Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Learn from global disability-focused leaders about high profile topics and how they are truly making a difference. Mai Ling and James give you front row access to intimate conversations that are shaping the way the world is supporting people with disabilities. They share their intimate experiences— so you can start, grow, and expand your impact.
info_outline
Adaptive Intimate Apparel with Nicole Cuervo
07/15/2024
Adaptive Intimate Apparel with Nicole Cuervo
Our guest for today is Nicole Cuervo, the founder & CEO of Springrose, a startup designing adaptive intimate apparel that improves quality of life for women with limited mobility. She speaks with Mai Ling about her journey as an entrepreneur by sharing exactly what adaptive intimate apparel is, why it is needed, and the personal experience in her family that led her to develop her products. Nicole also talks about her approach to the expansion of her product line, how to find your ideal customer, and the importance of considering research and development when setting pricing.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/32129982
info_outline
Revolutionizing Disability Employment with David D'Arcangelo
07/01/2024
Revolutionizing Disability Employment with David D'Arcangelo
In today’s episode, James sits down with the CEO of Arc Angel Communications, David D'Arcangelo, to talk about his work to bring more people with disabilities into the workforce. As a legally blind person, David knows firsthand the challenges that many people with disabilities face when seeking employment. He talks about his passion for improving the human condition, disability as part of your identity, how to get more people with disabilities into the workforce, and focusing on the ability part of disability. Don’t miss this engaging, insightful conversation!
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/31936537
info_outline
Aphasia In Chinese Speakers with Anthony Kong
06/17/2024
Aphasia In Chinese Speakers with Anthony Kong
In recognition of Aphasia Awareness Month, we knew June would be the perfect time to focus on aphasia. So today Mai Ling chats with Dr. Anthony Kong, an expert on aphasia with an emphasis on aphasia among speakers of Chinese languages. Anthony begins by sharing a bit about what aphasia is and then goes deeper into how the specific elements of Asian languages can cause aphasia to be even more pronounced in speakers of those languages. He also talks about why he felt he needed to focus specifically on aphasia in Chinese speakers as well as some tips on how you can effectively blaze a trail in an underserved area yourself.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/31752962
info_outline
Trauma-Informed Care with Rachel Archambault
06/03/2024
Trauma-Informed Care with Rachel Archambault
Today James sits down with Rachel Archambault, who is a speaker and consultant in the area of trauma-informed care as well as a licensed speech-language pathologist. Rachel collaborates with service providers (SLPs, doctors, PT/OT, etc.), parents, businesses, schools, hospitals, universities, rehab, and communities to incorporate trauma-informed care into their settings with clients. She speaks with James about how experiencing a traumatic event was the impetus for launching the PTSD SLP, she shares her thoughts on acknowledging the line between the scope of practice for an SLP and a psychologist, and shares some examples of how language can cause trauma to resurface for people and how to avoid certain terms and phrases in our speech.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/31563282
info_outline
Uniting SLP Entrepreneurs with Ebony Green
05/20/2024
Uniting SLP Entrepreneurs with Ebony Green
Today we are joined by Speech Language Pathologist Ebony Green. Ebony is the CEO and founder of SLP Business Suite and she talks with Mai Ling about how she got started as an SLP, starting a private practice, fighting imposter syndrome, and pivoting mid-career. She also shares her passion for networking and connecting people which led her to launch the Made for More SLP Business Conference.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/31371062
info_outline
Harnessing the Power of AI for SLP Reports with Michelle Boisvert
05/06/2024
Harnessing the Power of AI for SLP Reports with Michelle Boisvert
Dr. Michelle Boisvert joins this episode of the show for an informative conversation with Mai Ling. Using her expertise as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Michelle co-founded easyReportPRO.com to address some of the challenges that SLPs face which she knew could be simplified with the use of technology. She talks about what easyReportPRO is, how it works by incorporating AI, and the impetus to start the platform. Mai Ling also asks her about how she built her team, the future of AI in healthcare, and thoughts on other uses of AI in the SLP arena.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/31137598
info_outline
Resilient Leadership and AAC Advocacy with Kim Vuong
04/22/2024
Resilient Leadership and AAC Advocacy with Kim Vuong
Oanh "Kim" Vuong is our guest for today’s episode. As a person with cerebral palsy and an AAC user who is an active advocate, she offers a unique and valuable perspective on disability leadership. Mai Ling chats with Kim about the independent confidence she developed at a young age, her advocacy work in southern California, and some of the initiatives she’s currently undertaking. From curriculum development to beach accessibility issues, Kim is an example of a leader who tackles the task despite the challenges.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/30922793
info_outline
Integrating AI into Your Business with Mai Ling & James
04/08/2024
Integrating AI into Your Business with Mai Ling & James
In this episode, our hosts tackle the timely topic of using Artificial Intelligence tools in your disability-focused business. Mai Ling and James give you a crash course on AI, covering this subject from various angles including ethical considerations, practical uses of tools like ChatGPT, integrating AI into your entrepreneurship efforts, tips for writing prompts, and more!
