I am grateful for business podcasts. I love learning and analyzing business concepts.

Good morning, everyone! I wanted to ensure I showed up and posted this before starting my day. The behind-the-scenes work on my calendar is plentiful this weekend. Especially because my daughter is visiting tomorrow.

Today is an all-or-nothing day.

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I have been listening to business podcasts with professionals discussing various aspects of the business world. I love learning from these people who have been there. Sometimes I learn something new. Sometimes it is something I can relate to my knowledge base. Sometimes it is simply an analysis of their information in comparison to my education or experience.

They sparked a memory for me and a realization of the evolution of business.

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My first “job” out of school was as a sole proprietor. My first actual job was customer service in fast food.

One day, a woman walked up to my register and quickly informed me that she had Tourette’s. I didn’t know what it was at the time. I listened attentively past her colorful phrases to enter her order. It was like, for me, that I didn’t hear anything besides what she wanted to convey.

Fast forward to my daughter at 14, and she started suffering from tics. They soon became verbal and physical manifestations.

My daughter doesn’t swear as a tic, she just whistles. It also started to only happen when surprised. It was simply constant for a while. My daughter has Tourette’s.

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It is a disability. Still, there was a time when the business atmosphere would not have accepted this behavior.

That is no longer the case.

Business has evolved into an inclusive, mental health-forward atmosphere. I’m proud of the business world because it was my approach to business before it was popular. People like my customer or my daughter are no longer considered a liability for a company.

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Listening to these professionals with years and decades of experience shows me just how much that has changed. They are welcoming of people with disabilities for the skills they have in other areas.

They show me the human side of business. They acknowledge that good leadership has a human aspect. You can have empathy and lead people toward success.

When I first found interest in this field, I was told my empathy would make me a liability. I’m proud to see the shift with each podcast conversation.