Interview with JNCS Board Member Jason Freeman
This month, Jay Nolan Community Services welcomes our newest Board Member: Jason Freeman. We sat down with Jason for a quick interview about his decision to join the JNCS Board of Directors, his background, and what it service means to him. Here is what he had to say:
You have had a very interesting career. Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I am a speaker, podcaster, and a coach. My basic philosophy is that limits can be turned into gifts. Limits such as disabilities. I’ll speak to my own: which involves a speech impediment and coordination differences. For much of my life I didn’t like these things about me, I thought they always limited me. But in the last few years I’ve been using them to inspire audiences around the country.
I have done TED Talks and I have even written a book called “Awkwardly Awesome: Embracing My Imperfect Best”. Doing our imperfect best means doing the best we can for our own lives and the lives around us, and then going forward and taking action. When imperfections, mistakes or uncertainties come up, instead of retreating from them, we try to learn from it and move forward. That is the power of our ‘imperfect best.’
Doing our imperfect best means doing the best we can for our own lives and the lives around us, and then going forward and taking action. When imperfections, mistakes or uncertainties come up, instead of retreating from them, we try to learn from it and move forward. – Jason Freeman
How did you learn about Jay Nolan?
I came to learn about Jay Nolan through the CEO, Edward Amey. I met him at a conference I was speaking at in San Diego for the California Community Living Network (CCLN). He was kind in his compliment of my presentation, and we became friends and colleagues. I’ve become more inspired by the mission of Jay Nolan as I’ve learned more about them. Then I was invited to be on the board.
What made you want to join the JNCS Board?
I am inspired by Jay Nolan because they think outside the box. It is not just staff helping the people who receive services. Jay Nolan thinks of everyone who is involved, such as those who receive services, staff, and volunteers.
Why is it important for you to serve as a board member in general?
Being a board member gives me the opportunity and the honor to impact an organization on more of a macro-level. With Jay Nolan, there is so much innovation going on in how opportunities are created for people and how the leadership is so progressive. As with any board, you get to meet new people on the board and create community. Great change is created by community, not always individuals.
A huge thank you to Jason! Welcome to the Jay Nolan team!
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