Pattie Vargas

About Pattie Vargas

Until late 2017, I enjoyed a career as a recognized leader in behavioral, organizational, and personal change. After many years in the corporate world, I had built a practice focused on coaching individuals and teams through the twists and turns of change, helping them gain personal perspective, encouragement, and self-management. I was a frequent conference speaker on the topics of change management, portfolio/program management, personal resilience, team dynamics, and issues facing women in the workplace. All that changed with the death of my son, Joel, in November 2017. Priorities shifted, and I found I no longer had the drive to pursue the same kind of professional success. Instead, I began to spend more time in advocating for meaningful change in the way we address Substance Use Disorder and the accompanying stigma, trauma, and collateral damage. I now focus my speaking engagements, writing, and podcast appearances on helping others navigate the frightening journey through addiction, finding hope for recovery, and comforting those who have lost loved ones to this disease. I am grateful to serve in many capacities within the Recovery Community including: • Coach and Host in The Refuge, Hopestream Community • Peer Parent Coach with The Partnership to End Addiction • Certified Grief Educator - David Kessler • California State Organizing Team for The Recovery Advocacy Project • Board of Directors, The Happier Life Project • Advisory Committee for the Addiction Recovery Communities of California • National Ambassador with Shatterproof I hold a master’s degree in organizational management and a bachelor’s degree in business. I am certified in the use of DISC behavioral assessments and a certified speaker, coach, and trainer with The John Maxwell Company. I also enjoy serving as a Senior Career Consultant and Program Manager with The Barrett Group, where I work with executives to explore how they can strengthen their resilience and successfully adapt to a changing landscape. I collaborate with fellow Barrett Group team members to offer customized solutions for each client.

Experience

1. Executive Career Consultant and Program Manager

   The Barrett Group

   Aug 2021 — Present · US

   I help executives navigate all aspects of career management including working with recruiters, determining career change options, and achieving successful negotiations. In partnership with other team members at The Barrett Group, I guide clients through the creation of a customized plan and strategy to attain the outcomes they desire.