Growth Unbound with

Dr. Kim Quigley

CEO of Onrise

Episode Description

In this episode of Growth Unbound, our host, Gavin Baker, talks to Dr. Kim Quigley, CEO and Co-Founder of Onrise, about the intersection of sports and mental health. Dr. Quigley shares her personal journey from an injured college athlete to a mental health advocate, discussing the growth of Onrise and its mission to support athletes’ mental well-being. They explore the unique mental health challenges athletes face, the specialized care Onrise offers, and the importance of viewing athletes as multifaceted individuals.

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“It is our job as physicians to understand the business around healthcare in a way that protects the doctor/patient relationship.”

About Dr. Kim Quigley

Dr. Kim Quigley is CEO and Co-Founder of Onrise, a mental health care organization for athletes. Her passion for helping elite athletes through mental health care has truly changed the game. The team of mental health specialists, therapists, and psychiatric providers at Onrise understand the unique challenges and pressures that athletes face and equip them with the tools they need to thrive on and off the field. Onrise is an Associate Partner of New York City Football Club and Proud Partner of the Philadelphia Eagles.

About Growth Unbound

Hosted by Gavin Baker, President and Founder of Baker Marketing Laboratory

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Welcome to the Growth Unbound podcast, powered by Baker Marketing. Join us as we interview accomplished professionals in the healthcare industry and beyond. Together we’ll learn about their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in driving growth through marketing in their organizations.

Whether you’re an executive looking to improve your marketing strategies or simply someone passionate about unlocking business potential, the Growth Unbound podcast has something for you. Immerse yourself in inspiring stories, gain valuable insights, and receive practical advice that can propel your organization to new heights. Tune in today!

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Episode Summary

  • Introduction (0:00–1:05): Host Gavin Baker welcomes Dr. Kim Quigley of Onrise Mental Health for Athletes and expresses excitement to explore her story and insights.
  • Kim’s Background (1:05–3:45): Dr. Quigley shares her journey, growing up in Knoxville, studying sports and mental health, experiencing a sports injury, and transitioning to psychiatry after being influenced by her father’s medical career.
  • Career Path (3:45–10:05): Dr. Quigley discusses her work in public mental health, early experiences at Cherokee Health Systems, and the challenges faced during the closure of Lakeshore Hospital, emphasizing the importance of understanding the healthcare delivery system.
  • Onrise’s Genesis (10:05–16:51): The concept for Onrise emerged from her personal experiences with mental health in athletes and growing demand for accessible, private mental health care, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Current Growth (16:51–17:29): Onrise has rapidly grown, now supporting over 1,800 professional athletes, utilizing telehealth to provide services from Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Quigley emphasizes preparedness for this growth through extensive model development.
  • Preparation for Challenges (18:04–19:05): Dr. Quigley reflects on her readiness to address complex mental health issues due to her background, including experiences with Cherokee Health Systems and navigating the closure of Lakeshore Hospital.
  • Pilot Program for Athletes (19:05–21:56): She discusses a pilot project providing mental health support to a local USL soccer team, emphasizing the importance of peer support among athletes.
  • Service Offerings (22:57–24:34): Onrise offers three levels of care: peer-to-peer support from former athletes, licensed mid-level therapy, and psychiatric services, highlighting the preference of athletes for peer support.
  • Trust Building (29:57–31:33): Dr. Quigley mentions the importance of trust in engaging minority male soccer players and ensuring confidentiality in their services, which is essential for their ongoing participation.
  • Client Roster and Growth (32:04–34:02): She shares excitement about partnerships with organizations like the USL Players Association and discusses the common struggles athletes face, regardless of their level of play.
  • Addressing Burnout (34:02–35:10): Dr. Quigley talks about tackling clinician burnout by integrating peer support and fostering a supportive team culture, aiming to destigmatize mental health care within athletics.
  • Work Culture and Team Dynamics (36:10–38:24): Dr. Quigley highlights a supportive work culture at Onrise, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and encouraging staff to take time off. They express gratitude for their dedicated team of former athletes.
  • Future of Onrise (38:24–41:12): The focus is on brand awareness and expanding services to youth athletics while maintaining a quality care model. Key hires have strengthened the leadership team.
  • Personal Experiences and Insights (41:12–45:55): They reflect on the pressures young athletes face and the importance of a supportive environment, as well as the necessity of finding joy in their sport.
  • Reading Recommendations (46:57–49:18): Dr. Quigley suggests focusing on athletes as individuals beyond their sport and shares insights from their reading on systems and economics related to sports.
  • Philosophy on Free Services (49:18–51:06): They believe in providing help without the fear of being taken advantage of, emphasizing the value of supporting others.
  • Online Presence (51:06–51:38): Dr. Quigley encourages connecting via the Onrise website or LinkedIn for more insights into their story and mission.

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