Welcome to episode #76! We’re thrilled to be joined by Clare Gibellini today. Clare Gibellini is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in Australia and internationally. She is the co-chair of the Oversight Council for the First National Autism Strategy and the deputy chair of WA’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability. Clare also works as a policy officer for Women with Disabilities Australia and has been newly appointed as the chair for the National Disability Research Partnership. With a background in advocacy, research, and policy reform, Clare is committed to creating a more inclusive world. In this episode, she shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence, the challenges of navigating multiple roles, and her strategies for balancing advocacy, productivity, and self-care. Welcome to the show, Clare! Questions JN: What was your journey to discovering your neurodivergence? Grew up as a military kid, constantly moving, which made it difficult to understand differences Realized similarities with her son after his autism diagnosis Received her own autism diagnosis from the same clinician who diagnosed her son Diagnosis helped her understand herself, parent differently, and practice self-compassion JN: How did the diagnosis change your self-perception? Stopped internalizing negative self-talk Developed strategies to manage social situations and advocate for herself Shifted perspective from “something’s wrong with me” to “society isn’t built inclusively” JN: What are your current work roles? Policy officer at Women with Disabilities Australia Co-chair of the National Autism Strategy Chair of the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) Advocates for more disability-led research and inclusive policy development JC: How do you manage multiple high-responsibility roles? ADHD helps her balance tasks by switching between projects Strong support network keeps her accountable and reminds her to take breaks Finds fulfillment in advocacy work, which fuels her motivation JC: How do you prevent burnout in advocacy and policy work? Limits social media engagement to avoid negativity and toxicity Has hobbies unrelated to disability work, including volunteering for emergency services Engages in creative activities like crocheting, gardening, and baking Works out regularly to manage chronic pain and mental well-being JN: What does your work in disability research aim to achieve? Advocates for disability-led, purpose-driven research to inform better policies Aims to include lived experience in research rather than extractive studies Pushes for research that improves real-life outcomes rather than abstract academia JC: How do you optimize productivity during the day? Works from home to manage sensory needs Uses a yoga ball chair for movement while working Schedules movement breaks and weight training to stay regulated Uses live transcription instead of note-taking to stay fully engaged in meetings JC: What productivity advice doesn’t work for you? Finds back-to-back meetings overwhelming and non-productive Rejects corporate jargon and vague email requests—prefers direct communication Pushes back against the expectation to have cameras on in every virtual meeting JN: What does your morning routine look like? Not a morning person, keeps routine simple Prepares everything the night before to reduce stress Gets her son ready for school, grabs coffee, and starts work with a structured plan Relies on checklists and habit-tracking apps to stay organized JN: How do you manage sleep with ADHD and frequent travel? Struggles with sleep due to travel, ADHD, and hormonal cycles Creates a familiar sleep environment by mimicking hotel room settings at home Uses earplugs and occasional sleep medication when necessary JN: Where can people connect with you? LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clare-gibellini-653b98142 JC: Final words for the audience? The disability advocacy space is tough right now, but don’t give up Surround yourself with good people and protect your energy Keep pushing for change—we will get there More from Focus Bear: Website: https://focusbear.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/ Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.io Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy Email:
[email protected] Connect with Joey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/ Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
