Today we speak with Sophie-Anne Onland, about the challenges and opportunity for disability representation. Born with a limb difference, Sophie shares her personal journey of growing up with a disability, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them to become a voice for change.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Sophie's early life and the role her parents played in encouraging her to live without limits.

- The lack of representation of people with disabilities in media and how it affected her self-esteem.

- The pivotal moment that led Sophie to embrace her disability and become more open about it.

- The importance of good representation and how it can impact individuals' self-worth and societal inclusion.

-Sophie's transition from hiding her disability to becoming a public speaker and advocate.

-The founding of her Agency Ninety-nine aimed at increasing the visibility and representation of people with disabilities in media and advertising.

- Practical advice for brands on how to authentically represent people with disabilities.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:38 - The importance of representation

01:51 - Growing up without role models

04:12 - Sophie's early life and family support

06:00 - Teenage years and growing insecurities

07:51 - The energy spent on hiding and adjusting

10:43 - Nature vs. nurture: Sophie's positive mindset

13:13 - The impact of disability on personal growth

17:47 - The societal approach to disabilities

21:14 - Acceptance and self-worth

23:22 - Sophie's journey to self-acceptance

28:45 - The role of social media and finding role models

33:07 - Sophie's content journey and mission

36:43 - Founding the agency Ninety-Nine

42:03 - What brands get wrong about representation

47:03 - The future of disability representation in media

Connect with Sophie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophieonland/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-anne-onland-27978449/

Agency: https://www.instagram.com/ninetynine_agency/

Follow Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarcusengel/

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