Neurodiversity with Theo Smith

Today I am lucky enough to be joined By Natalia, who along with others from IBM feature in my upcoming book with Prof Amanda Kirby 'Neurodiversity at Work'. Natalia Lyckowski, is the Global Chair for IBM's Neurodiversity Business Resource Group (BRG). Natalia is a self-advocate who has led several global initiatives at IBM leading to increased awareness and acceptance for neurodivergent individual...

This week I meet Gary Baron CEO and Founder YC-DC (Youth Community Development Consultancy) who's transforming lives by removing obstacles and empowering people to be agents of change in their communities.  We discuss: Who are you and what do you do? Why is early intervention key to enabling future success? Why trauma experienced up to the age of 7 has such a big impact in adults in late...

I just had some big bold conversations with Atif Choudhury over virtual lunch on Neurodiversity.  We talked about: Intersectionality - there are many parts to our makeup Who gets to participate in the debate What does equity mean What does 'Bring your whole self...' really mean Superpowers 'Speed of Trust' (an Atif-ism ;) ) Role models , their power and pain Atif has worked with a number of h...

I've been 'Offended' good and proper and If you're easily offended don't listen to this podcast episode! Dan Kelsall talks to us about his approach to marketing. He is an outlier, a man of the people, and produces Fcuking Good Content ;) He tells us why they don't look to offend but by nature of challenging the status quo, there is always someone who'll find offence, and that's okay. Actually, it...

In today's episode, I speak with Shelley Winner, who found out just before starting her prison sentence for drug dealing that she was pregnant. The federal government had a 10-year sentence in mind, but through Shelley's grit and determination in less than 10 years from that date, she now works successfully for one of the largest global tech giants. Shelley was stuck in a losers loop, the only way...

We talk today about the ADHD foundation, what it does, and why. We also discuss three important current initiatives. *the Petition - Review & fund improved diagnosis and treatment of ADHD *APPG - the all parliamentary group for ADHD (contact jo.platt@adhdfoundation.org.uk ) *the very successful Umbrella Project 2021 Tony also shares some incredible insight into the current state of ADHD.

In today's episode, I speak with CEO and founder of The Do Company David O'Coimin. We talk about the future of workplaces and spaces and how organisations need to think and ACT now on how they design and construct those spaces. Because in David's view, our current predicament is not going away, and rather than plan for post-Covid 19 we need to accept that the future is now. David has some fascinat...

In this episode, Adam shares his own journey in discovering a passion for Neurodiversity and how he has started to help Universities, Government departments and organisations to lift Neurodiversity off the page and explore what it means and why it's important.  This is another great example of the wide variety of individuals doing what they can to lift the lid on this topic. 

In today's episode we discuss how technology can play its part in enabling greater accessibility during the recruitment process.  Roy shares with us how Smart Recruiters are supporting Neurodiversity for it's:  *Candidates *Recruiters and hiring managers *Its employees I believe technology could empower those who are neurodiverse both in work, at home and when applying for jobs. Roy shar...

In this episode we explore Dr Anne Cockayne's research and examination of the experiences of line managers who manage employees with Asperger syndrome, exploring how these are shaped by contemporary HRM policies. I recently spoke at a global talent acquisition event and referenced the brilliant work and research that Ann has done. A fascinating episode and a great opportunity for us to consider ho...

It feels right that my 20th episode is with Amanda. She is an amazing supporter of Neurodiversity in all its forms. She's created tech to support us and she also shares loads of research, help, guides and resources for a wide audience. I've been following her closely as a Dad, because of the wonderful information she's been sharing to help and support parents. In this episode she gives us her thou...

High Contrast this weeks guest is one of the leading music producers in the world. He's from Wales, our Dads were best mates back in the day and he hears in colour. What!?! Yes you heard it, the way he produces his music is incredible and clearly he has a brilliant mind for music production. A good ear, you might say ;o) This is such a fascinating look into how one of the foremost electronic music...

