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Why We Need to Talk About Hidden Disabilities in the Workplace

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United Sports & Inclusion Center from Special Olympics Michigan, with some construction workers hugging in the background.

Let’s get real about something that pisses us off: we have an entire talent pool of capable, dedicated workers that employers are completely ignoring. And it’s not just hurting these potential employees – it’s hurting businesses too.

We recently sat down with Jennifer VanSkiver from Special Olympics Michigan on our Happy Hour Hustle podcast and holy hell, did she drop some truth bombs about inclusivity in hiring. This conversation hit home because it perfectly illustrates what we’ve been preaching at 8THIRTYFOUR: sometimes the best talent comes in packages we’re not programmed to recognize.

The Reality Check We All Need

The episode spotlights an uncomfortable truth: society wasn’t built for people with disabilities, visible or hidden. We put the burden on them to adapt, to explain, to justify their place in our workplaces. How messed up is that?

Jennifer shared the story of her daughter CJ, who works as a nurse tech at Corewell Health. Here’s the kicker – CJ has what’s called a “hidden disability,” but she’s absolutely crushing it in a role that traditionally sees high turnover. She’s been there for five years, proving that when we look past our preconceptions, everyone wins.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Want to hear something wild? Many positions that companies struggle to keep filled could be perfect opportunities for individuals with different abilities. But instead of tapping into this dedicated workforce, we’re stuck in old patterns of thinking about who can do what.

Why You Need to Listen to the Full Episode

We could go on about this all day (and trust us, we have), but you really need to hear this conversation for yourself. Jennifer breaks down:

  • The reality of hidden disabilities in the workplace
  • How societal expectations create unnecessary barriers
  • Real solutions for businesses looking to expand their talent pool
  • The transformative impact of giving people a chance


Plus, there’s an amazing story about Snoop Dogg that has nothing to do with what you’d expect. You’ll have to listen to find out more about that one.

The Bottom Line

It’s 2024, and it’s time we stopped ignoring talent just because it doesn’t fit our preconceived notions of what an “ideal employee” looks like. This isn’t just about doing the right thing – though that should be enough. It’s about smart business decisions that benefit everyone.

Ready to have your assumptions challenged? Head over to your favorite podcast platform and listen to the full episode of Happy Hour Hustle. Trust me, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

And if you’re an employer? Maybe it’s time to rethink who you’re overlooking in your hiring process. Your next great employee might just be someone you never considered before.

 

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If you ever need proof that personal brand matters...Kim got to see the @nasaartemis II launch in person as a direct result of her Big Deal Energy™.

You need to work hard, show up authentically, and provide value. That was her message to a room full of students and young professionals at @western_michigan_pmi`s theProject Collegiate Competition.

The Big Deal Energy™ Workshop is on June 23. Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18045223601588457
If you ever need proof that personal brand matters...Kim got to see the @nasaartemis II launch in person as a direct result of her Big Deal Energy™. You need to work hard, show up authentically, and provide value. That was her message to a room full of students and young professionals at @western_michigan_pmi's theProject Collegiate Competition. The Big Deal Energy™ Workshop is on June 23. Register at the link in bio.

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The good news is, you can flip the script, but it will take some serious work and a personal brand, or as Kim Bode refers to it: Big Deal Energy™.

Kim is speaking at theProject™ Collegiate Event, hosted by the Project Management Institute Western Michigan Chapter on April 14. She`ll cover how to build a personal brand that actually sounds like you (not ChatGPT) and how you can show your value through social, content and networking.

Link in bio to learn more.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18012680507839574
Employers think Gen Z is lazy, entitled, and will quit the second things get hard. That perception is keeping you out of the room before you ever get a chance to prove otherwise. The good news is, you can flip the script, but it will take some serious work and a personal brand, or as Kim Bode refers to it: Big Deal Energy™. Kim is speaking at theProject™ Collegiate Event, hosted by the Project Management Institute Western Michigan Chapter on April 14. She'll cover how to build a personal brand that actually sounds like you (not ChatGPT) and how you can show your value through social, content and networking. Link in bio to learn more.

No one talks about how lonely it is to own a business. The tough decisions land on you, the business doesn`t pause when you need a break, and nobody - not your employees or your spouse - really gets it.

If you know a business owner, tell them they`re doing a good job. It matters more than you know.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18115092436709128
No one talks about how lonely it is to own a business. The tough decisions land on you, the business doesn't pause when you need a break, and nobody - not your employees or your spouse - really gets it. If you know a business owner, tell them they're doing a good job. It matters more than you know.

The growth stage is the hardest part of building a business.

Kim was recently quoted in @corpmagazine on what she sees running the Women`s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: women who have built something, survived the hardest part, and are still doing everything themselves. The natural tendency to be humble and attached to their work creates unique business challenges for women; they put up walls because they can`t be vulnerable.

Meanwhile, when a woman CEO needs growth capital, she compiles three years of tax returns before a bank will schedule a meeting, while her male competitor closes the same deal over drinks.

When women have access to the right resources, they grow and invest back. Full article at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18078804740143427
The growth stage is the hardest part of building a business. Kim was recently quoted in @corpmagazine on what she sees running the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship: women who have built something, survived the hardest part, and are still doing everything themselves. The natural tendency to be humble and attached to their work creates unique business challenges for women; they put up walls because they can't be vulnerable. Meanwhile, when a woman CEO needs growth capital, she compiles three years of tax returns before a bank will schedule a meeting, while her male competitor closes the same deal over drinks. When women have access to the right resources, they grow and invest back. Full article at the link in bio.

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April 28, 2026

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