Aligning Leadership with Values: Behavioral Intelligence in ABA with Dr. Paul Gavoni In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), leadership and organizational culture play a critical role in the success of practices. In our latest episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Paul Gavoni (Dr. Paulie Gloves), a renowned expert in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Dr. Gavoni brings decades of experience in education, human services, and even combat sports, where he has mastered the art of aligning leadership strategies with core values to foster meaningful change and sustainable growth. Embedding Values into Leadership Dr. Gavoni emphasizes the importance of defining and embedding organizational values into every layer of an ABA practice. He introduces the concept of the Behavioral Alignment Compass, a practical framework designed to help leaders align daily operations with their core values. According to Dr. Gavoni, values should not be empty slogans on a wall but actionable principles measured through specific goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). This alignment ensures consistency in client care, staff support, and overall organizational success. Overcoming Challenges in ABA Practices One major challenge for ABA business owners is maintaining staff engagement and reducing turnover. Dr. Gavoni highlights that employee burnout often stems from a lack of positive reinforcement and misaligned systems. To address this, leaders must design systems that deliver consistent positive reinforcement for value-driven behaviors. This not only improves staff morale but also ensures the delivery of high-quality client services. Dr. Gavoni also underscores the difference between being a skilled clinician and an effective business owner. Many ABA practitioners struggle with scaling their practice because they lack the systems and leadership skills needed to manage growth. Integrating OBM principles allows for the development of systems that support staff performance, foster leadership at all levels, and drive sustainable growth. Applying OBM and ACT in Leadership By combining OBM strategies with ACT principles, Dr. Gavoni provides actionable insights into how leaders can stay aligned with their values. He encourages setting clear, measurable goals that reflect these values and using data to track progress. This method ensures that behaviors within the organization are consistently producing valued outcomes, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. About Dr. Paul Gavoni Dr. Paul Gavoni, Ed.D, BCBA-D, is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, leadership consultant, and former Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. Known as Coach Paulie Gloves in the combat sports world, he has dedicated his career to applying behavior analysis to improve performance across diverse industries. His work in OBM and ACT empowers organizations to create systems that align with their values and achieve meaningful results. Sponsored by MarginKeepers Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! MarginKeepers understands the unique financial needs of ABA practices. Their expertise in the field allows you to focus on providing exceptional care while they manage your accounting needs. Learn more here: MarginKeepers

Leadership, Transparency, and Collaboration in ABA Organizations, with Jennifer Heidt Running a successful ABA practice requires effective leadership, transparent communication, and strong collaboration across all team levels. In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Heidt, Director of Training at Above and Beyond Therapy. Jennifer shares her expert strategies for empowering RBTs and BCBAs, addressing challenges in the field, and building supportive workplace environments. Key Takeaways from the Podcast Challenges in the ABA Field: Jennifer highlights the recurring challenges faced by ABA professionals, including isolation in in-home settings, lack of mentorship, and communication gaps between staff and leadership. Empowering Staff through Training and Mentorship: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of mentorship programs and realistic onboarding processes to prepare RBTs for the field. Providing RBTs with a clear understanding of expectations and company support sets them up for success. Building Transparent and Collaborative Cultures: A critical aspect of leadership is creating open lines of communication. Jennifer encourages leaders to listen actively to staff concerns, provide actionable solutions, and foster a culture where feedback is welcomed without fear of retaliation. Balancing Business and Compassionate Care: Jennifer also discusses the importance of balancing operational goals (like billable hours) with a focus on delivering high-quality, ethical care. The key lies in attaching quality outcomes to goals to avoid burnout and support both staff and clients effectively. Self-Awareness and Leadership Development: Effective leadership starts with self-awareness and vulnerability. Jennifer shares strategies for building these skills, including seeking feedback, recognizing patterns, and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset. About the Guest Jennifer Heidt is the Director of Training at Above and Beyond Therapy and a BCBA with over a decade of experience across clinical and leadership roles. She is passionate about mentorship, cultivating future leaders, and ensuring staff feel prepared and supported. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-heidt-8746b938 Sponsor This blog is sponsored by MarginKeepers. Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Learn more: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers   © 2024 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders. All rights reserved.

Leadership in ABA: Building Values, Managing Relationships, and Driving Progress with Martin Myers In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we’re joined by Martin Myers, BCBA and Chief Strategy Officer at Grateful Care ABA. Martin shares his expertise in leadership, values-driven management, and the importance of fostering relationships to support staff retention and sustainable ABA practices. Whether you’re leading an ABA team or starting your practice, Martin’s insights on ABA practice management and setting expectations provide actionable takeaways that drive real progress. Key Insights on ABA Leadership and Management 1. Prioritize Clear Expectations and Training Martin emphasizes the importance of setting expectations early. Antecedent interventions like detailed onboarding, proactive training, and consistent feedback are crucial to success. Without this clarity, common challenges like incomplete session notes and staff turnover can arise. 2. Build Relationships That Matter “ABA professionals are relationally driven,” says Martin. Successful ABA practice management prioritizes relationships between BCBAs, RBTs, and staff. Know your team’s values. Make time for genuine, human connections. Avoid treating staff as “warm bodies” and foster environments where they feel valued. Martin encourages ABA leaders to pair themselves with the reinforcers that matter most to their staff: connection, purpose, and recognition. 3. Define Your Company’s Values Martin suggests starting with what you won’t accept as a company: High caseloads? Unacceptable. Limited supervision? A non-starter. By defining these boundaries, you lay the foundation for strong, values-driven leadership. 4. Support BCBA and RBT Growth BCBAs are not only behavior analysts but also managers. Martin advocates for better support and training to develop these leadership skills. Tools like BXMastery.com provide practical resources for BCBAs navigating caseloads, sequencing goals, and managing staff. “The science of ABA is strong, but the science of service delivery is still evolving.” – Martin Myers About Martin Myers Martin Myers is a BCBA with nearly 15 years of experience across private equity, mid-sized companies, and small ABA practices. As Chief Strategy Officer at Grateful Care ABA, Martin combines his leadership expertise with his passion for supporting ABA providers. He is also the creator of BXMastery.com, a goal library offering over 4,000 sequenced skills for BCBAs. For additional insights, Martin shares weekly reflections through his blog, Flat Rock Weekly, focusing on caseload management and leadership strategies. Key Takeaways for ABA Leaders Set clear expectations and provide consistent feedback. Build values-driven systems that prioritize relationships. Equip BCBAs with leadership and management tools. Support staff growth through authentic, meaningful connections. Resources for ABA Business Leaders Starting a practice or improving your existing systems? Explore these resources: Free ABA Startup Checklist: Ensure you have everything needed for success. Download here. 3 Pie Squared Membership: Access exclusive resources and support for ABA business leaders. Join here. Listen to the Full Podcast For the full conversation with Martin Myers, visit the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast. Gain actionable insights on driving progress, supporting staff, and leading values-based ABA practices. © 2024 3 Pie Squared. All rights reserved.