“Our mission is to break the vicious cycle of substance use and bring healing to those suffering from mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.”
In this insightful interview, we delve into the world of Kathy Ireland, a prominent figure whose impact stretches far beyond the realms of modeling and fashion into the critical area of wellness and rehabilitation. As the visionary behind kathy ireland® Recovery Centers (ki®RC), Ireland has transformed her compassion and commitment into a pioneering force in the battle against substance abuse and mental health challenges.
With a deep-seated mission to provide healing and hope, these centers stand as a testament to her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those grappling with addiction. Her holistic approach intertwines cutting-edge treatments with individualized care, reflecting her belief in the dignity and worth of every person.
Throughout our conversation, Kathy Ireland shares her expansive views on not only managing and expanding a network of recovery centers but also how she seamlessly integrates wellness into her corporate empire, kathy ireland® Worlwide (kiWW®).
Her philosophy of placing people over profits resonates through her strategic business maneuvers and personal anecdotes, offering a rare glimpse into the ethos that drives her multifaceted career.
Name: Kathy Ireland
Company: kathy ireland Worldwide
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Table of Contents
What Inspired Development Of Kathy Ireland® Recovery Centers, And What Mission Do They Aim To Fulfill?
Kathy Ireland: This is a dream and a need realized. Wonderful, beautiful people—friends, family, valuable members of society—are tragically losing their lives to substance use disorder every day.
Our mission is to break the vicious cycle of substance use and bring healing to those suffering from mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. People must understand they are valued, that they are not alone, and that recovery is possible.
Can You Discuss Any Innovative Treatments Or Programs That Your Recovery Centers Have Implemented?
Kathy Ireland: As we are experiencing a rise in mental health and substance use disorders, having integrative and comprehensive programs that can quickly pivot based on each person’s evolving needs is critical. We serve our clients on an individual basis versus an institutional scale.
This model allows us to provide solutions to the unique challenges they are facing. We offer award-winning telehealth technology solutions through our partners at Let’s Talk Interactive (LTI).
LTI connects those in need of remote treatment with the largest network of behavioral health specialists. ki®RC are equipped with experienced professionals who utilize evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality clinical care for treating addiction, mental health, and trauma with both inpatient and outpatient services.
How Do You Ensure That The Recovery Centers Stay Ahead In The Competitive Field Of Wellness And Rehabilitation?
Kathy Ireland: Our programs span a continuum of care options including adult and adolescent services, medication-assisted treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. Our sober living homes provide 24/7 access to clinical teams with group and individual therapy options available. Each patient has their personal needs; our focus is providing access to a diverse range of treatment options.
In What Ways Do Your Recovery Centers Impact The Local Communities They Are Part Of?
Kathy Ireland: We experience lives being saved and changed through our recovery centers. Not only is the individual impacted, but the entire community and beyond receive the blessing of a healthy person who is eager and equipped to make a positive difference in this world.
We have spent years advocating for better health in communities around the country. Our goal is to ensure that no community gets left behind in the effort to destigmatize treatment for SUDs and co-occurring disorders. Millions of families live with the effects of these conditions every day.
We are offering services designed to relieve symptoms and break the cycle of addiction, both in person and through our virtual telehealth services.
As A Business Leader, How Do You Integrate Wellness Into The Corporate Culture At Kathy Ireland® Worldwide?
Kathy Ireland: Recognizing the value of each unique team member is a catalyst for innovation at kiWW®. Our company incorporates mental health and wellness into our business by providing a safe work environment for all, without exception.
No one should ever suffer in silence. If there are private or personal concerns, we also ensure every individual has access to the mental and physical health resources they may need.
Over Your Career, How Have You Seen The Perception Of Wellness Evolve In The Business World?
Kathy Ireland: We are seeing a tangible, palpable level of awareness focused on substance use disorder. Growing up, it was commonplace to experience television shows where adults would regularly have alcoholic beverages during their lunch break and immediately upon returning home from work—that was the culture of the day.
We now see that landscape shifting. It is encouraging to experience the alertness and effort being put forth to support sober living in the workplace and beyond. Today, many companies encourage exercise and mental health breaks.
When we have team meetings, we strive to deliver everyone a healthy meal, as well as time for mental recuperation after lengthy meetings. We find our collaborative efforts are much more productive when these measures are implemented. kiWW® has always been a people-over-profits organization, and we are grateful there is a growing awareness of the importance of this perspective in the business world.
What Strategies Have Proven Most Effective In ScalIng Your Businesses While Maintaining A Commitment To Health And Wellness?
