Getting to Know Timothy Yeager

Thank you for participating in this conversation! Before we delve deeper, could you share some background about yourself? What motivated you to pursue this career path?

In fourth grade, I longed for a professional who could understand my struggles and support me through them. Unfortunately, that help never materialized. Today, I have the privilege of providing the care I once needed, developing professionals and systems that assist children during their most challenging moments.

The Disruption in Care Models

What aspects of your work are considered disruptive?

Our commitment to delivering high-quality therapy to autistic clients and their families is profound. We have discovered an approach that addresses the significant need in this area while ensuring the profitability of our business. We've established a model of care driven by client assent, fundamentally shifting the traditional clinician-led practice.

According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 36 children. This statistic highlights that, even if someone does not have an autistic child, they likely know someone who is. Parents and educators face substantial challenges, and communities must adapt to create inclusive environments.

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is recognized as the most effective treatment for children with autism, leading to significant, lasting improvements. Since insurance began funding ABA therapy in 2014, the industry has experienced rapid growth.

Regrettably, some for-profit entities prioritize profits over care, fostering a belief that high-quality care cannot coexist with financial viability. This has created a divisive narrative: not-for-profit organizations often represent the best services and uphold the values of evidence-based practices, while private equity-backed companies frequently focus solely on profit, viewing client outcomes as secondary.

The demand for services remains high, yet there is a shortage of skilled, trained clinicians. The absence of standardized quality metrics in this emerging field has led to inconsistent models of care that frequently fall short of meeting needs.

The systems required to effectively scale high-quality care are ripe for disruption, and we are leading the charge to demonstrate this potential.

The Necessity for Change

The industry's care models must evolve. Across the nation, we are facing critical moments where we must confront biases and histories to foster a more inclusive society. This challenge extends to the human services sector, where individuals with disabilities have long been viewed as lesser than others. For over 60 years, services have been delivered through a practitioner-led model that operates under the assumption that professionals know better than clients and their families, often leading to a paternalistic view.

Our clients should not be seen as needing to be saved but rather served. Neurodiverse individuals, regardless of their disability or delay, have the right to guide their treatment. This right to assent is akin to consent, emphasizing that those without legal authority should still have a voice in their care.

Clients are central to our care model; their aspirations and goals guide our efforts. They possess the knowledge of what is best for them, and it is our responsibility to assist them in achieving those aims. Throughout every interaction, clients maintain the right to assent or withdraw their assent, a principle that, while seemingly straightforward, disrupts decades of entrenched practices in the industry.

Lessons from the Journey

Can you share a humorous mistake from your early career and what you learned from it?

While not funny in a traditional sense, I find it embarrassing to admit. Many associate disruption with technology, envisioning advancements like AI and machine learning reducing roles to mere functions. I once developed an algorithm aimed at enhancing clinical decision-making in care planning. It failed, but not due to the concept itself—rather, I overlooked the fundamental nature of our business, which revolves around human service delivery.

Human service isn't about creating an app for quicker pizza delivery; it involves placing two individuals in a supportive environment with the necessary tools to achieve the client's objectives. To realize this, we must cultivate leaders who empower our service delivery model.

Influential Mentors

Who have been your mentors throughout this journey, and how have they impacted you?

Many mentors have provided guidance along the way, offering crucial feedback and inspiration. For instance, during my time at Fresno State University, the department chair, Dr. Amanda Adams, encouraged me to apply for three Ph.D. programs despite my comfort in pursuing a master's. This challenge prompted my family and me to relocate to New York City for my graduate studies at Columbia University.

Dr. Douglas Greer, my advisor at Columbia, is renowned for his impactful research. His support taught me the importance of valuing individuals beyond their success; he emphasized that my worth is not contingent upon achievement.

The Nature of Disruption

Is disruption always beneficial? When might a system's stability be valued?

Disruption should aim for meaningful change and improvement. It should provide innovative solutions to real problems, easing burdens and enhancing quality of life. In industries where new technologies and processes emerge, disruption for its own sake can lead to workforce strain without tangible benefits. Particularly in healthcare, true disruption must alleviate pressures while simultaneously meeting client needs.

Five Strategies for Industry Disruption

1. Establish a vision and set of values that attract capable leaders essential for driving disruption. After several failed VP hires, I realized my focus was on job descriptions rather than a clear vision. It was only when I owned our current situation and articulated our direction that I could attract top talent.
2. Leadership is crucial, and no one can achieve disruption in isolation. In my earlier days, I tried to control everything, which ultimately led to burnout. Successful disruption requires a team of leaders committed to the vision.
3. Listening is vital before attempting to solve problems. Solutions without understanding the needs are futile. My initial experiences as an executive director taught me that I must listen to all stakeholders involved.
4. To effectively manage a problem, one must engage directly with it. Observing and experiencing the challenges firsthand is essential to grasping the reality of the situation.
5. Commit to the vision rather than the plan. I have often prioritized rigid plans over flexible goals, but true progress comes from iteration and adapting as we move forward. Change often brings unexpected challenges, and a successful leader must navigate these uncertainties.

Future Plans for Disruption

We are actively exploring how to harness AI and machine learning to support our professionals, not replace them. Our organization has access to vast amounts of data that can enhance our practitioners' effectiveness, allowing them to focus on delivering compassionate care.

Inspirational Influences

Is there a book, podcast, or talk that has profoundly impacted your thinking?

Simon Sinek's TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," resonated deeply with me. It encapsulated my journey of understanding the importance of aligning actions with personal values. I also draw inspiration from Kim Scott's "Radical Candor," as I work on leading with both care and accountability.

Favorite Life Lesson Quote

One of my favorite quotes comes from Viktor E. Frankl: "Those who have a 'why' to live can bear with almost any 'how.'" This profound statement resonates with my own experiences of overcoming childhood trauma, guiding me to discover my purpose.

A Vision for Positive Change

If you could inspire a movement for the greater good, what would it be?

Promoting compassion is not just morally imperative; it's also effective. Research, including findings from "Compassionomics," underscores the transformative power of compassion. In a world often filled with judgment and divisiveness, we must foster curiosity, openness, and compassion. Embracing discomfort and engaging with diverse perspectives is essential for collective growth and understanding.

Connect with Timothy Yeager Online

Thank you for this enlightening conversation!