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/30718778
info_outline
Connecting Neurodivergent Jobseekers and Employers with Jhillika Kumar & Conner Reinhardt
03/25/2024
Connecting Neurodivergent Jobseekers and Employers with Jhillika Kumar & Conner Reinhardt
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/30511833
info_outline
Accessibility in Space with Anna Voelker
03/11/2024
Accessibility in Space with Anna Voelker
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/30312003
info_outline
Making an Impact through Fiction with Carol Van Den Hende
02/26/2024
Making an Impact through Fiction with Carol Van Den Hende
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/30090768
info_outline
The Intersection of ADHD, Women, and Asian Culture with Kim To
02/12/2024
The Intersection of ADHD, Women, and Asian Culture with Kim To
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/29894393
info_outline
De-Stigmatizing Stuttering & Business Growth Tips with Maya Chupkov
01/29/2024
De-Stigmatizing Stuttering & Business Growth Tips with Maya Chupkov
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/29685408
info_outline
Building Bridges through Broadcast Media with Zach Damon
01/15/2024
Building Bridges through Broadcast Media with Zach Damon
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/29484818
info_outline
The Best of 2023 Disability Leadership with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
12/04/2023
The Best of 2023 Disability Leadership 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!
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/28908053
info_outline
Embracing ADHD and Neurodiversity as an Adult with Julia Ovcharenko
11/06/2023
Embracing ADHD and Neurodiversity as an Adult with Julia Ovcharenko
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 “Unlock Your ADHD Wildness”.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/28523369
info_outline
AAC and the Journey to Ms. Wheelchair Arizona with Brooke Brown
10/23/2023
AAC and the Journey to Ms. Wheelchair Arizona with Brooke Brown
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/28384115
info_outline
Valuable Resources for Disability Entrepreneurs with Nikki Powis
10/09/2023
Valuable Resources for Disability Entrepreneurs with Nikki Powis
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.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/28260344
info_outline
A Digital Accessibility Deep Dive with Tanner Gers
09/25/2023
A Digital Accessibility Deep Dive with Tanner Gers
Today Mai Ling has a chat with the founder of AccessAbility Officer, Tanner Gers. AccessAbility Officer’s aim is to make work and the web better through the services they offer, including digital accessibility training and certification, as well as staffing and recruiting. Tanner shares with us his journey to founding this organization, starting with how life changed when he became blind, what true ADA-compliant digital/online accessibility means for companies, and how the certification program works and the benefits it provides. Join us for this deep dive into the important topic of online accessibility.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/28127924
info_outline
Observing Without Eyesight with Dr. Mona Minkara
09/11/2023
Observing Without Eyesight with Dr. Mona Minkara
Dr. Mona Minkara chats with James in today’s episode about how to use other senses beyond eyesight to observe scientifically. Mona is a blind assistant professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University and a travel vlogger who lives by the maxim that vision is more than sight. In this fascinating conversation with James, she talks about her interest in science at an early age, how she uses other senses in her scientific work, and how curiosity is an integral part of her personality. She also shares her passion for traveling the world and thoughts on overcoming the doubts that so many of us face.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27991593
info_outline
Creative Marketing & Careers for the Neurodivergent with Merlee Jayme
08/28/2023
Creative Marketing & Careers for the Neurodivergent with Merlee Jayme
In today’s packed interview, James chats with Merlee Jayme, Chairmom® and Founder of the Misfits Camp. Merlee shares some of her backstory, including some experiences in her early, formative years which had a profound impact on her life and her approach to marketing and creativity. She also talks about her passion for creating careers for the neurodivergent which led to the formation of the Misfits Camp and why she’s not averse to the term “misfit”.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27857439
info_outline
Becoming an Exceptional Leader with Michael Zalle
08/14/2023
Becoming an Exceptional Leader with Michael Zalle
Mai Ling sits down with founder and CEO of YellowBird, Michael Zalle, to talk about being a successful leader as a person with a disability. As a veteran tech entrepreneur, Michael pulls from his extensive experience in the business world to share about when it might be advantageous to disclose a disability to potential investors. He also talks about embracing your own story and using it to your advantage and he also shares some thoughts on the role of authenticity in business. This is a value-packed episode!
