Leadership is about more than driving results, it’s about creating spaces where people can thrive. In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs speaks with Esi Hardy, disability inclusion expert and founder of Celebrating Disability, for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and building workplaces that work for everyone.
An Unconventional Path
Esi’s career is anything but typical. From training as an actress in Los Angeles to working in health and social care, she eventually launched her own business dedicated to breaking down barriers for disabled people at work. Along the way, she learned to embrace uncertainty, often “faking it while making it,” before growing into the leader she is today.
Building a Purpose-Driven Business
Celebrating Disability is built on one clear mission: to help organisations create truly inclusive environments. With a team of disabled associates, Esi delivers training, assessments, and workshops that empower leaders to see where barriers exist and how to remove them. One standout success came with Homes for Students, where disability disclosure rates rose by 91% in just a year.
Leadership Grounded in Authenticity
Esi reflects on her first leadership experiences at just 19, managing personal assistants at drama school. Those early lessons in conflict resolution and communication shaped how she leads today, with honesty, clear expectations, and empathy. She also places strong emphasis on culture, making sure her associates feel supported and empowered from day one.
A Refreshing Approach to Growth
Unlike many business leaders, Esi avoids the hard sell. Instead, she relies on authentic conversations, helpful resources, and a strong online presence to connect with clients who genuinely value inclusion. This approach ensures her energy is focused on long-term partnerships rather than compliance-driven quick wins.
Wisdom for Leaders
At the heart of Esi’s philosophy are honesty, respect, acceptance, and growth. She credits mentors and fellow activists for shaping her perspective and reminds leaders that vulnerability and confidence go hand in hand. As she puts it: “We’re all faking it while we’re making it.”
Esi’s story is a powerful reminder that inclusive leadership isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about authenticity, listening, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
You can listen to the full conversation with Esi Hardy here ...
