Presume Competence: Advocating for Inclusion in Life & Careers with Curtis Butler - Episode 52

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Curtis Butler, a career coach and father of a daughter with significant disabilities. They discuss redefining inclusion, adaptive sports, and the lifelong journey of advocating for access and opportunity. Curtis shares personal insights on resilience, presuming competence, and the transformation that comes with raising a child with disabilities. The conversation expands into career coaching, where Curtis offers strategies for young professionals to stand out in job searches. Through personal stories and professional advice, this episode emphasizes growth, advocacy, and the importance of creating inclusive experiences in all aspects of life.

Key Takeaways:

Presume Competence – Assume that individuals with disabilities want to participate and contribute, rather than focusing on limitations.

Adaptive Adventures – Inclusion means creating opportunities for children with disabilities to engage in activities like skiing and paragliding.

Resilience & Patience – Parenting a child with disabilities teaches patience, adaptability, and the ability to manage challenges effectively.

Career Storytelling – Resumes should highlight skills and impact, not just a list of past jobs.

Networking Matters – Building relationships early, whether through LinkedIn or personal connections, is key to career success.

Curtis’ definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is thinking about people who might otherwise not be involved and make the effort to bring them in.

Curtis’ Bio:

Throughout his career, Curtis always made time for mentoring and has provided individualized coaching to scores of college and graduate students at his Alma maters, Union College and Johns Hopkins University. He has also stepped in to help children of friends and colleagues escape the frustration of a job search and embark on successful careers. His passion for coaching students and young professionals led Curtis to launch Guided Ascent Career Coaching in 2024, with Zoom-based 1-on-1 coaching designed to help clients define their path, plan the steps that can lead them there, and apply the job-search strategies that have proven successful over time — regardless of the industry.

Curtis graduated from Union College with a BA in Economics and has a Master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He spent more than 30 years in various analyst and investment roles in New York City and Boston, from The New York Fed to J.P. Morgan and Jennison Associates. He currently serves on his town’s legislature and is a member of the Education committee. Curtis is also on the Board of Directors of STRIDE Adaptive Sports, a non-profit providing disabled children and veterans access to athletic programs.

Curtis lives with his wife and two daughters in Darien, CT. In his free time, Curtis loves to paint and cook and get outdoors as much as he can. But most of all, he looks forward to the time he spends with his family, doing just about anything.

Connect with Curtis:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/curtisabutler

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisbutler/

Website: https://www.guidedascentcoaching.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtisabutler

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 26

No - 24

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