Launching a New Business in the Psychedelic Sector – An Interview with Richard Avis

Are you considering starting your entrepreneurial journey in the psychedelic health and wellness field but are still determining what to expect? We recommend reading our interview with Richard Avis, the CEO, Executive Chairman, and Co-Founder of NuMind Health, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What’s your business, and who are your customers?

NuMind Health is an organization committed to establishing a network of luxury retreats across the globe, with the primary aim of providing safe and effective environments for individuals dealing with addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Our innovative approach to the healing process incorporates psychedelic-assisted wellness programs tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Our highly skilled coaches and experienced clinicians offer unwavering support throughout the treatment process, from when clients arrive until their departure. NuMind’s luxurious Retreats provide concierge care that is second to none, ensuring that clients receive the best possible experience. Our services extend beyond the retreat, providing long-term support to ensure clients maintain their newfound mental wellness. Importantly, all of our Retreats offer access to legal and licensed psychedelic medicine, further enhancing the quality of our services.

Tell us about yourself.

I have over 30 years of experience as a C-Suite Executive, having successfully established and developed International Franchise Systems while taking numerous start-ups from zero to hero! My expertise lies in commercializing brands, franchise, and business development, recruitment and partnerships, and business acceleration and sustained growth. As a leader and mentor, I am known for my ability to guide individuals and organizations, ensuring they achieve their full potential. Additionally, I am proud to serve as CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder of NuMind Health Inc., working alongside a magnificent team striving to save lives and make a difference using psychedelic medicines and groundbreaking protocols, systems, and processes.

What’s your biggest accomplishment as an entrepreneur?

My biggest accomplishment has been assisting people and businesses to meet their goals and achieve greatness. My passion is deeply rooted in helping people battling addiction and contributing to the cause of saving lives. It is incredibly gratifying knowing that I can make a difference not only to the person suffering from addiction but to the loved ones that care and support them. They are part of the journey as well.

What’s one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a business owner, you take on numerous roles and responsibilities. You are accountable for every decision and every individual. Every decision ultimately falls on your shoulders, and the buck stops with you. Be open-minded, have great people around you, and don’t be afraid to ‘pivot’ and change with the times.

What top tips would you give anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take the time to research and determine if this business is the right fit for you. Reflect on important questions and consider your options carefully.
  2. Assessing your financial risks and securing funding is essential to ensure your ideas can come to life. Many promising concepts fail to take off due to a lack of funding.
  3. Identify the problems you want to solve and assess the demand for your product within the market.
  4. It is essential to analyze your competitors. Observing and learning from their tactics can provide you with a significant advantage. Take note of any strategies that can be applied to your business, and identify ways to enhance and refine them.
  5. Assemble a team of committed individuals with diverse backgrounds, capable of cultivating a workplace culture that draws others to join a thriving collective.
  6. Make sure to have fun! Life can be challenging, so take time to ‘smell the roses.’ It’s important to reward yourself and take a break occasionally to do something you love that’s away from the business.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I always encourage my team to dream big, fail fast, and have the courage to take bold steps because every idea has the potential to be a great one. Don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes, but don’t make the same mistake twice!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://numindhealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avisrichard/

News Links

Media Links

MR. JOHN GIORDANO, CCJS, MAC, CAP

Chief Knowledge Officer

Mr. John Giordano has dedicated his life to helping those struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges for the past 36 years. As an esteemed addiction and mental health expert, he has authored several books and founded the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies (NIFHAS) and the highly regarded G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center. This JCAHO-accredited facility offers both inpatient and outpatient services and has 62 beds for addiction treatment. His latest book, “The Kid from The South Bronx Who Never Gave Up,” has been praised for its exceptional ability to provide a roadmap toward achieving positive change. Mr. Giordano’s extensive knowledge of mental health and addiction has been shared with audiences in nearly 100 countries, and he has contributed to over 79 scientific peer-reviewed medical research papers. He is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading researchers by Research Gate, and his ground-breaking work with Dr. Deborah Mash in introducing evidence-based ibogaine treatments has made him a pioneering psychedelic researcher in ibogaine. Despite his struggles with addiction, Mr. Giordano has been in recovery for over 38 years and has never given up on helping others to live a quality life unencumbered by addiction.

PAOLA CALE

Nutritionalist

Coming soon.

MEREDITH EADES

Public Relations

Coming soon.

PETER ENNS

Director, Project Management, Real Estate

Mr. Enns has been a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry for the past 30 years. He has established multiple construction companies in Canada and has contributed significantly to the development of high-end homes, shopping malls, and office complexes in The Bahamas. With a team of 35 skilled professionals, Mr. Enns is renowned for delivering exceptional quality that sets him apart from his competitors. His vast experience in project management and real estate development will undoubtedly bring significant value to his work at NuMind Health.

CHRISTOPHER LABONTE

Community Engagement

Mr. Labonte is a distinguished Army veteran who proudly served his country from 2009 to 2018 with the 173rd out of the Vermont National Guard, Norwich University Corps of Cadets, and the Fifth Special Forces Group (Airborne). During his service, Mr. Labonte faced many life and leadership challenges while deployed to regions of Turkey and Syria, which led to chaos and turmoil. As a result, he decided to shift his focus to real estate investing. Despite facing depression, anxiety, and PTSD during his transition, Mr. Labonte discovered the healing power of psychedelic medicine. Through his experiences, he has seen first-hand the positive impact that these transformative substances can have on mental health and overall well-being. As the Community Engagement for NuMind Health, Mr. Labonte uses his extensive knowledge, lived experiences, and skills to drive progress and success for the community and educate others about these potentially life-changing methods and philosophies.

