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Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
Learn from global disability-focused leaders about high-profile topics and how they are truly making a difference. Mai Ling and James give you front row access to intimate conversations with people who are shaping the way the world is created and how we are supporting people with all abilities. They share their intimate experiences— so you can start, grow, and expand your impact.
New to Xceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges?
Here are some great episodes to start with. Or, check out episodes by topic.
Recent Episodes
March 3, 2025
All About Inclusive Fashion Design with Shay Senior
After a fun introduction in which Mai Ling and James bring us up to speed on what’s going on in their careers, James introduces Shay Senior, a social entrepreneur and this episode’s guest. Shay is the CEO and founder of Palta, an inclusive fashion...
Feb. 3, 2025
Finding Hope and Her Voice After Loss with Vanessa Abraham
We’re kicking off the new year with Speech-Language Pathologist, Vanessa Abraham, as our first guest. After Mai Ling and James catch us up with some updates after our short break, Mai Ling sits down with Vanessa to chat about her very personal...
Dec. 16, 2024
2024: Recapping a Year of Exceptional Leaders with Mai Ling Chan & James Berges
In this final episode of the year, our hosts Mai Ling and James, recap some highlights from the show in 2024. They list some of the top takeaways from our lineup of incredible guests over the past year. Our hosts also recount a few of their own...
Dec. 2, 2024
Combatting Ableism through the Disability Culture Lab with Meier Galblum Haigh
In our final interview for 2024, Meier Galblum Haigh joins the show today to talk about changing the conversation and perceptions around disability. Meier is the founding Executive Director of the Disability Culture Lab, a nonprofit disability media...
Nov. 18, 2024
Cutting-Edge Epilepsy Research and Treatment with Mark Cook
James is flying solo in this episode while Mai Ling is traveling and he brings us a fascinating conversation with our guest, Professor Mark Cook, a Melbourne-based Consultant Neurologist who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy. James talks with...
Nov. 4, 2024
Gender-Affirming Voice and SLP Specialties with Ruchi Kapila
Mai Ling and James kick off the episode talking about some recent family and cultural moments that Mai Ling experienced. Then Mai Ling introduces our guest for this episode, SLP, vocologist, and Kapila Voice and Speech Services CEO, Ruchi Kapila to...
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About the Hosts
Martyn Sibley
Co-host, best-selling author
My name is Martyn Sibley. I am a regular guy who happens to have a disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This means I cannot walk, lift anything heavier than a book or shower myself. Nonetheless I run Disability Horizons, am the author of 'Everything is Possible', I have a Degree in Economics & a Masters in Marketing. I love adventure travels (including an epic visit to Australia), I have great people in my life (including my soul mate), I drive my own adapted car, run my own business, have flown a plane, enjoyed skiing & SCUBA diving, and live independently on earth.
James Berges
Speech-Language Pathologist | Growth & Content Marketing in Health-Tech | Cohost of Xceptional Leaders Podcast
Your brain is hardwired to love a good story, so I'll tell you the short version of mine. My background in psychology, speech and hearing sciences, combined with content marketing and editing experience makes me equal parts empathetic, analytical, and creative. I am grateful to be part of a field that helps people communicate. In my spare time, I enjoy communicating research findings through content development and strategy.
Mai Ling Chan MS, CCC-SLP
Co-host, best-selling author, SLP
Mai Ling is a speech-language pathologist and tech enthusiast! She also loves spotlighting amazing people who are serving the disability community in unique and wonderful ways. These days she's busy interviewing guests for the podcast or FB live shows, supporting disability-focused businesses as an executive consultant, and starting the creation of a disability accelerator non-profit organization. Whew! Thank goodness it's all FUN!