"Instead of praising people for being resilient, change the system that's making them vulnerable." That line rewired this whole conversation.
This week on The Operating Mind, I sit down with Greg — licensed marriage and family therapist, Clinical Director at Solidarity Counseling, and first-generation Haitian American — to name the Default Loop hiding behind one of the most dangerous headlines in the country: "Utah is the healthiest state in the nation."
We go deep on what it cost Greg to become a therapist inside a culture that couched mental health in spirit and silence, the season of "not enoughness" he was in when Black Physicians of Utah founder Dr. Richard Ferguson handed him the mic anyway, and the real distinction between coping and healing — Band-Aids versus tools.
We also break down the five social determinants of health behind the inaugural BPOU Health and Wellness Summit & Expo — housing, healthcare, education, economic stability, and community connection — and why "resilient" isn't a compliment when the system never changes.
If you've ever been told to be stronger instead of being given a system that doesn't require it, this one's for you.
In this episode: — The spiritual-vs-clinical language gap in immigrant households — What it means to lead from your lowest point, not despite it — The five determinants shaping Utah's hidden health crisis — Coping vs. changing your condition — and why that difference matters — How to show up for the BPOU Health & Wellness Summit & Expo — Sept 26, University of Utah Student Union
Connect with Greg and BPOU: bpou.org Everything I'm building: theclaritybrand.ai
If you're in crisis: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In Utah: SafeUT (free, 24/7).
Train your mind. Own your decisions. Build by design and prosper.