Thriving with Chronic Conditions: Catherine Hicks on Entrepreneurship and Accessibility

2024-12-09

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Catherine Hicks, a designer, educator, and disability advocate who has redefined what it means to thrive as an entrepreneur living with chronic conditions. Catherine shares her inspiring journey of navigating life with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and juvenile arthritis while building a successful business that champions accessibility and health equity. This episode is packed with actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on achieving balance and resilience in the...

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Catherine Hicks, a designer, educator, and disability advocate who has redefined what it means to thrive as an entrepreneur living with chronic conditions. Catherine shares her inspiring journey of navigating life with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and juvenile arthritis while building a successful business that champions accessibility and health equity. This episode is packed with actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on achieving balance and resilience in the face of adversity.

About the Guest: Catherine Hicks (They/She) is a passionate designer, educator, and disability advocate based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Living with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and juvenile arthritis since childhood, Catherine draws on their unique experiences to champion accessibility and innovation in their work. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, Catherine embraced entrepreneurship not just as a career path but as a lifestyle that accommodates their health and personal priorities. Through their business, Catherine creates systems and designs that promote inclusivity and well-being for clients and employees alike.

Reach: https://www.focusedendeavors.com/

Key Takeaways: Building Resilience Through Boundaries: Catherine emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries for work and personal time, including shutting off devices after hours, taking regular walks, and meditating to prioritize health. Entrepreneurship as a Path to Freedom: Traditional 9-to-5 roles were incompatible with Catherine’s health needs, making entrepreneurship a flexible and viable alternative for professional success. Prioritizing Health Over Hustle: Catherine encourages redefining success to align with personal health, including realistic work expectations and advocating for team well-being. Empathy in Leadership: By modeling healthy work habits, such as setting limits on work hours, Catherine fosters a supportive and sustainable work culture for their team. Redefining Possibilities for Those with Disabilities: Catherine acknowledges the real limitations disabilities can impose but highlights the potential to build a fulfilling and sustainable life by working within those parameters with a realistic, goal-oriented approach. The Power of a Support System: Catherine attributes much of their success to the influence of entrepreneurial parents who encouraged adaptability and creativity, showing the value of strong role models and community support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance personal well-being with professional ambitions, especially those navigating chronic health challenges.

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