Tenzin Sewo (CH): Managing the Dalai Lama’s Foundation & The Reality of Special Needs Parenting

What happens when you manage the legacy of the world's most compassionate figure, but face a reality at home that no amount of prayer can fix?

Tenzin Sewo holds a unique position: He is the Executive Director of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama in Switzerland. But when the office lights turn off, he faces a different kind of challenge.

Seven years ago, his eldest daughter was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome at the age of three, a rare genetic condition. In this vulnerable and raw conversation, Tenzin steps out from behind his official title to talk about the side of life that press releases don't cover.

We discuss:

The Gatekeeper: What it’s really like to work for the Dalai Lama
The Diagnosis Trauma: A critique of how the medical system delivers bad news and treats disabled children like "objects."
Karma vs. Genetics: Navigating the cultural stigma of disability in the Tibetan community.
The "Selfish" Parent: Why Tenzin believes you must be selfish to be a good caregiver.
Two Worlds: Balancing life as a Tibetan-Swiss in Zurich.

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Music by Prod.Pluvio

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