Open Wired with Natalie Phillips-Mason

About this episode Bianca Stern is the Head of Impact and a founding member of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise empowering people with disability through award-wage employment, purposeful training, and pathways to rewarding careers in hospitality. Named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025, Bianca is a recognised leader in the social impact sector, with deep experience...

About this episode Parul is a first-generation immigrant who lives in the UK. She is a later in life diagnosed AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) woman of colour who experiences chronic illness. Parul works in talent acquisition, and platforms intersectionality, power and privilege to create awareness of systemic barriers. Resources LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-parallel-minds/   https...

About this episode Kay Sargent is a global leader in shaping purposeful, human-centered environments. As Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, she pioneers workplace strategy and real estate innovation. Kay is a renowned advocate for neuroinclusive design and creating built environments that work for everyone. Kay authored Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces and has testified before th...

About this episode Paul Zahra has spent much of his career in retail. From pushing trolleys to leading retail giant David Jones through a tumultuous period. Paul is also one of the few corporate executives who is openly gay and spoke out for Marriage Equality when few others were vocal. In this episode, Paul speaks with raw honestly about his professional and personal journey. Key Takeaways Leadin...

Tristan Lavender is an international speaker and consultant on neuroinclusion at work. Drawing on 15 years of global business experience and a lifetime of lived experience as an autistic person, he helps organisations create workplaces where everyone can do their best work. A recipient of the Bridgemaker Award at the Davos Neurodiversity Summit, Tristan is a sought-after speaker on how to build su...

About this episode Rochelle Courtenay is the Founder and force behind Sharethe Dignity, a national charity dedicated to ending period poverty in Australia. Rochelle has spent years working to change policies and outdated ideas that don’t serve women andgirls, providing homeless and at risk women nationally withsanitary products to allow them a sense of dignity at a time when they need it most. Roc...

Johanna Barker is an experienced Board Member specialising in finance, governance and technology. She has held senior corporate positions and leadership roles with responsibility for strategy, operations, governance and the bottom line. Joh was diagnosed autistic in her 50s, well into her corporate career. In this episode, Joh talks candidly and honestly about her approach to leading and fostering...

About this episode: Karen McCarthy believes in the inherent dignity of people and is committed to reducing the impact of factors that limit how freely they’re able to enjoy full and flourishing lives.  Karen lost her sight as a result of complications to remove a tumour on her pituitary gland in her mid 30s.  She survived and is now a keynote speaker on resilience and adaptability. Karen is a Boar...

About this episode: We explore the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, first initiated at Gatwick airport in 2016. Today, the Sunflower is a visible symbol of accessibility in 300 airports and in venues and workplaces across the globe.  Key Takeaways: - The Sunflower is a symbol for non-apparent differences and disabilities. - The lanyard empowers its wearers to communicate discreetly that that...

About this episode: We talk to Ryan Kelly, Director and Founder of Creative Natives, a talent partner for the Australian digital and creative sectors. Ryan works with brands to transform their team cultures and helps top-tier talent land their dream gigs. At the same time, Creative Natives was built on an ethos of human connection and compassion, with a strong lens on the commercial benefits of hi...

About this episode: Sara Harrup is a Brisbane-based governance professional, executive coach, and the founder of Unique Mind Co. She is regarded as a pioneer in neuroinclusive governance design: the intentional design of board environments, systems, processes, and relational styles to anticipate a wide range of neurocognitive profiles, so that people do not need to mask, disclose their neurodiverg...

About this episode: Sarah James is the founder of The Sensory Specialist, a Melbourne-based business providing families, schools and organisations with sensory tools. A former psychology teacher and mum of two, Sarah works with councils, schools and major venues to design sensory-friendly spaces. In this episode we explore accessibility, neurodiversity and the practical work of making everyday pub...

Description: Madeleine Jane Lobsey spent decades in the arts and global leadership development before being diagnosed as autistic and ADHD at 48 and realising she’d been building neuroinclusive spaces long before she had the language for it.  Named as a Top 50 Australians Over 50 in 2025, she founded Wondiverse, a neuroinclusion social enterprise. She also runs WonderPlay Studio, a neuroinclusive...

About this episode: Gary Mortimer is a Professor of Retail Marketing and Consumer Behaviour at Queensland University of Technology. He has over 25 years of retail industry experience, and is currently the Chair and Independent Director of Services and Creative Skills Australia. In this episode we tackle an alarming trend in retail - customer aggression - and its impact on psychosocial safety for r...

About this episode: Meet Storm Menzies, founder of ByStorm Beauty, a brand on a mission to make beauty accessible, fun and inclusive. Drawing on her own lived experience, Storm designs accessible beauty tools, helping people feel confident and seen. Storm is passionate about inclusivity and creates beauty products that celebrate diversity and remove barriers in self-care. ByStorm Beauty is breakin...

About this episode On this episode of Open Wired, host Natalie Phillips-Mason talks with award winning disability advocates Lisa Cox OAM and Paul Nunnari PSM PLY about disability representation in the media. They explore why representation matters, how organisations can get it right, and what businesses lose when disability inclusion is ignored. From Breaking Bad to Autistic Barbie, this episode i...

Open Wired is a series hosted by Natalie Phillips-Mason, Founder of Inclusive Change. Natalie has candid conversations with people solving inclusion challenges. Sometimes unpolished but always authentic, the series explores inclusion within workplaces, boardrooms, retail and physical spaces. Guests include award-winning leaders from private sector and Not for Profit, entrepreneurs, executives and...