Heidi Everett
Founder and CEO, Schizy Inc
📍Melbourne, Australia
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Cheeky. There's no one else doing what I'm doing. That uniqueness comes down to three strengths - I come from lived experience of disability, a lifetime of social disadvantage and I operate in the arts. The arts enable me to innovate beyond old fashioned perceptions and patriarchal systems of the mental health system. To be doing that successfully, I need to be OK about taking a few risks and be known as a bit of a renegade. People with complex trauma deserve to be viewed as valid human diversity, not mentally ill people needing to be fixed, cured or prevented. I'm happy and grateful to be championing the change.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
We need you to encourage and embolden society to take on the responsibility of disability. It's not a person's health reality that creates barriers, it's the structures, attitudes and practices of our environments that disable us. We're getting there with Deaf and Disabled culture, but people with complex mental health are still on the bottom rung - we're still seen as burdens, referred to only in deficit or fault. I'd be really happy if you're able to help shift mental health intelligence beyond the 'wellbeing' trend or a workplace asset, to better equip all corners of society to embrace and incorporate people with complex trauma. If you don't take on this challenge, mental illness is going to be a worldwide social and political problem for a long time.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
My organisation Schizy Inc is an innovative fully lived experience led company so we are the community we're supporting. We are at the forefront of disability innovation and this in itself is creating the sort of society we want to live in. Our operational ethos is about generating respect, dignity and empowerment where there is none. I also do a lot of work teaching, speaking and providing consultancy around access and inclusion. All these activities are done on minimal budgets so I rely on the mantra 'If I don't do this, no one is'.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?
How's your spirit? It's not advice but it still changed my life. A First Nations duty nurse asked me this question once when I was in a mental health clinic trying to find the reasons to stay alive. It was the first time any mental health worker used words to connect with me fully. I've never forgotten how it made me feel and it's a current that flows through all my work now.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Ensure that disabled women are part of the equation. 'Compared to men without disabilities, women with disabilities are two times less likely to be employed and three times more likely to be illiterate. Evidence from 19 countries in 2017 shows that only 2.3 per cent of women with disabilities, compared to 2.8 per cent of men with disabilities, held a position as a legislator, senior official, or manage. (UN Women). 'According to the Bureau of Statistics Report in the U.S., the unemployment rate among women with disabilities is 9.4%, whereas it is 4% for those without disabilities' (Ruh Global IMPACT, US).
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Surround yourself with people with similar lived experiences. They are your true champions and will reset your compass when things feel beyond your control. They will fill your spirit with joy, honesty and cheekiness. You are equally important to them.
Surround yourself with people with similar lived experiences.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I'm very pleased and grateful that I can continue doing the work I love in the community I adore. On a personal front, I'm looking forward to doing more of my own arts projects that allow me to have a bit of fun while changing the world a little tiny bit.
