SIC’s Career Spotlights: Miranda McCarthy
Miranda McCarthy is the CEO and Founder of both Wavelength VR and Adaptive Yoga LIVE. She’s lived with chronic pain for her entire adult life, and finds fulfilment in sharing her pain management methods, and devoting her time to designing alternative pain diagnosis systems.
A photo of Miranda McCarthy. She is a white woman with blonde hair loosely tied up, who is sitting in a wicker chair in front of a field of wheat. She is wearing blue yoga gear, and is smiling broadly at the camera.
Why did you choose the career that you did?
I feel like, this time, it chose me. Running a non-profit organisation, providing adaptive yoga to the Disabled community, was a direct response to support the more vulnerable and physically challenged people in the pandemic.
One of the UK Government's first acts was to roll back Councils duties to support Disabled and older people. Overnight, millions of Disabled people lost access to care, and we were told to self-isolate indefinitely. I launched Adaptive Yoga LIVE to support the wellbeing of everyone who felt left behind in this crisis.
How do you think being disabled has changed your approach to business?
My challenge of living with chronic illness meant I had to be homeschooled for long periods of time, it meant I couldn't get my university degree because I had to undergo surgeries, it meant that job opportunities were scarce as reasonable adjustments, such as remote working, we're not made available until only recently. None of this stopped me from becoming a serial entrepreneur, in fact, I believe being Disabled has been the secret to my success.
Disability gives you the ability to deal with complexity. It teaches you there is more than one way of doing something. By having to continuously accept change, and pivot moment to moment, it allows you to work in an agile fashion. Working well under pressure is the very definition of living with a disability!
From a very early age I had to face the fear of the unknown. From undergoing medical examinations, to being on the operating table, I never knew what to expect. I chose to embrace every new experience with curiosity, instead of fear, and that mindset has been key to starting businesses from scratch with no previous experience or qualifications.
What is your career advice for those who aspire to do a similar role?
Don’t let limiting beliefs stop you from succeeding. In a world where discrimination against disability is institutionalised in the very fabric of our society Disabled people face barriers, both internal and external, constantly telling us we are less than everyone else. Don't believe the narrative, rewrite it!
Find your tribe. Being inspired and supported by other Disabled people has helped me both personally and professionally overcome every barrier.
If you can, give back. Developing a culture of giving, and putting purpose over profit, makes every workday more meaningful and fulfilling. The minute you decide to help others is when every door will open for you.
Did you experience any set-backs when you started your business, due to your disability?
Fatigue always feels like a set back, especially when you become passionate about a project, but having lived with my disability for over forty years now I know pacing myself is key to not burning out.
How did you overcome them?
Firstly, I don't compare myself to anyone anymore thanks to practising yoga, which taught me self-compassion. As Theodore Roosevelt (the only US President with a disability) wisely once said “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
Secondly, understanding it's not a race to the top has been essential in helping me manage the stress of running my own businesses. As long as I do at least one thing a day for work then I’m working. Some days I might be able to do ten things - but not pushing myself has become my top priority.
Are there any specific projects you are particularly proud of?
Working with Brent council last summer at the Village School, teaching adaptive yoga to kids with intellectual and physical disabilities, was an incredible experience. Seeing the smiles on their faces and seeing them having fun whilst practising yoga was so thrilling. It made me wish I had found yoga as a kid to help empower me sooner.
What practices do you have that you would like to be mirrored in other workplaces?
In terms of company culture at Adaptive Yoga LIVE, there is a sense of kindness and acceptance, and diversity is embraced and respected. We value each other's differences. Based on empathy, it is a culture that you can not only see, but one you can feel.
With respect to accessibility, teleworking and assistive technology has allowed myself, and the other Disabled people I work with, to create our own tailor-made workspace at home (taking into consideration our individual needs) which is not always possible in a physical office.
We no longer have to navigate the physical commute on inaccessible transport to buildings without lifts, toilets, or step-free access to do business.