Full Transcript for Turning Difference into Purpose with Aaron Westbrook

that's really what they want. So just give the people what they want. And so I felt very equipped from an early age to like navigate the situation you know, more confidently, and in a way that again, I feel like I had that autonomy. because oftentimes, you know, especially in the school setting, you know, a lot of teachers. they might not have had a student with a limb difference. And so they Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): weren't really sure how to help me. And so in many ways I kinda had it had to kind of guide and work alongside them and kind of show them, hey, this is how I do this or this is the tool that I need to do this. kind of learning together. Kristy Venne: And that's such pressure for a young person. But I remember you handling it extremely well. You you just have always had like that confidence. And clearly your parents had a large influence on you and they gave you the tools you needed so that you could be a person who would advocate for yourself and help others understand you built friendships and a community that was supportive of you and probably went on in, you know, when they went their separate ways to carry that with them. And what an important role and message. we have a saying in my own family, there are people that cry about problems and there are people that solve problems. Which do you want to be? That was the question. And it's never like be a victim. It's do you want to be a victim, a villain, or a hero? Well, I think we all want to be the hero, but how many people make that choice to say, I'm gonna do this, even though there are times it's gonna be difficult. I love hearing the courageous little boy in you that when you were younger, just listen, did your thing and It's turned into an amazing story and journey for you. you also mentioned earlier in our conversation about the community, about others that have limb differences. And you have a blog, Alive with five, and it seems like you've really been a connector. how has that changed your experience once you started making all those connections and bringing together this community in a powerful way? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, that whole maturation, getting connected to the the local community and then the broader limb difference community happened at such a timely you know circumstance in my life. You know, I was fourteen, fifteen years old and I think at that time, you know, your world view opens up and you think, you know, a much broader perspective of the way that the world works and and your place in it. And I think You know, that community piece, that spark really allowed me to come to the realization that a lot of the things that I faced alone as a child, so many other people were facing. And I think the thing that I really took from that was I want to help this next generation. I think I in all the work that we do at Form5, it's innovative, it's impactful, all the fun words. For me, it's that I get to be the person

I needed growing up. And I think that is like what the the anchor is for me. And I think really for Form 5, especially in the rapid growth we've experienced the last few years. I mean, it's been remarkable to see how really we're gonna celebrate our 10th anniversary next year. A lot of that work we've been doing is uplifting the limb difference community. And then in turn, as we've really grown the last two to three years. The community is turning around and they're uplifting us. And I think that speaks to a real testament about the genuine, authentic connection that we're creating with individuals. and I often say that, you know, we are as an organization in the business of listening to people. I think that's really where we start. Every family that we connect with, every child, every adult with a limb difference, we just start by listening. I think we really want to understand what. w what shaped their worldview, what barriers they have, what you know, what what are they trying to achieve? What do they dream of? starting from that point I think is super important. 'cause then we can really develop kind of a holistic plan to empower them to to do all of the things that they imagine they want to be able to do. Kristy Venne: Absolutely. I know that's something that's really it's a standout point of your story. You didn't want people just fixing things for you. You wanted to take ownership and have a voice and have agency in your path, your future, the the solutions you needed. So working with all of these clients or partners or however you know that you that you serve means that you listen to them, like you said, and help them. to be a part of the process, what does that, what does that look like? How do you do you have people from all over the state that you serve? Like how does this work at Form5? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah, so kind of the way that we engage people at Forum Five is really a multitude of ways. I would say a good chunk of it is word of mouth. you know, and and we often hear a phrase that it still puzzles me to this day, but it also tells me a lot about the work that we do. We hear a lot from people that you're our last resort. And I hate hearing that because it's like, gosh, I wish we were your first resort, but I don't know how to fix that other than like a hefty marketing budget, but but what that does tell me is that we're meeting a need no one else is. and so oftentimes folks will try the traditional route, they'll get a prosthesis, for whatever reason it did not work, or oftentimes we see a lot of people, the research they do on the organization, you know, Form 5 is this really out of the box thing. And so Oftentimes the folks that find us, they're