Episode 6

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Published on:

2nd Oct 2023

The Courage of Disability Advocacy: Creating Empowered and Inclusive Workplaces with John Gingrich

The Courage of Disability Advocacy: Creating Empowered and Inclusive Workplaces

On Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo engages in an insightful conversation with John Gingrich, President and CEO of The League, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for people with disabilities. Together, they explore how to foster inclusive workplaces, break down barriers, and empower employees with disabilities. John shares his personal journey and discusses how inclusive leadership, empathy, and open communication are key to creating environments where everyone can thrive. Gain valuable perspectives on overcoming misconceptions, providing meaningful accommodations, and nurturing truly equitable workplace cultures.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction: Understanding disability advocacy and inclusion.
  • (01:32) John's personal journey and overcoming disability challenges.
  • (06:00) Importance of family support and "dignity of risk."
  • (07:07) Navigating workplace challenges and misconceptions about disabilities.
  • (10:42) Addressing invisible disabilities in the workplace.
  • (13:12) Open dialogue as a key to effective inclusion.
  • (16:36) Impact of remote work on employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • (20:24) Increasing employment opportunities through education and communication.
  • (23:07) Intersectionality and compounded challenges faced by disabled individuals.
  • (27:06) Strategies for shifting societal perspectives and promoting empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Empathetic Leadership: True inclusion requires leaders who are willing to listen, learn, and actively advocate for accessibility.
  • Understanding Disabilities: Visibility does not define disability; awareness and sensitivity toward invisible disabilities are crucial.
  • Remote Work Opportunities: Remote and hybrid work have significantly expanded employment possibilities for individuals with disabilities.
  • Education and Dialogue: Training frontline supervisors and mid-level managers in disability awareness and accommodations is essential for genuine inclusion.

Resources & Links:

About the Guest:

John Gingrich, President and CEO of The League, is a fierce advocate dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and creating inclusive, accessible communities. With his profound personal and professional experiences, John continues to champion transformative change, emphasizing the importance of open communication, empathy, and courageous leadership.

Tags:

Disability Advocacy, Inclusive Workplaces, Accessibility, Empathetic Leadership, Invisible Disabilities, Workplace Culture, Equality, Social Impact, Remote Work, Intersectionality, Empowerment, John Gingrich, Betsy Cerulo, Room at the Table Podcast, The League.


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About the Podcast

Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers
Gather around the table for conversations about creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where leaders rise above mediocrity and teams thrive.
Gather around the table for insightful conversations focused on building heart-centered workplaces that thrive on equality, inclusive workplaces, and exceptional leadership. Betsy Cerulo (she/her) and her expert guests explore what it takes to transform workplace culture through thoughtful, meaningful dialogues that drive real social impact.
Each engaging episode of Room at the Table Podcast gets to the core principles of creating a heart-centered workplace. Through inspiring conversations, listeners will discover the critical role that inclusive workplaces play in achieving equality and enhancing workplace culture. Betsy and her diverse guests share powerful strategies to help leaders rise above mediocrity, fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity and significant social impact.
Whether discussing compassionate leadership, the impact of inclusive workplaces on employee satisfaction, or addressing burnout and stress management, each episode emphasizes practical ways to cultivate a thriving workplace culture. Betsy’s expert guests provide tangible advice on how to implement meaningful changes that support both individual and organizational growth, reinforcing the values of equality and heart-centered leadership.

Listeners will find rich, actionable insights on fostering emotional authenticity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting disability inclusion in inclusive workplaces. Each conversation highlights the transformative power of equality, effective leadership, and workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Room at the Table also explores the powerful journeys of women in leadership, providing inspiration and guidance on how to break down barriers and achieve greater equality in the workplace. Episodes dedicated to navigating grief and loss underline the importance of compassion and understanding within heart-centered workplaces, reinforcing the value of empathy-driven leadership.

Economic empowerment and financial equality are also central themes, demonstrating how inclusive workplaces drive both organizational success and broader social impact. Leaders will gain valuable insights into leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to build sustainable, thriving organizations that positively impact communities.

Room at the Table Podcast is essential listening for leaders and team members dedicated to cultivating heart-centered workplaces. Betsy Cerulo and her expert guests offer clear pathways for creating inclusive workplaces where equality is prioritized, leadership is impactful, and the overall workplace culture significantly contributes to positive social impact.

Subscribe now to Room at the Table Podcast and join a growing community committed to equality, inclusive workplaces, and leadership that transforms workplace culture into environments of empowerment, empathy, and enduring social impact.

About the Host:

Betsy Cerulo is the CEO of AdNet/AccountNet, a successful certified LGBTE, WBE and 8(a) management consulting firm focused on professional staffing and executive search, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Co-Founder of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is the author of Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, a children's book that was inspired by lighting up a dream for a child through their imagination. She is also a contributing author of two compilations: Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth. Betsy lives in Baltimore with her wife, Susan, and their treasured Weimaraner, Grace Kelly. Their son and daughter-in-law, daughter, and three grandchildren complete the picture with lots of love, creativity, and laughter.

Company Website: https://www.adnetp3.com/
Personal Website: betsycerulo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
Shake it Off Leadership: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Shake_It_Off_Leadership.html?id=tZ3fxwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

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