Podcast: Engaged By Design
Episode: Part 1 — Authenticity & Resilience
Guest: Dr. Sylvia Nemmers — scientist, educator, and author of Happy Now: Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After

Episode Summary

From childhood blindness to becoming a scientist and department chair, Sylvia traces how authenticity, curiosity, and courageous mentors shaped her leadership. She shares her early life in an institution for the blind, the hard pivot to a mainstream Catholic school, and the creative lab workaround a professor designed that unlocked independence and confidence.

Key Moments

• Opening, Sylvia’s reveal (born blind; limited sight after age-4 surgery); framing authenticity and strength.
• “Happily ever after” myth vs reality; first vision (sunlight hurts; learning to adapt).
• Institution years: separation, “authentic me,” and the fire-escape slide (bare feet in the Iowa snow!).
• Transition to Catholic school: social codes, learning hurdles, stubborn hope.
• Father’s influence: math on car rides, love of chemistry, finding equal footing in science.
• Barriers & resolve: counselor skepticism; “evaluate my ability, the job is mine to find.”
• Mentor moment: Dr. Larry Davis’ notched-syringe hack enabling precise dilutions; lab independence.
• Universal design & the social model of disability; partnering with learners to remove barriers.

Quotes

• “At that school, I was authentically me… No one expected you to be normal, and that was a blessing.”
• “There are some things you can’t change… and then figure out ways to make it work.”
• “Words are powerful. What you say to your students can change their whole future.”

Reflection Question

How have you overcome your own limitations—or the labels that others have given you?

Resources & Links

• Book: Happy Now — Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After (Amazon - https://amzn.to/49PHHYZ).
• Sylvia’s speaking & consulting: BeyondLimits.cc.
• Engaged By Design: MACRO Leadership resources.