like, hey, our child has a very unique limb difference, and so traditional avenues won't work for them. Or they're looking to do a specific function or a specific task that's so unique that like nothing out there exists for that. And so a lot of times people find us through those methods, and then really, you know, we have a unique opportunity for individuals to really again take that ownership. and so We have a workshop that we run in the fall and in the spring. It's called Cofab. And so Cofab stands for collaboration and fabrication, kind of the two main tenets of kind of what we do at this workshop, where we really walk the talk. We include those individuals with limb differences in the entire process of developing a solution. And so, you know, and I and I really mean that. It's not a show. Like we have people with limb differences there every weekend. They're a part of the sketching sessions. They some of them are like, I don't know how to sketch. And it's like, okay, you don't have to sketch. Like bullet point, whatever you use to get your ideas out there. it's integral for the teams of engineers and designers to hear from your perspective. and then all the way through the 3D printing process. I mean, especially our younger kids, obviously they're enamored by the 3D printers, but I try to get them into the lab and I'm like, okay, you're gonna help. Load the 3D printer. You're gonna hit start. You're gonna watch it do the first layer. it's a very immersive experience. And I think as a result of that, obviously that autonomy, that experience, they're able to, I think, accept the solution a little bit better than if it was just something where they came in the first weekend and showed up at the last weekend. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): they're integral to the entire process. they might not know how to do all the steps in the process, but their voice is so important. And you know, some of the greatest compliments that we receive, especially through that cofab workshop, you know, is most of the time we hear from people like, I have never felt more heard in my whole life. Like I've I felt seen by this experience. These people, these students, these college students, these industry mentors are volunteering their time on the weekend. to support that individual in a way that like no one ever really has. And I think that's just really magical. and I think that's kind of the starting point. You know, we try to come up with these ideas in collaboration with those that we serve. And then we look, you know, at the bigger picture. You know, and I think that's where as an organization we're really becoming more sophisticated of how do we go from like a cofab workshop to something that's like a commercial product. because really there's no limits or bounds to Form Five's innovation. It's just a matter of how do we scale it. And I think that's the neat part is that this isn't something that we just create for one person. it's something that could help a lot of people. Kristy Venne: You have shared so many things right now that I am interested in learning more about. I know I won't remember them all, but I'm gonna do my best. I'm curious. So the process you described in your spring and fall workshops for those who

co-design, you know, collaborate and help with that creation, that's phenomenal. I know you do other kinds of immersive experiences as well. first question: how did you get to that offering. you know, so for example, you've been creating these devices for a really, really long time, but to do them for other people, how did that begin and then how did it iterate and develop into this set workshop series, I guess? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yes. Yes. so I created the first solution for someone else through my senior project in high school. and that was kind of the first kind of like recipient of form five. And I wasn't sure following graduation how would be the best way to go about this. And you know, I realized I needed to get both the expertise in the room but also of course the community in the room. And so I had this crazy idea for this workshop. And what's crazy is it started in 2019 and I probably was laughed out of every single corporation's office at that time because I basically went to them and I said, hey, I'm this 19 year old. I just started this nonprofit. I want to pull all these different stakeholders together and I want to create solutions for people with disabilities in four days. And all of them were like, yeah, okay, sure. they're like, what shouldn't you be in school? Like I think a lot of them were just like shocked that I was even there. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): but there was a few companies that I don't think, I think they were were very interested and inquisitive. And I think the ones that said yes, I think more than likely were like, We just wanna see what's gonna happen. and thank goodness that they they said yes. I mean there was a few companies locally designed firms that said, yeah, we'll we'll host this and we'll you know help where we can and but we did it. I mean that first cofab, we worked with five individuals. we didn't have nearly as many students as we should have. I think there was like two students per one recipient. Kristy Venne: Wow. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): and we did it and like the Four or five days we developed solutions from scratch. Really building the curriculum, the process as I went. