.png)
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
Welcome to "Dear HR Diary," the unfiltered truth you wish they taught in management school. This podcast hosted by, ME, Dawn Hart, a seasoned HR and management professional with over 28 years of experience in the corporate world. Join me and some fantastic guests on a thrilling journey through the trenches of human resources and management, where expertise meets snark, sass, and a plethora of captivating stories.
Drawing from my extensive background in various industries, I will bring you a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the workplace. Each episode is a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous anecdotes, jaw-dropping tales, and invaluable insights. Whether you're an HR professional, a manager trying to decode the complexities of office dynamics, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this podcast is your go-to destination.
I love to apply my wealth of experience and some valuable tips to the "Dear HR Diary" podcast by diving deep into the nitty-gritty of HR, revealing the human side of human resources and the managing side of managing people. Expect laughter, enlightenment, and a healthy dose of snark and sass. Subscribe now and tune in to uncover the secrets, strategies, and scandals of the corporate world, all narrated with my fun, and sassy signature style. Your weekly dose of HR and management brilliance awaits!
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
S. 2 Ep 23: Breaking Barriers: Disability, Determination, and Driving Inclusion with Ken Kunken
In this inspiring episode of Dear HR Diary, Dawn Hart sits down with Ken Kunken, a powerhouse of resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Ken’s journey from a life-altering accident to a successful career in law is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his story, we explore the realities of disability in the workplace—and more importantly, how we can all be agents of change.
Ken shares his firsthand experience overcoming adversity, finding motivation in the face of unimaginable challenges, and the power of a support system that believes in your potential. We dig into the barriers that still exist for individuals with disabilities when it comes to employment and advancement, and Ken offers practical insights into the importance of accommodations, accessibility, and addressing unconscious bias.
From courtroom victories to workplace equity, this episode challenges all of us—leaders, HR pros, and colleagues—to do better and be better.
🔥 Topics Covered:
- Ken’s personal journey and what kept him motivated after becoming quadriplegic
- The power of purpose and perseverance in overcoming obstacles
- The state of employment for people with disabilities—what’s working, what’s not
- Why support systems (personal and professional) make or break success
- Breaking barriers in the legal field and becoming a role model for inclusive success
- Understanding the role of reasonable accommodations in building equitable workplaces
- The need to confront unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions
- Celebrating ability, not just “accommodating” disability
- Moving from performative DEI to impactful change
💬 Ken's Quote:
“Adversity doesn’t define us. It refines us. When we start focusing on people’s abilities instead of their limitations, that’s when true inclusion begins.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues
- The ADA National Network – Information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Disability:– Promoting disability inclusion in business
- EEOC – Disability Discrimination – Federal guidance and resources on workplace rights
- Book Recommendation: "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist" by Judith Heumann
- Book Recommendation: "I Dream of Things That Never Were" by Ken Kunken: https://kenkunken.com/buy-the-book/
📬 Connect with Ken Kunken:
- 📧 Email: kenkunken@aol.com
- Website: https://kenkunken.com/
- 📞 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/
- 🎤 Speaker & Advocate: Available for keynotes and DEI panels
🎧 Listen Now wherever you get your HR real talk!
💼 Tag us: #DearHRDiary | #DisabilityInclusion | #ManageWithHart
Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart