Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes author, speaker, and disability advocate Sara Freeman Smith. Sara shares her journey of vision loss and how it reshaped her career in HR and recruiting. She discusses overcoming biases in the workplace, advocating for inclusive hiring, and using technology to break accessibility barriers. Sara emphasizes the power of self-belief, the importance of practical inclusion efforts, and the need for companies to embrace disability as part of diversity. Her insights challenge assumptions and provide actionable steps for fostering an inclusive work environment.

Key Takeaways:

Self-Belief Matters – Believing in oneself is the first step in overcoming workplace barriers for people with disabilities.

Advocate for Inclusion – Companies need to dispel myths about disability and create an accessible workplace.

Technology as a Tool – Tools like screen readers and smart glasses help bridge accessibility gaps.

Redefining Career Paths – Passion and purpose should guide career choices, even when facing obstacles.

Intentional Inclusion – Small efforts, like asking about accessibility needs, make a significant impact in social and professional spaces.

About the Guest(s):

Sara Freeman Smith:

Over twenty-five years ago, she embarked on her speaking career by authoring a self-help book titled, "Turning Stones into Gems: Finding Purpose in Your Life & Career”. At the same time, she also launched into a career path in corporate Human Resources/Recruiting leadership roles.

 In the peak of her corporate career, she suddenly experienced significant vision loss without any medical explanation. After several years of extensive medical procedures, she was diagnosed as legally blind and her condition incurable.  This was devastating news as a wife, mother and businesswoman but with her faith & positive attitude she was determined not to be a victim but a Victor! Recalling her own words and applying tools from her self- improvement book years earlier, she continued her career with the aid of assistive technology tools. 

 Sara's energy and passion inspires others with determination and the optimism to persevere and achieve their aspirations. Her recently released third edition of her self-help book captures her insights from professional and personal experiences, Packed with practical tools like a Prayer/Gratitude Journal, Action Planner, and career assessment links to uncover your talents.  Her mission remains clear: to encourage, equip, and empower individuals in their personal and professional pursuits. Driven by the belief that each person holds a unique purpose, Sara aims to assist those in discovering their inherent value – as a true gem! Everyone has a story to tell, her goal is to inspire them to “see it, believe it and achieve it”!

Sara’s definitions of inclusion:

Inclusion is seeking to understand others before they can understand you.

Connect with Sara:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-freeman-smith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urgemsgroupinc

Website: https://www.urgems.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarafreemansmith/

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/4hSKaDj

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 27

No - 27

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