Meet Lindsey Mazza

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Mazza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I was born with a physical disability called Holt Oram Syndrome, affecting my upper limbs and heart. My life’s journey has been one full of barriers. From the time I first started school, I became accustomed to being told no. I was often told that I could not participate because the decision makers were counting me out before I was even given a chance. I grew up, was a top student and when the time came for me to choose a career path, I chose law. I chose law because it is a profession that is built on justice and equality. I assumed that it would be a path of least resistance for me but it wasn’t. I was denied accommodations to write my law school entrance exams and without them I couldn’t apply. I appealed the denial and was eventually successful. I went on to build a successful multi-city law firm and had a dynamic legal career. All of this required risk. I didn’t have the benefit of making a plan and following the logical steps like everyone else. I was usually met with a barrier, which required me to pivot and problem solve. I used each “no” as an opportunity to create my own “yes.” I consistently and unwaveringly took the greatest risk I could ever take and I risked it all on me. This is the greatest lesson and piece of advice I can give anyone – learn to bet on you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was a practicing lawyer for over 12 years. My legal career was by all standards very successful but I knew that I was meant to do something different. I lived my life running from my disability and “hiding in plain sight.” I believed that if I worked harder, I could continue hiding behind productivity. I was miserable and burnt out because I was living in a constant state of self-rejection.

When my dad passed away on October 25, 2023, I couldn’t run from myself any longer. My mental health continued to decline and by January of 2024, I would lay in bed in the mornings and think to myself “I’d rather be dead than go to work as a lawyer.” This was my rock bottom moment. I knew that I had to radically change things. I learned to sit in the quiet and face the parts of me that I was rejecting. I dedicated all of my down time to taking care of me. In this process I learned that my disability, the part of me that I had learned to reject, has been my superpower. My disability has given me the loudest and strongest voice. It has given me unmatched problem solving skills, relatability and emotional intelligence. It was through this realization that I came to understand that I had to change career paths. I left law so that I could use my self-advocacy skills and life experience to teach others the importance of inclusion and shift the world’s understanding around disability. There is so much beauty in our differences and in sharing experiences, we are teaching each other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d definitely spend time in Toronto and catch a musical. The theatre scene in Toronto is something that I thoroughly enjoy. I see a few shows a year and it is always a great experience. We would also head to Niagara to visit some wineries. Winery tours, tastings and a beautiful meal is the perfect way to spend a day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am surrounded by the most wonderful people. I grew up in a family, with parents who made sure I’d be given the same opportunities as my peers. My dad had the same disability as me. He lead by example, provided consistent mentorship and showed unconditional belief in me. It was the loss of him, on October 25, 2023 that set me on a different path. Without his passing, I would have never been able to understand the importance of using my life’s experience to help others. I dedicate this to him. He has always been by my side and I am grateful to continue journeying with him. I know he is still by my side, it just looks different now.

Website: https://www.lindseymazza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelindseymazza/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelindseymazza/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelindseymazza