Summary
In this episode of the Best Fails podcast, host Alison Beckles speaks with Kate Dean about her journey through failure, particularly in the context of education and neurodiversity. Kate shares her story of pursuing a career in law, facing setbacks, and ultimately finding her passion in advocacy and support for others. She reflected on the impact of her neurodivergence on her educational journey and on the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals on a whole as they navigate an educational system that is built on a deficit model rather than on a person’s innate strengths. They discuss the importance of support systems, the need for educational institutions to adapt to diverse learning styles, and the significance of pursuing one’s passions despite setbacks. The conversation emphasizes resilience, self-discovery, and the value of community in navigating life’s challenges.
Takeaways
- Failure is a part of the journey to success.
- Everyone experiences failure; you’re not alone.
- Education should cater to diverse learning styles.
- Educational experiences shape our career paths and personal identities.
- Education can leave lasting scars on self-esteem.
- The transition from structured education to university can be overwhelming for neurodiverse students.
- Imposter syndrome is a common barrier for many
- Pursuing passions can lead to fulfilment and success.
- Support from family and friends is crucial during tough times.
- Creating a supportive community can help individuals navigate challenges.
- It’s important to forgive oneself for past failures.
- Resilience is built through overcoming obstacles.
- Recognizing one’s strengths is key to personal development.
Soundbites
- “Don’t let confidence be the only thing that holds you back”
- “You’ve got to make the decision, but then you’ve got to make it happen”
- “For me, I think people, thin I am more extroverted than I am”
- “Life’s tough, but you can navigate it.”
- “There’s moments of reflection, I think, in life where you’re like, that was a lucky escape.”
- “What I saw as failure at the time… it just wasn’t meant to be.”
- “If you’ve got a passion, pursue it. Don’t let anyone stop you”
- “Don’t give up on what you love.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:37 Understanding Neurodiversity and Personal Background
01:09 Navigating Education and Experiences of Failure
03:53 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
06:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
07:30 Misunderstandings and Personal Insights
11:44 Authenticity and Self-Perception
14:16 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Regulation
19:31 The Journey Through Education and Failure
34:25 Finding Purpose in Advocacy and Support
37:10 The Importance of Interest in Learning
40:07 Barriers to Success for Neurodiverse Students
43:01 The Impact of Educational Systems on Self-Worth
46:08 The Role of Family Support in Overcoming Challenges
50:26 Finding Passion and Purpose 58:38 Advice for Navigating Educational Failures
Contact Kate
Email: kate@enabledi.co.uk
Website: https://enabledi.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-dean-enable/
Kate’s Profile
Kate Dean spent over 10 years leading and managing student facing disability support teams in universities before setting up Enable Disability & Inclusion Consultants in March 2020.
Kate has lots of experience of identifying appropriate adjustments and enabling strategies that allow people to work to their strengths, working across a wide range of disabilities and long-term conditions, but particularly specialises in neurodiversity, mental health, and hidden disabilities.
Kate now works with organisations to provide end-to-end solution focused support to deliver specialist consultancy, audits, training, and individual workplace assessments to identify and remove barriers to high performance in the workplace.
Kate brings her own lived experience and the strengths of neurodiversity to her work.
Episode Link
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QttG443XXfOi2I5DjZpZm?si=v1o0-Ae9QPuE4i4WFjAppQ
