Welcome to the Native Digital Native Analog Show, where today's episode is one that will deeply touch your heart and soul.  

Our guest, James Fellowes, shares his journey of unraveling and rebuilding after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, while also co-founding a company that has placed over 75,000 people with incredible abilities into meaningful careers. 

But this episode is even more special as we welcome my sister, Sam, who was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, to join in the conversation. 

Get ready to be profoundly impacted and to open your mind to a level of empathy you didn't think was possible.  

Let's jump in and join this special conversation in My Den. 

From Privileged to Poverty 

 James had everything going for him, but then everything came crashing down.  

He recounts his privileged upbringing, his successful career in the drinks industry, and his seemingly perfect family life.  

However, in 2008, things began to unravel for him...  

“This dawned on me. Having been white male and exceptionally privileged. I'd never heard any kind of or experienced any kind of barrier to employment in my entire life...”-James Fellowes 

This was when his mental health began to suffer. He lost his confidence and struggled to operate in any way. He couldn't even turn on his computer and found himself staring out of the window.  

Despite this, he found hope through therapy and the support of his family, and he now works to help others going through similar struggles. 

“And I started rebuilding my life again. And I was like, “Okay, we can start again, you know, bottom of the snakes and ladder”. - James Fellowes 

 Navigating the Future of Talent in the AI Age 

James and I discussed how employers should view the future of talent, given the shifting landscape where AI surpasses our expectations. 

“I think this (AI) makes this talent pool even more strategically vital. Because if AI can do what typical talent can do, but much better and working 24/7 and various other things.” -- James Fellowes 

And James points out that managers need to start thinking about all different types of diversity, not just gender and ethnicity.  

 Embracing Diversity in the Workplace 

Neurodiversity includes talents like those with autism, who have attention to detail and focus, and dyslexics who are extremely creative. 

James said, "if you have gone through a system that's designed to put you down, tell you you're stupid, and you have gotten through that, well, you must be bloody good." 

People who have lived through difficult experiences also bring unique experiences to the table that cannot be replicated by AI 

Therefore, it is crucial for companies to embrace diversity and seek out untapped talent pools to get ahead. 

If you want to catch the full conversation, be sure to listen to the complete podcast. 

About James Fellowes 

In 2018 James was made redundant for the fifth time in 8 years. It was then that he had an epiphany: to leave the corporate world to try and change the world! He co-founded Bridge of Hope Careers to create the missing link between ‘untapped talent’ and inclusive employers seeking to expand their talent pool. He’s a proud dad of three, an unshakable optimist and an obsessive wild swimmer. 

Connect with James Fellowes 

Linkedin | Bridgeofhope.careers