I have always wanted to make an impact in the world through my life and work.
Facing and overcoming adversity is necessary for any leader to build resilience, but there are additional challenges that having a disability has put in my path. Yet every time I felt knocked down by an obstacle, there was a core of strength in me that knew I could get back up.
Today, we’re talking about the strength and resilience that grow from overcoming adversity and how it has shaped me as a leader.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
- How growing up with both a desire to have an impact and a disability nurtured the tenacity and courage to be a leader
- The importance of empathy and compassion for anyone in a leadership position
- Characteristics to nurture that make an effective leader in the face of adversity
- What my mom taught me about meeting difficult times with grace and humility
- Reflecting on three figures whose journeys through adversity inspire me
Learn more about Molly Kennedy
Resources:
What is Be Determined?
Be Determined is an intimate look at building a self-determined, multi-faceted life with cerebral palsy. Each episode explores themes of identity, resilience, diversity, advocacy, relationships, and community and challenges conventional narratives about disability. Host Molly Kennedy shares her experiences and invites others to share their stories—stories of navigating a world not designed with them in mind and the wisdom they've gained along the way. While cerebral palsy shapes how Molly experiences the world, it does not define her. In her words, "What defines me is my determination, my achievements, and the lasting impact I strive to make on my community."