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]

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

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]

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

What happens when thousands of qualified candidates are filtered out by the same AI system?

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash sits down with workforce strategist and advocate Beverly Dines to unpack the growing impact of AI-driven hiring tools—and the real-world consequences for job seekers navigating today’s market.

Grounded in a recent Stanford study on algorithmic bias, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore how “algorithmic monocultures” are shaping who gets seen, who gets filtered out, and how opportunity is distributed. Beverly brings a powerful mix of data, lived experience, and tactical guidance, offering both job seekers and employers a clearer path forward.

From the emotional toll of repeated rejection to actionable strategies for bypassing automated systems, this episode centers on one key question: how do we build hiring practices that are both efficient and truly human?

Key Takeaways:

 * The reality of today’s hiring market and why traditional advice no longer applies
 * Insights from the Stanford study on AI hiring tools and systemic bias
 * What “algorithmic monocultures” are—and why they matter
 * How AI screening tools influence hiring decisions across multiple employers
 * The human impact of rejection, ghosting, and automated hiring systems
 * The growing gap between hiring technology and ethical implementation
 * Ways to Get Out of the Algorithm
 * Insights for Employers & Talent Leaders

Resources & Links

 * Stanford Study: AI Hiring Tools Can Yield Racial Bias and Systemic Rejection [https://hai.stanford.edu/news/ai-hiring-tools-can-yield-racial-bias-and-systemic-rejection]
 * Connect with Beverly Dines:
   Website: beverlydines.com [https://beverlydines.com/]
   Social: @beverlydines (Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beverlydines/?hl=en], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlydines/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beverlydines], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeverlyDines])
   Podcast: How to Give a Damn About Your Workplace [https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/how-to-give-a-damn-about-your-workplace/id1818865570]
 * Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? [https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.aeaweb.org%2farticles%3fid%3d10.1257%2f0002828042002561&c=E,1,xW3HjbI0EJgIJL165zfy2FEa2GnFo-GkPWK2q-YFwSs8ArK98yvKMfKImv48sHC2kjAbo7AN_joKmkn0zbNw9r3SmvD54mFgOn7KWS9UduFbnbJn&typo=1]
 * Whitened Résumés: Race and Self-Presentation in the Labor Market [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0001839216639577]
 * Gender, Race, and Intersectional Bias in Resume Screening via Language Model Retrieval [https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fojs.aaai.org%2findex.php%2fAIES%2farticle%2fview%2f31748&c=E,1,p8CltsXdIn378vH4ynEjXccnh4wxglj-MGi0cUETB_LO-PeCtlOC2hCqTiMCSNeDuss7lwBjg_baSUux1maq-s9cnR0TdqYUsL3hHmkBhB3C&typo=1]
 * Algorithmic Monocultures in Hiring [https://digitaleconomy.stanford.edu/news/qa-algorithmic-monoculture/]
   

About the Guest:
Beverly Dines is a COO, speaker, creator, and educator, and the #1 voice in tactical career content. She empowers her audience by breaking down the strategic plays insiders use but rarely share. Through her platforms and her podcast, How to Give a Damn About Your Workplace, she turns career strategy into steps you can run today, no fluff, no gatekeeping. Author of Create The Door.

Breaking Out of The AI Hiring Algorithm With Beverly Dines

What if the biggest barrier to opportunity isn’t intent, but the assumptions we never question?

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with educator, author, and founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions, Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart, to unpack how bias shows up in ways we often don’t recognize—especially anchoring bias, or our tendency to rely on first impressions and incomplete information.

Drawing from her own lived experience and years of research across education systems, Dr. K explores how early beliefs shape lifelong outcomes—from classrooms to careers—and why even well-intentioned people can unknowingly reinforce inequity.

Together, they break down the connection between bias, blind spots, and structural inequality, offering practical strategies leaders, educators, and employers can use to make better, more inclusive decisions.

If you’ve ever wondered why inequities persist, this conversation will change how you think about bias and opportunity.

Key Takeaways: 

 * Why bias isn’t just about intent—it’s about impact
 * The difference between implicit, explicit, and structural bias
 * What anchoring bias is and how it shapes decisions
 * How early assumptions follow people from education into careers
 * The connection between bias, blind spots, and systemic inequities
 * Why “structures are made of people”—and what that means for change
 * How in-group bias and herd mentality influence workplace decisions
 * The hidden dangers of low expectations—especially for disabled talent

Resources & Links

 * Email: dockizart@gmail.com
 * Book: Beyond Implicit and Explicit Bias [https://a.co/d/08sWh2GV]

About the Guest

Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-claudean-kizart-11937622/] is an author, educator, and the founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions. She is a nationally recognized literacy and equity consultant who has worked with school systems, higher education institutions, and organizations to better understand and address achievement and equity gaps.

Her work focuses on uncovering the deeper layers of bias that influence how we teach, lead, and make decisions. Through her research and professional development, she helps leaders move beyond intention to examine impact—equipping them with practical strategies to recognize bias and create more equitable outcomes. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-claudean-kizart-11937622

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/]. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/

Understanding Bias with Dr. ClauDean Kizart

Chronic illness affects millions of people worldwide, yet support systems remain fragmented, difficult to navigate, and often inaccessible. For many, the journey is not just medical but also deeply isolating.

