In this Business Blast podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews Tracy Sekhon, founder and CEO of the Autism Resource & Treatment Center (ARTC) in San Diego. Sekhon shares her personal journey raising four children, two of whom were diagnosed with autism, which inspired her to create a community‑based center that offers comprehensive resources and treatments for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. She explains the importance of recognizing autism signs, locating appropriate services, and the belief that answers exist for families willing to seek them. Sekhon offers general business advice centered on patience, taking baby steps, and the power of the compound effect, as well as personal life advice about surrendering to the process and finding happiness through purpose. She recommends Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming, highlighting the lesson of staying grounded and authentic, and shares her favorite quote, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The episode concludes with a plug for ARTC’s website (www.artcsandiego.com).
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All right everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner, and today I have Tracy Sacon with us. She is the founder and CEO of Autism Resource and Treatment Center. ARTC is a community-based 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 But my journey through life to ArtSea, 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 ArtSea and the development of the center. And it was an awakening for me. So that, you know, the journey showed me what was missing and 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 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 their kiddos succeed. So 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 that we can seek to find to get through this successfully.
And then what is your best piece of overall business advice? So not necessarily industry specific.
Well, I learned to be patient and take 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, 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. 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 the 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.
Thank you again.
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