The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Join Dr. Ken Huey on The Voice of Hope, where real stories and expert insights meet to inspire healing and transformation. With decades of experience in behavioral health and trauma therapy, Dr. Huey draws from his personal journey and professional expertise to offer practical advice for families, adoptees, and anyone seeking growth. Discover strategies to navigate trauma, build stronger relationships, and embrace hope in every episode. Tune in for thoughtful conversations that uplift and empower.
The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Dr. Ken Huey: Overcoming Trauma and Leading with Hope | CEO, The Hope Group CEO, The Hope Group
In this special edition of The Voice of Hope Podcast, host and CEO of The Hope Group, Dr. Ken Huey, sits down for an intimate conversation about his life story, the traumas he overcame, and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership, mental health, and helping others.
From being adopted at birth and experiencing profound childhood trauma, to building a multi-hundred-million-dollar behavioral health organization, Ken shares the lessons, mentors, and philosophies that guided him. This episode dives deep into trauma-informed leadership, turning pain into purpose, and the power of hope in a world full of challenges.
Whether you’re a mental health professional, educator, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers an unfiltered look at how resilience, relationships, and compassion can transform lives.
Host (00:00)
Kent, you were adopted at birth and experienced significant trauma growing up. How did those early experiences shape your sense of self and your approach to life and leadership?
Ken Huey (00:09)
Yeah, you know, Being adopted, my parents did a really good job on that. They let me know from as long as I can remember… [full transcript continues as provided, maintain all of Ken’s detailed storytelling up to 08:03]
Host (08:03)
Looking back, what was the most challenging moment from your navigate through it?
Ken Huey (08:07)
That can be just a little bit emotional I need to just be open and honest… [full transcript continues through 10:32]
Host (10:32)
And at what point did you realize that your purpose would be tied to helping others through behavioral health and mental health care?
Ken Huey (10:39)
You know, I have some skills… [full transcript continues through 12:25]
Host (12:25)
Okay, and you sold your first business, which later became a multi-hundred million dollar brand. What were the key lessons you learned from that experience about vision, risk, and leadership?
Ken Huey (12:37)
Yeah, that was a tremendous time in my life… [transcript continues through 15:01]
Host (15:01)
And how has your personal history of trauma influenced the way you lead the Hope Group and Havenwood Academy? Does it give you unique perspective on your team and clients?
Ken Huey (15:12)
One of the biggest gifts… [transcript continues through 17:13]
Host (17:13)
Mm-hmm. And after decades in mental and behavioral health, what do you see as the most misunderstood aspect of trauma and its impact on young people?
Ken Huey (17:23)
You know, ACEs came out 35 years ago… [transcript continues through 19:48]
Host (19:48)
That's awesome. You've been praised for combining compassion with results driven leadership. How do you maintain that balance, especially in high stress situations?
Ken Huey (19:59)
So the idea of keeping people accountable while also being compassionate… [transcript continues through 21:40]
Host (21:40)
Who were the key mentors or figures that shaped you personally and professionally, and how have you paid that forward in your work with teens and young adults?
Ken Huey (21:41)
Thank… [transcript continues through 24:47]
Host (24:47)
Many people struggle to turn pain into purpose. What practices or philosophies have helped you transform your own past trauma into a source of strength and impact?
Ken Huey (24:57)
You're finding… [transcript continues through 26:24]
Host (26:24)
What do you hope people take away from your story and your work, both through the HOPE Group and your…
Ken Huey (26:29)
You know, if there was just one thing… [transcript continues through 27:53]
Host (27:53)
How do you define hope in a world full of challenges?
Ken Huey (27:57)
Name of the podcast is The Voice of Hope… [transcript continues to the end]
