Hey there my wise friends, and welcome to episode 44 of Collective Wisdom, which is all about leading with empathy. And as if by magic, there was one of the most beautiful examples of doing just that. This weekend,  I was watching one of my favourite TV shows 'Strictly Come Dancing'.  'Strictly' has evolved over the years into something that's more than just a dance competition. Behind all the spray tans and the fabulous costumes. It's really about showing people that if you put in the hard work and face your fears that you're always capable of far more than you often believe.
This week, all our hearts were completely won over by Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice. Rose is the first deaf contestant on the show and has had us all completely in awe with the way that she is nevertheless able to respond to the beat in the music that she can actually feel. So in their dance this week, there was a moment where they cut the music, and we all had just a tiny glimpse into roses world. Not only was the dance itself breathtaking, but it gave us all a chance to experience true empathy. There was no pity here for a woman who can't hear, but instead a whole new level of understanding of what it means to be deaf.
It was radical empathy that called my guest today to do the work that she's currently doing in Nepal. Michelle Welsch not only founded a social enterprise, The Learning House, which helps so many young people in Nepal get access to the education that allows them to really lean into their brightest fullest potential as humans, but she's done this without the backing of a team or resources to help her.
It's grit and tenacity, empathy, and a beautiful vision of what's possible if you keep going that have been the driving force behind her work. Michelle’s positivity and energy are infectious. And I'm just so thrilled she's here to join me to share her story.
 
Michelle Welsch, MSW
www.michellewelsch.com - about me
www.learninghousenepal.com - my education center in Nepal
Tweet me @redheadlefthand
 
Watch Giovanni and Rose on Strictly Come Dancing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QejOzrlovTQ
 
Song ‘Lucky’ by Russ
Wisdom ‘Leap and the net will appear’
and ‘Find your tribe’