In this episode of DEI Will Not DIE, Dr Bree Gorman is joined by leadership coach, speaker, and CEO of the Disability Leadership Institute, Christina Ryan, to explore the barriers disabled leaders face, and what it really takes to design workplaces that work for everyone. Together, they unpack the assumptions that sit beneath traditional leadership development, why disability is so often misunderstood or hidden in the workplace, and the real reasons disabled people are still underrepresented in leadership. Christina shares the top barriers disabled leaders face, and challenges organisations to move beyond surface-level inclusion efforts toward meaningful system change. This conversation goes beyond representation, reframing disability as a powerful lens for rethinking how work is designed — from flexibility and job structure to leadership expectations and performance. Because when we build systems that support disabled people to lead and thrive, we create better, more effective workplaces for everyone.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast