On this episode, we talk to Lilly Stairs about thriving in your career and managing your health while living with a chronic illness.

Lilly Stairs is an internationally recognized patient advocate, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and sought after speaker. Her purpose was ignited in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases. She is the Founder of Patient Authentic, a boutique consultancy that helps healthcare organizations build events and experiences for patient advocates, and the Chronic Boss Collective, a networking membership for ambitious business women living with chronic conditions.

Join us as we talk about the challenges of navigating professional life for people living with chronic illness, the value they can bring with their 'secret sauce', and how employers can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment that allows people living with chronic illnesses to thrive in their careers.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introductions
1:40 - Lilly's personal story
7:46 - Career motivations for people with chronic illness
12:19 - Challenges to thriving in professional life
18:09 - Challenges for patient advocates
24:54 - Perceived challenges for employers
27:53 - Examples of workplace accommodations
29:35 - Benefits of employing people with chronic illness
35:39 - Career-focused initiatives for people with chronic illness
40:33 - Initiatives for employers to support employees better
46:51 - Advice for thriving in career while prioritising health
48:47 - Advice for employers
50:09 - Reflections with Caitlin and Clarinda

Resources mentioned:

• Autoimmune Association
• BCG (Boston Consulting Group) study on workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities
• Career and Chronic Illness by Michelle Irving
• Making Space by Keely Cat-Wells
• Chronically Capable
• Disability:IN
• Disclo
• Global Patient Advocacy Coalition for Headache initiative on Migraine Fitness at Work
• Journal publication on unprecedented productivity gains achieved through a migraine awareness program at the Japanese information technology company Fujitsu

Have feedback or suggestions for us? We'd love to hear from you!
Website: notjustpatients.com
LinkedIn: Not Just Patients
Email: info@notjustpatients.com