Human Potential At Work

Di Patterson, Founder of Success in Aging Center, and Mary Barnett, Founder and CEO of Another Brilliant Idea, Inc, join the program to discuss how to help seniors overcome the hopelessness that they may sometimes feel and the need to help older individuals break out of isolation. They also reveal the details about the  Success in Aging® Essentials Box collection; a thoughtfully curated, gerontologist-approved gift box designed to empower older adults, people living with disabilities, veterans, and the widowed by giving those who love them an easy way to show their affection and thoughtfulness. 

Dr. Dravon James joins the program to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion and how to become "creatively curious." Dr. James reveals why men often have an easier time pursuing success than women, and the importance of your attitude in achieving success. Dr. James also shares what leaders need to think about at this time when it comes to diversity and inclusion. 

Nic Novicki, actor, director and stand-up comedian, joins the program to discuss why he has decided to become a global advisor for Billion Strong, as well as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. Nic reveals why he started the film challenge, which gives filmmakers—with and without disabilities—the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms.

Ali Ingersoll, Executive Board Member of Alliance of Disability Advocates of North Carolina (ADANC), joins the program to discuss her journey, which includes becoming a disability advocate after a shallow water diving accident left her in a wheelchair in her late 20's. Ali reveals why she decided to become a board member of Billion Strong, and some of the ways that she will be contributing to the global community. 

Author Joti Gata-Aura joins the program to discuss her journey towards self-love and acceptance of vitiligo, a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. Joti reveals her coping strategies and shares tips and techniques about how she transformed her life by supporting and inspiring others and becoming confident and strong in the skin she is in. 

John Mallett, America's Mortgage Coach, joins the program to share his journey of how he got into the work that he does, and the importance of equity when it comes to being able to purchase a home. Discover how virtually anyone can buy a home, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

This episode features an interview with Neil Milliken, global head of accessibility and inclusion at Atos, and Mark Wilcock, Global Accessibility Academy & Accessibility Knowledge Lead at Atos as they discuss how apprenticeship programs are helping Atos quickly bring in new and more diverse talent with the in-demand accessible technology skills they need.

Colleen Miller, Executive Director of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation.

Crosby Cromwell, Chief Partnerships Officer for the Valuable 500, and Stephane Leblois, Director of Partnerships at the Valuable 500, join the program to outline the mission and vision of their organization, and the efforts that the Valuable 500 is making to ensure that disability is on the global business agenda. Discover the Valuable 500 campaign to get 500 national and multinational, private-sector corporations to be the tipping point for change and help unlock the social and economic value of people living with disabilities across the world. 

Ruth Glendinning, Founder of Future Story Lab, a  platform identifying & activating sense making tools for the unfolding future,  joins the program. Ruth shares her journey of becoming passionate about inclusion and accessibility, and how being married to her late husband, who had a form of muscular dystrophy, activated that passion. She also shares the power of "slow tech"   and how specific technology can be added to no- or low-tech community-based human-scale businesses to better equip them to thrive.

Dr. Kristen Allott and Natasha Duarte return to the program to discuss the importance of taking care of your body and your brain and share tips and insights for self-care. Kristen and Natasha also share their thoughts about the "great resignation" and how to help individuals process trauma and the support they need to return to the workplace.   

Danise Olague, Senior Program Manager, Accessibility and Product Inclusion for Yahoo, joins the program to discuss her career journey and adjusting to having gradual vision loss.  Discover the business case for accessibility and inclusion, and why Yahoo is embedding accessibility throughout their company. Danise also shares her thoughts about what companies will need to do to recruit and retain talent in the future. 

In this episode you'll hear from Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for JCPenney, as she discusses their Thereabouts brand, a new inclusive line of kids apparel that celebrates the diversity of shapes, sizes, styles, and abilities. You'll also hear about the efforts that JCPenney has made to create clothing that is adaptive and inclusive for adults as well as children. 

Gregg Vanderheiden, Professor and Director of the Trace R&D Center and Richard Streitz, COO of Ruh Global Impact join the program to discuss Morphic, a technology that makes computers easier and more accessible to use. Discover the unique features behind this powerful program and why it is so crucial to ensure that computers are accessible to all. 

Jewel Okwechime, global environmental leader and expert in change management strategies for oil and gas companies, joins the program to discuss her career journey and why she chose to become a global advisor and country partner for Billion Strong. 

Emily Golden, Master Certified Coach, Speaker and Career Performance Expert, returns to the program to discuss her own journey of overcoming learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and depression, and how that journey informs the work that she does today. Discover the importance of normalizing challenges and how organizations can incorporate coaching into their workforce. 

Kate Nash, Founder and Chief Executive of PurpleSpace, returns to the program to discuss the mission and vision of her organization and discuss details about #PurpleLightUp, a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world.  

Kate Nicholson, President & Founder, National Pain Advocacy Center, joins the program to discuss equity issues as they relate to pain management. Discover the connection between pain and disability, and the vulnerable populations that are adversely affected by pain.   

Contemporary expressionist painter Amadea Bailey discusses her career journey, and how she came to be a full-time artist after turning 50. Amadea reveals her artistic process and how meditation helps her to create. Discover the connection between spirituality and creativity. 

In this episode, Debra is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss the challenges that people are facing in this "new normal" phase of the pandemic. Discover what we need to do to be compassionate with ourselves, and how to consistently engage in self-care.