Next Up in Our 30 Faces of YES: Daniel O’Connor & Bradley Heaven
When Daniel and Bradley first connected with YES, they had a website, a powerful idea, and a shared mission: to empower people with disabilities. What they didn’t yet have was the business know-how or financial means to turn that vision into a sustainable venture. Fresh off winning Dawson’s Den Entrepreneurial Competition, they reached out to YES for guidance — determined to transform their passion into a full-time pursuit.
Through one-on-one coaching sessions with YES business coaches, Daniel and Bradley learned how to structure their organization for long-term impact. They discovered that launching as a nonprofit corporation would allow them to fundraise, rally community support, and bring their mission to life. Each session offered clarity, encouragement, and the practical tools they needed to keep moving forward.
Today, Bradley and Daniel are running their nonprofit, All Access Life, full time — a journey that’s taken them from an idea on a website to global recognition, including making Forbes’ first-ever Accessibility 100 list and speaking at the Cannes Lions Festival. Their story is proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can be the first step toward extraordinary growth.
Interview with Daniel & Bradley
What brought you to YES, and what were you hoping to achieve at that time?
Winning Dawson’s Den Entrepreneurial competition. We received a prize that contained a promotional card for YES — we had the passion and the idea on how to empower people with disabilities, but we lacked the knowledge on how to turn it into a full-time business. So, we decided to meet with a coach to learn how to start a business, hoping to turn our passion into a full-time job.
Can you tell us about some of the challenges or goals you faced when you first connected with YES? Was there a particular moment or obstacle that felt especially significant?
We lacked the finances to grow our business. Without any money, we didn’t think it was possible to start a business.
How did YES support you in overcoming those challenges or moving forward in your career, business, or artistic journey?
YES explained a nonprofit corporation would be the best fit for our mission and goals. We learnt we could launch fundraising campaigns and have our community on social media support us financially to get us off the ground!
Were there any tools, workshops, or insights from YES that made a lasting difference?
The one on one coaching sessions. The coaches took the time to listen to our mission and goals and gave us all the necessary information we needed to continue growing our business.
Where are you now in your journey, and what achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
Making the Forbes first ever Accessibility 100 list. Speaking at Cannes Lions Festival in France. Purchasing a wheelchair adapted company vehicle. Running 4 marathons together and raising over 30,000$ and finally making this a full-time job for the 2 of us!
Looking back, is there a particular moment or success that stands out as a turning point?
Learning that stepping out of your comfort zone and being uncomfortable is how you know you’re on the right path. We know look for opportunities and situations that make us feel uncomfortable. This is why we are always setting large goals!
➔ Learn more about Brad & Dan’s journey as winners of the 2023 Iris Unger Recognition Award!
➔ Check out All Access Life, Brad & Dan’s nonprofit organization
Explore our upcoming workshops for entrepreneurs
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