Unlock Your Inner Leader: Courage, Vulnerability & Purpose

Organizations should prioritize accessibility and inclusion not just for social equity, but also for significant economic benefits. There are 5.5 million Australians and 1.3 billion people globally with disabilities, representing 20% of the world's population. This group has a global annual buying power of $13 trillion, and inclusive businesses gain their patronage.

Dylan Alcott's purpose is to change perceptions so that all people with disabilities around the world can live the lives they deserve. This purpose guides his decisions, including his retirement from tennis, as he evaluates if his actions align with this overarching goal. He aims to use his platform to support and advocate for others with disabilities.

Dylan initially hated his disability and felt like a burden due to societal perceptions and bullying. A turning point came after two years of isolation when he confided in his brother and family, who reassured him. He learned that vulnerability, like asking for help, builds connection and rapport, which is the opposite of being lesser, and it took him 29 years to fully feel worthy of love and his disability through hard work and self-reflection.

Vulnerability is one of the best leadership tools because it makes leaders relatable to their teams. Modern leaders should work for people, listening to their experiences and opening doors for them to thrive, rather than having all the answers. Being vulnerable, like admitting "I don't know how to do this, can you help me?", fosters connection and co-design.

The Dylan Alcott Foundation invests directly in young people with disabilities globally to help them achieve their dreams. This includes fully funding university education, providing equipment for aspiring musicians, and supporting athletes for events like the Paralympic Games. They also run awareness campaigns and an accessible music festival called Ability Fest, which recently raised 450 grand.

Dylan Alcott was born with a tumor wrapped around his spinal cord, which was removed when he was a few days old, leading to him being in a wheelchair his whole life. He initially hated having a disability and felt like a burden, believing society's negative views.

Yes, for the first time, Paralympic medals were designed with ball bearings inside them. Gold medals have 28, silver 22, and bronze 16, making each medal produce a different sound. This feature allows blind athletes to distinguish between the gold, silver, and bronze medals by sound.