Consultant, counsellor and public speaker, I work at the intersections of social justice, inclusion and mental health. My passion comes from connections and lived experience, understanding the critical need to remove systemic barriers and harmful cultures at all levels and in collaboration. My approach is human-centered. As a consultant I support organisations in their authentic inclusion journeys focussing on organisational culture, brand identity and marketing communication providing inclusive assessments, strategies and education. As a counsellor I bring mental health practices into every space and have a private practice for dedicated counselling sessions.
My background is broad with expertise including anatomy and physiology, applied psychology, business management, education and pedagogy, inclusive design, industrial design, marketing and organisational strategy. This long list is the product of both passion and systemic discrimination. Committed to continued growth, I proudly consider myself a lifelong work-in-progress and continue to seek knowledge, learning and understanding ongoing.
I’m a visual thinker and a lover of puzzles. My workspace is full of 3D puzzles and art. The wall in front of me is home to iconic architecture and abstract geometric themed art. My desk is home to several hand-crank kit-build wooden marble runs. My first degree was in Industrial design, which is like a mix of product design engineering and visual communications. I was the youngest student and first blind student accepted into the National School of Design in Australia and I graduated valedictorian. I then believed, and still do, in the power of perspective and relativity, “just because I can’t see doesn’t mean I don’t have vision”. We all deserve to thrive.
I was born with a rare congenital condition affecting my vision which lead to blindness. I have represented three countries in three para sports: Australia, Japan and Canada; in Goalball, Powerlifting and ParaAthletics. Competing internationally since 2005, I hold world records as well as world, continental, and national titles. In 2012 I talent transferred into ParaAthletics. I have represented Team Canada since 2015 including at my first Paralympics, the Rio2016 Paralympic Games.
In 2020 I came out publicly as transgender and became the first openly trans Paralympian. In 2021 I began medically transitioning and in 2022 I made history as the the first openly trans man to compete in the men’s division and be included in the world rankings. I am currently the only openly trans man in competition. I compete for Canada in ParaAthletics in the F11/T11 classification for athletes with the least functional vision. During 2023, my second season in the men’s division, I added to my distance and climbed the world rankings and have continued to do so. As a visible trans athlete I am committed to holding space in the sports world for trans athletes to compete as their authentic self.
To connect with me use the contact Ness form or send me an email at ness@nessmurby.com