Q: What will you be speaking about at DisruptHR?
At DisruptHR, I’ll be speaking about the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), with a focus on ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), as the next big employee benefit. I will cover the history and science behind PAT/KAT, its significant benefits for mental health outcomes and productivity, current legal status and regulations, and real-world case studies of successful employer integrations. This quick pitch aims to showcase how employers can lead in mental health care by adopting innovative, effective treatments, ultimately setting new standards for workplace well-being.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Sherry Rais, and I am the CEO and co-founder of Enthea. Throughout my career, I’ve supported numerous startups, nonprofits, academic institutions, and small businesses in fundraising and enhancing operational efficiency. My work is driven by a strong belief in living and working with purpose. I am dedicated to expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy to help alleviate human suffering.
Before founding Enthea, I spent over a decade consulting for the United Nations and World Bank, implementing national-level poverty reduction programs in over 35 countries. I hold a master’s degree in public policy from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from McGill University. I also completed a certificate in psychedelic therapies and research from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2021.
In addition to my role at Enthea, where we focus on providing safe and affordable psychedelic therapy through licensed health plan benefits, I serve as the executive director of the Boston Psychedelic Research Group and as a strategic advisor for the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Q: Why are you passionate about your topic?
A: I am passionate about this topic because I have seen firsthand how psychedelic-assisted therapy can transform lives. Traditional mental health treatments often fall short, leaving many people struggling with unresolved issues. By expanding access to innovative therapies like ketamine-assisted therapy, we can address the root causes of mental health conditions, providing rapid and lasting relief. My mission is to help employers recognize the immense potential of these treatments, not only to improve employee well-being but also to foster a more productive and compassionate workplace. Witnessing the profound healing and positive changes in individuals drives my commitment to advocating for these groundbreaking therapies.
Q: What general business advice do you have for readers out there?
A: My general business advice is to prioritize cultivating a strong, positive workplace culture. A thriving culture promotes employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Encourage open communication, recognize and reward achievements, and foster an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Investing in your team’s growth and well-being will ultimately drive business success!
Q: Can you share a specific experience that has significantly shaped your career?
A: A specific experience that has significantly shaped my career was my decade-long tenure consulting for the United Nations and the World Bank. During this period, I worked on designing and implementing poverty reduction programs in over 35 countries. I saw firsthand how initiatives to eradicate poverty can only go so far if we don’t address mental health. The connection between poverty, economic development, and mental health became strikingly clear. In searching for solutions, I discovered how ineffective traditional treatments often are, with about one-third of patients not responding to antidepressants and up to 50% of those with PTSD not finding relief with conventional therapies. This led me to stumble upon the data around psychedelic-assisted therapies, which have shown profound promise. For instance, studies have shown that Ketamine-Assisted Therapy can lead to rapid and significant improvements in mental health, with 89% of patients reporting improvements in mental health. This revelation inspired me to found Enthea and dedicate my efforts to expanding access to these transformative treatments.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your professional journey?
A: I stay motivated and inspired in my professional journey by focusing on the goal of making a positive impact and ensuring my work aligns with my values. I find purpose in knowing that my work can contribute to reducing suffering and improving lives, which helps me stay energized and committed, even when things get tough. This alignment with my core values keeps me grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward.
Q: What do you think are the key traits of successful leaders today?
A: I believe successful leaders today need to possess adaptability, vision, resilience, integrity, and good intentions. Adaptability allows leaders to navigate and embrace change in a fast-paced world, while a clear vision helps guide the organization toward long-term goals. Resilience is essential for overcoming setbacks, and integrity builds respect and credibility. Good intentions ensure that leaders act in the best interests of their team and organization, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Q: How do you handle setbacks and challenges in your career?
A: I handle setbacks and challenges in my career by staying resilient and maintaining a positive outlook. I view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and I take a proactive approach to problem solving. By analyzing what went wrong and seeking constructive feedback, I can adapt and make necessary adjustments. I also rely on my support network of colleagues, mentors, and friends to gain new perspectives and encouragement. Ultimately, I stay focused on my long-term goals and remind myself that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, using them as stepping stones toward future success.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in their field?
A: My advice to young professionals looking to make an impact in their field is to take action and not give up. While brainstorming and planning are important, don’t get lost in ideation— focus on execution. Stay curious and continuously seek learning opportunities. Find a mentor who can guide you and provide valuable insights. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone, as growth often happens when you challenge yourself. Keep trying different approaches and see what works. Learn from your failures, adapt, and keep moving forward. Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming setbacks and achieving success.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: Honestly, I don’t adhere to the traditional concept of work-life balance. This approach might not suit everyone, and it’s not what I encourage for my team, but right now, I’m so dedicated to what I’m building that it’s all I want to focus on. It’s really what brings me joy so doing anything else does not feel fun. I do make time to connect with close friends and family over the phone, but I don’t engage much in other activities. I’m undertaking something incredibly challenging that I deeply believe in, and I know it requires a lot of hard work.
Q: What are some emerging trends or technologies that excite you the most?
A: I’m particularly excited about the potential use of AI and VR in therapy and diagnosis. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and provide personalized treatment recommendations, while VR offers immersive environments for therapeutic interventions, making treatments more engaging and effective. Additionally, advances in longevity research and our understanding of human consciousness are incredibly fascinating. These breakthroughs could lead to longer, healthier lives and a deeper comprehension of the mind, opening up new possibilities for both mental and physical well-being.
Q: Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you’re particularly proud of?
A: I’m particularly proud of the outcomes we’ve achieved at Enthea through our Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) program. We’ve seen remarkable improvements in patients’ mental health, with 86% reporting a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, 67% experiencing relief from depression, and 65% showing decreased anxiety. Three months after treatment, 80% of patients were no longer on antidepressants. These results highlight the transformative potential of KAT, not only in alleviating symptoms but in promoting long-term well-being. Seeing these positive changes in our patients’ lives reinforces our commitment to expanding access to this innovative therapy.
Q: What qualities do you believe are essential for fostering a positive workplace culture?
A: Fostering a positive workplace culture requires empathy, open communication, and mutual respect. Leaders must genuinely care about their employees’ well-being and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Transparency and honest communication build trust and ensure that everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals. Encouraging collaboration and recognizing individual and team achievements fosters a sense of community and belonging. Finally, promoting work-life balance (despite what I just said) and providing opportunities for professional growth help maintain a motivated and engaged workforce, driving both personal and organizational success.
Sherry Recommends
“Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America” by Barbara Ehrenreich is a compelling look into the realities of low-wage work in America.
“How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan is an exploration of the science and history of psychedelics and their potential to change lives.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett offers insightful interviews with successful entrepreneurs and leaders about their journeys and experiences.
How I Built This – Hosted by Guy Raz is a podcast that features stories behind the people who created some of the world’s best-known companies and brands.
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