How do you see your business – clinical psychologist – going forward over the next quarter?
… that depends on your specialty. For me, it couldn’t be better. I can’t accommodate much more. There’s no shortage of problems – stress, exhaustion, pain and other problems. Most clients are ‘on plans’ – and our work is to get them back on track, back to work.
And over the next five years?
… more trending to a ‘team approach’ to support people. More people accessing a wider range of services, on-line therapy – virtual group work and webinars – will help the therapy budget go a lot further. More managed cared. If the client believes you can help.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… I’m a great believer in getting others to do things I don’t do well. For example, I’ve been dealing with a financial advisor since the 1970s. I use the service of, and am loyal to, people for whom I’m not just ‘another person’. I like having my affairs in order, but I don’t like ‘fiddling with things’. So, I have a good team – and I’m loyal to people for what they’ve proven to me.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Colleen Braun, and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… because I’m absolutely honest – in the sense that I don’t adjust what I’ll say based on who I’m talking to. I give honest assessments. I may not be what everyone wants. I’m not a hand-holding therapist.
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… in my career I have worked in a management role – I’m not good at it. My training is in helping people deal with trauma in their lives, so I’ve done different work, teaching people how to be happy.
Work/life balance?
… I don’t believe in it. I believe in integration – part of my work is fun and part of my fun is work, and there is never enough time. I’m doing a lot of ‘cyber’ work, counselling with clients in different time zones – it’s a video platform, like Skype but far more secure. I’m astounded at how well it works. When I have fun, it’s not work.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… nothing. I sleep like a brick. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my ‘soon to be empty nest’, an aging dog, new things besides work, exploring new facets of life I don’t know yet.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my father – tremendous integrity, positive attitude, instilled a spirt of adventure. He flew his own plane, so family vacations were ‘in our own plane’ which fueled my interest in travel. Returning to Calgary – it was different, I WANTED to be here. I could go anywhere, but I choose to stay here. I became a Canadian citizen 10 years ago – and love the opportunity I’ve had to be successful in a new country.
For fun?
… photography, travel, movies … international films, foreign language films – having guests for dinner and ‘movie talk’. I’m working on a book about Namibia.
What do you read?
… professional journals of course. How-to-books on photography. Travel books.
Her ride?
… 2015 Mercedes ML350 SUV.