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] sits down with Cyndii Sinex [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/], public health practitioner and founder of the upcoming Chronic Illness Hotline [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/], to explore how lived experience can drive meaningful change.

After more than a decade navigating misdiagnosis, medical error, and systemic barriers, Cyndii is transforming her experience into a first-of-its-kind solution: a free, text-based, peer-support hotline designed for people living with chronic illness, pain, injury, and neurodivergence.

This conversation is both eye-opening and hopeful—offering a powerful reminder that support doesn’t have to be complicated to be life-changing.

Key Takeaways

 * Why so many chronic illness sufferers fall through the cracks of the medical system
 * The emotional toll of chronic illness—including isolation, loss, and uncertainty
 * How peer support can fill critical gaps in care
 * What it takes to build a scalable, accessible support network
 * The long-term vision: using real data to influence healthcare policy and systemic change

Resources & Links

 * Chronic Illness Hotline [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/] - https://chronicillnesshotline.org/
 * Support the Mission [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/donate/] - https://chronicillnesshotline.org/donate/

About the Guest

Cyndii Sinex, MPH [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/], is a public health practitioner, trained health educator, and patient advocate. After years of navigating a misdiagnosis and complex healthcare barriers, she founded the Chronic Illness Hotline—an initiative designed to provide accessible, peer-based emotional support for individuals living with chronic illness and related conditions.  
Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-illness-hotline/

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].
Follow Her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/



Closing the Gaps in Chronic Illness Support with Cyndii Sinex

What does authentic leadership actually look like, and why does it matter more than ever for disability inclusion at work?

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash is joined by Megan Fuciarelli, Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest workplace challenges in 2026: the growing gap between what employers say and what employees experience.

Drawing on recent disability employment data and real-world examples—from federal accommodation policy rollbacks to employer lawsuits and shifting DEI commitments—this conversation explores why trust is breaking down in the workplace and what leaders can do to rebuild it.

Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

 * Why only a small percentage of disabled professionals trust employer commitment
 * How DEI rollbacks and “quiet retreats” impact psychological safety
 * What authentic leadership really looks like in practice
 * How to have difficult conversations about disability, identity, and inclusion
 * Why curiosity is the key to better leadership
 * The role of accountability, data tracking, and transparency in rebuilding trust

This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, recruiters, executives, and anyone committed to building more inclusive, equitable workplaces.

Resources & Links

 * Learn more about US2 Consulting: https://www.us2consulting.com
 * Connect with Megan Fuciarelli [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganfuciarelli/]on LinkedIn
 * Explore more episodes: https://www.changingmindsandlives.org/

About the Guest

Megan Fuciarelli is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting [https://us2consulting.com/], a former school superintendent-turned-leadership consultant, and the creator of the “Authenticity Amplifier” framework. She works with organizations to build trust through ethical, values-driven leadership, focusing on authenticity, inclusive leadership, difficult conversations, and workplace culture. Megan also brings lived experience as a professional with a disability, which informs her perspective and approach to creating more inclusive and empowering workplaces.

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].



Leading with Authenticity: Megan Fuciarelli on Trust, Disability Inclusion, and Workplace Culture

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner at Peak Performers, to unpack what disability hiring really looks like in 2026. From outdated job descriptions and biased resume screening to interviews that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled candidates, Myles shares where employers continue to get it wrong—and what meaningful inclusion actually requires.

The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in hiring, exploring both its promise as an accessibility tool and its risks when bias is automated at scale. Drawing on lived experience, employer advising, and years in disability staffing, Myles offers practical insight for organizations that want to move beyond performative inclusion and build hiring processes that work for people.

Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

 * Myles Wallace’s disability and career journey—and how lived experience shapes inclusive hiring
 * What Peak Performers does and how revenue‑funded disability staffing works
 * Why disability unemployment remains stubbornly high despite years of “progress”
 * Where employers unintentionally exclude disabled candidates before interviews even begin
 * How job descriptions, resume gaps, and “job hopping” bias limit access to opportunity
 * Why traditional interviews often disadvantage neurodivergent and disabled professionals
 * Practical, low‑cost interview accommodations employers can implement today
 * The real impact of AI screening tools on candidates with disabilities
 * Where AI can improve access—and where it risks reinforcing discrimination
 * Why human accountability still matters in automated hiring systems
 * What employers must do now to build inclusive, future‑ready hiring processes

Guest:
Myles Wallace [https://www.linkedin.com/in/myleswallace/], Disability Inclusion Partner, Peak Performers [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-performers-staffing-agency/]

Host:
Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/]

Learn more about Peak Performers and available roles at: peakperformers.org

Rethinking Disability Hiring: Bias, Barriers, and AI — with Myles Wallace of Peak Performers

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Davina Douthard—founder of Polishing the Professional and creator of The Able Show—to challenge one of the most persistent barriers in disability employment: the charity mindset.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in image management, workforce development, and inclusive entertainment, Davina shares powerful insights on authentic personal branding, transferable skills, and why disability inclusion must move beyond quotas and good intentions. Together, Julie and Davina explore how job seekers with disabilities can build careers rooted in confidence and capability—and how employers can create inclusive brands without reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

This conversation is a must‑listen for disabled professionals, employers, and advocates committed to building workplaces that value contribution over charity.

Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

 * Disability inclusion is not about favors—it’s about filling real business needs
 * Quotas and check-the-box hiring can unintentionally reinforce exclusion
 * Authentic branding empowers disabled professionals to lead with their strengths
 * Employers don’t need perfection—just a willingness to learn and listen
 * True inclusion happens when we focus on what people can do, not what they can’t

Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

About the Guest

Davina Douthard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davinadouthard/] is a nationally recognized leader in image management, disability employment advocacy, and inclusive media. She is the founder of Polishing the Professional [https://polishingtheprofessional.com/], a full‑service career center supporting disabled and non‑disabled job seekers, and the creator and executive producer of The Able Show [https://theableshow.com/], a groundbreaking series where people with disabilities fill the majority of on‑ and off‑camera roles.

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].

Resources & Mentions

 * Disability Solutions Quarterly Webinar: Rethinking Design for Neurodiversity (April 2, 2026) [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3517724855574/WN_6wCidgQPTLe5OIB_WZghJw#/registration]
 * Grant Harris, Certified Diversity Executive [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantharris555/]

Breaking the Charity Mindset: Disability, Authentic Branding & Inclusive Employment with Davina Douthard

In this powerful Season 3 kickoff of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with sisters and co‑founders of Dateability [https://info.dateabilityapp.com/], Jacqueline [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-child-8b1299aa/] and Alexa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-child-00259316/] Child, to explore how lived experience, legal insight, and pure sister‑energy transformed a shared frustration into the world’s leading dating app for disabled and chronically ill people.

From navigating ableism on mainstream dating platforms to building an inclusive alternative from scratch—with no tech background and plenty of obstacles along the way—Jacqueline and Alexa share the emotional, logistical, and deeply human story behind Dateability’s creation.

Listeners will hear about the app’s innovative features, the importance of safe and normalized disclosure, the role of disability‑centered community in dating, and the real‑life love stories proving the platform’s impact, including Dateability’s first wedding. The episode also dives into safety, funding challenges, press wins, and the sisters’ unwavering commitment to building a space where disabled people can date with dignity, joy, and authenticity.

Show Notes: 

Key Topics: 

 * The Origin Story
 * Building the App
 * What Makes Dateability Different
 * Safety & Privacy
 * User Feedback, Community Growth & Impact
 * Accessibility, Pricing & How to Join
 * For Investors & Partners

Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

Guests

 * Jacqueline Child [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-child-8b1299aa/] – Co‑founder of Dateability, disability advocate, entrepreneur
 * Alexa Child [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-child-00259316/] – Co‑founder of Dateability, attorney, problem‑solver, big‑sister‑in‑chief

Learn more about the app and accessibility and safety features  - https://info.dateabilityapp.com/

Building Dateability: Redefining Disability Dating & Inclusive Apps

Join us for a special year-end episode of "Changing Minds, Changing Lives" as host Julie Sowash sits down with Keith Meadows, Executive Director of Disability Solutions, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of disability employment. Keith shares his journey from restaurant management to leading a national nonprofit, revealing how customer service skills and operational know-how translate into driving real change for job seekers with disabilities.

Discover how Disability Solutions has evolved from a scrappy consulting startup to a scalable, data-driven organization helping employers optimize their hiring processes and create truly inclusive workplaces. Keith and Julie discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the disability community in 2025, including the impact of AI on hiring, the importance of accessible remote work, and why companies committed to disability inclusion are gaining a competitive edge.

Whether you're an HR leader, a job seeker, or simply passionate about building a more equitable workforce, this episode offers practical takeaways, inspiring stories, and a look ahead to brighter skies in 2026. Tune in for actionable insights, candid reflections, and a celebration of the progress made—and the work still to come—in changing minds and changing lives.

Key Topics:

 * Keith Meadows’ leadership journey and lessons from restaurant management
 * Scaling Disability Solutions for greater impact and accessibility
 * The evolving job market: AI, automation, and disability inclusion
 * Practical strategies for employers to optimize disability hiring
 * The importance of remote work and accessible workplaces
 * Navigating economic uncertainty and planning for 2026
 * Building trust and competitive advantage through authentic inclusion

Follow Disability Solutions on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more resources and updates.

Notes: 

Keith Meadows [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmeadowsdisabilitysolutions/] is the Executive Director of Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], where he leads efforts to help employers build inclusive workplaces and tap into the $13 trillion disability economy. With over a decade of experience in disability employment and a background in operations and customer service, Keith specializes in practical, data-driven strategies for accessible hiring and retention. He is a passionate advocate for disability rights and regularly shares insights on workplace inclusion, mentorship, and the business impact of accessibility.

CMCL - AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Work: Insights from Disability Solutions

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 employ

Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast · Zencastr

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. 