“Given the right circumstances, being different is a superpower” – Greta Thunberg’s fantastic response to people being critical of her autism. To mark today being International Day of People with Disabilities, we celebrate alumni thriving in a variety of jobs who kindly share what they think their superpower is…
Niki Wood
Profession: Lead International Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser
Organisation: Government Partnerships International, Stabilisation Unit
I’m often told I have an eidetic memory for conversation and written word. I can recall a discussion verbatim, and never have notes when giving talks! Often it’s considered a professional habit as I can’t always make notes when interviewing vulnerable beneficiaries of aid efforts, but actually like many with mobility issues it’s because my hands don’t always work – I’ve learned to rely on my memory for days when I can’t type or write, or may not be able to hold notes to read from. I certainly think it’s a superpower, and one valued by my team.
Shona Ray Ferguson
Profession: Knowledge Lawyer
Organisation: Farrer & Co
Disability: Lung condition and M.E.
I think my disability superpower might be empathy, because I’m now able to understand others’ experiences on a much deeper level and connect with them in a way I couldn’t before I became ill.
Ceri Smith
Profession: Director
Organisation: UK Government Investments
Disability: Multiple Sclerosis
Having a diagnosis of MS helped make me a much better manager and leader. It made me realise there was more to life than work, and that perspective allowed me to step back from micromanaging my team. Because I have a variable condition I need to focus on building a team that can function well without me – so for me, leadership is not about creating ‘followership’ but about creating new leaders who can step up.
Nadine Drummond
Profession: Journalist/Filmmaker
Organisation: Brawta Films (my own company)
Disability: Dyspraxia
My disability is invisible and having to live in the shadows of normality I have learned to be empathetic, walk in another’s shoes. This has paid dividends in my work. I tell stories that have changed and saved thousands of lives.
Jennie Flint
Profession: Senior Commercialisation Associate
Organisation: Cambridge Enterprise Ltd
My disability superpower is being super organised! Arranging all my appointments, managing repeat prescriptions and making sure I get enough rest each day means I have to be really on top of things to fit everything in.