Episode 76: The Power of Vulnerability: How Hotel Etico’s Saraya Rewrote Her Story
Dear Dyslexic PodcastShow Notes
What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers.
Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity.
In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including:
● The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated.
● Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia.
● Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions).
● How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it.
● The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower."
● Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story.
A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:
I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!
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