Episode 84: Giftedness (Part 5): Navigating Giftedness in Marginalized Communities [featuring Sheldon Gay]
As a gifted, BIPOC individual, it can be uniquely challenging to navigate day-to-day experiences and find meaningful connections, especially prior to the discovery of giftedness.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US, discuss his unique perspective on being seen beneath our social masks, the societal impact of intellectual identity as a BIPOC human, and his personal self-discovery journey of giftedness.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:
- Discover the complexities and societal pressures of intellectual identity and how they shape interactions and self-perception, as well as the struggle to find genuine connections while managing unique cognitive abilities.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by gifted individuals, especially within marginalized communities. Learn about the burden of expectations, code-switching as a gifted black man, and the journey of self-acceptance.
- Learn about Sheldon Gay's perspective on navigating biases in professional spaces, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of self-trust and empathy in both personal and professional settings.
As you explore the depths of your own identity and capabilities, remember the importance of self-trust and creating spaces where you can be your authentic self. Reflect on how societal expectations may have influenced your journey and seek communities that celebrate your unique experiences and perspectives.
More about Sheldon:
Sheldon Gay is an entrepreneur with a background in engineering and creating memorable customer experiences. He's worked in various fields, including healthcare, nonprofits, and education-technology. In addition to growing multiple businesses, he is currently the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella US. As a Black man who discovered later in life that he’s neurodivergent, he sees the world from a different angle than most. Due to his unique perspective, he knows all too well how it feels to be “the only one” in a room. After intense self-discovery work in his early 40s, he found answers to life-long questions and received freedom from burdens he'd carried since he was a child. Now, he uses his experiences to help others embrace their true selves and release their burdens as well. Sheldon helps his audiences become curious about their minds, combat loneliness through community, and experience peace and joy through authenticity.
- Website: sheldongayisbugn.com
- Social Media: @imustbebugn and @imustbebugn.bsky.social
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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: iACTcenter, The Gifted Learning Lab, Resilient Mind Counseling, & Learning Nook
✨ iACTcenter:
Laurie Dupar, founder of the International ADHD Coach Training Center, the iACTcenter, has dedicated over 20 years to helping ADHD individuals thrive. Diagnosed with ADHD at age 50, Laurie understands the challenges and incredible possibilities of those with ADHD. The iACTcenter is an elite global ICF-accredited coach education and training program designed to train people to become confident, skilled, professional ADHD life coaches. Combining Laurie's education as a trained Nurse Practitioner and experience as an ADHD Life Coach, the iACTcenter’s virtual coach training comprehensive curriculum prepares aspiring coaches to make a living while making a difference in the lives ADHDers and other neurodivergent people. If you’ve ever thought about becoming an ADHD life coach to support those struggling with ADHD through coaching, the iACTcenter is where you can explore that possibility. Learn more and discover if becoming an ADHD Life Coach is right for you by visiting iACTcenter.com.
Julien Mussi, a barrister and student from the UK, passed away unexpectedly during our inaugural class in the Fall of 2015. We continued to honor his passion for helping others with ADHD by paying it forward each semester by awarding Julien Mussi Scholarships to those who qualify. Visit the scholarship page of our website at iACTcenter.com/scholarship to find out more.
The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.
Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated in North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, the LGBTQ community, and the BIPOC community. For mental health therapy, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, MedCost, Aetna, and self-pay. For medication management, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and self-pay. We can see clients all throughout North Carolina. If you are looking for medication management services, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office in case you need to come in. All of our clinicians identify as either Autistic, ADHD, or Autistic-ADHD, or have some form of neurodivergence or are neurodivergent-affirming. We strive to create a neuro-inclusive healthcare community. You can text or call our main line to get started at 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. We look forward to helping you along your healing journey.
Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available.
✨✨ Hurricane Relief for WNC communities:
This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc
Mentioned in this episode:
Hurricane Relief for WNC communities
This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc
iACTcenter
Laurie Dupar, founder of the International ADHD Coach Training Center, the iACTcenter, has dedicated over 20 years to helping ADHD individuals thrive. Diagnosed with ADHD at age 50, Laurie understands the challenges and incredible possibilities of those with ADHD. The iACTcenter is an elite global ICF-accredited coach education and training program designed to train people to become confident, skilled, professional ADHD life coaches. Combining Laurie's education as a trained Nurse Practitioner and experience as an ADHD Life Coach, the iACTcenter’s virtual coach training comprehensive curriculum prepares aspiring coaches to make a living while making a difference in the lives ADHDers and other neurodivergent people. If you’ve ever thought about becoming an ADHD life coach to support those struggling with ADHD through coaching, the iACTcenter is where you can explore that possibility. Learn more and discover if becoming an ADHD Life Coach is right for you by visiting iACTcenter.com. Julien Mussi, a barrister and student from the UK, passed away unexpectedly during our inaugural class in the Fall of 2015. We continued to honor his passion for helping others with ADHD by paying it forward each semester by awarding Julien Mussi Scholarships to those who qualify. Visit the scholarship page of our website at iACTcenter.com/scholarship to find out more.
The Gifted Learning Lab
The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.
