In this episode of Pivot to Joy, Coach Kooley sits down with coaching client Claudia Longo, founder of MS, I’mpossible and a 2024 TEDx Bellevue Women speaker. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 18, Claudia defied the odds by returning as a Division 1 soccer player at the University of Washington. As the founder of MS Impossible, she connects and empowers young adults living with MS, transforming personal challenge into community support and meaningful advocacy. Claudia shares her inspiring journey from her family's health battles in childhood, to launching a nonprofit with help from the Seattle Kraken, and embracing pivots that align with her values. The conversation dives into the power of support systems, leaning into community, navigating the unknown, and actionable advice for those facing a diagnosis, dreaming of a TEDx talk, or aspiring to start a nonprofit.
Tune in now!
Timestamps:
[00:02:08] Claudia’s introduction and early challenges
[00:03:50] Shaving her head in solidarity with her mother
[00:05:23] Founding MS, I’mpossible and redefining the MS narrative
[00:10:02] Launching the nonprofit with support from the Seattle Kraken
[00:14:19] Advice for newly diagnosed young adults and the importance of support
[00:20:16] Claudia’s role at BoardReady and the impact of corporate governance
[00:23:25] Making career pivots and finding transferable skills
[00:25:26] Staying motivated, focused, and the power of whiteboard goal-setting
[00:27:51] Advice for aspiring TEDx speakers and nonprofit founders
[00:36:06] Ms. Impossible's goals for impact and authentic community
[00:39:40] Books, resources, and information for young adults with MS
[00:44:49] How to connect with MS, I’mpossible and support the cause
[00:48:07] Closing thoughts and additional resources
Quotes:
"The biggest thing is what she did in that moment by reaching out to me is going to change the trajectory of her diagnosis. She had to realize that she didn't have all the answers, but there was an organization that could help." [00:14:29]
"I think when you have an idea, it's easy to just chase it down and go after it. What's important is to also stop and say, okay, that's been my experience. But what about other people, you know, who are in similar situations or maybe different situations?" [00:31:25]
"I think one of the best things that I did is I stayed away from TikTok. I stayed away from all these. Any narrative that would like, kind of eat at what I was trying to do, I avoided because I think there is so much information out there that it's really hard to find the right information to consume." [00:39:40]
Resources:
• Connect with Claudia Longo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudialongo2/
• MS, I’mpossible: https://www.ms-impossible.org/
• Listen to Claudia’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDEPWuqYhS8
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