Ep.47 - Dr. Kirk Adams Leads with Vision

Growing up blind in a rural town with no role models? No problem for Dr. Kirk Adams. Dr. Adams talks about his experiences breaking down barriers in education and leadership, plus his work to help companies boost their bottom line by embracing disability inclusion. His advice: Find someone who's walked your path and learn from them. 🌍 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kirkadamsphd   Website: www.innovativeimpact.consulting   Cybersecurity careers for people who are blind: www.theapexprogram.com Dr. Adams spent his professional career diligently driving the inclusion of people who are blind throughout society. A long white cane user since age six, he attended the Oregon State School for the Blind, and attribute the blindness skills and strong sense of internal agency gained there for much of his success in life. He entered the nonprofit sector through fundraising. His first nonprofit job was as a development officer for the Seattle Public Library Foundation, raising money for the statewide Talking Book and Braille (NLS) Library. During that time, he earned a Master’s degree in Not-For-Profit Leadership from Seattle University, and earned the Certified Fundraising Executive credential from the Association of Fundraising professionals. He was originally hired by the Seattle Lighthouse to stand up a comprehensive fundraising program and a supporting Foundation and fundraising board. Moving into the CEO roles at the Lighthouse and AFB, he continuously developed his network of relationships with others interested in the inclusion of people with disabilities. He currently has 4900 friends on Facebook, and 29,000 connections on LinkedIn. In his new role as a consultant, he's excited about putting his skills, experience, and networks to good use, supporting innovative, impactful projects, like the Inspiration Foundation. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disability Employment Solutions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ⓒ 2024 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodPro Entertainment⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #SaveAsAbility #Ability #Inclusive #Inclusivity #LaborForce #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #DEI #ReasonableAccommodation #Accommodation #LeadWithVision #BlindnessJourney #DrKirkAdams #DisabilityLeadership #MentorshipMatters #InnovationInclusion #InspiringLeaders #BlindTrailblazers #SuccessStory #SaveAsAbility #InclusionAdvocate #RepresentationMatters #FutureLeaders #TechForInclusion #BlindCommunity #BreakingLimits #DisabilityEmpowerment #CareerSuccess #DisabilityAwareness #VisionaryLeadership #TheNewRadio