The anti-hero

Hi, I'm Michael, and I'm a stroke survivor.

In Australia, we don’t like tall poppies—people who say, look at me. So when you go through a life-changing event, and people not only ask about it but also want you to speak to their company or organisation, it creates a dilemma. You don’t want to talk about yourself. You don’t want to make it all about you. And you’re painfully aware that many others face far greater challenges with stroke and disability than you do.

But if sharing your story can raise awareness… If it can encourage donations… If it can help people recognise the signs of stroke and potentially save a life… Does that make it worth it?

The lucky one

I’m part of a stroke survivors’ group that meets every month for brunch. Some members are visibly disabled—using walkers, wheelchairs or walking sticks, while others have an unsteady gait. Some appear ‘normal’ but deal with neurological challenges that aren’t immediately obvious. Some work, some drive, some can speak, some can dress themselves and some can take themselves to the toilet. Others can’t do any of those things.

Compared to some of my brunch buddies—and many other stroke survivors and disabled people around me—I feel like I got off lightly.

Imposter syndrome

So if I got off lightly, what does that make me when I speak about stroke and disability? Am I damaged enough to have the credibility to talk about it? Or am I an imposter?

My conclusion

This is something I’ve discussed with my rehab therapists, healthcare providers, friends and family. Thankfully, there was a shared consensus— one that I now own. 

In any situation, we all have our roles to play. I grew up public speaking and have the confidence to do it. As the CEO of a tech company, I have a larger platform than most to amplify these conversations. So I see this as my role in the stroke and disability world: to raise awareness. 

Because we all have a role to play—and this is mine.