SEASON 2 - EPISODE 2 : PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY: THE MISSING LINK IN DISABILITY CONFIDENT LEADERSHIP

In this episode of The Disability Advantage, Lesa Bradshaw gets real about a topic most organisations overlook — the psychological safety of managers. We talk a lot about creating safe spaces for employees with disabilities, but what happens when the very people expected to lead those conversations don’t feel safe themselves? Lesa breaks down the five confidence gaps she sees across industries — from fear of causing offence to uncertainty around invisible disabilities — and explains why these gaps quietly derail inclusion efforts, talent pipelines, and accessibility initiatives. You’ll hear: - Why line managers, not DE&I teams, are the true gatekeepers of disability confidence - How uncertainty (not discrimination) fuels hesitation and missed opportunities - What psychological safety actually looks like for managers - The coaching framework Lesa uses to help leaders ask better questions, remove barriers, and build trust - Four practical actions organisations can take to develop disability‑confident managers This episode is a must‑listen for leaders, HR teams, DE&I professionals, and anyone committed to turning good intentions into everyday inclusive behaviour. If you want to learn more about Lesa’s disability confidence coaching series or leadership support services, visit www.lesabradshaw.com.