Bill tells us about his thoughts on Neurodiversity and more broadly D&I and tech. He is an all-in type of guy and immerses himself in the subject, getting to the heart of what's important. And speaking of hearts, Bill, in my opinion, is all heart! He genuinely wants to understand people and offer his support, to help and encourage others. He's also a tech startup guru, helping organisations fl...

In today's episode I interview Lucy Hobbs. Lucy has lead the awareness raising of 'Neurodiversity at Work' across the digital and creative sector. An area that should by all accounts be full of neurodiverse minds. However as Lucy explains that doesn't mean there are not challenges for those in the sector who are neruodiverse. She gives a personal account of what it means to be neurodiverse and som...

In this episode a speak with Julie Sowash on her mental health, well-being and neurodiversity journey. Julie works with federal contractors to assess outreach, hiring, and retention systems and policies in a company that impacts the organization’s ability to successfully engage/retain qualified jobseekers w/ disabilities. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area both personally an...

In today's episode, I meet Robbie-Lee Valentine a TV presenter who came to prominence on the Turkish ATV's talk show Elin Oğlu. He has 1.5+ million views on his youtube channel and still has a following from his time in Turkey. He's back in the UK and just in talks with a production company and Channel 4 on creating a new TV show. He's also Neurodiverse and shares his personal story and journey. W...

I met Stan at a TRU event in Manchester and was instantly drawn to him because of his high intellect, positive energy and enthusiasm. In this podcast he shares how ADHD helps him to be an incredible sales leader. He also shares some of his trials and tribulations and why he thinks organisations should be focusing on the strengths of their employees and forgetting about any perceived weaknesses! Th...

Autotrader are the first company in the world to be recognised as Autism friendly by NAS (National Autistic Society). Christos who's their Head of People and Culture shares with us how that came about. He also discussed with us some of the wonderful work they've been doing to empower there people to help improve their working environment for all. Top work by a great a person and a fantastic organi...

In today's episode I speak with Rachel Morgan-Trimmer from Sparkleclass. She shares with me the challenges of spending a life being neurodiverse and not knowing. This is a very personal story and one that struck a cord with me as you'll hear in the podcast. We are constantly learning and evolving and this episode is another example of the power of talking about and sharing our individual experienc...

In today's episode I meet the amazing Leena Haque and Sean Gilroy from the BBC. I've been following their work around Neurodiversity for some time and they've been creating some wonderful content that can be accessed by all. They share their journey, how it all started and current and future plans at the BBC. This is one not to be missed as it's a great example of a grassroots movement that has be...

In today's episode I'm joined by Nemo D'Qrill CEO and founder of Sigma Polaris. Nemo has travelled many paths driven by a passion to discover, understand, and solve worthy problems. From Mathematician to Tech-Ambassador to Partner Acrobat to Entrepreneur. He shares with me how he's trying to now achieve a real world impact through his organisation and what part Neurodiversity has to play on that j...

In today's episode I went over to Sainsbury's support centre in Manchester Arndale to record this live with Chris Wray, their Head of Recruitment Strategy and a Neurodiversity Superhero. Chris discusses his personal journey as somebody who is Neurodiverse and how it's not always been easy. This is such a personal story and a wonderful example of how your  Neurodifference can be an incredible super...

Simon talks to me on his personal interest in Neurodiversity and how the #IBM #IGNITE program, is recruiting awesome talent with an autism spectrum condition into their workforce. They have plans to hire 150+ over the next year and he also shares how they've got to this point. This episode is filled full of interesting and insightful idea's to help you on your journey to Neurodiversity at Work ;)

Lauren Beasley joins me in this episode to share with me her challenges around being neurodiverse, but also how she has been successful and found a role where she can support others. I think Lauren is a wonderful neurodiversity superhero and a great example of the wonderful work people our doing beneath the radar.  I'm so pleased to give Lauren a platform to share her experiences and positive supp...

Today I meet with Jenny Hossen from Heathrow. Her canopy of brightly coloured umbrellas was a sight not to be missed and she shares her journey with us.  She identifies her Superpowers as being energetic and thinking differently, but boredom is her kryptonite. Quote of the episode:  "Don’t allow anybody to put your sparkly self into a square box" Love it! ;o)