Meet the Faces of atai: Patrick Deasey (US)

In an inspiring personal and professional transformation journey, Patrick Deasey, CPA , Associate Director of Accounting (US), shares his story from a bone cancer survivor to a key team member in our Finance Chapter. Pat’s story is not just about overcoming personal challenges; it's about how these experiences shaped his career choices. From his diverse roles in accounting to embracing atai's culture of collaborative innovation, Pat's narrative offers a unique perspective on finding purpose and passion in one's work.?

What inspired you to join atai??

Like many of my coworkers, atai's mission to heal mental health disorders so that everyone, everywhere can live a more fulfilled life inspired me to join the company. I was diagnosed with bone cancer when I was 18 and struggled with anxiety for years after. On my own mental health journey, I learned that I wanted to work professionally at a company at the forefront of healing mental health, and atai stood out immediately. I was overwhelmed in the interview process (and still to this day) by everyone's dedication and passion for mental health, and I knew this was the perfect fit for me.?

Can you describe your role at atai??

I wear a couple of different hats in our accounting department, but my team and I are responsible for the ongoing R&D accounting efforts in our various clinical, enabling technologies, and drug development programs. A big part of my role is collaborating with our SEC reporting and tax teams to help with all our external reporting and compliance work.?

How does the company culture at atai align with your personal values and aspirations??

The culture at atai is centered around four core values: bold entrepreneurship, radical responsibility, collaborative innovation, and conscious care. All of these resonate with me, but I find collaborative innovation speaks to me the most. I excel in a team environment and appreciate that atai emphasizes collaboration across different departments as a core pillar of the company.?

What sets atai apart from other organizations you have worked for, and why do you choose to stay??

Early in my career, I worked for a public accounting firm and a large chemical manufacturing company. I valued my time in both of those industries, but I realized my passion wasn't in auditing financials or the production of oleic acids. I might be an outlier that I DO enjoy accounting, but I needed to find a role/industry that truly made me excited at work every day. atai is the perfect balance for my interests, both personally and professionally.??

My colleagues have mentioned this, and I need to echo it as well, the people at atai are the glue that makes everything work here. Across all the departments, talent and ambition are undeniable and make for a highly collaborative and high-performing group.??

What personal passion project are you working on outside of work??

I grew up in Minnesota and have lived in the Midwest my entire life until my wife and I moved to Seattle, WA, a little over a year ago. To say the Midwest is a little different than the Pacific Northwest is an understatement, but we've been enjoying every second. So far, my highlights have been getting a new raincoat, hiking in the Cascade mountains, and learning to shuck my own oysters!?