Celia Chartres-Aris is a Disabled Founder and Investor, a multi-award winning campaigner and lobbyist, researcher and policy designer, advocating for the improvement of disability equity and accessibility inclusivity. Celia has founded a several disabled-led organisations focused on the development and advancement of policy, ensuring that disabled people are at the heart of legislation and consultation. This year Celia has been named on The Global Diversity Leaders list and is featured on the 100 most influential disabled people list in the UK, as the 3rd most influential Disabled person changing law and policy. As an entrepreneur, Celia is the Co-founder of the first policy unit in the UK which focuses on putting disability at the heart of Westminster, and Access2Funding which brings together the global investment market and is implementing inclusive practices across the deal flow, which is significantly improving opportunities and participation for disabled entrepreneurs. Celia works across the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors with organisations, charities and the Government, advocating, designing new legislation and policies, and amending existing legislation and policies, for the improved equity of representation, inclusivity, accessibility, participation and opportunities for disabled people. Over the years this has included working with brands such as; Cola, Apple and Linkedin, and partnering with national and international Governmental bodies such as; The House of Lords, The European Union, The United Nations, Westminster and Downing Street. Passionate about politics, policy and representation, Celia is actively involved with a number of organisations and campaigns aimed at increasing the democratic elected representation of disabled people at both local and national levels of policy creation. Alongside being an advocate for inclusive law and policy, Celia is also an active campaigner for disability rights. Celia is an established consultant, host, speaker and educator on diversity, intersectionality and inclusion, regularly speaking to and advising organisations and charities around the world, such as; Virgin, Amazon, BHF and British Banking. As an investor, Celia has supported and guided countless disabled led entrepreneurs, and sits on a number of organisational boards as a champion for inclusion and accessibility. The work Celia has done has been internationally recognised by organisations such as Forbes, The Financial Times, Metro and BBC. Celia was born with multiple disabilities as a result of a genetic condition; Loeys-Dietz Syndrome/Marfans, currently due to multiple organ-failure she lives with a permanent central line in her chest receiving daily blood infusions and complete artificial nutrition. Celia has never known her life without her disability, and takes pride in her disabled identity, working hard to break down systematic ableism, discrimination, and archaic stereotypes about the talents, potential, and ability of disabled people.

Today I get to share my conversation with the brilliant Keely Cat-Wells who is a Disability Rights Advocate and CEO of Making Space. She founded her first company in hospital, which later became C Talent, a talent agency that represents Disabled artists, reshaping perceptions of disability. C Talent was acquired in 2022, marking a significant milestone for disability within the creative industries. Keely is now the founder & CEO of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning platform that develops accessible pathways to employment and career advancement through employer-backed courses for Disabled people. Notably securing partnerships with NBCUniversal, Netflix and Amazon. Under the Making Space umbrella is Making Space Media, a division that creates film and TV content amplifying disabled narratives. Making Space Media secured a first-look deal with Reese Witherspoons, Hello Sunshine. Keely is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Presidential Leadership Scholar, AdWeek Young Influential and Diana Award Winner.

I hope you're all feeling the purple power today! 💜 I'm thrilled to share the latest edition of my newsletter and Martyn Sibley Show podcast, where we're diving into the vital topics of climate and disability activism and how they can work together hand in hand. 🌍♿️ For this episode, I had the immense pleasure of hosting the brilliant Áine Kelly as my guest. Áine is a proud disabled storyteller, consultant, and campaigner, whose work centers on disability, climate, and migration. Their perspective is so insightful, and I couldn't think of a better person to shed light on the powerful intersection of these two essential movements. Based in Norway, Áine originally hails from the beautiful land of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 🇳🇴🇳🇿 They are deeply passionate about creating positive change and fostering greater understanding between the climate and disability communities. Tune in to this episode to hear Áine's inspiring journey, as they share their expertise and experiences, weaving a tapestry of knowledge and compassion that empowers us all to take meaningful action. Together, let's amplify the voices of those working tirelessly at this crucial intersection of climate and disability activism. Remember, it's by joining hands and hearts that we can bring about a more inclusive and sustainable world. Let's embrace our purple power and make a difference, one step at a time! 💪💜 You can find the transcript of this episode on my website here https://martynsibley.com/2023/07/climate-and-disability-activism-bridging-two-important-worlds/

