Hope & Help for Those Struggling with Addiction

Dr Mary & Kimberly Flear speak about the hospitality industry, addiction, neurodiversity & coaching.

MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #23

Welcome to The Dr. Mary Podcast, where we are speaking with Kimberly Flear and how she is helping others find help & hope in their struggle with addiction.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kimberly Fleer, founder of Last Call Coaching. Kimberly shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction while working in the hospitality industry and how she transformed her pain into a purpose-driven mission to help others.

Together, we discuss the challenges of addiction recovery, the stigma surrounding substance abuse, and the importance of compassionate leadership in creating supportive work environments.

If you’re interested in understanding how addiction, neurodiversity, and coaching intersect in personal and professional spaces, this episode is a must-listen.

Kimberly, from Sunshine Coast, BC, shares her 25-year career in the hospitality industry, battling addiction. She is now celebrates four years of sobriety and describes her mission to turn pain into purpose.

[4:01 – 7:15] Kimberly’s Struggles with Addiction:

  • Describes losing four jobs due to drinking on shift, struggling with alcohol and drugs, she felt isolated and unsupported in the restaurant industry.
  • After stepping away from the industry to focus on recovery with help from coaches and modalities like yoga and meditation.
  • Her turning point came after a friend’s overdose, which motivated her to shine a light on addiction in the hospitality industry. Kimberly took a year off to heal and pursue education in recovery coaching.

[8:51 – 10:35] Dr. Mary & Kimberly share insights on Stigma and Bullying in the Industry:

  • Dr. Mary highlights how addiction can be normalized and stigmatized simultaneously. She discusses how others in the industry hid their addictions better, leaving Kimberly to face mockery.
  • Kimberly explains the lack of support and open dialogue around addiction. She describes how stigma led to bullying, and the absence of resources for staff in need.

[12:31 – 15:10] Building Last Call Coaching:

  • Kimberly discusses her decision to launch Last Call Coaching in 2020. She initially focused on one-on-one coaching, but expanded to working with employers to raise awareness and create support systems in the hospitality industry.
  • Dr. Mary draws a parallel between the restaurant and medical industries, both being service-oriented and facing similar fears of addressing addiction openly.
  • Kimberly talks about the resistance from organizations to address addiction due to fear and uncertainty.
  • Emphasizes the need for leaders to create safe spaces for open conversations and offer resources.

[18:31 – 21:30] Kimberly’s Personal Healing and Coaching Path:

  • After taking time to heal, Kimberly pursued multiple recovery coaching certifications.
  • Developed Last Call Coaching, a program offering both individual coaching and organizational training on addiction awareness.
  • Kimberly highlights the need for organizational accountability in addressing addiction in hospitality.
  • Explains how her coaching services can help both individuals and organizations with addiction awareness and recovery strategies.

[23:21 – 26:00] Resistance from Employers:

  • Kimberly describes the pushback she receives when approaching employers.
  • Notes how some fear that addressing addiction will create uncontrollable situations, while others are more open to learning and implementing changes.
  • Dr. Mary and Kimberly discuss how addressing addiction can shift team dynamics in restaurants.
  • Kimberly shares how her coaching approach allows individuals to discover their own recovery paths, tailored to their unique needs.

[28:46 – 30:00] Kimberly’s Ongoing Passion for the Industry:

  • Kimberly explains her love for the restaurant industry despite its challenges.
  • Continues to serve tables part-time to stay connected with the industry and share her story of sobriety with others.Kimberly emphasizes the importance of having multiple pathways to recovery, as not everyone’s journey is the same.
  • Dr. Mary echoes that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and having someone see and hear you is crucial for success.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Kimberly Flear’s website: www.lastcallcoaching.com 

Where to Listen: Available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Connect with Us:

HEY SIS!

As a devoted pediatrician, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, my focus is on guiding and supporting families who have received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.

I am a PCCI trained life and leadership coach.

– Dr Mary