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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
193
Oct. 12, 2026
From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A New Perspective on Neurodiversity with Dr. Li-Rong Cheng
Today, Mai Ling welcomes renowned educator, researcher, and disability advocate Dr. Li-Rong “Lilly” Cheng back to the show for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity, twice-exceptionality, and the ways culture shapes our understanding of disability. Drawing on her decades of international experience, Dr. Cheng discusses the importance of recognizing individual strengths, looking beyond diagnostic labels, and listening to the personal stories of those we serve. She and Mai Ling exp
192
Sept. 29, 2026
Let AI Do the Boring Work so SLPs Can Be More Human with Izzy Montano
Today, James sits down with speech-language pathologist, Navy veteran, and entrepreneur Izzy Montano to talk about the possibilities and limitations of AI in the disability space. Izzy shares how his own frustrations with the repetitive tasks of clinical work led him to create SLPTools.ai, a collection of AI-powered tools designed to help SLPs spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting with the people they serve. He and James discuss where AI excels, why human judgment remains essenti
191
Aug. 3, 2026
Launching Iluria: Looking in on the Early Stages of a Startup with Hagay Levy
Startup founder and father to four children with ADHD/ADD, Hagay Levy joins the show today to share his entrepreneurial journey thus far. As a man who also has ADHD himself, he knows much about the unique needs of folks in that community, of which our host, Mai Ling Chan, is also a member. Hagay speaks with Mai Ling about his quest to start Iluria, a new tool for measuring the efficacy of medication for people with ADHD/ADD. They talk about identifying the problem, building a solution to the pro
190
July 6, 2026
Play From Your Heart: Advocacy On and Off the Field with Scott Martin
Today, James sits down for a timely conversation with celebrated soccer coach Scott Martin. In addition to a decades-long career in, and advocacy for, the game of soccer, Scott has also worked as an advocate for the disability community. He shares with James the story of his experience with disability as an amputee, his love of soccer, and how he pushed through the challenges in life to pursue his dreams. You don’t want to miss this conversation, especially if you’re a soccer fan. You can read m
189
June 1, 2026
The $18 Trillion Market VCs Keep Ignoring with Rich and Brittany Palmer
Today, Mai Ling sits down for an in-depth discussion about how to get outside investment for your disability-focused ventures with husband-and-wife entrepreneur team, Rich and Brittany Palmer. Leaning into their previous experiences with the startup world and the disability community, they founded Adaptation Ventures, a pioneering pre-seed fund and investor community dedicated to fueling tech innovation in disability, neurodivergence, and accessibility. Brittany and Rich share their individual s
188
May 4, 2026
From TBI to SLP: How an Injury Set a Career Trajectory with Joyce Ko
Our hosts kick off this episode with some important tips and information for folks working in the disability community. This is followed by a fascinating discussion between Mai Ling and our guest, Joyce Ko, who joins the show to talk about her experiences as a disabled clinician. Joyce shares her very personal story of a traumatic brain injury as a child and the journey that led her to a career as a speech-language pathologist. She is transparent about the challenges she faced post-injury, both
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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!