From Family Business to Recovery Work with Steve Lee

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves sits down with Steve Lee, Senior Director of Strategic Relationships at Cumberland Heights. Steve reflects on his 35-year journey in recovery, his unexpected transition into the treatment field at age 58, and the guiding values that shape both his life and career. From stories of personal transformation to reflections on ethics in behavioral health, this episode is a masterclass in humility, wisdom, and the power of principled living. Whether you’re in recovery, working in the treatment space, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of authentic leadership, Steve’s words will resonate.

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📍Timestamps:
• [00:00] Introduction – Meet Steve Lee from Cumberland Heights
• [01:00] The Cheeseburger Story – A life lesson in acceptance
• [03:00] Starting a New Career at 58 – From family business to treatment field
• [07:00] Questions That Clarify Purpose – What do you love, value, and excel at?
• [12:00] Two Hats in Recovery Work – The separation of job and personal sobriety
• [19:00] A Job Meant to Be – How trusting the process led to the right opportunity
• [24:00] The Power of 12-Step Language – When the message hits the heart
• [29:00] What Keeps Steve Coming Back – Spiritual growth and humility
• [33:00] Ethics in the Treatment Field – Staying true in high-pressure environments
• [42:00] True North in Action – Doing the right thing even when it’s hard
• [46:00] Friendship, Change, and Growth – Recovery reshaping connection
• [50:00] Cumberland Heights & Arches – Trusted treatment for all ages
• [55:00] Final Reflections – Gratitude, growth, and staying in the solution

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🎤 Guest Bio:

Steve Lee
Senior Director of Strategic Relationships, Cumberland Heights
Steve Lee brings over 12 years of experience in behavioral health and over 35 years of personal recovery. A former family business leader, Steve made a transformative mid-life career change to work in the addiction treatment field. He is widely respected for his ethical leadership, heartfelt communication, and dedication to recovery-centered care. At Cumberland Heights, Steve focuses on connecting professionals and families with treatment solutions that honor the integrity of the recovery process.

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🔑 Key Takeaways:
1. Reinvention at Any Age – It’s never too late to start living your passion.
2. Principled Recovery Work – True ethics come from personal accountability, not company policy.
3. Why We Keep Coming Back – Recovery isn’t just about stopping a behavior—it’s about spiritual growth.
4. Two Hats, One Mission – Personal recovery and professional roles must remain distinct.
5. Cumberland Heights Legacy – A beacon for 12-step rooted, clinically excellent care.

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💬 Powerful Quote:

“Do my principles hold up when the mortgage is due, when my boss is on me about admissions? A principle is not malleable—it’s either firm or it’s not.” – Steve Lee

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📚 Resources & Mentions:
• Cumberland Heights Treatment Center: https://www.cumberlandheights.org
• Arch Academy (Adolescent Treatment): https://www.archacademy.org
• Still Waters (12-Step Immersion for Men): https://www.stillwatersrecovery.org

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• Instagram:   / newwatersrecovery  
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• LinkedIn:   / new-waters-recovery  
• TikTok:   / newwatersrecovery_nc  

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▶️ Watch & Listen:
• Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com
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• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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