As Zepf Center concluded its 50th anniversary year, members of the agency leadership team were invited to an exclusive Leadership Development Seminar led by Patrick Houlahan—a graduate of the prestigious United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, commonly known as “TOPGUN.” During the day-long seminar, Houlahan addressed various aspects of leadership, combining his military experience with his passion for cultivating strong leaders across all industries.
In addition to his 27-year military career, Houlahan has 15 years of experience in public speaking and consulting. He believes that great organizations require great leaders who become teachers for their teams and co-workers. His presentation emphasized the importance of embracing purpose in one’s work, which ensures clarity and unity within a team. Houlahan also stressed the importance of time management and support for teams—especially when under increased pressure.
“This seminar led me to a powerful realization that the true value of work lies not in the end result, but in the effort itself,” said Sr. Director of Crisis Services Courtney Burrow. “The process of showing up and trying our best every day is where real change begins.”
As Burrow experienced, Houlahan’s presentation provided attendees with a fresh perspective on their roles and how they manage their teams. Leadership is the cornerstone of every successful organization, and strong leaders do so much more than simply guide their teams; they inspire, teach, and create an environment where individuals thrive.
“Leadership development and leadership training is important because it reminds us that the heart holds hands with the mind,” said Houlahan. “If we treat our people with respect, set them up for success, are honest and fair with good and bad news, and give them the tools to succeed, they will meet the goals we set forth. Leading isn't something you do a couple of hours a day. Leadership is something that is done all the time.”
By investing in programs like Houlahan’s seminar, organizations can equip their leaders with the tools they need to promote collaboration and navigate challenges with confidence. As Houlahan demonstrated through his personal anecdotes and practical strategies, great leaders are also great teachers. They build trust, empower their teams, and lead with a clear sense of purpose. When employees feel connected to a shared purpose, they are more engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles.
In behavioral health, like other fast-paced industries, finding time to step away from the constant workload and address items like professional development, team building, and problem-solving can seem impossible. However, as Houlahan reminded participants, taking time to set teams up for success will benefit the agency, employees, and clients down the road.
Beyond organizational benefits, leadership development has the potential to impact community members, neighborhoods, and local partners. While Houlahan often reminds leaders that they “should not try to boil the ocean,” he maintains that leadership training is one of the few business practices that can benefit everyone.
In our society, we have obvious leaders who typically hold titles that designate their status as such. However, the individuals they lead have the opportunity to be leaders themselves. Houlahan says that if we treat everyone like a leader in their own right, we can create a more mindful team that isn’t afraid to step forward and take on additional responsibilities when needed.
“The behavioral health industry places high demands on our leaders, and it's essential that they have the right tools and support to thrive," said CEO Deb. "By offering leadership development opportunities outside of the office, we are building a stronger leader who can support our workforce, clients, and communities."
Houlahan’s seminar was an incredible way to end the year for Zepf Center’s leadership team as they set their sights on 2025. Not only will staff benefit from enhanced leadership development, but the organization, clients, and communities it serves will reap the rewards. As Houlahan demonstrated, great leaders don’t just achieve—they inspire others to achieve alongside them.
For more information about Patrick Houlahan and his leadership seminar, visit patrickhoulahan.com
To view available positions and join Zepf Center’s leadership team, visit zepfcenter.org/careers/