Bent But Not Broken — My Journey After an Ankle Injury

Life’s most impactful moments often happen unexpectedly, reshaping our reality in ways beyond our control. For me, that turning point was a complex ankle injury—a seemingly mundane mishap yielding profound insights that have reshuffled my approach to work, resilience, and self-discovery. Here, I share my narrative, laced with introspection and transformation, to inspire others in their quests to valiantly recoup from the curve balls life throws their way.

A Fall That Altered the Course of My Life

On May 17, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn when I suffered a complex ankle injury, transforming an ordinary day into a pivotal moment. While riding a Swapfiets e-bike in Amsterdam—maintaining a careful balance and a mindful speed— I encountered a moment of misfortune, losing balance which caused the heaviest part of the ebike to land on my left ankle which had lasting consequences.

The aftermath was filled with uncertainty and pain. However, amidst the fear and vulnerability, I realized that this journey to recovery would serve as a valuable opportunity for growth. This experience was not solely about physical healing; it became a profound catalyst for emotional and professional development, marking a significant evolution in my life.

The Emotional Depth of Disability

My journey into temporary disability offered a complex, multifaceted experience. Being neurodivergent, it extended beyond a mere physical hurdle—it was a significant shift, a crossroads of identity and adaptability. The initial impact prompted a deep dive into self-reflection and questioning, sparking a series of probes into identity, ability, and how society views these aspects.

Against the backdrop of personal doubts that imposter syndrome often brings, the overwhelming support from those closest to me nurtured a sense of resilience and confidence within. In this space, where the physical and emotional worlds converge, I found a dance of powerful spirit and discovered my unyielding determination.

Rethinking Accessibility and Inclusion

The experience served as a profound lesson on the enduring gaps in accessibility, especially within the urban landscapes of 'developed' countries. I assumed that accessibility would be handled better in these countries. Viewing daily life from the perspective of limited mobility revealed the deep-seated oversights in facilities that seem accessible to the majority. The journey involved strategic planning for routes and locations, coping with out-of-service elevators and escalators, and transforming my worldview into a canvas of creativity and perseverance.

Moving into a space where abilities are temporary has deepened my dedication to creating environments that not only ensure physical access but, more importantly, embody an ethos of inclusivity that goes beyond what is visible. My aim has grown from a personal passion for fair participation to a strong appeal for both the industry and society to bridge the accessibility gap. This is a challenge we all must embrace and overcome.

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The Healing Odyssey and Its Profound Ramifications

My journey toward recovery has been challenging, characterized by stages of acceptance, determination, and unwavering dedication to my health. My strategy for this healing journey has evolved into a personalized program that focuses on health-oriented practices such as physiotherapy, pilates, acupuncture, and massage therapy. This combination is aimed not only at healing but also at facilitating a holistic transformation.

The profound transformation I've undergone has not only deepened my spiritual maturity but also significantly enhanced the quality of my work in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) sector. My professional approach has been carefully refined, reflecting my rich experience. I now focus on broadening discussions around neurodiversity, promoting disability and inclusive leadership to support companies with creating inclusive environments.

Reflection and Gratitude — The Catalysts for Progress

Reflecting on a year I often wished had unfolded differently, I find myself energized not by the what-ifs, but by the deep lessons and insights embedded within each challenge. It's through moments of vulnerability that the vast extent of our resilience becomes clear. This self-reflection, this dance with adversity, has blessed me with immense gratitude and a renewed enthusiasm to uplift those advocating for equitable spaces.

My call to action is not one of isolation, but rather an invitation—a call for unity, where the blending of diverse experiences and viewpoints creates a harmony that does more than open doors; it removes the barriers that hinder inclusivity.

The Unwritten Future — A Symphony of Possibilities

The future I see transcends a straightforward linear progression; it is a tapestry of potential woven together by the beats of creativity and innovation. My goal is not to chase perfection, for in the symphony of healing and restitution, it's our imperfections that interlace the human spirit. Rather, my pursuit is to cultivate environments that sow the seeds of equity, nurture the growth of empathy, and honor each person's contribution as a vital piece of a grand, orchestral masterpiece in progress.

The journey following an injury is rich with potential, both on a personal and professional level. This forms the core of my message—a tale of resilience, reinvention, and a deep conviction in the empowering effect of shared stories. While the injury had immediate physical limitations, it also offered an opportunity to excel in thought leadership, moving beyond the ordinary towards fostering community development and collective well-being.

This is my testimony—a record of survival, a guide to growth, and a collection of insights aimed at highlighting the nuances of the human condition. It's an invitation for you to add your own story, for us to shape the future together, and for a symphony of inclusion to find its masterful conductor. I reach out my hand—will you be part of this transformative journey?

Available Fractional Chief Diversity Officer

I am currently available to support organizations as a fractional Chief Diversity Officer (part-time), aiming to enhance your business impact through strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Many clients have expressed how challenging navigating the DEI landscape can be, necessitating a deep, nuanced understanding and a strong commitment.

My role offers a blend of expertise and flexibility, providing seasoned guidance on DEI initiatives on a part-time or contractual basis. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for organizations recognizing the value of DEI but may lack the resources, scale, or need for full-time support. If you're seeking to bolster your DEI strategies with a part-time Chief Diversity Officer role, I invite you to connect with me for a further discussion via a virtual call.

???Benefits to Your Organization:

1. Cost-Effective Expertise

Hiring a full-time Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) can be a substantial financial commitment for many organizations. On the contrary, opting for a fractional CDO offers the opportunity to tap into top-tier DEI expertise without bearing the full-time cost.

2. Tailored Strategies for Your Unique Needs

No two organizations are identical due to their unique structures and goals. A fractional CDO recognizes this diversity and excels in tailoring advice and strategies to match your organization's distinct culture, objectives, and hurdles.

3. Objective Insights from an Outside Perspective

By incorporating a fractional Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) into your DEI initiatives, you introduce an external viewpoint that provides impartial observations and pinpoints any blind spots that may have escaped notice.

4. Flexibility to Scale Up or Down

As your organization evolves, so do your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) needs. Introducing a fractional Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) provides the flexibility to adjust their level of engagement according to your current priorities and challenges.

5. Building a Foundation for Long-Term Success

Implementing effective DEI initiatives is not merely a one-time task but a continuous journey requiring dedication and strategic planning. By engaging a fractional Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), you can establish a robust foundation for your DEI efforts.

??Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact! Empower your team, boost creativity, and maximize your business impact! Click here to learn more .

Amplify DEI

The Amplify DEI Newsletter is a newsletter that focuses on amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to activate and apply the inclusive mindset. Vivian Acquah is also known as the Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate (aka speaker, moderator, coach, facilitator). She is committed to making topics related to workplace wellness & DEI accessible to everyone.?

Her last name means water, and yes from to time she is being hired to put out fires related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her unique value is that she provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, especially when you want to prevent these fires from happening.?

If you'd like to get more information about workshops, speaking engagements, panels, or consultancy customized to meet your organizational needs, please?click here ?to learn how Vivian can support you.

Feel free to share this newsletter with anybody you think will benefit from it.?

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer/Warning:?it is important to share that Vivian Acquah is known for mentioning food a couple of times during a conversation, workshop, or training.

Vivian can’t be held responsible for any (unhealthy) cravings. Have your snacks ready when reading her posts or when talking to her.?

Reach out, and let’s amplify DEI together by taking action right now.

Free resources to activate or boost your DEI journey?

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