On the Authentic Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Gary Sutcliffe to explore his incredible journey through mental health and resilience. Beginning his career in the mental health workforce during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gary has seen both the challenges and the possibilities of lived experience leadership. Later in life, just as he and his wife were preparing for retirement, their plans were reshaped by a rare condition called aphasia, a language disorder that brought unexpected changes to daily life. Together, they learned new ways to navigate this unfamiliar terrain, leaning on patience, love, and adaptability. Through it all, Gary remained a steady anchor—not just for his wife, but for his wider community. His story is one of honesty, strength, compassion, and hope.

📝 Full lesson plan available here: Link