We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Andre Caruso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Andre, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is one of the top areas I work with people on, in both my coaching and therapy practices. After spending many years in the restaurant business and working over 80 hours per week for someone else’s benefit, I knew something had to change. So in an effort to work less hours, I went to grad school to become a doctor. Oops. Needless to say, I needed to figure out this whole balance thing. Here’s the thing, unlike the common misconception, balance does not need to be 50/50. There is no set number that represents balance. Like most things, one size does not fit all. The best thing to do is try different schedules, wake up and bedtimes, times to exercise, length of breaks, mealtimes, and so on. It is all about figuring out what works best for you, whatever your proper ratio is. Just because it worked for your friend, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. Experiment, try things, have some fun with it. For once you find your ratio, it is easy to keep your life in balance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So much like one of my logos, I am a bit of a unicorn. Growing up I always enjoyed helping others and even did peer counseling way back in middle school. So naturally, I wound up in the restaurant/hospitality business for 20 years, lol. While I loved the business, I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact and decided to chase my initial passion. So, back to school, I went to become the Clinical Psychologist that I am today. My journey after college was also unique. I was the Director of Training shaping the minds of interns and practicum students from multiple local colleges, psychology programs. To the COO of a mental health, non-profit organization and the Vice Principal of a school for special needs children. Between my clinical training and my years of training and development, I knew there had to be a way to combine psychology, my expertise in behavior change and years of business leadership, to have a greater impact.

So, in 2018, I ventured out on my own and founded DACPACS, Inc. I opened my therapy practice and a few years later added my coaching businesses. Of course, there were a lot of bumpy roads, as anyone that has ever started their own business knows, the struggles are always hanging around. Preparation and patience are your best tools to shoo them away. However, my goal is and has been to help as many people as I can, in the best way possible. Hence why I felt the need for 3 different businesses, they allow me to use my skills, to be the most effective for the person I am working with.

JB and The Doctor, we assist both individuals and corporations. Our individualized coaching is geared to service based professionals and entrepreneurs, assisting them to master their skills and evolve to their greatest potential. IVOLVE Performance and Development, is our corporate training system to help teams with improving their soft skills, EQ, confidence and more.

Healthy Mind by Design is for those that want to make lasting, effective behavioral and/or personal changes that will improve one’s life. I also assist professionals in dealing with stress, mindset and achieving work-life balance.In addition to my customized one on one work, I also lead workshops, trainings and keynotes for groups and organizations.

The Psychological Health And Therapy Center, is a group private practice that provides a full range of mental health services. Here I mostly focus on assisting those that wish to explore their identities. Whether that is professionally, personally, sexually and/or gender.

To sum up, I truly believe that “Awesomeness is Achieved Through a Healthy Mind!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh there are lots of good options in South Florida. I am definitely sticking with local-owned spots. My favorite local nano brewery is LauderAle, so we would have to start there visiting Miranda and the team and having a pint or 3 of delicious C-Porter. I always enjoy happy hour and the view at YOT. For some amazing housemade pasta and pizza, and some of the best calamari I ever had, we’d head over to Heritage FTL. My favorite spot for fresh seafood/sushi is Yakatori in Boca, where Tina and Jason always import something new, fun and innovative. Of course, there will have to be a visit to the beach. So we’d probably stop and see Jaime at Blondies and then listen to some live music at the Elbo Room.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Very rarely does anyone find success on their own. There’s generally many people that assist, directly and indirectly, along the way. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many great colleagues over the years who have inspired and guided me, including my current business partner JB. My mom always supports me with whatever I am doing, even if she has no clue what it is. My dad displayed what hard work and dedication looked like. I also have some wonderful friends that help me unwind and keep me humble. And of course, my trusty sidekick, my dog Kenobi. Who is always happy to see me, no matter how good or bad the day was, and especially when I have some cheese to share.

Website: dacpacs.com

Instagram: @drandrecaruso

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drandrecaruso/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrAndreCaruso

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DACPACS/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVROKA_7lKShATqOKYwWW5g

Other: https://linktr.ee/drandrecaruso

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.