Financial Feminist – 104. The Hidden Cost of Alcohol Kelsey Moreira

Intro

In this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast, host Tori Dunlap interviews Kelsey Moreira, the founder of Dope, a company that makes delicious cookie dough and supports women in recovery. Kelsey shares her personal journey of re-evaluating her relationship with alcohol and the hidden costs associated with excessive drinking. They also discuss the impact of Kelsey’s appearance on Shark Tank and the importance of creating recovery-friendly workplaces. This episode encourages listeners to be more intentional about their alcohol consumption and highlights the power of vulnerability and supporting mission-driven businesses.

Main Takeaways

Re-evaluating Relationship with Alcohol

• Alcohol is a toxin and can rob people of the ability to choose who they want to be and how they want to show up every day.
• Kelsey shares her story about re-evaluating her relationship with alcohol and finding herself and her hobbies after getting sober.
• One does not need to hit rock bottom to make the decision to stop drinking.
• The mocktail movement offers plenty of options to socialize without alcohol.
• Re-evaluating one’s relationship with alcohol can lead to feeling better and more intentional about drinking.
• There are many bars and restaurants now with sick mocktail menus, providing alternatives to alcohol.
• Non-alcoholic options should be provided at parties and events to be more inclusive.
• There are non-alcoholic whiskey options available, such as Spiritless, which are good for making cocktails.
• The feeling that you have to drink to get ahead in your career is a pervasive myth, and it is possible to succeed in a professional environment without drinking.
• There are many opportunities out there for those who struggle with alcohol or are sober to find a job at a company that is not centered around drinking culture.

Impact of Shark Tank Appearance

• Kelsey shares her experience of appearing on Shark Tank and how it differed from her expectations.
• Mark Cuban did not invest in Kelsey’s cookie dough company, citing health concerns, but later invested in a male-run company called FatShack.
• The timing of FatShack’s filming and Kelsey’s episode airing was very close, leading to suspicions of manipulation for TV.
• Despite not receiving a deal, Kelsey was grateful for the experience and ready for America to see her have a meltdown.
• Getting a deal on Shark Tank doesn’t guarantee success, as many deals fall out in diligence and can take up to a year to complete.
• Shark Tank provides a great platform for exposure and opportunities.
• Being a Shark Tank company brings recognition and can be a cherry on top.

Creating Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

• Companies have a responsibility to be there for their employees when they are struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
• Recovery-friendly workplaces can create an environment that allows employees to bring their full selves to work, including mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention.
• There has been a movement towards recovery-friendly workplaces, with some companies even receiving a designation for it in certain states.
• Employers can foster a culture of vulnerability and support by providing training and resources for addiction and recovery.
• Companies should consider providing non-alcoholic options at work events and parties to be more inclusive.
• One in 12 Americans are in active recovery, and it’s important to create a safe and supportive environment for them.

Summary

Re-evaluating Relationship with Alcohol

In this episode, Kelsey Moreira shares her personal journey of re-evaluating her relationship with alcohol. She emphasizes that alcohol is a toxin and can prevent individuals from choosing who they want to be each day. Kelsey’s experience of getting sober allowed her to find herself and her hobbies, challenging the myth that one needs to hit rock bottom to stop drinking. The mocktail movement and the availability of non-alcoholic options at bars and restaurants provide alternatives to alcohol, allowing individuals to socialize without compromising their sobriety. Re-evaluating one’s relationship with alcohol can lead to feeling better and more intentional about drinking, debunking the belief that alcohol is necessary for career success. It is crucial for companies to create recovery-friendly workplaces that support employees struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

Impact of Shark Tank Appearance

Kelsey shares her experience of appearing on Shark Tank and the unexpected outcome. Despite not receiving a deal, she highlights the exposure and opportunities that the show provides. Kelsey’s experience also sheds light on the importance of recognizing biases and gender power dynamics in the business world. The timing of another company’s appearance on the show raised suspicions of manipulation for TV. Kelsey’s story demonstrates that getting a deal on Shark Tank does not guarantee success, as many deals fall through during diligence. However, being a Shark Tank company brings recognition and can open doors for future endeavors.

Creating Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

The podcast also explores the importance of creating recovery-friendly workplaces. Employers have a responsibility to support their employees who may be struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Recovery-friendly workplaces foster a culture of vulnerability and support, allowing employees to bring their whole selves to work. Providing training and resources for addiction and recovery is crucial in creating a safe and inclusive environment. Companies should also consider offering non-alcoholic options at work events and parties to accommodate individuals in recovery. By prioritizing the well-being of their employees, companies can contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.

Conclusion

This episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast with Kelsey Moreira highlights the importance of re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol, creating recovery-friendly workplaces, and the impact of appearing on Shark Tank. Kelsey’s personal journey of sobriety serves as a reminder that one does not need to hit rock bottom to make the decision to stop drinking. The podcast encourages listeners to be more intentional about their alcohol consumption and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of being a mission-driven entrepreneur. By supporting mission-driven businesses and fostering inclusive workplaces, we can contribute to positive change in society.