Ep #29: From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare

05/29/24 • 39 min

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military Base Supply Center at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. She describes how her commitment led her to flourish in her job, winning Employee of the Year at Envision Xpress and the Peter J. Salmon Award from National Industries for the Blind in 2023.

MaryBeth’s dedication to learning, adapting, and embracing new skills, such as mastering Braille and pursuing higher education, reflects her unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. Through her perseverance, she not only transformed her own life but also became an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace. Listen in to hear why finding purpose in your work is so important, and how you can implement MaryBeth’s optimistic mindset in your own career journey.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/29

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/29

Previous Episode

Ep #28: From HR to Advocacy: Rob Buettner’s Impact at Beyond Vision

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a community of other people with the same disease that reminded Rob he could do anything he set his mind to, with or without his vision.

From starting a business distributing low-vision technology products to advocating for policy change, Rob’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and purpose. Hear what Rob Buettner learned as an advocate at the Public Policy Forum, building strong legislative relationships during his visits to Capitol Hill. Find out why Rob believes in the importance of persistence and kindness for achieving any goal.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/28

Next Episode

Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities.

Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his inspiring journey from working with the Association for the Blind in Rochester, New York, to leading NIB in its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of his career, including expanding the AbilityOne® Program to Base Supply Centers all over the nation, how the Contract Management Services program was created to solve a giant headache for the government, how NSITE trains BVI individuals—at no cost—for the highest executive roles in corporate America and other pioneering initiatives that promote economic independence for the BVI community.

Kevin reflects on his experiences in various leadership roles, highlighting the importance of persistence, respect, and high expectations for persons with disabilities.

Tune in to hear Kevin’s motivating insights on leadership, advocacy, and the transformative power of inclusive employment. Discover how his dedication has revolutionized NIB and how his vision and legacy will continue to inspire positive change in the BVI workforce for a long time to come.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/30