Episode 76: Clare Gibellini

Welcome to episode #76! We’re thrilled to be joined by Clare Gibellini today.Clare Gibellini is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in Australia and internationally. She is the co-chair of the Oversight Council for the First National Autism Strategy and the deputy chair of WA’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability. Clare also works as a policy officer for Women with Disabilities Australia and has been newly appointed as the chair for the National Disability Research Partnership.With a background in advocacy, research, and policy reform, Clare is committed to creating a more inclusive world. In this episode, she shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence, the challenges of navigating multiple roles, and her strategies for balancing advocacy, productivity, and self-care.Welcome to the show, Clare!QuestionsJN: What was your journey to discovering your neurodivergence?Grew up as a military kid, constantly moving, which made it difficult to understand differencesRealized similarities with her son after his autism diagnosisReceived her own autism diagnosis from the same clinician who diagnosed her sonDiagnosis helped her understand herself, parent differently, and practice self-compassionJN: How did the diagnosis change your self-perception?Stopped internalizing negative self-talkDeveloped strategies to manage social situations and advocate for herselfShifted perspective from “something’s wrong with me” to “society isn’t built inclusively”JN: What are your current work roles?Policy officer at Women with Disabilities AustraliaCo-chair of the National Autism StrategyChair of the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP)Advocates for more disability-led research and inclusive policy developmentJC: How do you manage multiple high-responsibility roles?ADHD helps her balance tasks by switching between projectsStrong support network keeps her accountable and reminds her to take breaksFinds fulfillment in advocacy work, which fuels her motivationJC: How do you prevent burnout in advocacy and policy work?Limits social media engagement to avoid negativity and toxicityHas hobbies unrelated to disability work, including volunteering for emergency servicesEngages in creative activities like crocheting, gardening, and bakingWorks out regularly to manage chronic pain and mental well-beingJN: What does your work in disability research aim to achieve?Advocates for disability-led, purpose-driven research to inform better policiesAims to include lived experience in research rather than extractive studiesPushes for research that improves real-life outcomes rather than abstract academiaJC: How do you optimize productivity during the day?Works from home to manage sensory needsUses a yoga ball chair for movement while workingSchedules movement breaks and weight training to stay regulatedUses live transcription instead of note-taking to stay fully engaged in meetingsJC: What productivity advice doesn’t work for you?Finds back-to-back meetings overwhelming and non-productiveRejects corporate jargon and vague email requests—prefers direct communicationPushes back against the expectation to have cameras on in every virtual meetingJN: What does your morning routine look like?Not a morning person, keeps routine simplePrepares everything the night before to reduce stressGets her son ready for school, grabs coffee, and starts work with a structured planRelies on checklists and habit-tracking apps to stay organizedJN: How do you manage sleep with ADHD and frequent travel?Struggles with sleep due to travel, ADHD, and hormonal cyclesCreates a familiar sleep environment by mimicking hotel room settings at homeUses earplugs and occasional sleep medication when necessaryJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clare-gibellini-653b98142JC: Final words for the audience?The disability advocacy space is tough right now, but don’t give upSurround yourself with good people and protect your energyKeep pushing for change—we will get thereMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/