In this Business Blast podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews Tracy Sekhon, the founder and CEO of the Autism Resource and Treatment Center (ARTC). Tracy shares her personal journey of raising four children, two of whom were diagnosed with autism, which inspired her to create a community‑based center that consolidates resources and therapies for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. She explains the core mission of ARTC: helping parents recognize autism signs, locate appropriate services, and understand that answers exist for navigating the challenges. Tracy offers business advice rooted in patience, taking "baby steps," and the power of the compound effect from her two decades of small‑business experience. She reflects on personal growth, advising her younger self to surrender to the process and emphasizing that true happiness comes from living one’s purpose—specifically, supporting autistic children. Tracy recommends Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming, highlighting lessons about authenticity and staying grounded. Her favorite quote, "It always seems impossible until it’s done," encapsulates her mindset. The episode concludes with a call to action, directing listeners to the ARTC website (artcsandiego.com).
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Alright everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner and today's sponsor is Flipboard. Flipboard curates the world's stories so you can be smarter in your work, life, and play. Choose from thousands of topics to personalize Flipboard and get the latest stories from the best publishers and experts delivered to you 24/7. So you You can get started now at flipboard.com. And now, let's jump into the episode. All right, everyone.
Welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner, and today I have Tracy Sakon with us. She is the founder and CEO of Autism Resource and Treatment Center. ARTC is a community-based center that will provide resources and treatments for all ages on the autism spectrum and support for their families, all under one roof. So welcome to the show.
Thank you.
Of course, grateful to have you here, Tracy. So the first question we ask on this show is, what is the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
Well, there are many stories, of course. I'm sure everyone has this, but my journey through life to art, see, you know, is being gifted with 4 children that are all very unique and amazing and incredible. But my last 2 were a little extra unique in that they were diagnosed with autism. And it is that journey through autism that brought me to ArtSee and the development of the center, and it was an awakening for me so that, you know, the journey showed me what was missing, what could be helpful, what other parents needed, and how hard that journey is. So that has to be the most profound because it's where I'm at right now. And again, there's many of them, but that's So that's where I am today.
And then what is the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
Okay, so that's what Artsee is all about. There are ways to navigate the challenges of autism, and so many people don't know that, first and foremost because they don't know the signs and symptoms of autism, and secondarily don't know where to get the resources and what resources are necessary to help those their kiddos succeed. So that, that's what I need others to understand is that there are answers. Sometimes we have to look a little harder to find them, but for sure there are answers, you know, that, that we can seek to find it to get through this successfully.
And then what is your best piece of overall business advice? Not necessarily industry specific.
Well, I learned to be patient and take baby baby steps through business. And as a previous small business owner, you know, I have 20 years of experience in learning that all things come to fruition when in fact you're putting forth consistent effort. And for me, you know, I'm a big believer in the compound effect. I've seen it happen over and over again, and I think that we just have to stay true to our journey.
And then if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
Oh, that's a big one. I would tell my younger self to surrender to the process and understand that I have control over very little. You know, it's the art of allowing.
And then in your opinion, kind of going a little bit down a different path, in your opinion, what is the key to happiness?
Oh, living the purpose. My key to happiness is the internal fulfillment that I come from living my purpose. Spanish, that. And again, that comes back to seeing the kiddos and so forth.
And then what is the best book that you've read and what was the number one thing you learned from that?
Oh, I just finished Michelle Obama's Becoming, and what I learned about that is, you know, her journey from nothing to First Lady through trial and triumph. It's all about staying grounded and being who you are and showing up authentically and understanding that the world may view you differently, but it doesn't have to change who you are.
And then what is your favorite quote and why?
Ah, it always seems impossible until it's done. And I think it's self-explanatory.
Yes, I love it. Well, thank you so much for coming on. The last one I got for you before we let you go is where can our audience best find you online?
Www.artcsandiego.com. That's A-R-T-C San Diego. Perfect.
