The Path to Sobriety: Leading Yourself to Recovery

Ethan Mulholland’s journey from addiction to sobriety is a powerful testament to resilience and courage. He wasn’t living a life his parents would be proud of, but today, they stand beside him, proud of the man he’s become.

Overcoming the challenges of addiction is no easy feat, and it takes tremendous strength, support, and self-belief. His story prompts us to ask: Do we have the strength to believe in ourselves and create the life we truly want?

Ethan, a 29-year-old Gurindji man from Western Sydney, is on a path of transformation and inspiration. Soon, he will move to Canberra to join the Indigenous Marathon Foundation as the Community Impact Manager, working alongside Robert de Castella. In this role, Ethan will lead programs that use running to create positive change in communities across Australia.

Ethan’s Journey to Sobriety

Ethan’s journey to this point has been marked by challenges and resilience. Growing up, he was deeply involved in sports and enjoyed a vibrant and active lifestyle. However, a serious injury in his early teens led him away from sports, and his focus shifted toward partying. Over time, this lifestyle brought struggles with addiction that began to take hold in his late teens.

Determined to reclaim his life, Ethan sought help and became a client at The Glen Rehabilitation Centre. His commitment to recovery eventually led him to work at the very place that had supported him. Through hard work and perseverance, Ethan transformed his life and now serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when someone chooses to overcome adversity.

Today, Ethan is dedicated to inspiring others to make healthier lifestyle choices, using his story as a testament to the power of determination and self-leadership. His new role is a continuation of his mission to create positive change and uplift his community. Ethan’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and hope—a true inspiration for those facing similar challenges.

A Turning Point: Ethan's Path to Healing and Heritage

From the age of 18 to 25, Ethan's life felt like a blur, consumed by the grip of addiction. Despite knowing he had the potential to do more, his struggle with drugs and alcohol held him back. For years, he faced these challenges alone, hesitant to ask for help. Without support or tools to cope with emotions or cravings, the cycle of addiction persisted.

It was only when Ethan found the courage to admit he needed help that his life began to change. This decision led him to The Glen Rehabilitation Centre, a place that became pivotal in his journey toward recovery. While the thought of committing to 12 weeks of rehabilitation initially filled him with fear and uncertainty—worrying about what he might miss out on—Ethan recognized the urgency of saving his own life.

At The Glen, he found a supportive and welcoming community that made the transition easier than he expected. In just a few hours, the warmth of the environment gave him hope. Over time, Ethan not only embraced the healing process but also reconnected with his cultural roots.

A week into his time at The Glen, Ethan found himself dancing in front of 7,000 people—a deeply spiritual and transformative experience. Painted up and moving to honor Mother Earth, his family, and his heritage, Ethan felt a profound connection to his identity. For the first time, the act of dancing wasn’t for an audience but for himself and his ancestors. The mental, physical, and spiritual alignment he experienced in that moment remains etched in his memory as a symbol of renewal and self-discovery.

Navigating the Transition to Leadership

During his 12-week program at The Glen Rehabilitation Centre, Ethan absorbed knowledge and skills from the counselors, carefully observing their approach to life and work. He committed to applying that same energy and focus to his own journey, aspiring to emulate the positive impact he saw in the staff.

After completing the 12-week program, Ethan stayed on for seven months, strengthening his foundation. His dedication led to a full-time role at The Glen and with his new role came new responsibilities and milestones. Ethan moved out of The Glen, secured his first home, and purchased his own car—steps that symbolized his independence and growth. At The Glen, he worked closely with clients, organizing outings, running events, and having one-on-one conversations to support their journeys. 

Ethan's biggest challenge in recovery was transitioning from a client at The Glen Rehabilitation Centre to a staff member. This shift was particularly difficult because some of his peers in the program were still clients, and he suddenly found himself in a position of authority, needing to guide and direct them. 

By maintaining humility and relying on The Glen’s strong support system, Ethan navigated these challenges with integrity. He leaned on mentors for advice and embraced The Glen's family-oriented work culture.

However, it is also this same challenge that allows Ethan to empathize with clients better. For Ethan, empathy is the single most important quality in his role as a support person. Having been through the program himself, Ethan knows firsthand what many clients are experiencing. He recognizes the emotional ups and downs they face and can often sense their challenges.

This insight helps Ethan respond thoughtfully, even when clients’ emotions surface in less constructive ways. For Ethan, it’s a guiding principle that drives his work and his belief in fostering meaningful connections.

Embracing a New Chapter with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation

Ethan is stepping into an exciting new role with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF), a journey that began thanks to a colleague at The Glen. This opportunity represents a significant shift for Ethan, one that combines his newfound love for running with his dedication to helping others.

Ethan’s first attempt—a 4k sprint—ended in quick burnout, teaching him an important lesson about pacing and rhythm. Over time, running transformed into a passion. By learning to do it properly, he discovered not only the physical benefits but also the mental clarity and sense of connection it provided. The camaraderie of running groups, the shared goals, and the positivity of the community all contributed to making running a central part of his life.

Now, as he transitions to IMF, Ethan is eager to bring the same energy and openness to learning that he cultivated at The Glen. He looks forward to understanding how the organization operates on a national scale and applying those insights to support others. Just as he has helped others in recovery, he’s excited to encourage participants in their marathon journeys.

And through his work with IMF, he’ll continue to show others that transformation is possible, no matter where you start.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Ethan’s leadership journey has been shaped by his understanding that his actions speak louder than words. He now sees leadership as guiding by example and giving back, rather than just directing others. Inspired by the leaders who shaped him, Ethan hopes to pass on valuable lessons while encouraging others to take what resonates from his journey.

My key takeaways from this conversation with Ethan is that leaders find their true self, ask for help, and elevate others. These are the qualities that define Ethan’s leadership journey, and they can inspire us all to be better leaders in our own lives.

For more on Ethan’s journey, you can listen to the full episode where he delves deeper into his tattoos and many other personal experiences. Ethan also shares the story behind his meaningful tattoos, particularly one of a rabbit that holds a special place in his heart. The rabbit tattoo symbolizes his journey and connection to his heritage. 

Tune in to the episode here: Leading Yourself from Addiction to Sobriety