As a dedicated advocate for addiction recovery, my journey is not just professional but personal. Having navigated the path of recovery myself, I understand the critical need for quality support and resources. This understanding fuels my commitment to aid others in their journey to lasting recovery.
At the heart of my career is establishing and nurturing Elevate Recovery Homes, True North Recovery Services, and All The Way Well. Each of these entities reflects a facet of my dedication to holistic recovery support. Through Elevate Recovery Homes, I focus on providing safe, nurturing transitional housing, creating a conducive environment for healing and growth. With True North Recovery Services, my emphasis lies in offering personalized, evidence-based clinical treatment, guiding individuals through the intricacies of recovery. All The Way Well represents the culmination of these efforts, forming a community centered on wellness and sustained recovery. It’s a space where individuals are empowered to reach their fullest potential, supported by resources and a network that understands the multifaceted nature of recovery.
My mission transcends providing services; it fosters hope, nurtures growth, and celebrates every step towards a healthier, fulfilling life. I am here to support, guide, and walk alongside those on their recovery journey, ensuring they have the tools and community needed to live their best lives.
Company: True North Recovery Services
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Bryce Givens : My name is Bryce Givens, and I’m the Founder and CEO of True North Recovery Services. We are a substance use disorder treatment center based in Colorado, offering a range of services that include intensive outpatient programs (IOP), individual therapy, and group therapy. Our approach is grounded in helping individuals not only achieve sobriety but also build a sustainable recovery lifestyle, incorporating fitness, community, and personal growth. At True North, we’re committed to guiding people toward their “true north,” that sense of purpose and direction that leads to long-term recovery and a fulfilling life.
What does success mean to you beyond financial growth, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Bryce Givens : Success, to me, is about more than just financial growth—it’s about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Early in my career, I may have equated success with traditional markers like revenue or expansion. But over time, especially through my work at True North, my definition has evolved. Now, success means seeing individuals transform their lives, reconnect with their families, and build lasting recovery. It’s about fostering a community where people can thrive holistically, not just overcome addiction. When I see our clients regain their sense of purpose and well-being, that’s the true measure of success for me. It’s fulfilling to know that we’re part of something bigger—helping people find their own “true north” and guiding them through their recovery journey.
Can you share a specific failure or major setback that unexpectedly led to a significant breakthrough in your career?
Bryce Givens : One major setback I experienced recently was when we were expanding True North, and we faced significant regulatory hurdles. We had put a lot of time and resources into opening two new facilities, only to encounter delays and obstacles related to zoning and licensing that we hadn’t anticipated. It felt like a huge setback at the time—our plans were stalled, and it affected both our team and the clients who were counting on us.
However, this challenge forced us to rethink our approach to growth and sharpen our focus on navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations. In the process, we built stronger relationships with local officials, developed a more robust compliance strategy, and ultimately became more resilient as a company. This experience also made us more adaptable and prepared for future expansion efforts. What initially seemed like a roadblock ended up being a valuable learning experience, making True North a stronger organization in the long run, better equipped to serve our community.
How do you measure personal fulfillment and impact in your role as an entrepreneur or CEO?
Bryce Givens : As a CEO, I measure personal fulfillment and impact by the lives we’re able to touch and the tangible difference we make in our clients’ recovery journeys. Seeing people reconnect with their families, regain their health, and discover a new sense of purpose is incredibly fulfilling. Beyond the day-to-day operations, it’s the success stories—the moments when a client shares how True North helped them reclaim their life—that really highlight the impact we’re making.
I also measure fulfillment by the culture we’ve built within our organization. Creating a supportive, mission-driven environment for my team, where everyone feels aligned with our values and motivated to help others, brings me a lot of personal satisfaction. Knowing that we’re not only growing as a business but also fostering a community that promotes real change and resilience in people’s lives is how I gauge my personal success in this role.
What unconventional advice or practice has helped you overcome challenges and redefine your approach to business?
Bryce Givens : One unconventional practice that has helped me overcome challenges and redefine my approach to business is incorporating mindfulness and self-care into both my personal life and our organizational culture. Early in my career, I was focused on constantly pushing forward, often at the expense of my own well-being. Over time, I realized that running a successful business—especially in the recovery space—requires a clear mind and a balanced approach to leadership.
Now, I emphasize mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and physical fitness not only for myself but for my team as well. These practices help me stay grounded, make better decisions, and avoid burnout. They’ve also improved my ability to lead with empathy and resilience, which has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. By prioritizing mental and physical health, I’ve been able to foster a work environment that encourages balance and personal growth, which has led to a stronger, more resilient organization.
How have your setbacks shaped the culture and values of your organization? Can you give an example of how these values are reflected in daily operations?
Bryce Givens : My setbacks have really been the foundation for shaping the culture and values at True North. Going through my own struggles and watching our business hit roadblocks has taught me the importance of resilience, transparency, and authenticity—values that now run through everything we do. For me, it’s about keeping things real and not pretending like we’ve got it all figured out, because I know firsthand that growth comes from the hard stuff.
One example of how these values show up in our daily operations is in how we approach both our clients and our team. We make it a point to foster an environment where it’s okay to be vulnerable, where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles—whether it’s about recovery or work. I’ve been there, so I want people to know it’s okay to fail, to stumble, and then to get back up stronger.
In team meetings, we don’t sugarcoat things. If there’s a challenge, we face it head-on and figure it out together. I encourage everyone to give honest feedback, even if it’s hard to hear, because that’s how we grow—through sincere candor and support. It’s that realness that not only helps us serve our clients better but also builds a deeper sense of trust within our team.
