Autumn Mize
Director of Operations
Welwynn Outpatient Center
Graduate of the Vistage Emerging Leader program and currently an active Member in the Vistage Small Business Owner Advisory Board
Raleigh’s leading intensive outpatient program for executives, professionals, and their families navigating drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Reasons for Engaging with Vistage
Welwynn has been a Member of Vistage for 5+ years with Welwynn leaders engaging in Small Business Owner, Key, Advancing Leader, and Emerging Leader Peer Advisory Boards.
In a recent interview, Autumn shared that her engagement in her two Vistage groups (a graduate of the Emerging Leader program and now an active Member of the Small Business Owner Advisory Board) has significantly shaped her growth both as a leader and within her business. “The support and insight from the group have helped me navigate complex challenges, from staffing issues to financial pressures. Having a 1:1 coach like Ana has been instrumental in building my confidence and leadership approach. She's inspired me to embrace more strategic thinking while encouraging me to take a proactive role in fostering a strong, values-based team culture”.
Autumn also shared that through the group's shared experiences, she has learned and finds herself leading with greater empathy, adaptability, and resilience, especially in the recovery and mental health care space. Vistage has helped her see her business challenges from new perspectives, providing solutions that have driven both personal and professional growth. “My engagement has transformed how I approach decision-making, communication, and long-term business goals.”
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
Autumn shared that the most impressive and surprising aspect of engaging in her 2 Vistage groups has been the profound sense of connection and support from other leaders who are navigating similar challenges from within companies that are vastly different than her own. She expected to gain valuable business insights, but didn’t anticipate how much personal growth would come from the experience. The vulnerability and openness within the groups created a space for genuine reflection and shared learning, which has been incredibly empowering.
What also surprised Autumn was how quickly the advice and perspectives from the groups have had a real impact on her leadership style. “I’ve become more self-aware, and the ability to tackle difficult issues, from operational stress to team dynamics, has improved significantly. The collective wisdom of the group often reveals solutions I hadn’t considered, helping me make better decisions and think more strategically”.
Autumn’s Professional and Personal Growth…
“One additional aspect I’d like to highlight about working with Ana and Chris as my Vistage Chairs is the deep personal investment they both bring to the table. It’s not just about offering business solutions or leadership advice; they truly care about my overall well-being and growth. Whether I’m facing a professional hurdle or a personal challenge, they take the time to listen, understand, and offer thoughtful support tailored to my unique situation.”
“Their leadership has fostered an environment where I feel empowered to take risks, challenge myself, and lean into discomfort, knowing I have a solid foundation of trust and encouragement behind me. The genuine care they show has been a key factor in my development, and I am incredibly grateful for the space they both provide for me to grow.”
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