Risk Free Assessment
Nine years ago, I came to LCI lost and beaten down. My career wasn’t going the way I had planned, and I still hadn’t come to grips with the fact that I was now blind. But I had found an organization willing to give me a shot, and more importantly, I had a job. I’d been hired into a brand-new role, to lead a new department called Technology Services, and tasked with building a business that would create upward mobility for people who are blind in technology-based careers. But all I could think was, I don’t even know how to help myself. How am I supposed to help others?
Here we are today!
Over that time, we’ve done a lot! We launched Ablr. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies and organizations on their accessibility barriers. Thousands of people across the country have gone through our disability inclusion trainings. And we’ve walked alongside dozens and dozens of adults and students on their employment journeys.
None of it would have been possible without the love, sweat, and commitment of the Ablr team, past and present, and all our amazing partners. Being part of this journey has been the pinnacle of my career, and I’m so grateful to have played a small part in it.
With that said, I’m sad and excited to share that I’ll be stepping down as CEO of Ablr and continuing my quest to make an impact as the new Director of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind. This wasn’t an easy decision, and my eyes have been in a near-constant state of post-cry (you know the feeling)!
But what gives me confidence is knowing the team will keep doing amazing things well beyond me, because this team has GRIT! As my co-founder Mike Iannelli steps into the CEO seat, and Kim Casey takes on the newly created Chief Operating Officer role, I have no doubt Ablr will thrive under their leadership!
As I move into this new chapter, I’ll still need your support and love, so please stay in touch! So, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out anytime at Hello@JohnGSamuel.com, and sign up for my newsletter at www.JohnGSamuel.com to keep up with what’s next!
When I walked through LCI’s doors nine years ago, I had no idea I’d walk out not just with a career, but with my purpose, a family, and a lifetime of memories I don’t need sight to cherish. Thank you all for the most amazing nine years!
This isn’t goodbye, it’s just what’s next!
Love,
John