Kathy Ireland: People over profits! Early on in our company’s history, there was a very popular children’s product we designed for the home industry. We quickly learned the manufacturer of this particular product was using a component that was banned in the state of California, due to potential dangers.
However, there was no regulation in other states at the time. Our manufacturer suggested we move forward with selling in unregulated states as this product was in high demand. Our response? A firm no. If there are products that are not deemed safe for our children to use in California, how could we possibly offer them to children in other states knowing the risk of potential harm?
Mindfulness and ethical boundaries are crucial when providing a product or service to anyone.
Can You Share How You Balance A Demanding Professional Life With Personal Wellness And Health?
Kathy Ireland: Priorities! Faith, family, then business—or an acronym We like to use: J-O-Y stands for Jesus, Others, You. The moment those priorities fall out of place, so does everything else! Not everyone on our team shares these priorities, however for me, this is crucial.
One example is serving as an ambassador in collaboration with MainStreetChamber Holdings (U.S. OTC – MSCH). This is a company that is doing powerful work in many sectors of business, from serving families with their laundry needs to real estate investments, merchant services, furniture, sustainable moving and more.
To learn more about this exciting company and their work with ki®RC, please visit www.msch.com, and navigate to the Contact Us section. It’s exciting knowing that not only are people receiving great products, services and value, the fact that countless jobs are being created is truly fulfilling!
What Are The Most Significant Changes You’ve Observed In The Wellness Industry Over The Past Two Decades?
Kathy Ireland: There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to health. Many individuals are leaning into holistic ways of feeling better. Our customer is looking for natural products that don’t have harmful side effects.
Today the customer is educated, they are making a conscious decision to inform themselves before buying a product. Reading labels and ingredients, researching the ethics of the companies with whom they shop. We are encouraged and overjoyed that our customers are savvy and informed.
They demand to know what is safe and sustainable and it is an honor to exceed our customers’ expectations.
Looking Forward, Where Do You See The Biggest Opportunities For Innovation In The Wellness Sector?
Kathy Ireland: An even greater return to solutions found in nature, like healthy farm-to-table produce with minimal processing.
What Personal Wellness Practices Do You Find Most Effective For Managing Stress And Maintaining Energy?
Kathy Ireland: Again, it’s about honoring priorities. Faith, family, then being of service through our business—being intentional with time, not overscheduling or over-commiting.
Something that reduces stress is wisdom from my favorite Book—that is to consider others as more important than yourself. Many believe this is counterproductive in business, yet it works for us!
How Do You Approach Learning And Adopting New Wellness Trends Or Technologies?
Kathy Ireland: You must do your due diligence when approaching new trends and technologies, especially in the sphere of wellness. Start with curiosity and gratitude. Do a deep dive into understanding the implications.
How does it work? Is it safe? Is there efficacy? Understanding the benefits is critical. As an example of new technologies, after much vetting and research, we recently developed a beautiful collection of kathy ireland® Watches and Sleep Bracelets with our partner Philip Stein.
These products use natural frequency technology—a method that harnesses the Earth’s natural frequencies to promote better sleep and reduce stress.
We’ve rigorously tested these wellness products for both safety and efficacy, achieving remarkable results.
In What Ways Do You Think Wellness Practices Will Change In Corporate America In The Next Decade?
Kathy Ireland: Keeping your team healthy is not only the right thing to do, it’s also smart for business. Workweek burnouts reduce the effectiveness of your immune system, while simultaneously increasing cortisol levels. This leaves you vulnerable to getting sick. Recognizing ways to eliminate stress and implement a healthy lifestyle is critical to productivity.
Many of our company’s non-profit causes are supported by annual walks or runs that promote a healthy, physically active lifestyle. Get to know your business family, make sure work hours are flexible for those who need it.
This is especially important for team members who are caring for young children or tending to family members with special needs.
Can You Share A Challenge You’ve Faced In Integrating Wellness Into Your Business Models And How You Addressed It?
Kathy Ireland: Business often demands long travel days and latenight meetings. Such schedules make it tough to find time or energy for exercise beyond basic activities like climbing stairs or walking short distances.
Managing your calendar effectively is crucial—don’t let it control you. While a heavy workload is sometimes necessary, we strive to balance demanding periods with time for health and wellness, ensuring every team member maintains a well-rounded lifestyle.
What Advice Would You Give To Young Entrepreneurs Aiming To Make A Mark In The Wellness Industry?
Kathy Ireland: Congratulations! You are entering an exciting arena filled with potential. Healthy competition bolsters innovation and that innovation inspires the breakthrough solutions our customers are looking for. My advice?
