Marsha Stone of Foundation Stone On How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally

An Interview With Maria Angelova

Leadership and Influence: Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful qualities in leadership. When leaders show their authentic selves and are willing to be vulnerable, they inspire trust, loyalty, and respect among their team members. This fosters an environment of open communication, innovation, and collaboration.

Being vulnerable and authentic are some of today’s popular buzzwords. It may seem counterintuitive to be vulnerable, as many of us have been taught to project an air of confidence, be a boss, and act like we know everything. In Brene Brown’s words, “vulnerability takes courage.” So is vulnerability a strength or a weakness? Can someone be authentic without being vulnerable? How can being authentic and vulnerable help someone grow both personally and professionally? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health professionals and business and life coaches who can share stories and examples of “How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally.”

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marsha Stone.

Marsha Stone is the CEO and founder of Foundation Stone, a network of boutique, focused programs for individuals and their families struggling with mental health, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders across the U.S. Their first featured treatment center, Amend Wellness, is led by a team of specialized medical experts that aim to identify the root causes of a mental health diagnosis through integrative and functional medicine. Their second featured treatment center, The Pearl, is a dedicated recovery sanctuary for women with substance use disorders, offering holistic, long-term programs to address their unique challenges and remove barriers to sustained sobriety. As someone who knows firsthand what overcoming addiction is like, Marsha integrates her own experiences into providing the most effective and quality rehabilitative programming to those struggling with various disorders.

Previously, Marsha served as the Founder of BRC Healthcare, a diverse and specialized treatment provider offering a full continuum of care that includes medical detox, trauma and dual diagnosis, young adult, and gender-specific, chronic relapse treatment. Under her executive leadership, Marsha expanded their operations and strategic direction for over a decade.

Since 2011, Marsha has served as one of the few female CEOs in the recovery industry. She is an expert on addiction recovery, intervention, family therapy, behavioral health, wellness, and ethics in treatment center management. Marsha has successfully led several non-profit organizations and considers herself to be a serial entrepreneur in the business of helping people.

She is a highly recognized recovery speaker and respected leader in the addiction recovery field and regularly speaks at top industry conferences around the world. Marsha believes the coordinated efforts between the medical, legal and social-work communities are vital in addressing addictions.

Marsha is the co-author of Rewired Workbook: A Manual for Addiction Recovery (Hatherleigh Press, 2017) with Erica Spiegelman, which offers practical applications and everyday guidance for breakthrough addiction recovery methods and new healing strategies ideally suited for those trying to achieve true and lasting sobriety. She and Spiegelman also co-hosted the podcast “Rewiring Your Life” which provided tips, tools, and conversations on overall wellness, inspiration and support.

Marsha frequently appears on various media outlets including A&E Intervention, Dr. Phil, and The Doctors. She holds a J.D. with the distinction of academic excellence from North Carolina Central University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Elizabeth City State University, and is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas. She is married to a veterinarian, and together they have 5 children. They reside in Austin, Texas. For more information please visit https://www.marshastone.com/.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

I grew up in Moultrie, Georgia, a place that felt like home in every sense. But when my parents divorced at age 3, I grappled with feelings of displacement. Despite the love from my vast family, I often felt out of place, bouncing between houses. This feeling of not belonging lingered until I moved out at 17.

On the surface, things seemed ideal. We lived in a grand house, akin to a Southern Living spread. My mom had this mesmerizing rose garden that attracted folks from everywhere. It felt almost too perfect, giving off an air of “as long as it looks good, it is good.”

Being an only child, loneliness was my constant. I dove into books and filled my time with activities like choir, student trips, piano, dance, and gymnastics. As I grew, so did my commitments. But underneath, there was a growing turmoil. By 2002, my relationship with alcohol spiraled, leading me to seek treatment. I owed it to myself and my loved ones to be the best version of me. Fifteen years on, that conviction remains more vital than ever.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Embrace the journey, for it’s in the process of becoming that we truly find ourselves.” This quote resonated deeply during my recovery from substance abuse. Starting my sobriety journey, I was uncertain of what lay ahead or who I’d be without addiction. But as I trudged on, I leaned into the process. Through challenges and doubts, I held onto the essence of the journey, celebrating small wins and growing from missteps.

The path taught me resilience, uncovered hidden strengths, and deepened my self-awareness. As the CEO of a treatment facility, this perspective now shapes my approach. I urge those in recovery to value their own transformative journeys, emphasizing that it’s the ongoing process, not just the end goal, that’s transformative. To me, this quote underscores the importance of valuing life’s journey, cherishing every step, and trusting in the inherent wisdom of the process.

Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

The Alchemist by author Paulo Coelho deeply resonated with me because it reminded me of the importance of staying true to my own dreams and passions, even when faced with obstacles or self-doubt. It reinforced the idea that our personal legends and our unique paths in life often require courage, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The book’s timeless wisdom continues to inspire me to pursue my aspirations with unwavering determination and to trust in the journey of self-discovery and growth.

Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does being authentic mean?

Being authentic means being true to oneself and embracing who we genuinely are, without pretense or facade. It’s about living in alignment with our values, beliefs, and principles, and not being swayed by external pressures or expectations. Authenticity requires self-awareness, honesty, and the courage to express our true thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

What does being vulnerable mean? Can you explain?

Vulnerability, on the other hand, is the willingness to expose our true selves, including our emotions, fears, and imperfections. It means opening ourselves up to others, allowing them to see us as we are, without walls or defenses. Vulnerability involves embracing uncertainty and taking emotional risks, knowing that it can lead to deeper connections, growth, and personal transformation.

What are the positive aspects of being authentic and vulnerable? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

One of the positive aspects of being authentic and vulnerable is the profound connection it fosters with others. When we allow ourselves to be seen and heard, we create an environment of trust and authenticity that encourages others to do the same. I recall a time when I was facilitating a group, and I shared my personal struggles with addiction and recovery. My vulnerability opened the floodgates for others to share their own stories, creating a powerful sense of community and support. By being authentic and vulnerable, we invite others to join us in our journey and create a space for healing and growth.

Are there negative aspects to authenticity and vulnerability? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

It’s crucial to strike a balance between being authentic and vulnerable while also exercising discernment and self-care. We should be selective in choosing the right people and environments to share our deepest truths with, ensuring that they are safe spaces that value and support our authenticity. By being mindful of these potential pitfalls, we can navigate the negative aspects and continue to reap the profound benefits that authenticity and vulnerability offer.

From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from being authentic and vulnerable?

Several common barriers hold people back from being authentic and vulnerable. Fear of judgment and rejection is a significant obstacle, as many of us worry about how others will perceive us or if they will accept us as we truly are. Society’s pressure to conform to certain standards or expectations can also hinder authenticity, as we may fear deviating from societal norms. Additionally, past experiences of betrayal or hurt can make it challenging to trust others and be vulnerable. Overcoming these barriers requires self-acceptance, self-compassion, and creating a supportive network of individuals who appreciate and embrace our authentic selves.

Here is the central question of our discussion. What are five ways that being authentic and vulnerable pay off, and help you win, both personally and professionally?

1. Enhanced Relationships: Authenticity and vulnerability build deep and meaningful connections with others. When we allow ourselves to be seen and heard, we create a space for genuine intimacy and trust in our relationships. This can lead to more fulfilling personal connections and stronger professional collaborations.
2. Increased Resilience: Embracing authenticity and vulnerability empowers us to face challenges with courage and resilience. By acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, we can develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and navigate difficult situations with authenticity and grace.
3. Personal Growth: Being authentic and vulnerable opens the door to personal growth and self-discovery. It allows us to confront our fears and limitations, paving the way for personal transformation and self-actualization.
4. Leadership and Influence: Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful qualities in leadership. When leaders show their authentic selves and are willing to be vulnerable, they inspire trust, loyalty, and respect among their team members. This fosters an environment of open communication, innovation, and collaboration.
5. Emotional Well-being: Embracing authenticity and vulnerability promotes emotional well-being. By honoring our true selves and expressing our emotions authentically, we reduce internal conflicts and experience a greater sense of inner peace and contentment.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, it would be a movement centered around destigmatizing addiction and mental health. I would advocate for widespread education, empathy, and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges. By eradicating the shame and judgment associated with these issues, we can create a society that embraces and supports recovery, fostering healthier communities and saving lives.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

If I had the opportunity to have lunch with someone, it would be Oprah Winfrey. Her immense influence, wisdom, and ability to connect with people on a profound level have always captivated me. I would be thrilled to engage in a conversation with Oprah about her journey, the lessons she has learned, and the impact she has made through her storytelling and advocacy for personal growth and empowerment. I believe that sharing a meal with Oprah would be an incredible opportunity to gain insights into her strategies for success, her perspective on authenticity and vulnerability, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world. It would be a truly inspiring and transformative experience.

How can our readers follow you online?

They can follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.