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27735018
info_outline
Making Sports Events More Accessible with Victor Ocando Finol
07/31/2023
Making Sports Events More Accessible with Victor Ocando Finol
In our opening segment, Mai Ling and James talk about the importance of networking in your local area, in addition to building a national or international network. This valuable discussion is followed by Mai Ling’s interview with founder and CEO of Adapt the Game, Victor Ocando Finol. Victor talks about his experience as a sports fan with limited mobility due to cerebral palsy and the challenges of attending live sporting events. He created the Adapt the Game mobile app to help sports fans who were in a similar situation to himself by addressing accessibility issues with the sports venues and tailoring the experience to the individual user’s needs, from ticketing to game time.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27601599
info_outline
AI and AAC Technology with Alan Vu
07/17/2023
AI and AAC Technology with Alan Vu
Today we’re featuring an informative conversation between James and fellow speech-language pathologist, Alan Vu. As an SLP and an AAC specialist, Alan was able to leverage his professional background and his personal experience as a person who stutters to help create a new app that combines AI with AAC, called Flexspeak. James and Alan talk about what Flexspeak does and what Alan and his team are working on, as well as why many other AAC systems are being abandoned users.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27480513
info_outline
DEI in Film Production & Scaling Your Business with Koura Linda
07/03/2023
DEI in Film Production & Scaling Your Business with Koura Linda
Mai Ling starts off this solo-hosted episode with an update about our new episode collections that make it easy to do a deep dive into a specific topic. Then she brings founder and CEO of Space Dream Productions, Koura Linda, onto the show to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in film production and how her company is working in that arena. Koura talks about being a facilitator of communication and how her job is “to assist other artists, activists, and educators with connecting with audiences and communicating with them.” And she also dives into some important things to consider when scaling your business, regardless of the industry.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27349614
info_outline
Living with ADHD in Adulthood with Chris Wang
06/19/2023
Living with ADHD in Adulthood with Chris Wang
The topic of today’s episode is personal for Mai Ling. Before our guest joins the show to talk about ADHD, Mai Ling shares her own personal experience with her diagnosis. James then sits down with startup founder and expert ADHD/neurodiversity advocate/speaker, Chris Wang to talk all about ADHD and its effects on adults. Chris is the co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, a comprehensive behavioral tech platform for adults with ADHD. In addition to explaining the Shimmer app, Chris also shares some different approaches to managing ADHD, advice for newly diagnosed adults, and some of the biggest challenges that they face.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27188730
info_outline
Understanding Selective Mutism with Elisa Shipon-Blum
06/05/2023
Understanding Selective Mutism with Elisa Shipon-Blum
Our guest today is Elisa Shipon-Blum, or Dr. E, as her patients call her. She is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center). Dr E is an expert on Selective Mutism (SM) and has helped to treat thousands of patients over the past three decades. She speaks with Mai Ling about how she started her work in the area of SM, the genesis of the Selective Mutism Association and the SMart Center, as well as various treatment methods. She also answers the question, Is alternative communication an option for individuals with Selective Mutism?
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/27043170
info_outline
Cultural Diversity in the Speech-Language Pathology Space with Dr. Li-Rong Cheng
05/22/2023
Cultural Diversity in the Speech-Language Pathology Space with Dr. Li-Rong Cheng
In the introduction to this episode’s interview, Mai Ling shares an exciting announcement about an upcoming project that she’ll be working on. Then we jump into a conversation between Mai Ling and Dr. Li-Rong “Lilly” Cheng, who is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. Dr. Cheng was the founder of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus of ASHA and she talks about her early days as a diversity advocate and the unique perspectives of Asian culture on discussing diversity, inclusion, and sensitive matters. They also discuss the progress that has been made on these issues and what still needs to be accomplished.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/26904648
info_outline
Comedy, Disability, and Self-deprecating Humor with Greg Roque
04/24/2023
Comedy, Disability, and Self-deprecating Humor with Greg Roque
Comedian and screenwriter Greg Roque joins the show today for an insightful conversation with James. As a teen, Greg had a spinal injury which paralyzed him and he brings his unique perspective on life as a disabled person to his comedy. He shares with us a little about his approach to comedy, where the line is for comedy about disability, and the accessibility challenges he’s faced as a comic in a wheelchair.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/26628714
info_outline
Artificial Intelligence in the Disability Space with Yonah Welker
04/10/2023
Artificial Intelligence in the Disability Space with Yonah Welker
Before we introduce our guest in this episode, Mai Ling shares a major update about a new venture that she is embarking on that has a connection to our guest. And that guest is technology explorer, evaluator, and reviewer, Yonah Welker, who has a mission to reshape how nations, cities and ecosystems embrace human-centered algorithms, environments, policy and emerging technology – specifically addressing human capability, wellbeing, experiences and beyond. Yonah and Mai Ling chat about the role of technology in the disability space with an emphasis on artificial intelligence.
/episode/index/show/xceptionalleaders/id/26491896