Coffee Break: Sumita Argianas, founder and clinical director of Vilij ABA
Q: Describe your company.
A: Vilij is a self-funded in-home ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy provider. We are revolutionizing in-home ABA therapy in a field dominated by private equity. Our primary focus is sustainable progress, not profits, and we're backed by a clinically led team with over a decade of ABA experience.
We know it takes a village to help children and families reach their highest potential (including my own), and we're humbled and appreciative of the trust our clients place in us when they let us become a part of their village.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: Yes, ABA is a very nuanced and unique service model. That means that as we take on more clients we will need to add to our team (Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians) who represent and model our core values of accountability, integrity, empathy and collaboration.
We have a multiphase business plan; as we reach internal checkpoints, we will be rolling out new phases already in development. It's a responsible and sustainable way to do things. Stay tuned.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: We are a new entrant to the field and while I'm confident in my clinical skills I know scalability without sacrifice to continuity of service is one thing all good providers should worry about. My husband is a member and sits on the board of the Entrepreneur & Chicago Family Business Council. He has also played a significant role in running his family's valuation business for the last five years. I've definitely leaned into those operation conversations at home.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: Unfortunately, mid-stage private-equity acquisitions. With venture capitalists chasing returns we've seen employees and families negatively impacted, including the immediate cessation of services and layoffs without notice. I myself was laid off from a VC-backed group. Having said that, it finally gave me the opportunity and courage to provide a better option for those in need of ABA therapy.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie executive, what would it be?
A: To a rookie clinician I would say take your time, don't rush services, and know when to listen more than talk. Also, there's a lot of burnout in the field, know when to take a break.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Progress over profits and families over financials. When you do things right, companies grow sustainably, families and clients make progress, and team members feel valued.
Q: From a business outlook, whom do you look up to?
A: Clinically I look up to a fellow BCBA, Lauren Byrnes. She was my mentor and someone I now call a colleague. I have such great respect for the advocacy she displays for her clients and I think she is a great role model for others in the field.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: Vilij was started after I was laid off from a prior practice. It was a time of self-reflection and with the support of my family gave me the courage to do ABA better.
Q: Was there a moment in your career that didn't go as you had planned? What lesson did you learn from it?
A: Everything I've experienced in my career/journey has emboldened me to open my own practice. To correct the inadequacies I saw in the field, I learned to be a leader and an advocate for the families we work with. I believe in being judged by my actions. On a more personal level, to recognize and see myself as a leader and to create a role for myself when others were more worried about profits and fancy marketing instead of focusing on the families who have given them their trust.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I have two children of my own and they keep me busy. When I'm not running after them or brainstorming new ideas for Vilij, I really enjoy nonfiction. I'm a big fan of baking, catching up on America's Test Kitchen and shame watching HGTV.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: Mindy Kaling's "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?"
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: The chicken and egg of continuing to grow with new clients and find new team members.
Q: If you were not doing this job, what do you think you would be doing?
A: Anything with children, I considered being a pediatrician when I was younger, but in retrospect I'm able to touch the lives of children and families in a more meaningful way as a BCBA.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: I was a CNA at Friendship Village; it gave me a deep sense of appreciation for caring for those in need.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: Wrigley Field. Cubs fan all the way.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why. (besides your company)
A: Mary Temple Grandin, her life fascinates me and how she has communicated her life to others is inspiring. Brené Brown, she's a thoughtful presenter and speaker and I think her research on shame, vulnerability and leadership is meaningful.
Sumita Argianas
Founder and Clinical Director
Vilij ABA
5509 Belmont Road Ste 1, Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 777-2800
www.vilijaba.com
Industry: Mental health, In-Home ABA Therapy
Annual revenue: New start-up
Number of employees: 5
Age: 34
Family information: First generation Indian American; my family members are my biggest fans (husband, 4-year-old and 20-month-old).
Hometown: Born in Chicago, now calling Downers Grove home.