166: Inclusive Leadership: How Blindness Became Dr. Adams’ Superpower

In this episode of the Modern Man Podcast, host Ted Phaeton speaks with Dr. Kirk Adams, a globally recognized pioneer in disability inclusion. They discuss Dr. Adams' journey from losing his sight at a young age to becoming a leader in the nonprofit sector, advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.

Takeaways

• Dr. Adams lost his sight at the age of five, but his parents gave him high expectations.
• The development of a strong sense of agency is crucial for overcoming challenges.
• Leadership is not a linear path; it often involves unexpected turns.
• Technology plays a vital role in enabling accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Employers can benefit from the unique strengths of people with disabilities.
• Collaboration between various stakeholders is essential for successful inclusion.
• Understanding the difference between impairment and disability is key to creating inclusive environments.
• Familiarity and personal connections can help bridge gaps in understanding disabilities.
• The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is significantly higher than the general population.
• Dr. Adams aims to create a level playing field for people with disabilities in the workforce.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Modern Man Podcast

01:21 Meet Dr. Kirk Adams: A Journey of Resilience

03:59 The Gifts of High Expectations and Agency

08:39 Lessons in Leadership and Inclusion

10:12 Navigating Challenges: The Path to Leadership

17:10 Tools and Strategies for Blind Professionals

22:19 Innovation and Inclusion in the Workplace

23:11 The Benefits of Employing People with Disabilities

24:02 Collaboration for Better Employment Outcomes

25:09 Utilizing Vocational Rehabilitation Resources

28:08 Impact on Company Bottom Lines

32:02 Understanding and Empathy in Leadership

36:49 A Vision for Equal Employment Outcomes

Adams’s Links

LinkedIn: kirkadamsphd

YouTube: @DrKirkAdams

X: drkirkadams

Facebook:drkirkadams

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“The Modern Man” is a series focused on discussing the challenges and obstacles men face in today’s society. It is an open forum of discussion where thoughts, strategies and ideas of men living a happy and fulfilled life are explored. The Modern Man aims to create a community of men not only sharing and connecting on a deeper level, but also exploring how to thrive and live a happy and fulfilled life. This is done through intentional conversations strategically aimed at issues that men face in today’s society.