'How to Rob a Bank with One Leg': An Innovative Approach to Navigating Career Success by Overcoming the Challenges of Disability, by British-Asian Author Jasbant Khutan
17th March 2024
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Born from his own journey navigating the challenges of disability, namely cerebral palsy, Jaz uses the idea of planning the “robbery of a century” as a metaphorical device to provide a roadmap for career success.

 

Through this captivating narrative, Jaz inspires readers, both with and without disabilities, to plan their futures with strategic precision. Inspired by his love for crime films, Jaz proposes a unique analogy for career planning - approaching it as if orchestrating "the crime of the century." This unconventional yet effective approach to career development aims to captivate readers and urge them to unapologetically plan big and aim high.

 

However, this is not just a work of fiction, it comes from a place of lived experience, resilience, and unyielding determination. Born with cerebral palsy, Jaz faced significant challenges from a young age.

 

His parents migrated from the Punjab, India, to the UK, in the early 1960’s. As the eldest child of four, Jaz grew up with the additional challenges faced by first-generation migrant working-class families at that time. His childhood was marked by the harsh realities of financial strain and regular hospital visits, underscored with racial and disability discrimination. This forced him to navigate a world that often seemed insurmountable.

 

Jaz couldn't walk until he was 2 years old, and it wasn't until he reached 11 years of age that he could finally write his own name.

 

In those early years, support was scarce, and successful role models for disabled individuals - let alone Asian and disabled people - were few and far between. Yet, despite the formidable obstacles in his path, Jaz persevered. He excelled in his studies and earned a degree in Economics from York University. Today, he is happily married with two children, and enjoys a fulfilling career as an Engagement Director and Senior Consultant for some of the largest and most well-respected companies in the world.

 

Jaz emerges as a remarkable and inspirational figure, and every part of his spirit and determination shines through each page of his book. He openly shares the guiding principles that have enhanced his life, and his message is clear: “your disability does not have to be a disability, make it your unique advantage in a world that now accepts and understands diversity and resilience. There are superpowers that come with a disability, you just need to identify them and make them work for you.”

 

Jaz’s influence extends beyond the pages of his book. Recently, he was selected to participate in a filmmaking project led by young filmmakers at the Central Youth Theatre, Wolverhampton. The project, titled 'We Built this City,' produced five films highlighting the stories of local heroes in the city - individuals driving positive social change. Funded by organisations that include Wolverhampton City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Dept of Levelling up, the initiative has helped fill the gap and promote successful role models for disabled individuals.

 

In addition to his book, Jaz offers a range of talks and workshops where he shares his experiences and offers advice and strategies for success. He has a busy year ahead where he will be sharing invaluable insights with individuals in education, health services, and businesses seeking to enhance their practices. Details of his talks can be found on his social media feeds.

 

For those seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a riveting read, 'How to Rob a Bank With One Leg' offers universal lessons in resilience, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence. It is a reminder that with resilience, determination, and a touch of humour, the possibilities are limitless.

 

'How to Rob a Bank With One Leg' by Jasbant Khutan, can be purchased via Amazon as a digital or hard copy.

 


Jaz can be contacted via social media platforms and is available for talks and workshops.

 


There are 14 million disabled people in the UK, making up a fifth of the population (source: www.disabilityrightsuk.org).

 


8% of people with complex disabilities are from an ethnic minority background (approximately 143,784 people). 4% of people with complex disabilities are Asian (approximately 65,000 people), 2% are Black (approximately 38,000 people), 2% identify their ethnicity as Mixed/Other (approximately 40,000 people). (source: www.sense.org.uk/about-us/research/demographic-breakdown )

 


Approximately 160,000 people currently living with cerebral palsy in the UK. Estimated 1 in 400 babies born in the UK have a type of cerebral palsy. (source: www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk)

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About the Author

Ian Henery

Member since: 4th February 2019

Presenter Black Country Radio & Black Country Xtra

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