Distinguish yourself with excellent products and services. Bring your customer great value and earn trust. Listen to your customer, seek to anticipate her needs, address them in powerful ways… and always be honest.
How Has Your Approach To Health And Wellness Changed As Your Career Has Evolved?
Kathy Ireland: All things are approached with a heightened aware- 17 ness of what goes in and on the body. We only have one body, we must take care of it!
What Is One Wellness Myth You Would Like To Debunk Based On Your Experiences?
Kathy Ireland: There are no magic pills! While pharmaceuticals can play a very necessary role in our lives, we must also have a deep understanding of the risks versus benefits of every health choice, including what you are consuming.
Look at the case studies. Have there been time-tested clinical trials? Are the results of those studies available for public review? Always ask questions and seek to get answers. You must educate yourself… No one is immune to making poor decisions.
From the food you consume, to the makeup you put on or the medications you’re told are safe, always seek to understand the risks versus the benefit before making that decision.
Could You Share An Example Of A Significant Wellness Success Story From Your Business Or Personal Life?
Kathy Ireland: In personal life, we have many team members who have suffered from various addictions. Some later in life, others since their teenage years. A powerful executive comes to mind… his choice for sobriety is something for which our entire team is grateful.
We would not have the successes we have today without his choice for sobriety. He is an inspiration to us all. Another success story comes from our dear friend, Louis Zamperini.
The 2018 film “Unbroken: Path to Redemption” is a sequel to the film “Unbroken,” directed by Angelina Jolie. In this encouraging sequel, you will experience Louis’ struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety upon his return to the U.S. after surviving WWII and the hope of being set free.
How Do You Ensure Your Wellness Initiatives Are Inclusive And Accessible To A Diverse Workforce?
Kathy Ireland: Our team is made up of people from every background. Diversity includes the diversity of thought. If someone has a religious belief or personal preference that is in opposition to any form wellness treatment, exercise regimen or autonomous care, that will always be honored.
We will never place a mandate on someone’s personal health decisions. We will share wellness initiatives and encourage healthy lives for all while allowing each person to choose what works for them. We honor their freedom.
What Long-term Impacts Do You Hope To See From Your Investments In Health And Wellness?
Kathy Ireland: A healthier, more joyous workforce—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When a company culture of health occurs, people not only feel better, they work better and we have a more productive and effective workforce. People feel good about their accomplishments, which builds a positive upward cycle. We recognize there is work that must be accomplished.
This happens most effectively when people are well cared for and health is honored as a priority. A great mentor of ours, Warren Buffett, once said, “You only get one mind and one body. And it’s got to last a lifetime.” We maintain our vehicles like clockwork.
We change the oil, top off the gas, kick the tires, check for rust. Why wouldn’t we give ourselves the same attention? Is our health any less important than our belongings?
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Kathy Ireland for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Kathy Ireland or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The WellnessVoice Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
Rockstar Profile
Beyond The Spotlight: Kathy Ireland’s Mission In Mental Health And Recovery
Kathy Ireland’s evolution from iconic supermodel to business mogul has been remarkable, but her passionate venture into wellness through the kathy ireland® Recovery Centers (ki®RC) showcases a different facet of her commitment to making a difference.
Known for her sharp acumen, Kathy has expanded her empire to focus profoundly on health and wellness, emphasizing accessible and compassionate recovery solutions. ki®RC symbolize her dedication to providing comprehensive care in addiction recovery, embodying her holistic approach to health and well-being.
From Business Success To Health And Wellness Advocacy
First globally recognized for her striking presence in Sports Illustrated, Kathy Ireland’s shift from supermodel to business mogul showcases audacity and insight.
Starting in the early ‘90s, her initial business venture was not merely an endorsement but a strategic move into entrepreneurship with her own sock line. This endeavor was immensely successful, selling over 100 million pairs and leading to a crucial partnership with Kmart.
This partnership expanded her brand into a full clothing line, marking her transition from high fashion to becoming an icon of entrepreneurial spirit.
Her business ventures were not just leveraging her fame; they were a commitment to building a sustainable brand. The success of her early products laid the foundation for kathy ireland® Worldwide, a global conglomerate spanning from interior design to financial services.
As her business empire grew, so did her awareness of the broader social impacts she could influence. This realization led Kathy to channel her entrepreneurial passion into areas deeply personal and universally vital—health and wellness.
The establishment of ki®RC marks a pivotal extension of her commitment, translating her business acumen into a force for tangible good, addressing critical needs in mental health and addiction recovery.
Leading With Empathy: The Birth Of Kathy Ireland® Recovery Centers
Responding to the urgent need for compassionate and comprehensive addiction treatment services, Kathy leveraged her business prowess to establish ki®RC.
