The Business of Meetings – Episode 232 – Overcoming Fears: Pamela Schuller’s Journey with Tourette Syndrome – Comedy and Embracing Differences
Pamela Schuller is truly a remarkable woman! Several weeks ago, she did a keynote presentation at the MPI World Education Conference in Louisville, where she told her incredible story of having Tourette syndrome, barking unexpectedly, and how she reframed her life, ending up as a keynote speaker.
Today, she joins us on the show to share her touching, inspiring, and amusing journey. Stay tuned for more!
Background and Career
Pamela has Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is four foot six and a half and holds a Master’s degree in advocacy. Pamela also holds degrees in executive coaching and is a comedian who uses her unique blend of experiences to perform comedy and tell stories focused on inclusion, accessibility, and mental health. She works with organizations worldwide, including major corporations like Netflix, NBC, and Google.
Diagnosis and Childhood Struggles
Pamela was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in the first grade after her mother recognized the symptoms from a TV show. Her condition became more severe in fifth and sixth grade, leading to feelings of isolation and challenges with both peers and adults.
Finding Her Voice
Despite her challenges, Pamela found her voice and began to embrace the things that make her unique, which led to her discovering stand-up comedy during her time at boarding school.
Embracing Tourette Syndrome in Comedy
Pamela learned to embrace her Tourette Syndrome in her career as a comedian. She shares stories, like how the owner of her building owner mistakenly believed she had a dog living with her illegally due to her barking tics. Those experiences taught her how to find humor and positivity in her condition and use it to connect with others.
Inclusion and Belonging
Reflecting on the difference between genuine inclusion and simply being a checklist item for organizations, Pamela shares how much it means when companies and communities want to learn from her and improve. She values opportunities to return to those organizations to conduct further workshops and help them advance their inclusion efforts.
Personal Stories of Support and Acceptance
Pamela tells a touching story of how her boarding school classmates decided to accompany her to a movie, which she had been unable to do for years due to her Tourette’s. Those moments of support and acceptance were transformative for her, highlighting the power of community in embracing differences.
Advice for Those Struggling
Pamela emphasizes the importance of asking for help when necessary and not being ashamed. She encourages others to focus on what they love about themselves and to seek out tools and support systems, whether clinical or personal, to navigate difficult times.
Comedy as a Tool for Resilience
Comedy has helped Pamela build resilience and approach her craft with humor, which is never mean-spirited. She encourages those interested in stand-up to start small and find what makes their point of view unique. For her, comedy, storytelling, and teaching are all intertwined. She is constantly refining her material based on audience feedback and her experiences.
The Yes, And Philosophy
Pamela touches on the Yes-And philosophy from improv, which she applies to her life and work. That approach involves accepting reality without judgment and building from there, which allows her to navigate challenges and support others in a way that highlights their strengths.
Conclusion
Her story is one of resilience, humor, and the power of embracing what makes each person unique. Pamela continues inspiring others through her work and ability to turn her struggles into strengths.
Bio:
Pamela Rae Schuller was once diagnosed with the most severe documented case of Tourette syndrome in the country, coupled with a touch of obsessive-compulsive disorder and a whole lot of anger. From the depths of depression and grappling with suicidal thoughts, she wished away her differences. Through a transformative shift, Pamela began reframing her life and harnessing her adversity as the driving force behind her journey. She now stands tall at four foot six (and a half) as a globally recognized disability and mental health advocate and professional stand-up comedian. Her engaging, funny, and powerful stories resonate with audiences worldwide.
With the finesse of a professional stand-up comedian, Pamela seamlessly blends her narrative with the actionable tips and tools of a seasoned educator. Her tales of navigating a body beyond her control are not only captivating but also laced with unapologetic humor that resonates with audiences ranging from youth to corporate C-suites.
Pamela has addressed international audiences and clients in every state in the US, reaching 100,000+ children, teens, and professionals. Equipped with degrees in psychology and advocacy through art, a Master’s in advocacy and policy, and certificates in executive coaching and DEI methods, she has translated her expertise into a repertoire that instills pride in young people, fosters profound inclusivity in communities, and inspires innovation in corporate teams, compelling them to make strategic and audacious moves to strengthen their team through inclusive efforts. Her reach extends beyond the stage and boardrooms, with appearances on Netflix, Curiosity Stream, Doctor Mike videos, and NBC, and she has consulted on inclusion best practices with industry giants like Disney, Google, GEICO, and Salesforce (to name a few).
Pamela doesn’t just “tolerate” her uniqueness, she wholeheartedly embraces, loves, and finds humor in it. She exemplifies the transformative power of embracing our authentic selves and creating communities and organizations where people can do the same.
Connect with Eric Rozenberg
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Connect with Pamela Schuller
On her website
