Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast

About Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast

Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment. In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives.

Publisher

Julie Sowash

Category

business · education · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Oct 2023

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

32 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   The Power of Belief: How Welby Broaddus Turned Barriers into Opportunity

   In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with disability advocate, entrepreneur, author, and workforce development leader Welby Broaddus to discuss his journey growing up with a visual impairment and the people who helped shape his path to success. From navigating public school, overcoming bullying, and defying a school counselor who told him he was "not college material," to earning two college degrees and launching Welby Broaddus' business, Welby Broaddus' story is a powerful reminder of what happens when potential is recognized instead of underestimated. The conversation explores the importance of self-advocacy, the impact of supportive mentors, and why employers must move beyond assumptions when hiring people with disabilities. Welby Broaddus also shares insights from his book, Leading Blind Without Vision: The Benefits of Hiring the Blind and Visually Impaired, and discusses how storytelling can change perceptions, open doors, and create more inclusive workplaces. Whether you're an employer, educator, workforce professional, or disability inclusion advocate, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, opportunity, and the power of believing in people. In This Episode: * Welby's journey growing up with a visual impairment and navigating public school as a student with disabilities. * The challenges of bullying, low expectations, and advocating for classroom accommodations. * How one school counselor helped build the confidence and self-advocacy skills that changed Welby's life. * The lasting impact of being told he was "not college material" and how that fueled his determination to earn two college degrees. * Lessons learned from vocational rehabilitation services and the importance of access to resources and support. * Why entrepreneurship became Welby's path and how his grandfather inspired him to start Broaddus Business Solutions. * The inspiration behind his book, Leading Blind Without Vision: The Benefits of Hiring the Blind and Visually Impaired. * How storytelling helps change perceptions and create opportunities for people with disabilities. * Common misconceptions employers have about hiring people with disabilities and how education can help overcome them. * Why disability inclusion is both a business opportunity and a pathway to meaningful social impact. Resources & Links: * Broaddus Business Solutions [https://www.broaddusbizsol.com/] * Leading Blind without Vision: The Benefits of Hiring the Blind and Visually Impaired [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637308469?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WH060KSQTNYQ14TGH9TA&bestFormat=true]

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   The Missing Link in Workplace Change: Why Managers Make or Break Inclusion with Julie Gawle

   Organizations invest significant time, money, and resources into new technologies, processes, and inclusion initiatives, but successful implementation doesn't guarantee successful adoption. In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] sits down with Julie Gawle [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-gawle/], Senior Change Advisor at Meaningful Change Consulting, to explore the critical difference between project management and change management. Together, they discuss why so many well-intentioned workplace initiatives struggle to gain traction, the pivotal role managers play in driving adoption, and how organizations can create lasting change by focusing on people, not just processes. The conversation covers manager enablement, stakeholder engagement, emotional intelligence, diverse hiring initiatives, and practical strategies leaders can use to build support, trust, and long-term success across their organizations. In this Episode: * The difference between project management and change management * Why successful implementation does not guarantee successful outcomes * Common warning signs that workplace initiatives are failing to gain adoption * How inclusion and disability employment programs benefit from strong change strategies * The critical role managers play as gatekeepers of organizational change * Why emotional intelligence and empathy are essential leadership skills * How organizations can measure adoption beyond traditional metrics * The importance of leadership alignment and prioritization in times of constant change * Practical ways to better prepare and support managers during transformation efforts Resources & Links: * Meaningful Change Consulting [https://meaningfulchangeconsulting.com/] * Prosci Change Management Research [https://www.prosci.com/about/research-process] * Workday transformation and adoption strategies [https://www.pioneermanagementconsulting.com/portfolio/facilitating-a-smooth-workday-transformation/] * Disability employment and inclusive hiring initiatives through Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/what-we-do]

3. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Psychological Safety, Disability Rights, and the Future of Work with Dr. Victoria Verlezza

   As disability rights face renewed challenges and workplace inclusion efforts come under increasing scrutiny, how can organizations continue creating environments where everyone belongs? In this powerful and candid conversation, Julie Sowash sits down with Dr. Victoria Verlezza, award-winning thought leader, neurodiversity advocate, and creator of the Cognitive Equity Leadership Model. Together, they explore the intersection of disability rights, psychological safety, neuroinclusion, and workplace culture during a time of significant social and political change. Drawing from her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Dr. Verlezza challenges organizations to move beyond performative inclusion and build systems that support people without requiring them to mask, disclose, or conform. The conversation tackles everything from the rollback of disability rights protections to the impact of AI in hiring, inclusive leadership practices, accountability in workplace culture, and why disability inclusion must be embedded into every stage of the employee experience. This episode is an honest discussion about courage, systems change, and the responsibility organizations have to create workplaces where people can thrive as their authentic selves. Key Takeaways * The growing threats to disability rights and community integration * Why disability inclusion is bigger than DEI initiatives * Building psychological safety and accountability at work * The future of neuroinclusive leadership * Accessibility, accommodations, and evolving workplace expectations * Concerns about AI-driven hiring and unintended bias * Practical ways leaders can create more inclusive cultures * Finding hope and momentum during challenging times Resources & Links * Cognitive Equity Leadership Model [https://www.cognitiveequityleadership.com/] * Plantation Theory by John Graham [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953307590?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XHX4BSNNRPSRENKEPQQ1&bestFormat=true] * Dr. Victoria Verlezza's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-verlezza/] * VictoriaVerlezza.com [https://victoriaverlezza.com/] * NPR - DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization [https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization] * Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities  [https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1446701/dl]

Who has been a guest on Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Travis Davis
• Ian Gibbs-Hall
• Natasha Grant Holmberg
• David Rice

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

8,467

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

74

Engagement

60

Contact Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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