Lead from your heart - with Scott Martin

<p>In this episode of <em>Speaking of Inclusion…</em> I am joined by <strong>Scott Martin</strong>. An award-winning soccer coach, author, quad amputee, and passionate disability advocate. We talk about his extraordinary journey, as captured in his recently released book, <em><strong>Play From Your Heart</strong></em>, which weaves together his experiences of resilience, dealing with disability, and his lifelong commitment to making football (soccer) and wider society more inclusive.</p><p><br></p><p>Scott shared the pivotal moment when he survived necrotising fasciitis, leading to major life changes for him and his family, and also his abrupt realisation he was now part of the disability community. Scott shares candid stories ofdiscrimination and the reality of rebuilding confidence after trauma, all while attempting to continue his coaching career. </p><p><br></p><p>We also touch on the wider themes of inclusion, disability advocacy, the beauty of football as a uniting force, especially during the World Cup, and the responsibilities of individuals and organisations to do more in creating genuinely accessible environments. </p><p><strong>Three Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The lived experiences of disabled people are still often sidelined and progress is required from both organisational approaches to change as well as individual open-mindedness.</li><li>True inclusion means more than representation, and Scott is clear about the importance of seeing disabled colleagues or community members as fully human, not as simply defined by their difference.</li><li>Resilience, community, and openness (plus a bit of footballing spirit) can help us challenge both inner doubts and external barriers.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>A question to reflect on:</strong><br>How can you ensure you’re not just including people with visible differences, but also ensuring you give them equitable opportunities to thrive in your community, workplace, or team?</p><p><strong>Things we said we’d include in this episode’s show notes:</strong><strong>Direct links to buy Scott’s book, </strong><em><strong>Play From Your Heart</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/play-from-your-heart-book-scott-martin-9798894410395" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Buy <em>Play From Your Heart</em> from World of Books</a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Your-Heart-Scott-Martin/dp/B0GKPWK261/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ETP4NWMD2G4V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YV4gHUCEgPXaExvftJlCxoT4w1wk7SkE78mwJ4MEj8Q.ETwowF-aZxaRSLNij7MiGZjgddu6vbRHsbPE_KobumE&dib_tag=se&keywords=scott+martin+play+from+your+heart&qid=1782127019&sprefix=scott+martin+play+from+your+heart%2Caps%2C505&sr=8-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Buy<em>Play From Your Heart</em> from Amazon UK</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Play-Your-Heart-Resilience-Beautiful-ebook/dp/B0GMDVYJR6?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WXSnC8pp390BJ39IMjvS-g.M95Qrprgi12KXyYmgB6cpGK5Bi7FmeKbkr1nqrRwOmM&dib_tag=AUTHOR">Buy <em>Play From Your Heart</em> from Amazon US</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Scott’s contact details</strong>: <a href="reader.playfromyourheart@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">reader.playfromyourheart@gmail.com</a> with a note to mention the <em>Speaking of Inclusion…</em> podcast when reaching out.</p><p> </p><p>If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please consider buying me a virtual coffee and helping keep this podcast going. Visit: <a href="https://coff.ee/speakingofinclusion" target="_blank">coff.ee/speakingofinclusion</a></p><p>Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.<br><a href="http://www.katieallenconsulting.com/" target="_blank">www.KatieAllenConsulting.com</a></p><p><br>Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - &quot;No Drama&quot; by Alder</p>