Published for International Day of People with Disability 2024.

My experiences have profoundly shaped how I lead. Living with disability has taught me to see things differently, solve problems creatively, and challenge the status quo—all of which are essential qualities for leadership.

I believe leadership is about creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Living with disability has given me first-hand insight into how systems can exclude people, and it’s driven me to prioritise bottom-up approaches. Decisions must be informed by the experiences of those most impacted. For me, this means listening, building trust, and fostering collaboration.

Managing a disability has taught me the importance of flexibility and self-care. It’s shown me that leadership isn’t about being infallible but about embracing vulnerability and asking for help when needed. This collaborative and authentic approach not only strengthens teams but also creates spaces where people feel safe to bring their authentic selves to work.

To make leadership spaces more inclusive, we need to dismantle entrenched ableist attitudes, including the overwork culture that prioritises long hours and presenteeism. This culture penalises talented individuals who require flexible ways of working. We must value innovation, flexibility, and outcome-based performance and embed well-being into our leadership systems.

Representation is also critical. Of 227 members of federal parliament, only one, WA Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, has a visible disability. This is unacceptable in a society where people with disability make up 20% of the population. We need more people with disability preselected by major parties and supported into leadership roles. Initiatives like the Disability Leaders Institute and the Disability Leadership Oration play a vital role in amplifying disabled voices.

To young people with disability: remember, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about taking responsibility for the success and well-being of those around you. You can support their goals, stand by them in challenging times and help create an environment where they leave work feeling fulfilled and accomplished. That’s what true leadership really looks like. Also know that your voice matters.