Hanging Around the Topic: The Organizational Psychology of AA
In recovery, as in Renaissance Florence or Silicon Valley, greatness doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in proximity.
AA works not just because of the Steps or the Traditions, but because of its design. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of people with a shared problem and a shared solution. And one of its most powerful mechanisms is what I call “hanging around the topic.”
Just like:
- Florence had sculptors, painters, and patrons colliding in pursuit of beauty.
- Nashville has singers, songwriters, and producers colliding in pursuit of country music.
- Wall Street has traders, brokers, and dealmakers colliding in pursuit of capital.
- Silicon Valley has coders, founders, and VCs colliding in pursuit of innovation.
- Brackley, Woking, Grove, Milton Keynes—collision zones for F1 engineering brilliance.
AA has its own collision zone: the meeting room.
It’s where alcoholics of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds collide. We share stories, pain, laughter, and truth. We hang around the topic—addiction, recovery, honesty, humility, grace. And in doing so, we grow.
You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. You just need to be in the room.
Hang around the topic. That’s where the transformation happens.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.