Redefining Disability | Natalie Boehm

⚡ TL;DR

Rick sits down with Natalie Boehm to explore how epilepsy, disability, and employment intersect in the real world. The conversation looks at stigma, workplace readiness, community impact, founder responsibility, and the discipline required to build organizations where people can contribute with dignity.

📄 Show Notes

Redefining disability became the center of this conversation with Natalie Boehm, founder of the Defeating Epilepsy Foundation. I walked away seeing how redefining disability opens the door to better hiring, stronger teams, and a wider view of leadership.

Natalie shared her own journey with epilepsy and the reason she chose to build an organization rooted in advocacy, education, and access. We talked about the fear many employers carry when they do not understand a condition, and how redefining disability starts with practical education, clear expectations, and structured support.

What stayed with me was her belief that redefining disability is also a business conversation. It shapes culture, retention, trust, and the way a company sees talent. We also got into burnout, boundaries, and the responsibility founders have to care for themselves while building something that serves others. Redefining disability is not charity. It is a disciplined way to see human potential with greater clarity.

👑 Host Info

Rick Meekins (https://rickmeekins.com) is a serial entrepreneur, strategic business disruption advisor, podcast guest, and host of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning Podcast, where he explores what it actually takes to build, lead, and sustain meaningful businesses. With over 30 years of experience working alongside founders and leadership teams, Rick focuses on helping companies develop and implement disruptive advantages and developing platforms to explore and distribute human insight.

Interested in working together, having Rick speak, or partnering with the show?

🧭 Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Natalie’s introduction
02:17 Living with epilepsy and the weight of stigma
08:21 Why employers need better disability education
16:23 The business case for inclusive hiring
26:20 Building a nonprofit during the pandemic
39:20 Culture, climate, and team alignment
43:04 Natalie’s advice for burned-out founders

Natalie Boehm is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and disability advocate committed to creating meaningful change. As the president of The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, she leverages her expertise in advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development to improve the lives of individuals with chronic illnesses. Having battled epilepsy for most of her life, Natalie understands firsthand the challenges of navigating healthcare and insurance systems. Her work focuses on reducing stigma, advocating for better healthcare access, and fostering collaboration among organizations to drive positive change. Passionate about ensuring dignity and respect for those with chronic conditions, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation to live without the discrimination many before them have faced. Through her leadership, Natalie continues to challenge barriers and create opportunities for those in need, making a lasting impact on the chronic illness and disability communities.