Chad Foster: Turning Blindness into a Superpower – A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Guest:Chad FosterFirst Blind Harvard Business School Graduate | Author of Blind Ambition | Resilience & Leadership ExpertHost:Melissa AarskaugExecutive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnectEpisode Overview:What if your greatest challenge became your greatest strength? In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Chad Foster—the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School—who proves that resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a strategy. Chad shares how losing his eyesight at a young age pushed him to reimagine what’s possible. He breaks down the five pillars of resilience that helped him turn disadvantage into determination, and fear into fuel. From navigating personal setbacks to leading in tech and finance, Chad brings a fresh, powerful take on leadership, mindset, and turning adversity into an edge.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Chad Foster’s Story04:33 – Early Challenges and Shaping Leadership and Resilience08:08 – Building a Career in Technology and Directing Financial Strategies12:40 – Blind Ambition: The Five Pillars of Resilience15:30 – Developing Resilience in Corporate Audiences and Athletes19:43 – Facing Blind Spots and Challenges in Personal and Professional Life23:59 – Industry Trends: Artificial Intelligence and Leadership27:44 – Staying Ahead and Maintaining a Competitive EdgeConnect With Us:Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Social:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaugX: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug