Dr. Sinead Kane, International Keynote Speaker
International Keynote Speaker, double PhD doctorate, double Guinness World record holder, visually impaired athlete, qualified lawyer and lecturer. Sinead doesn't let her disability hold her back and is living life to the full.
Within the space of three months, Sinead Kane was awarded two PhD doctorates. First, in October 2017, she received an honorary PhD from the National University of Ireland. Then, in December 2017, she was awarded her academic PhD from Dublin City University.
Sinead also lectures on the area of disability law and policy and human rights for the diploma in disability studies at UCC. Sinead has not only achieved academically but also in sport.
She is a double Guinness World Record Holder. In February 2018, she broke the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance for a female on a treadmill in 12 hours. Sinead also holds a Guinness World Record for being the first blind person to complete a marathon on each of the seven continents, a feat which she completed in less than seven days in January 2017.
She is also the first Irish female to do the world marathon challenge. Sinead and her guide runner John completed their first Marathon of the challenge at Union Glacier, Antarctica, followed by running a Marathon in Punta Arenas in South America, Miami in North America, Madrid in Europe, Marrakech in Africa, Dubai in Asia and finally Sydney in Oceania.
Sinead came joint-first in her Marathon in Dubai. This is all remarkable given that Sinead only did her first Marathon ever in October 2014 and only took up running in April 2012.
The above achievements are admirable but even more so when considering that Sinead only has 5% vision and is registered as legally blind. Sinead has overcome a lot of adversity throughout her life and now wants to help others. Sinead proves how those who persist in spite of a disability can develop determination, motivation, and creativity.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
It's hard to pick one as they all have their pros and cons, and so it's hard to pick one. Instagram is very visual focused, and it is all about pictures and so due to my bad sight is not very accessible to me as a visually impaired individual.
Twitter is a platform where you can engage with a wide variety of individuals, not just professionals.
Facebook is a good way to keep in contact with family or friends or make new friends; however, it can bombard you with a lot of marketing which turns me off.
As for LinkedIn, you will get out of LinkedIn what you put in. If you understand the platform, engage with it regularly and make full use of its features, it will inform you, educate you, and will build great connections.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
My work consists of many areas. I am a professional speaker for companies nationally and internationally. I focus on resilience, mindset, teamwork, leadership, diversity and inclusion. I use my personal stories to discuss these areas and lessons learned. Another aspect of my work is I lecture on disability law and policy at the university level. I enjoy imparting my professional and personal knowledge to others to empower them to be informed about human rights, disability law and policy.
I have changed policy nationally and internationally and have challenged the status quo regarding the able-bodied sport. Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities is important to me, and so advocacy will always be part of my job. When I am not busy with those areas, I compete in ultra-distance running. I have represented Ireland on the women's team at 24-hour racing.
I also work with a lot of Not-for-profits, charities, and community organisations on a voluntary basis – for example, until next August 2022, I am an honorary ambassador with the Irish Girl Guides. The Irish Girl Guides (IGG) has approximately 12,000 youth and adult members in Ireland. They are a youth-driven, dynamic organisation offering a varied and exciting programme for girls and young women. As a result, girls are free to develop and express themselves in a safe, comfortable, supported setting.
Through a variety of activities and challenges, their members from age five-plus experience positive change within themselves and are empowered to go on and influence positive change in their families, their schools and their communities and, as they grow older, in the wider world as well. I feel honoured that the Irish Girl Guides have chosen me to be their honorary ambassador for the forthcoming year. I look forward to collaborating with their members.
Recently, I won the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) program, which honours ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. The top ten individuals are selected because they exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission, and they serve as examples of entrepreneurial spirit and ethical leadership. The winners come from a variety of different categories such as innovation, personal leadership, medical and much more.
Having been named now as a top ten winner, I will now serve as an official brand ambassador for JCI. Hence, over the coming year, I will work to shine a spotlight on the JCI mission as well, recruit new members, motivate existing ones and create connections with corporate partners who are interested in learning about JCI. Thus, just because I win an award doesn't mean I get to take it easy.
Ambassador roles have to be taken seriously, and work has to go into it. Over the coming year, I strive to show leadership and commitment to all the charities that I am involved in. In addition, I am connected to other charities: Sightsavers Ireland, Ablevision Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, NCBI, and Clix'onas.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
My career allows me to be my own boss. I like the flexibility. I can start work at whatever time I want and finish whenever I want. My work as a speaker and athlete means I get to travel the world and see different places, experience different cultures and meet a diverse amount of people. Being a professional speaker is fun and nerve-wracking all in one.
It gives me an adrenaline rush when my name is called out, that nervous energy before I begin. I enjoy the humour, the connection, the energy, the engagement with the audience. Speaking allows me to be vulnerable, which I see as a strength. Speaking is a springboard for me to talk about issues that I am passionate about. Speaking is a stepping stone for me to my next big role, whatever that might be.
I enjoy working in the area of disability advocacy and lecturing on the disability studies course for Adult Continuing Education at University College Cork. Disability Studies challenges the way in which disability is understood in our society by developing new research and educational models. These help to remove the physical, legal, political and attitudinal barriers that exclude people from society.
The Certificate/Diploma in Disability Studies helps develop your critical awareness of the factors operating in the world of disability, become aware of how different issues overlap and explore ways of working around such issues. I encourage students to look at both their own attitudes and the attitudes of others towards people with disabilities.
I enjoy imparting my professional and personal knowledge to empower people to impact their communities. Unfortunately, there are many times when people with disabilities don't feel listened to or feel like decisions are being made for them without their consideration. Hence, it is important to create as much awareness as possible about disability rights and policy.
Regarding running, I like it because it keeps me fit and healthy. It also creates energy and movement, which I think we all need on a daily basis. It also brings out emotions in me and allows me to express myself. When I compete in 24-hour races, I run three-quarters of it with my head. Then, I run the last quarter with my heart. When the pain in my legs is overbearing and when my head repeatedly tells me to give us – I rely on my heart – I ask myself how badly do I want it – how badly do I want my goal. Running brings out the competitor in me, which I transfer to other areas of my life.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Your life is your responsibility. For example, when I was 17, I was told by a career teacher not to bother studying law that it would be too hard for me because of my disability (visual impairment.) At that time, a wise person told me - Your life is your responsibility. This advice stayed with me during my college years when I wanted to give up college because it was too hard - my eyes used to be sore a lot, and I would have wrist strain and back strain from trying to read small printed law books.
I have realised over the years there is one person alone over who has over my life, and it's me. My energy, happiness, fulfilment, career, choices and more - the responsibility lies with me. If I make a mistake, then I need to own it. If I want success, then I need to go and fight for it and work for it. If I want to be happy, then I need to figure out what and who makes me happy.
It all lies with me. I'm not responsible for other people - I am responsible for me. It's a gift to be able to recognise that I have the power to shape, craft and build my life. Unfortunately, not all people view it this way. Instead, they see that they are 'entitled' to success. We live in a world now where people just expect instant success. Take responsibility for how you show up in the world.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Moving forward feels good. It allows me to see progress. Having a purpose, seeing progress and reaping success motivates me. The ability to keep moving forward in life greatly depends on your attitude. Bringing value to my audience motivates me. Making an impact in the community/society motivates me. I am inspired by people who show love, respect, support, loyalty to people.
I am inspired by people who go the extra mile, unsung heroes, people who work voluntarily, people who work endless hours in the health service. I am inspired by a sense of community when a group of people comes together because they like something, believe in something, support something or want to create positive change.
Being in nature inspires and motivates me. Being happy motivates me. I find motivation and inspiration in continuously learning about myself and the world we live in. I am inspired by learning.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I have worked really hard to get to where I am today. Nothing has been easy. My circumstances would dictate that the odds were stacked against me. So many times that I felt overwhelmed, anxious, rejected, excluded, I am proud of myself that I have kept going. I am proud that I became a solicitor despite being told by different people that I would never become a solicitor or succeed in law.
I am proud that I have travelled the world and have got to experience life and other cultures, which have allowed me to see that each country has its own values and beliefs. I am proud that I have represented Ireland at a World Championship, yet I was never involved in the sport as a child because the community and society did not make sport accessible to people like me who had disabilities.
I am proud that I have raised money for various charities. I am proud that I have achieved two PhD's and have not been a victim of my disability. I am proud that I appreciate life and its fragility.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
My preferred way to network is to build a relationship of trust with a person. I like to get to know people, know what they are about, their values and beliefs. For me, this occurs over time as opposed to a five-minute chat in person or even an online message.
Networking for me is about learning about other people, communicating passions and connecting with others who share those passions. It's about listening, figuring out what others need and connecting them with people who I think can help, without any designs for personal gain.
The most successful networkers build genuine relationships and give more than they receive. They go beyond thinking, "What's in it for me?" instead, they ask, "How can I help?"
