Software Developer to Public Speaker: The Accessibility Lesson That Changed Cam Beaudoin’s Career

Cam Beaudoin started his career as a software developer, but one unexpected encounter with a blind colleague changed his direction. A simple question—“Can I shake your hand?”—opened the door to accessibility, inclusive design, and public speaking. What began with making technology more accessible grew into speaking on stages and learning that influence is not only about what you say, but how well you understand the people listening. Cam also shares what stepping into entrepreneurship taught him about risk, discomfort, asking for help, saying no, and testing yourself in ways that remind you just how strong you really are. Note: Since this conversation was recorded, Cam has closed The Frequent Speaker and is now working on his next project. Stay tuned! What We Discuss: 00:00 Episode trailer 02:12 “Can I shake your hand?” The accessibility moment that changed everything 05:28 Becoming a speaker: influence, risk, and the power of pause 09:38 The challenge with speaker reels 12:01 Leaving corporate life: entrepreneurship, and being able to say no 21:31 Solo camping, a bear encounter, and rediscovering your strength 36:16 Why risk reveals who you really are 37:10 Final thoughts Follow and connect with Cam Beaudoin:   / cam.beaudoin     / camilebeaudoin   Follow and connect with Regula Fischer:   / regulafischer     / reguli_fischer     / regulafischer   https://linktr.ee/regulafischer ▶ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UYn... ▶ More Many Firsts conversations:    • MANY FIRSTS Podcast   #ManyFirstsPodcast #RegulaFischer #CamBeaudoin #TheFrequentSpeaker #PublicSpeaking #SpeakerCoach #SpeakerReels #DemoReel #Storytelling #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #Entrepreneurship #RiskTaking #Meditation #Leadership