An Inside Look at The Disability Union with George Baker
Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Release Date: 06/14/2021
Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
We have two great guests in this episode! James sits down for a conversation with Jhillika Kumar and Conner Reinhardt, the CEO, and COO respectively, of Mentra. As a neurodiversity employment network, one of the goals of Mentra is to connect neurodivergent jobseekers with jobs, but it goes beyond that. Jhillika and Conner talk in depth about all the problems that Mentra aims to solve, why a neurodiverse workforce is an advantage, and how universal design fits into this discussion. They also share a bit about their own experiences with neurodiversity.
info_outline Accessibility in Space with Anna VoelkerXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
In this episode, Mai Ling is joined by guest Anna Voelker, founder and Executive Director of SciAccess, Inc. SciAccess is an international nonprofit that promotes disability inclusion in STEM education, outreach, and research and Anna speaks with Mai Ling about the beginnings of the non-profit, what universal design is, and having an early interest in space that led to later endeavors. They also chat about what accessibility really means and the AstroAccess initiative, a program focused on furthering disability inclusion in space exploration.
info_outline Making an Impact through Fiction with Carol Van Den HendeXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Our guest today is speaker and award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende. She talks with Mai Ling about her novels which are helping both people with disabilities and their loved ones. These fictional stories draw from Carol’s Chinese American heritage and in addition to telling heart-warming, genuine narratives, they also explore themes such as accessibility, inclusive design, and how cultural background affects relationships. She also shares some of her experiences around book publishing as well.
info_outline The Intersection of ADHD, Women, and Asian Culture with Kim ToXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Certified ADHD Coach, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Kim To, joins Mai Ling Chan on this episode to share her thoughts and experiences with ADHD. Kim talks about the journey to her diagnosis and why she moved into coaching others with this same challenge. She also talks about the unique situation of being an Asian woman with an ADHD diagnosis, which Mai Ling has also experienced. This insightful conversation offers an oft-overlooked perspective on ADHD from two women who are living it every day.
info_outline De-Stigmatizing Stuttering & Business Growth Tips with Maya ChupkovXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Today’s guest on the podcast is fellow podcaster, Maya Chupkov. Maya is the Executive Director, Producer and Host of Proud Stutter, an award winning and multi-nominated podcast and advocacy nonprofit organization that is de-stigmatizing stuttering and embracing speech diversity. She speaks with James about her story of growing up with a stutter, what prompted her to launch the podcast, and how her PR experience has benefitted what she’s doing now. This conversation is full of tips that you can apply to your own disability-focused business today.
info_outline Building Bridges through Broadcast Media with Zach DamonXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Our guest for the very first episode of 2024 is award-winning professional actor, voice actor, and broadcaster Zach Damon. We’re thrilled to kick off the new year talking to Zach about his advocacy work in the disability space using his skills and experience in media production. Zach has developed a TV show that he also hosts, along with numerous other projects in the broadcast media arena. He also does advocacy work at the city government level as well as with the Boy Scouts. This great conversation is the perfect way to start 2024 and inspire you in your efforts.
info_outline The Best of 2023 Disability Leadership with Mai Ling Chan & James BergesXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Don’t miss the final episode of the Xceptional Leaders podcast for 2023! Our hosts, Mai Ling and James, share some valuable information as they look back over this past year. They talk about the strides that were made in the area of disability in 2023, highlights from some of this year’s guests, and success stories from around the world. They also share some areas that still need improvement as well as a look at what’s coming down the road too. Join us for this special wrap-up of 2023!
info_outline Embracing ADHD and Neurodiversity as an Adult with Julia OvcharenkoXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Our guest today is neurodivergent Ukrainian entrepreneur and mental health enthusiast, Julia Ovcharenko. She talks with Mai Ling about the stigma around ADHD and adjusting to ADHD and neurodiversity diagnoses as an adult, which is a very personal topic for Mai Ling, as she shares in the introduction segment before the interview. As the CEO and Founder of Numo ADHD, a new app for adults with ADHD, Julia is dedicated to creating a thriving community and vital resources for those with ADHD. The app has productivity aids, support groups, and many other features to assist users and help them...
info_outline AAC and the Journey to Ms. Wheelchair Arizona with Brooke BrownXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
James and Mai Ling kick off the episode with some updates and top takeaways from the conversation with today’s guest. AAC user and disability advocate Brooke Brown speaks with Mai Ling about her experience as Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022 and the Arizona State Coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair America, her journey to achieving the title and position, and the role AAC played in the process. Brooke also shares her thoughts on the word “inspire” in the context of people with disabilities and more in this International AAC Awareness Month episode.
info_outline Valuable Resources for Disability Entrepreneurs with Nikki PowisXceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Mai Ling chats with Nikki Powis about some fantastic resources for disability entrepreneurs in today’s episode. Nikki is the Director of the National Disability Institute and she shares how she started at NDI and some of the top challenges for entrepreneurs based on her over three decades of experience in this space. She also gives some tips for investor pitches and speaks about how the social impact of business ventures is an integral element of successful businesses.
info_outlineOur guest this episode is the founder of The Disability Union in the United Kingdom, George Baker. George founded the first union by and for disabled people and carers because he believes that “the only way to further disability rights and increase inclusion is for all disabled people to work together and support each other.” He shares with Martyn the impetus for the union, how it operates, and the benefit it brings to members.