Purple Power is really motoring now! Encompassing self development, disruptive politics, and innovative business ideas - all for disability inclusion! With Purple Goat becoming the vehicle for change with global business. Purple Ventures being my outlet to advise disability companies. Purple Power is an outlet for Changemakers and Leaders. In the spirit of all this clarity and progress. I got to sit down with a fellow author and changemaker, Jon Alexander, to explore together what a disability citizen assembly might look like. First we hear from Jon about his book 'citizens' and why he shared his ideas around a new story to empower all people. But particularly marginalised and disempowered people. Through this deeply impactful model and language we explore how it could apply to the disability rights movement. Particularly in a new and different world requiring some fresh ideas on what activism is and could become. We discussed this concept very much in real time. Starting a conversation. Providing you with a platform to share ideas or even ask further questions for us to explore another time. Please do let us know what you think about the concepts, a disability assembly and your views on social activism (entrepreneurship and changemaking).

In the second episode of a two part focus on personal development as a powerful tool for disability inclusion, I sit down with my embodiment and leadership coach David Brown.   In this episode we discuss how sometimes in life we need to reassess our personal values and beliefs, or at least certain learned behaviours, to move forward with better health, joy and fulfillment. Which brings us to explanations on what embodiment means for us both, ways to access them, and David kindly shares a practice near the end of our chat.  In this episode we discuss how sometimes in life we need to reassess our personal values and beliefs, or at least certain learned behaviours, to move forward with better health, joy and fulfillment. Which brings us to explanations on what embodiment means for us both, ways to access them, and David kindly shares a practice near the end of our chat.   You can learn more about David, his coaching, these topics and more at www.potentialitycoaching.co.uk and on this archetypes facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/archetypesacademyYou can learn more about David, his coaching, these topics and more at www.potentialitycoaching.co.uk and on this archetypes facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/archetypesacademy

As a wheelchair user, disability activist and social entrepreneur I'm unwavering in these two perspectives - I didn't choose to be born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and I can be more included in society by designing a barrier free world (no steps, no discrimination, no red tape). However theres another part of my personal and professional journey that's important to discuss. Personal development/growth/accountability. With the above two points caveated, I've always looked for what I have control and influence over. Both for me, and also the disability community. This focus has taken me through countless books, podcasts, documentaries, courses and events. You may remember my posts on attending Mindvalley university a few years back around this perspective too. Through and since the pandemic I've had some really challenging times. As we all have. It's been introspection, contemplation and owning my sh*t that's got me through it. I can honestly say I've learned and grown more than ever the past couple of years. When going on such a journey, and to reap such rewards, its helpful to have tools and/or a guide. One tool and guide I found recently was the Gene Keys and teachings of Richard Rudd. To dive in to the what, where, when, why, how I was lucky enough to interview Richard on my podcast. Have a listen, let me know your thoughts, and to get your own Gene Keys profile (or learn more and check out the courses) head here https://genekeys.com/ref/1866/.

In this very special episode I sit down with my mum and discuss my Spinal Muscular Atrophy diagnosis, growing up, teenage mischief, holidays and mums general mindset in life

On the hottest day ever in the world (well kind of) we sit in our garden and discuss all sorts of random topics like the James Webb Telescope, metaverse technology, how it might effect human connection and Sunny joins at the end for a cuddle

Martyn and his partner Kasia reflect on the past couple of years. Including health challenges, mental health anxieties, coping mechanisms, their career progress, a big trip to Poland, and some newer perspectives from this rather unusual couple of years 

After a few weeks of daily podcasting my disabled founders journal, I've decided to lower the tempo. With the Daily Sib livestream and lockdown lifting, it felt right to create the podcast version weekly for the time being