Joy Cosgrove is a UK and Ireland based Retail Learning Consultant & Personal Coach. She has years of hands on experience in the training room and on the shop floor, and I had the pleasure of training with her at Barefoot.
She is also the proud mum of three lovely kids, one of whom is a talented and powerful young woman. Who, as it happens has Down Syndrome.
I was struck by a post Joy shared on LinkedIn the other day - a powerful film of a young woman with Downs ordering a margarita at a bar. Take the time to watch it here.
Created by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) - a national non-profit organisation focused upon human rights, health, social participation, inclusive education and employment for those with Down syndrome - they describe the film by saying:
"Our negative assumptions about people with Down syndrome can lead us to treat them in such a way that these assumptions become reality. In sociology, this is called a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy.’ Why not reverse our perspectives? If we have positive assumptions about people with Down syndrome, they will have opportunities at school, at work, in relationships, and other activities. And maybe these positive assumptions will become reality."
It really struck a chord and inspired me to spend the most amazing half hour discussing this and other assumptions we make as leaders about our people and their abilities to succeed.
If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter