From Hiding to Impact: Chris Ruden on Disability, Ableism, and Building a World Without Limits Through Curiosity

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Chris Ruden (he/him) - keynote speaker, powerlifter, disability advocate, and competitor on The Rock’s Titan Games. Born with a limb difference and later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how he spent years perfecting the art of hiding - keeping his hand in his pocket, wearing a glove, and meticulously planning ways to blend in. He talks about the weight of ableism, both external and internal, and how unlearning it required facing layers of shame and self-protection he didn’t know he carried. What followed wasn’t a sudden transformation, but a steady reclamation - and the belief that difference itself can be a source of power. Chris also shares how curiosity - his own and others’ - opens the door to inclusion, connection, innovation, and unlocking the best version of ourselves.Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, author, and disability inclusion advocate. He leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience - bringing his message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.Other stories shared by Shanti and Chris at the campfire:Exploring how lasting change grows from small, winnable moments that build confidence - encouraging risk-taking and opening the door to possibilities.Recounting the middle-school moment when a classmate’s cruel taunting set off years of hiding and self-doubt.Discussing that habits are not identity - and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose differently at any moment.Reflecting on a period of numbing that ended with a little girl’s unfiltered love - sparking a cascade that led Chris to share his disability publicly.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!Learn more about Stories We Haven’t Shared at storieswehaventshared.com   CONNECT WITH CHRISWork With Chris!LinkedInInstagramYouTubeBook - The Art of Changing CourseBook - The Upper HandCONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLDLinkedInInstagramPodcast Spotify playlistBook a Free Discovery CallWork with Shanti!