Episode 487: From Olympic Gold Medals to Healing and Thriving with Caron Transformational Care: A Conversation with Carrie Bates

Ellevate Network: Conversations With Women Changing the Face of Business

Podcast Alert! 🎙️

🎧 Tune in to an inspiring and timely episode of the Ellevate Network Podcast, “Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business. In this powerful episode, Tammy Williams sits down with Carrie Bates, a three-time Olympic gold medalist who has boldly redefined success beyond the podium. Carrie shares her remarkable journey, from elite athletic achievement to personal transformation as an advocate for recovery and mental wellness.

With striking honesty, Carrie opens up about the interplay between trauma, identity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. She reflects on the cost of high performance, the internal battles she faced, and the moment she chose to live her recovery out loud. Since 2012, Carrie has been using her voice to challenge stigma, build awareness, and inspire systemic change in how we approach substance use disorder.

Together, Tammy and Carrie explore the critical gaps in access to treatment, especially for women, and the societal norms that still glamorize alcohol while overlooking its deeper impacts. Carrie underscores the role of employers and communities in creating supportive environments where healing is possible.

Now serving as Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy at Caron Treatment Centers, Carrie continues to advocate for meaningful, person-centered change. Her message is clear: recovery is not only possible, it’s powerful. And when we create space for vulnerability, connection, and support, we change lives.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between performance, purpose, and healing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

· Carrie's journey from Olympic success to addiction recovery is inspiring.

· Success can come with hidden struggles and trauma.

· Recovery requires vulnerability and honesty about one's struggles.

· Women face unique challenges in seeking treatment for addiction.

· Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.

· Hope exists on the other side of addiction, and recovery is possible.

EXPLORE KEY SEGMENTS

· 00:00 The Journey of an Olympian: From Gold to Advocacy

· 02:58 The Cost of Excellence: Identity and Trauma

· 05:48 Rebuilding After the Fall: The Path to Recovery

· 09:11 Living Recovery Out Loud: Embracing Vulnerability

· 12:04 Understanding Addiction: A Brain Disease

· 14:56 Advocacy in Action: Supporting Women in Recovery

· 21:03 Cultural Shifts: Rethinking Alcohol in Society

· 23:47 Hope and Healing: The Future of Recovery

· 26:59 Connecting and Supporting: Resources for Recovery

Carrie’s message is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t weakness, it’s courage in action. In this episode, she opens up about the hidden cost of excellence, the weight of stigma, and the strength it takes to live your truth out loud. From Olympic glory to addiction advocacy, Carrie shares lessons on resilience, identity, and why workplaces must play a role in supporting mental wellness and recovery.

Don’t miss this one. Download the Ellevate Network Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business, on your favorite platform or listen now to be inspired by Carrie and all the extraordinary women changing the face of business.

Episode produced by BGoodPartners