About the Episode
About the Episode: Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it intersects with professional life. In this special and insightful episode, Jaime has an engaging conversation with RJ Thompson, who is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. RJ shares his personal experiences of working and thriving in a professional setting while living with cystic fibrosis, offering a valuable perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of the workplace.
In this episode, listeners can expect to gain several key takeaways:
- Insights into Navigating a Career with a Disability: RJ opens up about the strategies he uses to manage his work while dealing with cystic fibrosis, providing listeners with real-life examples and practical advice. This segment is particularly enlightening as it delves into how individuals with disabilities can navigate their career paths effectively.
- Ideas for Supporting Colleagues with Disabilities: Jaime and RJ discuss the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and coworkers in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This part of the conversation aims to foster greater understanding and empathy, offering tangible ways in which people without disabilities can be allies and supporters in the workplace.
- Leadership Tips for Unseen Disabilities: This episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by leaders in recognizing and accommodating staff members with non-visible disabilities. Listeners will learn how to create an inclusive culture that respects privacy while offering the necessary support.
- Remote Work as an Equity Issue: The conversation also explores how remote work arrangements can play a crucial role in promoting equity in the workplace. We delve into the benefits and challenges of remote work, especially for people with disabilities, highlighting how flexible working arrangements can be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.
Episode Summary
What Inspired Jaime and RJ to Share Their Experiences?
Jaime Hunt begins this episode with a heartfelt confession: she lives with a disability that she has kept private for a long time. Inspired by personal experiences and the stories of friends and colleagues, she opens up about her struggles with Sjogren's syndrome. RJ Thompson joins her, sharing his experience living with cystic fibrosis, an illness that affects him daily. Both Jaime and RJ aim to encourage open conversations about disabilities, particularly in the professional realm, where misunderstandings about accommodations are common.
How Can Empathy Transform the Workplace?
Throughout the conversation, RJ emphasizes that empathy should be a core leadership trait. He shares how being open about his condition has helped him create a supportive environment for his team. By leading with understanding, RJ believes managers can improve employee satisfaction, drive commitment, and build trust. He points out that empathy costs nothing yet can lead to stronger connections within teams, making a case for integrating empathy into higher ed leadership culture.
What Role Can Remote Work Play in Supporting Employees with Disabilities?
Jaime and RJ discuss the pivotal role of flexible work arrangements for employees with disabilities. For Jaime, remote work has enabled her to manage her symptoms better, while RJ echoes this sentiment, explaining that minor adjustments can make a significant difference in an employee’s ability to thrive. They advocate for higher education institutions to offer more remote opportunities, especially for leadership roles, which would open doors for those with physical limitations to contribute without the strain of a daily commute.
Why is it Important for Leaders to Support Self-Advocacy?
RJ highlights the importance of teaching self-advocacy, especially as many individuals may not recognize their need for accommodations or support. He reflects on his own experiences, where he proactively supported students and colleagues by guiding them to relevant resources. Jaime adds that empowering individuals to speak up about their needs can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance performance. Both agree that creating an open dialogue about self-advocacy is essential for a more inclusive environment.
How Can Leaders Create a More Inclusive Environment for Employees with Disabilities?
The episode closes with practical advice for leaders to foster an inclusive workplace. Both RJ and Jaime underscore the importance of recognizing team members as whole individuals with complex lives. They suggest that leaders familiarize themselves with common disabilities and advocate for workplace accommodations proactively. Through authentic engagement and empathy, leaders can support employees with disabilities, making higher education a more welcoming space for everyone.
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/
https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Jaime will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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