DR. CHRISTOPHER KINMAN, Ph.D., MSc, MDiv, RCC
Ph.D., MSc, MDiv, RCC Clinical Supervision

Onboarding

Dr. Kinman has been a counselor and family therapist for over 30 years, working with diverse individuals. His work primarily focuses on children and youth, family therapy, addictions, working with individuals and families where legal and criminal matters are pressing upon them, and working with a wide diversity of individuals and communities. Dr. Kinman holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Master of Divinity and a doctoral degree in Philosophy of Education, and is a professor of a graduate counseling program at the City University of Seattle.

DR. BRIGETTE THOMAS-SARLES, MD

Internal Medicine (U.S.)

Dr. Thomas-Sarles is a native of St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies graduate. She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine, in Florida and Alabama, before relocating to the Bahamas. She is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds a license to practice in Florida and the Bahamas. Throughout college, she served as a first responder and Emergency Medical Technician. Dr. Thomas-Sarles is eager to employ her expertise to benefit the NuMind Community and its Guests.

DR. TRACY SCOTT, MSN ED., Ph.D.

Director of Aftercare & Retreats

Dr. Scott has an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in nursing education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in Nutri-genomics. She has more than 10 years of experience with plant medicines. She advocates for ongoing research associated with the powerful emotional and physical healing breakthroughs brought about through plant medicine. Dr. Scott has extensive experience with Iboga ceremonies and continues to be devoted to the global expansion of plant-based medicine treatments for mental health and wellness.

DR. JOHN GETCHELL, MD

Director of Wellness & Training

Dr. Getchell is a trained psychotherapist and clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience in various practice settings. He has obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Missouri State University. He has held multiple positions in the United States, including The Department of Justice, The Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Getchell is a decorated former United States military officer, serving 16 years in active duty service. Additionally, he has practiced for ten years as a faculty member for Missouri State University’s School of Social Work, specializing in teaching diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and addictions. He specializes in addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

DR. MARIE ALLEN, MD, MS, Ph.D.

Director of Clinics

Dr. Marie Allen is a counseling psychologist, researcher, trainer, and curriculum developer with expertise in treating mood and behavior disorders, eating disorders, child and adolescent psychotherapy, school psychology, and women’s issues such as codependency and relationship matters. Dr. Marie has a postgraduate degree in Clinical Community Counseling and a doctoral degree in Psychology, specializing in Family Psychology. She has worked as an adjunct faculty member and Assistant Professor of Psychology at The College of The Bahamas, as well as a School Psychologist at the International I.B. World School. Dr. Marie is also the former Director of Training and Curriculum Development for The Family Program, an evidence-based program that provides free group therapy to marginalized communities in the Bahamas. Currently, she serves as the Clinical Director, Counseling Psychologist, and Individual & Group Psychotherapist at The Discovery Clinic of The Renascence Institute in Olde Towne, Sandyport, Nassau, Bahamas.

LEANNE QUONG

Director of People Operations

Ms. Quong’s extensive experience in H.R. Operations and Customer Service shines through with her impressive record of stakeholder collaboration, client journey design, and business development. She is a dynamic leader who is passionate about helping companies unlock the full potential of their human capital to achieve success in the market. Her focus on delivering motivational solutions has resulted in outstanding customer satisfaction rates, 5-Star business reviews, impressive ROIs, and the formation of high-performing teams. Ms. Quong’s academic achievements, including a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, nomination for Valedictorian, and winning the Louis Stervinou Memorial Scholarship, are a testament to her dedication and hard work. She is now pursuing a CPHR designation to enhance her professional development and bring more value to NuMind’s talent, clients, investors, and organization.

DR. JULIAN STEWART, MD, OBGYN

CMO

Dr. Stewart has an impressive educational background, having obtained degrees in Zoology and Medicine from the University of the West Indies and receiving training at the National School of Obstetrics in Ireland. He has devoted over 30 years of his professional life to practicing as a highly respected gynecologist in the Bahamas. Moreover, Dr. Stewart holds the esteemed position of Bahamas representative of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

DR. DAVID ALLEN, MD, MPH

Advisory Board

Dr. Allen is highly accomplished, earning an M.D. from St. Andrews medical school and a postgraduate degree in Psychiatry and Public Health from Harvard Medical School. He has devoted his career to helping people with addiction and mental health issues and has held faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown Medical Schools. Dr. Allen is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Officer of the Order of Distinction, Bahamas, which speaks to his remarkable dedication and service. He has also authored numerous publications on addiction, spirituality, and psychiatry and has founded cocaine treatment centers in The Bahamas and Washington, D.C. Dr. Allen’s work has undoubtedly made a significant impact on many people’s lives, and his contributions to psychiatry are truly admirable.

PETER DOUGLAS

COO | Co-Founder

Mr. Douglas possesses a vast amount of experience in the field of international management consulting. He has successfully worked in countries such as Canada, the USA, Colombia, and Croatia. Moreover, his expertise in Corporate Structure, Strategic Development, Investor Relations, and Governance is unparalleled.

Richard Avis

Executive Chairman | CEO | Co-Founder

Mr. Avis boasts over 30 years of experience as a C-Suite executive, showcasing unmatched expertise in start-up management, brand development, and international franchising. His track record of funding multiple start-up companies speaks for itself, consistently delivering exceptional results with every venture.