Marty Mathews:
I’ve spent my life working harder than those around me to make it right.
Growing up, I was considered the “underdog” in my neighborhood—the one who would never achieve success—because of my family dynamics.
Inspiration to go beyond the expected
From a young age, I was captivated by my favorite superheroes, including Underdog, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, and Batman. They utilized their unique skills, along with impressive gadgets and powers, to combat evil forces. Moreover, they inspired others to be part of the solution rather than the problem. This was my "A-Ha moment," which motivated me to develop my own "superpowers." It marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to exceeding expectations and helping others do the same.
Succeeding by working harder
During my youth, I diligently honed my skills through a commitment to hard work and perseverance. My curiosity drove me to embrace challenging tasks, often to demonstrate my capabilities to those who doubted me. Despite being perceived as too small and not tough enough to compete, football became one of my greatest passions. I was determined to defy expectations. Through the strategic use of my quickness, elusive spin moves, and a focus on enhancing my overall toughness, I earned the respect of my teammates and established myself as a vital player on the team. This journey not only shaped my athletic abilities but also instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and determination that I carry with me to this day.
Never giving up
Another significant challenge I encountered was during my college years as an industrial designer. I found myself in an art school environment that exhibited minimal diversity, entering a field predominantly occupied by white males. Although I was fortunate to possess natural artistic talent, I recognized the necessity of leveraging my "superpowers" to enhance my skill set and excel in my studies. I dedicated myself to mastering various sketching techniques, expanding my knowledge of the design field to effectively solve complex problems, and often working late into the night to prepare for daily presentations. This commitment not only allowed me to rise to the top of my program but also equipped me with the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in a competitive industry. Through these experiences, I developed a profound appreciation for the value of diverse perspectives in the design process, further fueling my passion for fostering inclusivity in my future endeavors.
Paying it forward
Today, I channel my drive and expertise in design to empower businesses to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. I offer innovative solutions tailored to their fulfillment needs by harnessing the unique "superpowers" of the developmentally disabled community. This dedicated and highly trainable workforce, often undervalued in traditional employment settings, brings remarkable skills and perspectives that can significantly enhance productivity and creativity. By integrating this diverse talent into business operations, I aim to foster a more inclusive workplace while delivering exceptional results for my clients. My commitment to promoting inclusivity not only strengthens organizations but also helps to change perceptions, highlighting the incredible contributions that individuals with developmental disabilities can make in the workforce.
Together, we work to maximize both business and human potential. Together, we make it right.
MartyMathews@makeitrightforall.com