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): but you know, I I think the the common thread to all of it was, you know, what I had found to be true is that I, as a person with a limb difference, knew what I needed. And so it's like, let's just create the experience that puts those people in the driver's seat. and I think the thing that I didn't realize, and maybe Cofab helped me realize, especially now, however, you know, many cofabs we've done since 2019, the impact of Form 5 extends beyond people with limb differences. You know, we have individuals that are volunteering, they work for major corporations in an engineering role, and they like their job, but they come to Form 5 on the weekend and they're like, Yeah, this is why I'm an engineer. This is why I'm a product designer. It's it's different, it fills their cup in a in a very specific way, and and the impact is real, it's genuine. You can see it in front of you. and so like there's that impact. There's the impact on the students. The students are able to you know, really dial in what they're passionate about, you know, outside of academics and and really apply that knowledge and learning again in a very impactful way. And so Cofab I think is is definitely the heartbeat I think of Form five and the way that I think we are able to engage so many different stakeholders in the process and impact them throughout the whole experience. Kristy Venne: you shared that part about others that do not have limb differences and how they're engaged. That was my next question. So if someone is listening to this and they're thinking, my gosh, I've I would love to be involved in one of these workshops or I would love to support this organization, what's the best way for them to get connected with you? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah, I mean, reach out through our website, or social media, we're on all the platforms. I always tell people that want to get engaged that Cofab depending on your age, I would say Cofab's more college to, you know, you know, industry professionals. it's a great like on ramp to the organization. And I always tell people that like they're gonna get the Form5 bug and they're going to like stay involved. I mean To the point where we have students that graduate college and they get into industry and they come back as mentors. So like we have this really nice ecosystem that we're developing and the mentorship piece and the networking. And Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): there's folks that will plan their vacations around COFAP because they don't wanna miss this upcoming Falls workshop. And it's just really neat to see that. So I would yeah, definitely encourage folks and I will say this. I mean, a lot of times individuals will see this volunteer opportunity and they're like, well, I'm not in an engineering role. I I don't do that in my day job. But like if you're a tinkerer, if you have if you like to build things, if you like to problem Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): solve, that's really what we need. You can learn all that other stuff along the way. Kristy Venne: Yes, yes. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): and so I think that's where I always try to tell people there's so much opportunity to get engaged. it's really just having a a a passion and a willingness to learn and and and and just jumping in and helping out. So Kristy Venne: Well, I think giving of your time and your talents and connecting with others on purposeful endeavors is one of the most rewarding things to do and one of the the the things that I think people when once they do it, like you said, they get hooked because our lives are so busy, but when you make time to do really impactful things, you never regret it. It's one of those things that this is these are the moments that matter in our lives. True

connection, truly helping others. it's not always about massive donations, those are great too, but sometimes it's getting involved and seeing up close what that impact can be, and you learn as well about yourself and you make new friends. It just is so fantastic that you support that ecosystem. And you've brought people together from a very young age, and I'm curious. Form five feels bigger than prosthetics. It feels like it's confidence building, it's identity building, possibility building. When you think about the mission today, what matters the most about your work? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah. my gosh, it's such a tough question. Kristy Venne: Yeah. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I I think the thing that matters most about the work that we do, it has to be the the inherent connection to the people that we serve. I mean, I think that is our competitive advantage. I think we engage the community in a way no one else does, we listen in a way that no one else does. And you know, I think the the exciting part about our growth is that we're thinking bigger, we're imagining bigger ways that we can serve the community, but the broader community. I think, you know, we approaching our 10-year anniversary, I mean we have our sights on taking this thing into, you know, becoming a national disability organization. And I think that's where we are really starting to to dive into how do we make that happen? How do we scale these solutions? so that everyone can be able to enjoy all the activities that they want to enjoy. And I think you know, I I have kind of come to this realization probably over the last few years that like I don't want to coddle our innovation. I think there was a level of I think, you know, I was d I started this so young and I had to get through my undergrad and I kinda had to pace myself, which I don't think I did a great job of, but I did pace myself. Kristy Venne: Yeah. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): we don't want to coddle it. Like it's amazing that you know we have a product we're testing for riding a bicycle. about 30 people have tested the product over the last four or five years. That's great. 