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I have used many different skills to help me along with my journey example, reframing. When negative thoughts enter my head and when doubt creeps in. I reframe it and see it as moments and opportunities for growth. My environment has played a huge part in my willingness to engage and my enthusiasm for my work. Hence, if I feel fatigued, I play music to help inspire me in my environment.
I put notes on the wall to remind me of my 'why'. I use visualisation a lot, and this has helped me achieve many successes. Effective communication is a skill. It's something that takes practice. Investing time in learning how to communicate effectively has helped in achieving my goals. It's easy to get stuck on the treadmill of life, running from one thing to the next.
However, I have always made it a priority to reflect on what I have done, my failures, my mistakes, my progress to help me learn and adapt. Reflection allows me to see the bigger picture. It allows me to make astute decisions about future goals. I also think the following traits have helped my success: resilience, perseverance, empathy, integrity, ambition, curiosity, helping others and trying to make a difference.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Not all people act with integrity. People are driven by power and promotion. Politics will dictate certain outcomes. Not all people will have your best intentions at heart. Some people will use your skills and knowledge and pass it off as their own. People will make promises and not follow through. For example, about a few years ago, I made a life-changing career decision upon the advice of a person who I would have seen at the time as notable.
The person agreed to work with me. Once things were signed and agreed, the person then passed me to another person as if it didn't bother that person that I had made life-changing decisions based on their advice. From that painful experience, I don't take advice from just anyone. Everyone has an opinion, and a lot of people will think their opinion is the right one. Trust is earned.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I admire businesses such as Revive Active. Revive Active was founded by Managing Director Daithi O'Connor in 2011, who was fuelled by a vision to enrich people's lives with a range of scientifically formulated health supplements that really work. Daithi's pioneering approach has driven the company's growth. He has built an experienced team around him, from the fields of science, nutrition, manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing and research & development. I am inspired by the values that Revive Active have for making an impact in society example, Revive Active have raised €53,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland. This is just one of many examples of community work that they have done.
Another company which I admire is Logitech. In the fast-paced tech world, it's tempting for companies to rely on their products. But Logitech, one of the world's largest hardware companies, knows the importance of being customer-focused instead of just product-focused. Logitech builds a customer-focused company that delivers quality tech products and forward-thinking digital solutions. Logitech's diverse customer base comes from creating a wide range of products, from gaming headsets to enterprise technology accessories. Focusing on the customer instead of just the product helps the company grow. Logitech has built a successful and sustainable company with a loyal group of customers by building a customer-centric culture and focusing more on people than products.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I like getting outdoors. I like walking along the beach. Getting into nature is important to me. I like the serenity and calmness. I like listening to the birds and walking along the trails. I also like spending time with loved ones.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
I have experienced many positives and negatives from the pandemic. A positive would be I have learnt new skills in IT. In addition, I have been able to connect with many people around the world via different online video chats, whereas before, people would just want to meet in person.
A negative would have been not getting to spend time with loved ones. Also missing out on planned professional and personal goals. Like myself, many blind and visually impaired encountered additional obstacles when Covid-19 restrictions were in place. For example, wearing masks that are not transparent makes lip-reading impossible, and social-distancing measures present difficulties for people with visual impairments who rely on guides.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I believe that mentors and mentoring is extremely important. I have always used mentors, and I have mentored many people.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Work hard and be open to lifelong learning. Also, be consistent. Don't worry if your first job isn't where you want to be – the important thing is to start somewhere. Get as much work experience as possible. Keep an open mind when it comes to job hunting. Build your network. Stand out from the crowd. Be different.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Some people want instant success. People find it hard to be patient and disciplined, and consistent. Some people aren't clear on their why's. Some people don't deal with failure well. The people you surround yourself with and the environment you work in has a big impact.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." - Fred DeVito.
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms, to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Viktor Frankl.
I also like the work of Carl Jung - "The two halves of life" to describe the two major tangents of any human life. He highlights that a person can not truly experience love unless you experience heartbreak. His work showcases that the first half of life is spent building our sense of identity, importance, and security - the ego-self. In the second half of life, the ego still has a place, but your inner and inherent identity is now in the service of the True Self or soul. In the second half of life, we discover that it is no longer sufficient to find success or healthy meaning. We need a deeper source of purpose.
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." - C. G. Jung.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I think brands such as Revive Active, Logitech, Northern Trust, Optum, Microsoft are getting it right. I also like strong women who are not afraid to talk about subjects that people fear talking about, such as vulnerability and shame. I like Brene Brown work.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Having happiness and peace sums up success. As you go through life, grades, results, power, job titles will become less important. Instead, being happy and the people in your life will be more important.