Send a text

In this engaging conversation, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Michael and Julie Thomas, co-founders of ConnectIDD, a disability empowerment agency. They discuss their journey as a married couple, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and the importance of community support in advocating for individuals with disabilities. The Thomases share insights on transitioning from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship while raising children, navigating uncertainty in the disability space, and the significance of joy and resilience in their work. They also touch on their family mission statement and future goals for both their family and ConnectIDD.

Takeaways

• ConnectIDD is a disability empowerment agency changing lives.
• Michael and Julie's journey began during a snowstorm in 2011.
• They emphasize the importance of community support for families with disabilities.
• The nonprofit sector faces significant challenges, including funding issues.
• Vulnerability is essential in the disability advocacy space.
• Joy is a form of resistance against societal challenges.
• Building strong networks is crucial for navigating uncertainty.
• Transitioning from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship can be rewarding.
• Their family mission statement is 'do good, be good, have fun.
• They aim to expand ConnectIDD's reach across the U.S. and beyond.

Sound Bites

"It's okay to be vulnerable."
"We have people who deserve better."
"We are ready to be in every state."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Team Thomas and Their Mission
02:01 The Journey of Michael and Julie Thomas
05:53 Understanding Connect ID's Unique Approach
11:00 Challenges in the Disability Nonprofit Sector
20:16 Finding Purpose in Disability Advocacy
28:39 The Decision to Move On
31:21 Finding a New Home
33:03 The Call of Nature
35:52 Navigating Neurodiversity
37:50 Growth Amidst Uncertainty
43:00 Staying Nimble in Parenting and Business
48:11 The Thomas Family Mission Statement
51:29 Goals for 2026

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com

Send a text

In this conversation, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of navigating the complexities of caregiving, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness. She reflects on the challenges faced as a caregiver, the impact of trauma on her life, and the importance of embracing vulnerability and compassion. Lola emphasizes that healing is a continuous process and encourages listeners to redefine their understanding of success and leadership in a way that honors their experiences and promotes a sense of safety and connection.


Takeaways

• There is a moment in every caregiver's life when your body tells the truth before your mouth ever does.
• Trauma doesn't always arrive with sirens; it can show up as irritability or autopilot.
• Fear can convince you that survival is the same thing as living.
• Trauma-informed living is for mothers, caregivers, and anyone who has carried more than their fair share.
• Honor the impact of trauma with compassion, not shame.
• Redefine success as presence and connection, not perfection.
• Your children's healing is connected to your own.
• Trauma-informed leadership is about humanity, not titles.
• You're allowed to build a life that feels safe in your own body.
• Wholeness is a daily choice and a quiet revolution.

Sound bites

"Trauma is sneaky like that."
"Fear is a terrible leader."
"You're worthy of that revolution."


Chapters

00:00 The Weight of Caregiving and Trauma
01:57 Understanding Trauma-Informed Living
04:00 Redefining Success and Leadership
05:37 Embracing Wholeness and Healing

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com

Send a text

In this powerful episode, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Neresia Osborne, therapist, mother, advocate and lifetime caregiver. This episode only scratches the surface in unlocking the depth of her personal account of navigating birth trauma, systemic racism, and rediscovery. This episode offers clear insights into how one could possibly recognize their own lane, redefine success on their own terms, and build resilience through authentic self-awareness. Because parts of her journey deal with detailed personal recollections of trauma, discretion is advised.

Key topics:

• The impact of birth trauma and systemic racism on Black women’s health and mental well-being
• Learning to recognize and embrace one’s lane amidst societal expectations
• The role of hope multipliers and community support in healing and reimagining life
• How existentialism illuminates the path to self-awareness and wholeness
• Practical strategies for boundaries, self-care, and creating sacred spaces for Black families
• The importance of visibility and authentic storytelling in dismantling systemic barriers

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The importance of understanding systemic barriers and personal wholeness
02:20 - Recognizing your lane: From trauma to self-awareness
04:45 - Birth trauma and systemic neglect: A personal account
08:24 - The role of systemic racism in healthcare experiences
11:18 - The physical and emotional aftermath of traumatic birth
16:32 - Connecting systemic issues with cultural stigma and expectations
19:02 - Recognizing the need for self-care and redefinition of success
24:22 - Building a supportive environment through education and community support
27:30 - The influence of hope multipliers and authentic space-making
33:43 - Reintegrating systemic work and personal healing through therapy and advocacy
42:35 - How existentialism helps to see the fullness of oneself
44:12 - Owning your story: The power of visibility and authenticity
50:02 - The long journey: Deconstruction, deprogramming, and sitting in the process
53:09 - Establishing boundaries as a pathway to reimagining thriving
55:19 - The foundation of a trauma-informed therapy and coaching practice
60:49 - The significance of sacred spaces and working from the 'open heart'
66:35 - Legacy, impact, and the importance of nurturing future generations
66:44 - Final lesson: Believe in your worth and own your truth

Resources & Links:

• Neresia Osborne - LinkedIn
• The Open Heart Model (concept overview)

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com