Launched in 2021 in Laconia, New Hampshire, this initiative marks the beginning of a planned nationwide network of outpatient recovery centers focused on treating mental health issues and substance use.
They are designed to provide equitable and affordable care to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, aiming to expand access to quality care through collaborative efforts. Kathy’s vision was to create an environment where individuals could seek treatment in dignity and privacy, supported by cutting-edge research and therapeutic methods.
In Kathy Ireland’s own words, “each of us has, will, or is engaged in the war on addiction. It is not a health crisis that anyone can avoid confronting in some form”.
A Holistic Approach To Recovery
At the core of ki®RC is the belief in treating the whole person. Kathy’s philosophy integrates personalized medicine, innovative clinical strategies, and holistic treatment plans that include nutritional counseling, physical fitness, and mental health services.
This approach ensures that every aspect of an individual’s health is addressed during their recovery journey, making the centers a beacon of comprehensive care in the healthcare industry.
Kathy’s philosophy is that recovery is not just about overcoming physical dependencies but also about fostering a complete, healthy lifestyle.
The facilities offer a range of services from detoxification to counseling and aftercare, all tailored to individual needs, ensuring that each person receives the support necessary for a successful recovery journey.
Empowering Communities: Education And Outreach At Ki®rc
ki®RC also focuses on community outreach and education to prevent addiction and promote mental health awareness. The clinics host workshops and seminars that are open to the public, providing valuable information about the signs of addiction, the importance of early intervention, and strategies for maintaining mental wellness.
These programs are designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to support themselves and their loved ones in times of crisis.
Innovations In Treatment: Integrating Modern Techniques With Compassionate Care
At ki®RC, innovative treatment strategies are at the forefront of their approach to addiction and mental health recovery. The centers integrate a range of modern therapeutic techniques designed to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of their condition.
This includes the use of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which are renowned for their effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The recovery centers also focus on the importance of personalized care, understanding that each individual’s journey to recovery is unique.
Clients appreciate the centers’ use of evidence-based treatment methods, which are tailored to individual needs. This personalized approach ensures successful outcomes by addressing both substance use disorders and related dual diagnoses.
It emphasizes quality care and support, fostering a nurturing environment that aids in the recovery journey. This is reflected in the positive reviews and testimonials found on various review platforms, highlighting the effectiveness and compassion of the treatment provided at kiRC®.
Partnership With Healthcare Providers
To enhance the efficacy of its programs, ki®RC collaborates with a broad network of healthcare providers. This partnership extends to specialists in mental health, addiction, nutrition, and general wellness, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered and treated cohesively.
These collaborations help to create a comprehensive support system around each patient, crucial for effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Extending A Helping Hand Beyond The Centers
Kathy Ireland’s commitment to wellness extends beyond the walls of her recovery centers. Her advocacy for health and wellness is reflected in her support for various non-profit organizations that focus on health research, disease prevention, and community wellness programs.
Through her public appearances and philanthropic efforts, Kathy continuously drives conversations about the importance of mental health and the need for accessible treatment options. Her comprehensive approach ensures that the conversation around mental health is inclusive, addressing the needs of individuals from all walks of life and empowering communities to seek help and support.
Also, this commitment was prominently displayed through her role as an executive producer for the documentary “Anxious Nation.” This film tackles the growing anxiety crisis among America’s youth, highlighting the diverse experiences and struggles faced by individuals dealing with anxiety. By bringing these stories to the forefront, Ireland aims to shed light on the urgent need for better mental health resources and support systems.
The documentary not only explores the personal impact of anxiety but also emphasizes the broader societal challenges that exacerbate mental health issues, underscoring Ireland’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering a greater understanding of mental health.
Looking Forward: The Future Of Kathy Ireland® Recovery Centers
As ki®RC continues to grow and evolve, Kathy remains committed to its expansion and the integration of even more advanced treatment options.
Her vision for the future includes broadening the reach of ki®RC to new communities and continuing to innovate in ways that improve recovery processes. With Kathy at the helm, the potential for transformative impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction is boundless.
Conclusion: A Legacy Of Compassion And Innovation
Kathy Ireland’s journey from supermodel to wellness leader is not just inspiring; it’s a powerful reminder of how determination, compassion, and visionary leadership can transform lives. Her work with kathy ireland® Recovery Centers highlights her unwavering commitment to health and recovery, showcasing her as a true pioneer in the wellness industry.
Kathy continues to inspire and impact the world, not only through her business achievements but also through her profound commitment to improving lives.
