When Justin Chase interviewed for the chief executive officer position at Solari Inc., he sat down with the board of directors and bluntly stated that the organization had potential, but without significant changes at all levels, it would not exist in six months. He was confident he would not get the job after laying out strategic initiatives that would disrupt the organization.
However, two months later, the board unanimously agreed that Chase was right and offered him the job. Solari Inc. is a specialty crisis and human services provider with a mission to inspire hope and a vision to be a trusted leader in improving lives and communities through human connection and innovation.
In just a few months in his role, Chase led efforts to create new bylaws, expand the board of directors, and reduce the turnover rate from 38% to below 7%. Almost 10 years later, the organization’s revenue has grown from $15 million to more than $62 million per year, staff has grown to 550 employees and turnover remains within industry norms.
Chase said he has not just a professional interest in Solari Inc., but also a personal connection. “As an individual with lived experience, struggling through my own mental illness and dark thoughts, I know what it feels like to struggle and the joy of recovery and perseverance,” he said. “I understand the value of a healthy support system and the value of various treatment options, and I understand the impact that poor self-care and misaligned priorities can have on my physical health, mental health and family engagement.”
As a trained social worker, Chase has been on the front lines working with individuals and families experiencing the most dire situations. He also understands the crisis services industry from the policy level, funder level and front lines.
“My unique perspective allows me the ability to articulate the nuances of the crisis industry to a variety of audiences,” he said. “My passion for addressing crises within the community in an upstream fashion as well as minimizing the impact of complex and recurring trauma on an individual and family unit helps my team strategize on unique and untapped solutions for many systemic problems.”
As a leader, Chase said listening is essential. “The most important attribute of a successful leader today is the ability to listen intently to your employees and adapt quickly to the changing demands of our stakeholders and workforce,” he said.
