Have you noticed how the word “superpower” has become such a popular term?

If I’m completely transparent, when I first started hearing it several years ago, my eyes rolled. A lot. But I’ve changed my mind completely. In fact, I’ve done a full 180.

While researching blog topics, I came across an older article in Forbes (January 2018) titled “Cultivating Superpowers in the Workplace” by contributor Rubi Ho. The more I read, the more I felt a spark. I could literally feel the tingles. What the article described captured the essence of my new brand and the focus of my speaking engagements: “Step Into Your Greatness^TM.”

When you think about it, the terminology may be new, but the concept certainly isn’t. Haven’t organizations always tried to attract the most talented people possible in order to maximize productivity and success? What seems different now is that the idea has a new identity. So, allow me to add my perspective.

Way back in the “dark ages” of the 1960s and ’70s, I was raised to believe that success had to be earned. My dad used to tell me:

“There will never be a limousine that shows up at our front door to take you to success. It’s all on you, boy.”

I’ve never thought of that as outdated advice. Yes, our culture evolves – and it should – but sometimes the simplest principles still apply.

One thing I hope people understand is that I have never seen myself as “disabled.” That has nothing to do with political correctness. I was simply born normal. My normal.

Being described as “amazing” is always a compliment, and sure, I suppose I fit the description from time to time. But becoming “amazing” wasn’t easy. As one of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell, popularized, it can take roughly 10,000 hours of practice to truly master a skill.

I never kept track of my hours. And fifty years ago, nobody was talking about “superpowers.” My goal was simple: I wanted to be the best.

Not the best “disabled guy.”
Just the best version of me.

Who knew that one day my story would be described with a much better label than “disabled”?

In 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in a video campaign that would completely rock my world. The project would go on to make a global cultural impact, and even win the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival!

The jury president described the advert as “Bold, proud, and pushing humanity forward.”

That sounds suspiciously like my job description.

What makes it even more fascinating is that I wasn’t speaking in the video.

I was playing the drums.

We gathered in London. Eleven musicians from around the world, each of us living with what society might describe as a disability. We were assembled to form a swing band performing the classic song “Yes, I Can” famously sung by Sammy Davis Jr.

The campaign was created to promote the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, produced for British broadcaster Channel 4.

We met on an incredible soundstage designed to look like a glamorous 1920s jazz club. The director, Dougal Wilson, spoke for more than thirty minutes about his vision for the project. One statement captured it perfectly:

“Everyone involved in this project believes that Paralympic athletes are every bit as world-class as those in the so-called ‘normal’ games. Our intention is to prove it.”

And prove it they did.

When the three-minute video was ready for release in August 2016, we were sent an advance copy. I sat in front of my iPad with tears streaming down my face. I was overwhelmed with pride and emotion.

Then came the final moment.

The video ends with a stunning wheelchair stunt, followed by a graphic that appears on the screen:

“The Real Superhumans”

I lost it.

I watched it again. And again. And again.

I’ve probably seen that video hundreds of times, and it still affects me every single time.

I never thought of myself as a superhuman. That sounds a little conceited, doesn’t it?

But here’s the truth: it’s not about ego. It’s about possibility.

When you watch the video, you don’t just see people overcoming disability. You see people rising above the challenges of being human. It’s something every single one of us is capable of doing.

That’s the message I hope you take from this story.

Another time, I’ll write about my thoughts on the complicated and often toxic discussions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. For now, let me simply say this: I support those principles because I support humanity.

But I also believe in human initiative. I believe in people working incredibly hard to become the best candidate, the best contributor, and the best version of themselves.

Young people today face a different world than I did growing up. But one idea still holds timeless relevance:

You have to earn your life.

If discovering your superpower helps you do that, fantastic!

I used mine and I’m proud to say I have more than one.

But I don’t spend my time counting them.

Instead, I try to live by a simple principle:
Be the best you can be in every facet of your life.

When you Step Into Your Greatness^TM, your superpower naturally becomes part of who you are and part of why you’re here. Cape optional!