Episode 148 - Bill Walters - Perfectly Imperfect: Bill Walters Turning Adversity, Caregiving, and Special Needs into Strength

This episode: Perfectly Imperfect: Bill Walters Turning Adversity, Caregiving, and Special Needs into Strength.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:01)

• Host Drew Deraney initiates the recording and introduces Guest Bill Walters, expressing gratitude to Priscilla Leto for introducing them.
• Drew discusses the linear view of life taught in childhood and how external circumstances often derail this path.
• He introduces the three types of men: one who doesn't notice adversity, one who blames others, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Drew invites Bill Walters to share his defining moment that transformed him into the person he is today.

Bill Walters' Early Life and Adversity (1:41)

• Bill Walters shares his early life, including being born with hip dysplasia and having to learn to walk multiple times.
• He describes how he learned to read at a young age, using encyclopedias as entertainment.
• Bill recounts taking care of his mother for six years after his father's death, learning various caregiving skills.
• He shares the story of his daughter's educational journey and her success despite initial challenges.

Balancing Caregiving and Personal Growth (3:43)

• Bill discusses the importance of adjusting to adversity and not complaining or blaming others.
• Drew asks Bill about his understanding of his father's instruction to take care of his mother.
• Bill explains that his father wanted him to see the real challenges his mother faced as she aged.
• He reflects on the balance between his personal life and caregiving responsibilities, including the physical toll it took on him.

Professional Life and Business Ventures (11:03)

• Bill talks about his professional life as a financial advisor and his transition to Transamerica.
• He explains the name of his company, "Both Perfectly Imperfect Families," and its focus on helping families with atypical children.
• Bill describes his client base, which includes executives, small business owners, and families with special needs children.
• He emphasizes the importance of financial planning and the challenges families face in navigating government assistance for special needs children.

Advice for Families with Special Needs Children (14:06)

• Bill advises families to start planning for their child's future by age 14, including guardianship, medical, and financial decisions.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - From Caving In to Crushing It
• (00:01:59) - Bill Walters on Defending Your Life
• (00:08:40) - The Importance of Playing the Victim
• (00:11:28) - Taking Care of Mom While She's Retired
• (00:12:42) - How to Get Care for a Parent With Alzheimer's
• (00:15:19) - How old should you ask your mom for help?
• (00:15:43) - After a parent passes, how do you cope with the grief?
• (00:17:34) - Bill Walters on Transamerica Care
• (00:21:53) - Autism and Special Needs in the United States
• (00:23:41) - What to Tell a Special Needs Family About Their Child
• (00:27:32) - Bill Walters on His Life
• (00:28:56) - Bill Cosby
• (00:30:48) - Living the Life You Want to Live