30, 40 people have the product. That's not enough. Like there's Kristy Venne: Mm. Right. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): way more than 30, 40 people that want to be able to ride a bicycle. Kristy Venne: Yes. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): And so that's kind of the new growth era of the organization is how do we make that a reality? how do we take this one solution, this individualized solution, and extrapolate it and really help a lot of people in a lot of different areas of their life. So it's much bigger, Kristy Venne: yes. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I think, than than prosthetics. You know, I think we've even intentionally dropped that from our branding. Kristy Venne: Okay. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): it's really more adaptive products and and that could look like a lot of different things, but also it looks like a lot of different types of disabilities. You know, I think Kristy Venne: Right. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): We are starting to limb difference is a new term, probably within the last decade and a half that it's started to be used both from a societal standpoint, but also even within the medical setting. it's more encompassing. You know, limb difference Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): includes both folks who were, you know, congenital, who were born this way, also folks that it happened through you know, it was acquired through an amputation, it's some type of tragic incident in their life. but it includes all both of those sides of the community. And I think we could even extend that out further. I mean, I think there's people who have neuromuscular diseases that Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): have lost function of their hands or their limbs. Arguably that's a limb difference. And so why Kristy Venne: Sure. Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): do we have to box ourselves in? And Kristy Venne: Right. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): so we've started to take on more cases that kind of broaden the definition of what we originally thought of of limb difference. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): but again, I think that speaks to the mission of the organization and trying to empower everyone to interact with their world more successfully, especially when they have access to the right tools. Kristy Venne: Absolutely. And I I appreciate you clarifying that widening of your lens because that truly is that next step of scaling growth and innovation and the people you can impact. You have helped people, you mentioned riding a bike. people bowl, play instruments, sports, lots of things people just take for granted that if if you don't have a limb difference, then it's not something you even think about. Is there a particular story or moment? With someone you helped that stayed with you. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I always say I live vicariously through the people that we work with. some more than others. I think the one that really sticks out to me is the the genesis of the bike arm adapter. I think it's our flagship product. it's come about so organically. and so, you know, the the woman we created it for, she hadn't really been able to ride a bike as a kid. She's middle aged. She had a dear friend of hers diagnosed with cancer. She wanted to write in Pelatonia. I almost had to like convince I didn't almost, I did have to convince her to do cofab. I think sometimes people with disabilities are the most selfless people where it's like, no, no, no, no, someone needs it more than I do. Like, and I had to tell her, I was like, Jody, this is your dream. And like, Form 5 wants to make it happen. And And I think in many ways that experience allowed me to think about are there things I've shied away from or I haven't gone after? And so, you know, we worked with Jody at the very first cofab. and then, you know, there was a pandemic and such that happened. We got her on her bike training for

Pelotonia. And I I kid you not, the first time I saw her leave the parking lot to test the product. I was like, my gosh, I have lived vicariously through this whole experience and now I want to ride my bike. Like I was like, When was the last time I rode my bike? Like why did why did I stop riding my bike? Kristy Venne: my gosh. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): And like all these things. and so Kristy Venne: Well, Aaron, that that's absolutely that leads into what I wanted to ask you. You did a Miles That Matter bike fundraiser, bike ride fundraiser, which I think you went like a hundred and ninety miles or something. Ridiculous, amazing Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah. Kristy Venne: to raise awareness and support. Can you tell us a little about that experience? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah, so I s so basically kind of connecting the dots here, the the experience of seeing Jodi get on her bike basically two weeks before Pelotonia that year, I looked at my one intern and said, Hey, you know the two years it took to get Jodi on her bike. Could we make me an adapter in two weeks? Cause I want to ride with her. so I think Kristy Venne: My god. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): this natural overzealousness has always been in my DNA. and so I did Pelotonia with her that year and a few other years, but we're at this precipice of wrapping up development and testing with the intention of commercially launching the bike arm adapter. and I knew that we needed to like really drum up some buzz about this. And so you know, like I said, I'd I'd done some other charity rides, but I just really last year was thinking about it more and more. And it's like, you know, I want to ride for my own cause and I want to showcase. not just the innovation of form five, but also what people with limb differences can do when they have access to the right tools. And so I I think I said it out loud last April. Like I think I texted my family group chat and I was like, hey, I'm gonna ride 200 plus miles on my bike. And I think all of them were like, what? and then and then I just kept telling more and more people, which I think like locked me into having to do it. And so yeah, I ended up biking from Indianapolis to Columbus. It's about a 200 plus mile ride. I was absolutely crazy. I had never rode that far before. I should have trained way more last year than I than I did. but again, I think just like everything else in my life, I was just like, I have this vision, I have this goal, and I need these tools and resources. And if they don't exist, I'm gonna make them, I'm gonna find people to help me along the way. And it was a very transformative experience. not to sound cheesy, but I mean it that whole miles that matter, that 200 mile ride, it changed me and it changed Form 5. And I think a lot of it had to do with this whole notion of making our innovation accessible. you know, that was kind of our big line. And As I was riding through the cornfields of Indiana, I kept thinking, what in the heck does that even mean? Like, what does making Form 5's innovation accessible mean? And so on the all the time I had to think about it, I just realized like there's solutions that we have. We want to get out to more people. We don't want to coddle our innovation, we wanna think bigger, we wanna dream bigger, we want to grow this thing into a national organization. and it starts by getting these products out there to more people so that they can live full functional lives. And so that's definitely been a big push. obviously, we it was a successful fundraising campaign. We ended up raising over $75,000. We've never raised that amount of money that quickly before. but I think it speaks to just the excitement and the momentum around the organization at such a critical time. you know, we're a very unique organization. You know, we're a nonprofit that's researching and developing these solutions. but you know, we're we're thinking about the long-term sustainability of the organization, both from an impact standpoint, but also from a financial standpoint. You know, I think there's a lot Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): of opportunity to to take these products to market in a way that you know, generates a sustainable revenue stream that allows us to. further invest those dollars in innovation and get the next thing out and help more people and and continue to do these workshops and and bring these people together. we're going about it in a very unique innovative way. And you know, it's been just amazing to see the community kind of rally around the the vision that I've laid out for Form5. Kristy Venne: Aaron, I think you're so brave, and I admire you so much. I've seen such growth in you. It's been continuously you improving your strategy, refining, trying something new, courageously biking, you know, across states. it's so brave. And I remember seeing that you were a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, and as the CEO leading this organization, Form 5. How has your definition of leadership changed and evolved over time? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): it's evolved a lot. I mean, I think what was unique starting this so young, I think there was a lot of barriers that I came up against w shortly after graduating high school, starting the nonprofit, where I think a lot of people thought this was just like, it's just his like school project. And I really had to like demonstrate the the vision and the leadership and the strategy behind it. And you know, I think for me how it's really evolved. is the way that we connect with people. I mean, I think leadership really is a matter of relationship building and stewarding those relationships. And I think I think that's where it's evolved the most. I think, you know, I'm I'm not the type of person that's, you know, reaching out to people and and not having intention or thoughtfulness. very much about having those connections with people and and and and and also I think it's the the mutual piece of it. obviously there's so

many people that have supported me and and believed in me and I try to give that back out as much as I can. You know, my my phrase is always I want to somehow, give more than I receive. and I think that's where, you know, the leadership piece is important because if you demonstrate that, then everyone around your team catches on to that and I think the other piece from a leadership standpoint, I had to had to build a board. I had to find all these, you know, very highly talented executives and people with different skill sets and backgrounds. I think the diversity piece is huge. You know, I in many ways look at Form5 and the work that we're doing and we're kind of reshaping how products are developed for people with disabilities and in order to kind of reshape or reinvent something, you need to have different skill sets and backgrounds, around the table. And so I think that's kind of naturally organically come about. But I don't think that mentality is something that just you stumble into. You have to cultivate that. That's a culture thing. And so Kristy Venne: Mm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): probably around the time that we really built out the board from a leadership perspective, I realized how important culture was. And Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): something that I think somewhat unintentionally, just from starting Form 5 so young, the culture that I built in Form5 is very simple. We all have something to learn from each other. And if we walk into the room with that mindset, it's gonna be a great meeting because it's very easy to think, I know everything, I'm the best person for this profession, whatever. But I am always the first person in the room to say, hey, I'm Often the youngest person in the room, but I'm also Kristy Venne: Okay. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): the least experienced person in this room. Not a lot of people are willing to say that. and Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I think by doing that and demonstrating that as a leader, it's made that culture where everyone comes into the room and it both acknowledges, hey, this is my skill set, this is where I can help, but this is also what I want to learn or what I'm willing to learn. and being open to learn from the people around you has been huge. Kristy Venne: Yes. my gosh. it's amazing how as such a young leader, how self-aware you are. And when you mention diversity, that cognitive diversity is a goldmine. It is absolutely not only the right thing to do, but the best thing to do. And as a young leader, for you to be able to assemble a board that had that was really, really powerful because a lot of times people choose people just because they know them or because they they are like them. But really, Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Mm. Kristy Venne: people who are different from us who come from different backgrounds, have different experiences, have different areas of specialty, when you can get them in the room and be curious together, it is so magical. That formula is really, really, when done what well, can be so impactful. So Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yes. Yes. Kristy Venne: I love how you explain that. I think that'll be really helpful to a lot of our listeners. and even if it didn't start out completely intentional, because you were figuring it out. now that you've been doing this for several years, you've had time to refine and recognize that matters. And you keep showing up saying, I'm curious. I still don't know everything, even though I am the leader and I've been doing this. a lot of people older than you are not able to do that still. So it's something definitely, I think, that's your strength and sets you apart from other CEOs. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah, no, absolutely. And I think it's something that I mean, even in the growth we're experiencing now, I woke up this morning and I and that was like the first thing I thought about is you know, we have a board meeting in a few weeks, we're navigating all these really big growth opportunities and and I'm like, you know, this is another season where I just need to like s just get in the boardroom and just say, Hey, I've never done this before. Like, help me figure let's all get together and let's figure Kristy Venne: Yeah. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): this out. I think it just reduces that like inherent anxiety around the situation. And there's a phrase that I I really like. We actually have laser cut the the letters out and we actually have it on the in the wall at our office. the phrase is learn like a junior, lead like a senior. And I think that is like so integral to the organization because there's times where I've had to lead like a senior. I've had to lead like I somewhat know what I'm doing or have an idea of what I'm doing and just kind of go after it. But there's other times where I've had to be like, hey, I'm still very much a junior and I'm trying to learn. and I think you have to be able to demonstrate both of those things. It's that coachability Kristy Venne: Mm, absolutely. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): piece I think is is huge. Kristy Venne: Yes, I that's a word that I would use to describe you. You are very open to feedback and feedback is a gift, but many people don't see it that way. But you've always been very eager to keep improving and for the purpose that you're serving, it's not about your ego, it's about what you're working on. And that's that's so key and just really respectable too, I think. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Thank Kristy Venne: so you have been an advocate for. systems and laws to evolve alongside of innovation. So you're not just creating solutions for individuals, you're really looking at this much more broadly. You mentioned the word ecosystem. So you have thrown yourself into this from all aspects. Was there a moment when you realized that your voice could create broader change beyond just your organization? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): there's been s I would say several moments. I think the one most

notable that comes to my mind was the the opportunity that I had in twenty eighteen w around regulatory reform with the state of Ohio. at the at that time the 3D printing technology and process was not included in the language for developing prosthetic assistive technologies. I was a part of that regulatory reform push. I had the opportunity to speak at a press conference with Lieutenant Governor at the time and was really able to kind of advocate. And I and I realized that there's some industry forces that aren't always keen or or supportive of the work that Form 5 is doing, but for me in that room it was less about that and it was more about showing up for my community. and it was challenging because, there was a lot of a lot of a lot of egos in the room, I guess to put it that Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): way, a lot of lot of just different perspectives and different things of that nature. but I always tried to align every work group session, every conversation through that whole regulatory process of we're all coming together to help people with limb differences. So like we might be going about it different ways. We might not agree on everything, but if we are all here for this same common reason, then we're going to find the where this is gonna land. and I think for me that realized that the voice that I have, the platform that I have, is both impactful but also influential, in the way that we can continue to make the world more accessible for everyone. Kristy Venne: How courageous of you to be in that situation, your younger self, and to recognize, wow, there are organizations, industry leaders, people who are actually against the things that are good for people. such as myself and my community, and I need to be an advocate and I need to stand up to this. How I'm what a moment to be in. That feels very pivotal. I can I can sense what you probably felt in that moment. But the fact that you definitely handled it well and looking back, know you have that as part of your experience, your core, that it's built into you now. When you look forward, you can continue to know the reality of the situation. and know some of those levers that you need to pull to keep your mission driving forward, essentially. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Absolutely. And I think a lot of that all centers back to community. we host an annual limb difference celebration for the state of Ohio. April is the National Awareness Month for Limb Differences. and I had this idea for this event and I invited all these industry people and all these other like our our quote unquote competitors. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I don't care. It has nothing to do with ego and competition. It's for the community benefit. It's the the idea Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): is how do we get every resource in the same room on the same day for the community benefit? it's not for Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Form5. It's not for the it's for

the community. And I think that's the the central link to all of it. We always go back to the community. I mean, the things that we create, we don't just create them because we think someone needs them. Someone from the community reaches out to us. These programs, these events, I mean the whole limb difference day concept came from a young girl who, you know, locally here in Ohio wanted to have friends that looked like her. And her mom reached out to me and she's like, Can we do some type of I was like, Yes. it's a real need coming from the community. And I think that's where, Form five kind of serves as that conduit between the community and and the innovation and and the connection and all of those types of things. Kristy Venne: Hmm. Well, you really walk the walk. You said you modeling is important to you, and being visible and being action focused, it defines you, and I think others are inspired because they see that and it makes them want to also take action, which is so powerful. I'm curious if you could look back to your younger self and give advice now that you have gotten where you are. You've been dedicated, determined. you've you've had to pivot, you've gotten through COVID, you've done all the things. What would you say to your younger self? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Such a good question. I guess what I would tell my younger self is It's probably the the power of perseverance. there's so many times whether it's because I have one hand or because I was young or because of the COVID or because of funding short or this, whatever the barrier is, it's that perseverance, that power, that perseverance has has has pushed me through every single barrier. and and I think some of that I think is obviously stemmed from having a limb difference and that just tenacity. I think is is has been the absolute common denominator for me. And I would tell my younger self to continue to to persevere and every single barrier that comes up because it's a matter of it's not what what I can't do, it's how can I figure it out. and I think when it all started, the school got a fabrication maker space and it there was only one person, one teacher who who knew how to use the space, had the key. And so I just went Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): to that teacher and I said, Hey, you don't know me. I'm not in any of your classes, but this is my idea. and you know, and all the barriers and all the things I faced and every I mean, it's I've just continued to persevere and figure it out and pivot and I think that's probably what I would tell my younger self is that the key to success is that perseverance and and pushing through whatever barrier comes comes your way. Kristy Venne: that's amazing. I think that'll be helpful to a lot of people. you know, some people have challenges that aren't as visible. And taking inspiration from someone who said, nope, like I'm not gonna be stopped. I have purpose and this is what I'm after. I think that's very, very powerful and inspirational, really. we have time for a rapid fire questions. So will you humor me and do some quick, quick, short answer Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah. Kristy Venne: questions? Okay. What's something people with no limb difference may never realize about adaptability? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): my gosh. I guess I'll answer it this way. There's a lot of times people will see someone with a limb difference and they'll go, my gosh, they can do everything. Like they're like there, there's nothing that limits them. That's not always true. Like there are things that are limiting. and oftentimes those types of people we just avoid it. Like you know what I mean? it's not it's something that we just don't always actively pursue. but I also think that another maybe misconception. is that people with limb differences need to always wear some type of solution. I think we as an organization have kind of blown up that whole you have to wear this thing, it has to look like an arm. No, Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): it it's a product that performs a specific task. So like Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): and it doesn't and you sometimes you don't have to wear it. It doesn't have to be connected to your body. Kristy Venne: Mm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): I think that's a big, a big thing that we I think have have shifted in within our own community and then externally. Kristy Venne: what's something that you are really curious about right now? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Hm. I'm genuinely curious about all this advancement in technology that we see. It's obviously hard to avoid, Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): and how the community voice helps shape the implementation of those things. I'm very fascinated. And I think not to get too deep into a rabbit hole, but I think this whole data center AI boom, like it's been fascinating to see. the level of people, you know, that are being outwardly spoken about their perspective on that. in in a way that I don't think we've seen societally for a while. Like I think people are very vocal about, you know, what's coming into their community and why. And and and I think that type of activation could be applied to a lot of different areas of technology advancement. And so that's something I think currently that I'm curious about and yeah, obviously how do you activate that in other spaces, but also like how will that shape the implementation of this technology? Kristy Venne: yes. And your focus on community and whatever it takes to bring people together, sometimes it's crisis, but once you're together and you realize, wow, this feels really good. We're working together to solve a problem that matters to us, to many of us, and we can do this for lots of things. It's invigorating and it's hopefully gonna incentivize more of that kind of collaboration that can truly change our society for sure. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yes. Kristy Venne: okay, last question. You've shared a couple

stories that were really powerful. Can you think of maybe one more example of someone that Form 5 has helped that captures why this work matters so much to you? Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yeah. so we worked with a gentleman at our spring cofab last year. So spring twenty twenty five. he has a neuromuscular disease. He's basically losing function in his hands in in middle age. And he's a creative, he's artistic, he likes to build things, but he's a designer. And I think what was really unique about his cofab is that he was he familiar with the design process. So there's always a level of kind of explaining the steps of the design process to a lot of the people that go through Cofab. he understood it and I think as a result we were able to move more efficiently. I think what's unique about his story is that it was very much about thinking about how do we ask the right questions to get the right information to develop the right solution. Cause you could make You could make a solution twenty different ways, probably even more, but how that solution is developed is based off the first question that you ask. And I think that was very fascinating because sometimes you're adapting the activity to the person, and other times you're adapting the person to the activity. And so I think it was very fascinating working with him. And I think a lot of those conversations around the process and how things are developed. stem from him being exp having that design experience. and I think as a result, what we were what we were able to create for him was a lot stronger. I mean, as an example, we have this GripAid product that we've developed for him that within the last year we've developed and we now have pre-orders running for. Like we've never moved that quickly as an organization. So I think it really for me goes back to like that first question, that first interaction, you're listening the the information gathering is so important because that shapes the whole thing. Kristy Venne: Mm-hmm. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): and so and just working with him, he was a wonderful guy and continues to be involved in the organization. Kristy Venne: Aaron, that was a perfect story to end on. And I'll be sure to link in the show notes your site and how people could get in touch with you if they want to get engaged in some way. It sounds like there's wonderful opportunities for many people to get involved and follow this exciting journey as you're growing what Form 5 has to offer. This conversation has been such a treat. Thank you so much for your time today. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Yes, thank you so much. I've really enjoyed the conversation and getting to share a little bit more about my story and leadership and really the the objectives we're we're chasing after. It's gonna be a a really fun next decade of Form5 that we're preparing for. Kristy Venne: I have no doubt that you're correct. I'm excited to watch the journey unfold. Thanks, Aaron. Aaron Westbrook (Form5): Awesome. Kristy Venne: Thanks for listening to Innovate Where You Are. Check the show notes for links and resources from today's conversation. If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do that at buymeacoffee.com forward slash Kristy Venne. Until next time.