From Courts to Care: One Father's Mission to Change Disability Inclusion Artwork

Navigating Disability

Welcome to the Navigating Disability Podcast Show!! Your hosts, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott are committed to changing the narrative around 'normal' and 'ability' and look so forward to sharing our weekly guests with you! Get ready to be inspired, empowered and enlivened as we dive into education, lived experiences, expert advice, behind the scenes on political movements and how YOU, our listeners can THRIVE within your community!

So this means, if you, your family, client or loved one are impacted by disability, you've landed on the right channel.

We know how daunting the future can seem from time to time, and when you know you can lean into expert advice and interviews to get your questions answered or your faith renewed, the journey can feel more achievable.

Be sure to subscribe and hit the alerts so you never miss an episode of NAVIGATING DISABILITY with your resident support experts and researchers, Kate Read and Jenn Abbott.

All Episodes

Navigating Disability

From Courts to Care: One Father's Mission to Change Disability Inclusion

August 05, 2025 • Kate Read and Jenn Abbott • Episode 36

How does a globe-trotting NBA executive become a powerhouse disability advocate? In this deeply moving episode, Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO of Wallara and devoted father to Phoebe, his nonverbal daughter who lives with an intellectual disability, shares the inspiring personal journey that transformed his path from corporate boardrooms to compassionate care rooms. Phil opens up about the realities of being a full-time carer, the evolution of his family dynamics, and the hard-won wisdom gained from raising Phoebe. With heartfelt reflections on advocacy, inclusion, and independence, Phil challenges assumptions about care and powerfully reframes what lived experience truly means. If you’ve ever felt unseen as a carer or overwhelmed navigating systems like the NDIS, this conversation offers clarity, connection, and hope.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone navigating disability, care, or transition.

Learn more about Phil Hayes-Brown and Wallara:

🌐 Website: https://wallara.com.au/

Phil's Credentials & Affiliations:

Adjunct Professor (Research), Monash University
Bachelor of Economics and Law, Monash University
Harvard Business School Exec Program in Not Profits, 2012
Williamson Community Leadership Program, 2016
AACB Influential Leader Class, 2019
Elected to NDS Victoria State Committee, 2021
🔗 Monash Global Influence Feature