Let's Talk Disability: Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Disability, Leadership, and Authenticity.
Download MP3In this powerful episode of "Let's Talk Disability," released around International Men's Day, Professor Jackie Carter welcomes Craig Best, Director of Student Academic Services, and Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People, both from the University of Manchester. Together, they explore what it truly means to be a disability-inclusive university.
Craig shares his personal journey with visible and invisible disabilities, discussing the challenges of masking, the importance of self-worth, and the impact of bringing his authentic self to work. Ellie reflects on the university’s responsibility to create safe spaces where staff and students feel empowered to share their lived experiences and needs.
The conversation moves from dialogue to action, with both guests committing to tangible steps that foster inclusion, agency, and wellbeing. Topics include the generational shift in attitudes towards disability, the power of emotional intelligence, the need for flexible policies, and the importance of student support and accessible learning.
Whether you’re a leader, colleague, or student, this episode offers honest insights and practical ideas for building a culture where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.
There are many organisations who provide support to men with their mental health, some of which we have included below:
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
https://uk.movember.com/
https://letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk/mens-mental-health-charities/
https://www.thecalmzone.net/
If you are affected by MND or would like to learn more please reach out to:
https://www.mndassociation.org/
Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter
Craig shares his personal journey with visible and invisible disabilities, discussing the challenges of masking, the importance of self-worth, and the impact of bringing his authentic self to work. Ellie reflects on the university’s responsibility to create safe spaces where staff and students feel empowered to share their lived experiences and needs.
The conversation moves from dialogue to action, with both guests committing to tangible steps that foster inclusion, agency, and wellbeing. Topics include the generational shift in attitudes towards disability, the power of emotional intelligence, the need for flexible policies, and the importance of student support and accessible learning.
Whether you’re a leader, colleague, or student, this episode offers honest insights and practical ideas for building a culture where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.
There are many organisations who provide support to men with their mental health, some of which we have included below:
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
https://uk.movember.com/
https://letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk/mens-mental-health-charities/
https://www.thecalmzone.net/
If you are affected by MND or would like to learn more please reach out to:
https://www.mndassociation.org/
Send us your questions or comments to equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk with the subject 'LTD' or connect with Jackie on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter
Creators and Guests
Host
Professor Jackie Carter
Academic EDI Lead for Disability, member of the Shaw Trust Power 100 for 2023. Author of Work Placements, Internships & Applied Social Research. Prof of Statistical Literacy. FaCSS, NTF. 1-in-20 Women in Data. Late Bloomer. @GM4Women
Guest
Craig Best
I am an experienced leader in the higher education sector, with a proven track record in both strategic and operational roles. Currently, I am the Director of Student and Academic Services (Academic Registrar equivalent) at The University of Manchester. Appointed to the Academic Registrars’ Council Executive for 2025-28, and lead our Annual Conference. As an Education Researcher and Talogy-accredited Emotional Intelligence (EIP3) coach. I am particularly interested in how emotionally intelligent leadership and systems thinking approaches can be applied in VUCA-R (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous and Resilient) higher education environments and organisations, to foster equity and inclusivity, enhance learner experiences, and address the challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation and technological transformation.
Guest
Eleanor Morrissey
A commercial CPO with over 30 years experience across a range of sectors. Digital change and transformation leader. I’ve worked globally across 30 countries. Currently leading the People function at the University of Manchester of 180 supporting 15,000 colleagues.
