Don't Be An Expert, Be Inclusive! – Paul D. Lowe And Kristin Johnson & Tim Eby

On this episode of the World Game-Changers podcast, Paul is joined by Kristin Johnson and Tim Eby to talk about inclusion and how to approach the subject with an open heart.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

At times inclusivity is overthought. For me, at least, it really comes down to the idea of belonging. It’s about the idea that if you’re recognised, rewarded and respected in whatever aspect of your role either in your work life or your personal life. Belonging and feeling welcome is key to this.
I come to my role as executive director of the Special Education Foundation with a passion for helping kids and people with disabilities in many ways because of my own personal experience: I have 3 daughters, the oldest is neurotypical and a special education teacher, the two younger ones are on the autism spectrum. Having raised them I have a little understanding about the world of neurodiversity. But the SEF helps children with all disabilities and our goal is to create the independence for a student to be able to succeed inside and outside of school.
If you are around people that have challenges (mental, physical or financial) you start to understand that they are very bright, they may just express it differently. For example, one of the strengths of people with dyslexia is that they can see the big picture and many actors – and even Einstein – was dyslexic. Many people that have ADHD or autism are very successful because they’ve been given the resources to be able to do that and had an environment that made them feel safe, not everybody has that especially now with all the economic challenges.
Life can change in a heartbeat and you never know what impact you’re going to have, what that one act of kindness is going to do. At the very least it can prove to someone that they’re not alone and give them the strength to fight another day because they know they’ve got someone on their team. 

BEST MOMENTS
‘There’s such a power in believing the idea that we all deserve to belong in our world and that people accept you for who you are no matter who you are’.

‘We all want to feel seen, heard, understood, safe, supported, and also, we want to grow. Inclusiveness provides a space for us to grow’.

‘Parenting is a tremendous commitment anyway, but to help these children succeed even as they enter adulthood is hugely important and empowering, not just for the kids but for the parents as well’.

‘Inclusivity helps everyone better understand the world that they’re in and to recognise and reward the difference that we all have’.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Paul’s Story: Emerging From The Forest (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emerging-Forest-Pain-Purpose-Mastering/dp/1719373272

Paul’s Story: Emerging From The Forest (USA): https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Forest-Pain-Purpose-Mastering/dp/1719373272

Mastering The Game Of Life Book (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-Game-Life-Paul-Lowe/dp/1782227679

Mastering The Game Of Life Book (USA): https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Game-Life-Paul-Lowe/dp/1782227679

Speaking From Our Hearts Books: Volumes 1-3 (Available on Amazon)
World Game-Changers Group

ABOUT THE GUESTS
Kristin Johnson is a prize-winning/ prize-finalist writer, blogger, ghost-writing/ creative writing consultant, screenwriter, and editor. A graduate of the former Master of Professional Writing Program from the University of Southern California, she has published/ collaborated on seven books.

Her current book AIN’T “U” GOT NO MANNERS has been called ‘the Bible for social media’. She is a member of the Desert Screenwriters Guild, Society of Children’s Books and Illustrators, and Palm Springs Women in Film and Television.
https://www.kristinjohnson.net/

Tim Eby is the Executive Director of the Special Education Foundation (SEF) and has been in this position since April of 2022. He had previously led nonprofit public radio organisations in three Midwest cities since 1982. Before joining SEF, he was the Director and General Manager of St. Louis Public Radio from 2009 until 2020. Tim has also served on several local and national nonprofit boards, including Easter Seals Midwest, Focus St. Louis, and National Public Radio.

Tim is also currently a board member of the National Association of Education Foundations and the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation.
Website: https://sef-stl.org/

ABOUT THE HOST
Paul has made a remarkable transformation from existing for many years in dark, desperate despair; to now living a really healthy, happy and fulfilling life.

From an early age, he was in the vice-like clutches of the demon drink and constantly embroiled within a dark cocktail of toxic beliefs, self-hate and destructive violence.
Along with his empathetic and dedicated team of world-class coaches and mentors, Paul’s purpose is deeply transformational:

Developing World Game-Changers…

He is extremely passionate about helping others to find their purpose, have a voice and ultimately, make a real difference. This has been built on a long and distinguished history of heart-centred coaching and mentoring.  He has also been responsible for raising significant amounts of funds for many charities and good causes around the world; positively impacting and inspiring thousands of children – mainly from challenging backgrounds – within the UK & worldwide.

Through this World Game-Changers podcast and books, he has been involved in – including being a best-selling co-author – Paul also helps others to get their own inspirational messages and stories out into the world; as well as offering support to many charitable organisations, in their development & fund-raising.

CONTACT METHODS
Tel: +44 (0) 7958 042 155
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: https://www.Paul-Lowe.com
Web: https://www.worldgamechangers.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamPaulLowe/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-d-lowe-7a78332a/