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.