I have always wanted to make an impact in the world through my life and work.

Facing and overcoming adversity is necessary for any leader to build resilience, but there are additional challenges that having a disability has put in my path. Yet every time I felt knocked down by an obstacle, there was a core of strength in me that knew I could get back up.

Today, we’re talking about the strength and resilience that grow from overcoming adversity and how it has shaped me as a leader.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How growing up with both a desire to have an impact and a disability nurtured the tenacity and courage to be a leader
• The importance of empathy and compassion for anyone in a leadership position
• Characteristics to nurture that make an effective leader in the face of adversity
• What my mom taught me about meeting difficult times with grace and humility
• Reflecting on three figures whose journeys through adversity inspire me

Learn more about Molly Kennedy

• Molly Kennedy Consulting

Resources:

• Malala Yousafzai
• Tammy Duckworth
• Howard Schultz

Life is full of challenges—some we choose, and others we don’t. But it’s through facing these challenges that we uncover our resilience, strength, and purpose.

In this episode, we dive into the experiences of individuals with disabilities, exploring how they navigate both the expected and unexpected hurdles in life. We’ll discuss the power of perseverance, the importance of community support, and how these challenges profoundly shape identity.

We’ll also reflect on the unique gifts that come from living in a world not built for you and how finding purpose in adversity can inspire us all. Whether it’s through personal drive or leaning on others, these stories remind us that hope and strength are always within reach.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How I learned to ignore other people’s perceptions of my abilities
• How social attitudes have lagged behind legal wins for people with disabilities
• How every challenge I’ve faced has built my strength and determination, even when I didn’t succeed
• How setting goals, having a purpose, and cultivating a positive mindset help me meet challenges

Learn more about Molly Kennedy

• Molly Kennedy Consulting

Self-determination is the principle of a person using their abilities to make their own decisions about their life based on their preferences, values, and interests.

This principle has empowered me to define my life, determine what I want to achieve, and envision success as a person with a disability. However, self-determination is applicable to all individuals.

In today’s episode, we will discuss what self-determination means, how it has shaped my life, and how the pursuit of liberty, happiness, and equality has shaped our society.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Defining self-determination
• How I was determined to live a purposeful life from an early age
• How my family’s support and encouragement helped me pursue my dreams to my fullest ability
• How the concept of self-determination calls back to the founding principles of the U.S., how far we’ve come, and how far we have to go

Learn more about Molly Kennedy

• Molly Kennedy Consulting

People with disabilities often live in a world that isn’t built for us. But we are still determined to find ways to thrive.

I’m Molly Kennedy, your host on Be Determined, and I’m excited to share how I live a self-determined life with cerebral palsy. Despite barriers and challenges, I’ve led a full and impactful life where my disability is a part of me and how I experience the world, but it does not define me. I am defined by the kind of person I am, what I’ve achieved, and the impact I’ve had on my community.

On Be Determined, I’ll share stories from my own life and experiences, thoughts on the meaning of self-determination, and conversations with other people with disabilities, offering their perspectives on how they live and thrive because everyone’s experience of disability is unique.

Be Determined is a podcast for everyone. Whether you have a disability, you support someone with disabilities, you want to know more about what life is like living with a disability, or you’re interested in what it means to live a determined life, you’re welcome here.

Share the show with a friend or colleague who sees differences and determination from a different lens, and let's grow our community together.

Learn more about Molly Kennedy:

• Molly Kennedy Consulting