The Executive Corner is a new weekly feature of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin. We send our participants forty questions and ask them to choose twenty they would like to answer. It includes a short profile and a link to their website. We hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin or its staff.
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PROFILE
Tim Ryan, Recovery Advocate
Despite a successful business career as a high-tech recruiter, Tim found himself in the grips of heroin use and ultimately was sentenced to prison for drug-related convictions. Tim was released in just 14 months, using his time behind bars to grasp sobriety through long-term recovery.
Six months after his release, tragedy struck. His 20-year-old son, Nick–for whom Tim had paved the way to use deadly drugs–died of an overdose. Nick’s death further catalyzed Tim’s mission to spread long-term recovery and real solutions to anyone who would listen.
“Having worked with treatment providers all around the world, I can confidently say that I have never seen a more dedicated team or a more comprehensive approach than I’ve seen at A Better Life Recovery. I am excited to see how this partnership blossoms.”
In addition to consulting organizations, communities, and lawmakers on how to combat the drug crisis facing our nation, Tim Ryan was the subject of the A&E documentary, Dope Man, reaching millions. He has been a featured thought leader in numerous national media, including USA Today, Newsweek, Chicago Tribune, and “The Steve Harvey Show” with Dr. Drew, and dozens of nationally syndicated radio shows. He was named “100 Most Influential leaders” by Real Leaders magazine. He is a Goodwill Ambassador, and was an invited guest by the U.S. President to the 2016 State of the Union Address. He is the author of the bestselling book, From Dope to Hope.
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your DOC and when did you discontinue its use? A. Alcohol, heroin, Coke anything and everything but heroin was the drug of choice. 100% clean and sober over 7 years.
Q. At which of the schools you attended did you learn the most? A. Truth be told I did not learn anything at school or College. My life was all about the party.
Q. Do you believe leaders are made or born? A. You are born to be a leader you just need the right tribe around you.
Q. Which film have you watched the most? A. Frozen, due to my Daughter Mackenzie
Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery? A. My wife Jennifer Gimenez!!!
Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, or mountaintop, or penthouse? A. The Ocean, south Florida
Q. What is your favorite hotel or resort? A. Turtle Bay in Hawaii
Q. Where do you go to “get away”? A. South Florida, Hawaii
Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve? A. People who do not follow through, they just talk with no action.
Q. How do you measure success? A. By finding your true purpose in life.
Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to? A. A Man In Recovery Foundation www.amirf.org
Q. Who was your biggest influence throughout your life? A. My Father
Q. What is your current hobby? A. Still like to skydive and barefoot waterski
Q. What prominent fe/male figure would you most like to date? A. I married her. Go Jenny
Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, Living or dead, who would they be? (choose 4 if you think one might be too drunk or stoned to attend.) A. Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, That’s it.
Q. What is your FAVORITE Radio show, news show? A. No time for news or radio
Q. What is your FAVORITE APP, or Podcast? A. No time
Q. What is your FAVORITE TV/cable/digital series? A. Ray Donavan, Queen Of The South
Q. Who is your FAVORITE Director? A. Quinten Tarantino
Q. What is your FAVORITE Museum? A. Field Museum Chicago
Q. What is your FAVORITE Band/composer/musical artist? A. Rammstein
Q. What is your FAVORITE Broadway musical/play? A. River Dance
Q. Who is your FAVORITE Psychologist or what school of thought as related to psychology? A. Dr. Gabor Maté
Q. What is your FAVORITE Sport to watch? To play? A. Hockey, if any
Q. What is your FAVORITE Snack? A. Coffee
Q. What is your FAVORITE Cuisine? A. Surf n Turf
Q. What is your FAVORITE Restaurant? A. Chicago Chop House
Q. What is your FAVORITE City? A. Chicago
Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for? A. A Number of Dwi’s Driving on a revoked a number of times and drug possession.
Q. Do you have any children? A. 5, one is flying with the angels due to this disease
Q. Do you think the U.S. should adopt the Portuguese Decriminalization Model? A. In some ways, we need more access to long term treatment and true wrap around long term recovery services.
Q. What books are you reading now? A. As Needed For Pain by Dan Peres..
Q. Do you take work home with you? A. My work is 24×7 but I do not call it work I am blessed to do what I do.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? A. You are owed nothing. You want something work for it. No free rides.
Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, a disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate? A. The Chicken or the Egg. Does not matter. Just put your hand up and ask for help.
Q. What are five things you always carry with you? A. A positive attitude, a cell phone, note book, Narcan and a cup of coffee.
Q. What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? A. Being lost in addiction
Q. What is the proudest moment in your life? A. I have a few, The birth of my kids, getting married to Jennifer Gimenez, being invited to the 2016 State Of The Union Address and my Documentary DopeMan that aired on A&E
Q. Is there a favorite “Quote” you would like to share? A. Sobriety Does Not Suck
Q. What is your favorite Weekly News Bulletin? A. THIS ONE…