiences that ultimately led me to my true calling. I began my academic career with a degree in Education, hoping to shape young minds. However, upon graduation, job opportunities were scarce, leading me to pivot towards a different field. I enrolled in an intensive robotics program at Texas State Technical College, where I became a Hydraulic Technician and ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) pilot for Saipem America. This role was thrilling as I piloted ROVs to build oil wells and salvage wreckage from the Katrina Disaster of 2005. Despite the excitement, the job was isolating, and I longed for more meaningful human connections.

Seeking a return to my educational roots, I pursued a Master’s in Education at Baylor University. Post-graduation, I juggled substitute teaching at local schools and working nights as a youth care counselor at a children’s home. My dedication quickly led to promotions, culminating in roles such as Youth Care Counselor, Recreation Coordinator, Youth Services Supervisor, and Staff Trainer. It was during this period that I was introduced to Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), a transformative approach that became a cornerstone of my professional philosophy.

As a TBRI Practitioner and Mentor, I travel across the country with Texas Christian University (TCU), teaching professionals how to implement TBRI in their organizations. This role brought a profound sense of purpose, allowing me to share valuable insights on trauma-informed care. My journey then took me to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, where I served as a Texas Model Implementation Leader/Youth Activities Supervisor, overseeing statewide initiatives to foster better youth outcomes.

After several impactful years with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, I felt a calling to broaden my reach. I founded Phoenix Connection Consulting, a dedicated organization focused on eliminating adverse environments within various relationship-dependent systems, including families, workplaces, schools, and childcare centers. Our team of trauma-informed professionals, boasting over 50 years of combined experience, is committed to understanding trauma and its profound effects on behavior and relationships.

Phoenix Connection Consulting Services:

Trauma-Informed Training: We offer extensive training on trauma-informed practices, covering topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), attachment styles, behavior intervention strategies, emotional intelligence, and team building. These trainings help participants understand the impact of trauma on brain development and behavior, and how to implement effective trauma-informed care practices.

Parent and Family Support: We provide coaching and support for parents dealing with behavioral challenges and emotional dysregulation in their children. Utilizing TBRI, we help families build healthier relationships and develop effective parenting strategies.

Ongoing Implementation Consultation: For organizations looking to maintain a trauma-informed model, we offer ongoing consultation to ensure successful implementation and continuation of trauma-informed practices.

Social Emotional Skills Training: Our interactive training sessions focus on developing healthy identities, interactions, and relationships through activities like nurture groups and team building exercises.

Real-Time Coaching/Mentoring: We provide direct support to staff and individuals to develop a better understanding of attachment-related difficulties and to model trauma-informed solutions and engagement techniques.

Why Our Services are Essential:

Phoenix Connection Consulting addresses the root causes of many behavioral and relational issues by focusing on trauma and its long-term effects. Our comprehensive approach transforms organizational cultures, making them more supportive and effective. By fostering environments that are both structured and nurturing, we promote growth and opportunity for all involved, ensuring that both caregivers and those they support can thrive.

Testimonials:

Clients have praised Phoenix Connection Consulting for our impactful training and support. Vince Duran, Executive Director at Boys and Girls Country, highlighted the significant improvement in staff skills after our training sessions, while adoptive parent Daniel Donaldson appreciated the practical strategies provided to manage family dynamics during challenging times.

New Developments:

In my personal journey of self-improvement, I reignited a childhood dream at the age of 37. Aspiring to be one of the strongest men in the world, I now compete in strongman events across Texas and the nation. This August, I will be competing in the Master’s 40+ regional qualifier, with hopes of qualifying for the Official Strongman Games (OSG) World Championship this winter.

Additionally, I host “The Connection Podcast,” where I interview interesting people about their life journeys and adversities. You can find me on social media (TikTok/Instagram) under the handle @WSMvanillagorilla. For more information about my company, visit our website at Phoenixconnectionconsulting.com.

Overall, Phoenix Connection Consulting is dedicated to creating positive change and fostering resilience in individuals and organizations through our expert trauma-informed services. Our mission is to transform lives by addressing trauma at its roots, building healthier, more supportive environments for all.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong belief in personal accountability. These traits have not only shaped my professional and personal life but have also been pivotal in overcoming the numerous challenges I’ve faced.

Resilience: My resilience was forged in the crucible of a challenging childhood and honed through my diverse career experiences. The ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Life will inevitably throw curveballs your way, and it’s your response to these setbacks that will define your path. Cultivate a mindset that views obstacles as temporary and surmountable. Engage in practices like mindfulness, self-reflection, and maintaining a strong support network to bolster your resilience.

Resourcefulness: Growing up in a financially constrained environment, I learned to be resourceful out of necessity. This skill has served me well in every aspect of my career, from piloting ROVs in the sub-sea robotics industry to developing trauma-informed care practices. To develop resourcefulness, practice thinking outside the box and seeking creative solutions to problems. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, or leverage available resources to their fullest potential. Continuously learn and adapt; the more knowledge and skills you acquire, the more resourceful you become.

Strong Belief in Personal Accountability: Personal accountability has been a cornerstone of my success. Whether managing my diabetes, pursuing educational achievements, or transitioning through various career paths, taking responsibility for my actions and decisions has been paramount. For those starting their journey, I recommend setting clear goals and holding yourself accountable for achieving them. Reflect on your actions regularly, learn from your mistakes, and strive for continuous improvement. Accountability fosters integrity and reliability, which are invaluable in both personal and professional realms.

Advice for Developing These Qualities:

Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. Whether through formal education, self-study, or experiential learning, expanding your knowledge base will enhance your resourcefulness and resilience.

Seek Mentors and Role Models: Surround yourself with individuals who exemplify the qualities you aspire to develop. Learn from their experiences, seek their guidance, and apply their wisdom to your own journey.

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes goals less daunting but also allows for regular reflection and accountability.

Cultivate a Support Network: Build relationships with people who support and challenge you. A strong support network provides encouragement during tough times and valuable feedback for personal growth.

Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your experiences, successes, and areas for improvement. Self-reflection helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make informed decisions and adjustments.

By focusing on resilience, resourcefulness, and personal accountability, and by following these pieces of advice, individuals can navigate their journeys with greater confidence and effectiveness. These qualities have been instrumental in my life, and I believe they can be equally impactful for others.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The most important person who has supported my growth is my wife, Amber. Coming from a more secure family background than mine, Amber brought a sense of stability and motivation into my life that was crucial for my development. She is an incredibly motivated individual, constantly learning new skills and building strong relationships within our community. Her drive and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration for me.

Amber and I have cultivated a beautiful, earned secure relationship that is caring, compassionate, connected, supportive, encouraging, and loving. Her unwavering support and the journey we have embarked on together have been pivotal in shaping the person I am today. Amber’s influence has been profound in helping me develop resilience, resourcefulness, and personal accountability. She has been my anchor during challenging times, providing the emotional support and encouragement needed to persevere. Her perspective and insights have often guided me to make better decisions and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Additionally, my son Axel has been a remarkable teacher in my life. While many believe that parents are here to teach children life lessons, I have realized that children are actually created to teach adults life lessons. As parents, our role is to keep our children safe so they can complete their mission. Axel has imparted invaluable lessons in patience, humility, personal accountability, self-awareness, kindness, and empathy. His presence in my life has deepened my understanding of these qualities and has continually pushed me to be a better person.

Without the support of Amber and the lessons learned from Axel, I would not have been able to achieve many of the milestones in my professional and personal life. Our journey together has been a testament to the power of a supportive partnership and the incredible impact that family can have on personal growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: wsmvanillagorilla
• Other: TikTok: wsmvanillagorilla