Meet Steven Haden

We recently connected with Steven Haden and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

Growing up in Hannibal, Missouri, a quaint town nestled along the Mississippi River and famously known as the home of Mark Twain, I was constantly surrounded by stories of adventure and possibility. Amidst the charm of steamboats and historic sites, it was my beloved grandfather who left the most profound mark on my life. His unwavering wisdom and guidance taught me to approach every opportunity with a simple yet powerful question: “Why not?”

This phrase became the lens through which I viewed the world, a framework that fueled my ambitions and opened doors I never imagined possible. Encouraged by my grandfather’s belief in endless possibilities, I embraced challenges and pursued my dreams with determination and courage.

From the heart of the Midwest, I ventured far beyond the borders of my small town. My journey led me to the White House, where I worked in the office of media relations. I then transitioned to a global consulting firm, where I tackled complex problems and crafted innovative solutions. Each step of the way, the spirit of “Why not?” propelled me forward, guiding my decisions and emboldening my actions.

Eventually, I channeled my passion and experiences into founding two organizations dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Envision:You, a nonprofit, and You:Flourish, a for-profit social impact company, both stand as testaments to the power of asking “Why not?” and the profound impact it can have on creating positive change.

As I reflect on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the early lessons my grandfather instilled in me. His simple yet profound encouragement transformed a small-town kid into a leader and advocate, creating opportunities and making a difference in the lives of many. Hannibal may be where my story began, but it was the boundless possibilities inspired by my grandfather’s wisdom that shaped my path and fueled my dreams.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

A significant part of my story includes overcoming challenges in my family life and personal struggles with mental health and substance use. In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. Substance abuse eventually led to a profound and debilitating crisis. As I recovered and found hope, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to meaningful work.

I began by assisting incarcerated women in California through a nonprofit, helping them discover hope in their lives, too. This experience inspired me to return to school and earn a master’s degree in social work. Now, as a therapist, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur, I find my work both incredibly important and rewarding.

My current project is the recent launch of You:Flourish, a wellness platform that offers free support and resources to members of the LGBTQ+ community to improve their well-being. Your readers can join our community by visiting www.youflourish.app.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three skills that have propelled my life forward—both personally and professionally—are curiosity, which fuels my continual learning and exploration; drive and determination, which empower me to push forward no matter the obstacles; and strong communication skills, which enable me to be an effective advocate.

Improving Curiosity:
1. **Ask Questions:** Make it a habit to ask “why” and “how” about the world around you. This not only deepens your understanding but also keeps your mind engaged.
2. **Explore New Interests:** Step out of your comfort zone and try learning about topics or skills outside your usual interests. This broadens your perspective and keeps your curiosity alive.
3. **Read Widely:** Consume books, articles, and other media across various subjects. The more diverse your reading, the more connections you can make between different ideas.

Improving Drive and Determination:
1. **Set Clear Goals:** Define what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Clear goals give you a direction and make it easier to stay motivated.
2. **Stay Resilient:** Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Developing a resilient mindset helps you persevere through difficulties.
3. **Celebrate Progress:** Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This reinforces your commitment and boosts your motivation to keep pushing forward.

Improving Communication Skills:
1. **Practice Active Listening:** Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting. This helps you understand their perspective and respond thoughtfully.
2. **Engage in Public Speaking:** Take opportunities to speak in front of others, whether in small groups or larger audiences. Practice helps build confidence and clarity in your communication.
3. **Seek Feedback:** Ask for constructive feedback on your communication style and work on areas that need improvement. Continuous refinement of your skills makes you a more effective advocate.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

As an LGBTQ+ nonprofit leader and start-up founder, raising funds for life-changing initiatives is an extraordinary challenge. Sadly, less than one percent of philanthropic dollars and early-stage capital go to founders like myself. Despite the significant size and needs of our community, the resources to address these issues are limited. With the right financial support, we can tackle the systemic issues that prevent many LGBTQ+ individuals from living their best lives. We can develop solutions, programs, and services that offer hope for a better future. Additionally, we have the opportunity to help people discover their own talents, fostering more affirming and supportive communities.

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