Cyber security expert and author Ken Brandt likes to talk about the advantages of poor eyesight.
“Many people are scared to death about public speaking,” he tells Vision Australia Radio’s Career Path podcast.
“You can’t tell how big the audience is. You’re just not intimidated. You can’t recognise facial expressions and you can’t see your notes which makes the speech better.”
Listen to the full interview in the player below:
Ken has held senior management and management consulting positions in information technology and cyber security with firms and clients of all sizes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
All while having low vision. He has undergone six eye operations (including a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye), and spent parts of his life legally blind.
But seeing the world through poor eyesight means Ken has developed a unique perspective on life and work.
In his book “Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight”, Ken has turned the narrative of poor vision on its head.
From captaining his university parachuting team, to fixing sheet metal on the 110th storey of the World Trade Centre.
He advises students and people who are blind or have low vision not to fear the difficulties and embrace their talents.
“Almost all good things are hard to do,” he admits.
“Just go for it. You’ll be amazed how much you can get done.”
For more on Ken Brandt and to buy his book, visit his website kenbrandt.com
Career Path is a Vision Australia limited podcast series featuring stories of working people who are blind or have low vision and employers who champion diversity in the workplace. It aims to provide real and raw stories of what it’s like in the workplace with vision loss, from awkward encounters to flat out rejections, but also the success stories and tips to get hired.