Neurodiversity with Theo Smith

This week I'm joined by Jamie Shields. Jamies is a registered Blind AuDHD Rhino, (Rhinos are just chubby unicorns with bad eyesight). A Disability Accessibility & ERG Lead and his awesome side hustle is making the Inaccessible Accessible.

We discuss Jamie's journey, career and life experiences. His mission to make the 'Inaccessible Accessible' and the fun he's having along the way!

You can find Jamie here on Linkedin where he shares a wealth of knowledge : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shieldsjamie/

This is the podcast where we speak to people who care and are passionate about the topic of neurodiversity, and want to see a world where we are no longer disabled by society.

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD #Autism #Dyslexia #Dyspraxia #NeurodiversityByDesign

Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring Tom Nicholson, PhD, a Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Northumbria University, Neurodiversity Keynote Speaker/Trainer, and PhD in Parental ADHD Diagnostic Journey. In this episode, we delve into the confusion surrounding the prevalence of autism and ADHD, particularly in light of the increased exposure these conditions have received on social media.

Dr. Nicholson brings to the table his extensive research on neurodiversity and his unique perspective on the subject. His PhD work is centered around the Parental ADHD Diagnostic Journey and how we can better support individuals who fall under this category.

In this podcast, we explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity. Dr. Nicholson shares insights from his research and discusses the challenges and opportunties faced by individuals with neurodivergent traits in various spheres of life.

So join us as we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity with Dr. Tom Nicholson and gain a greater understanding of his journey and work.

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD #Autism #Dyslexia #Dyspraxia #NeurodiversityByDesign

Today we speak with 👋Mike Bedford. He is the CEO and Founder of Bee-Brilliant People Development. Where we explore topics on coaching development, neurodiversity celebration week , what Neurodiversity means to him and why he is a passionate activist, advocate and advisor in the Neurodiversity space.
🌐 www.beebrilliantpeople.com
He commits to changing the Workplace and the World of Work.
He has the lived experience, knowledge, skills and technical expertise to enable and empower bold, brave and courageous Leaders and Organisations to change.
🎯 Coaching Leader of the Year 2022 🏆
🎯 Top 80 ND 🧠 People to follow in the UK 2023.
🎯 20 years XP in HR, OD, ED&I and People Development.

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Adam Gordon and I get into some great discussions around his experience as a founder, a Dad, a son and the challenges of dealing with past trauma. Also a realisation that many of these things are also why Adam has gone on to create and sell not one but two very successful companies.

Adam was CEO and co-founder at Candidate.ID, was acquired by iCIMS, Inc in 2022.

- Recruitment tech start-up of the year, Unleash Paris, 2018
- Recruitment tech start-up of the year, Hiring Success San Francisco, 2019
- Top HR tech product of the year, HR Tech Las Vegas, 2022
- Exit to iCIMS, Inc, 2022

Previously CEO and founder at Social Media Search, acquired by Norman Broadbent plc in 2012.

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Today I'm joined by Yasar Ahmad the Global Vice President of Talent at HelloFresh. Previously, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Zalando focussed on Technology Hiring and prior to that the Director and Head of Strategic Hiring at Wipro and Wipro Digital. But we don't just want to know about his amazing career history, we delve into the world of Neurodiversity!

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

In this weeks episode, I speak with Jack Fitzpatrick who shares his journey through the education system with support via an early diagnosis of Autism and Dyspraxia.

He is now putting that experience to use and working towards supporting others.

We discuss:

Jack's journey from childhood to University

The work he did with an incredible organisation, implementing systems and processes to support Neurodivergent staff  

We also discuss the support he received from physiotherapy and OT Gaining educational support – which had a profound impact with the help and support of his parents to be successful

All in all Jack is an incredible example of what can be achieved given the right care, support and platform to succeed. He is now using that experience to pay it forwards which gives me the faith and hope that we can expect a more inclusive world in the future, than we have today. That's if Jack reflects the wider generation he represents.

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Today I am lucky to have James and Chance on the show.

MEET JAMES ► A ‘corporate refugee’ - formerly a senior international executive at Diageo, Bass and Omnicom – but lost (almost) everything due to a combination of bad luck, bad people and undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

MEET Chance ►The Guy That Turned His Life Around, Employed And Runs His Own Business
After losing his sister to Cancer, he had a mental breakdown which led to heavy use of drugs and alcohol. His life became reckless. And before he knew it, his life had spiraled out of control and he woke up one day, sat in a prison cell, alone, and with a prison term ahead of him.

Today we hear their story and why their mission is to make ALL employment inclusive employment. 

Why? Because everyone deserves the right to employment, and they were denied that right!


Today we discuss:

* The extraordinary challenging backgrounds and experiences of Chance and James

* How they use their lived experiences to help and support others

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Today I am blessed to have Samantha Hiew on the show.

Samantha is a neurodivergent storyteller and social impact entrepreneur with a dual mission to:
🌟 empower girls and women with ADHD to thrive in society and
🌟 improve societal understanding of adult ADHD.

Utilising her background in communications and a medical science PhD, she produces thought-provoking digital campaigns, talks, workshops and events to destigmatise ADHD and inspire positive action within the workforce and educational settings to champion the strengths of ADHD-ers and provide critical tools to support their challenges.

Today we discuss:

* Samantha's journey

* What ADHD Neurodiversity means to Samantha and how it impacts her and other girls and women

* Perimenopause, one-brain and co-occurance!

* Women having to juggle many life challenges and value much needed representation from other women 

* Medical model, women discounted, miss diagnosis, vitamin deficiency

* Eating disorders or Eggs

* Asking people what they want and what will help them

* Pivoting and what Samantha now does as part of ADHD Girls

* The importance of post-diagnosis support, girls and transition

* Technology to support neurodiverse families, The new App Samantha is working with a team to develop

* It's a RAP chat ;O)

Check out Samantha's profile here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthahiew/

Learn more about the event and sign up here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adhd-best-practice-work-conference-samantha-hiew-phd/?trackingId=6ovvrumXQNO743Gg0BKPPQ%3D%3D

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Today I am joined by Clinton Jordan: Motivational Vocal Coach - Voice ACTivate Workshops - he helps leaders 10x the productivity of their team and unleash their true voice, to be motivated, energised, and driven every day of the week. He is a passionate believer and advocates that Neurodiversity can power performance and that many of his neurodiverse students have shown they can be exceptional musicians, given the correct support. He's on an awesome mission to help people access their best selves and accelerate their performance through vocal support and coaching. 

What we discuss:

- I always thought as a kid is there something wrong with me? Always trying to catch up.
Dyslexia has a big part to play.
an island of challenge, surrounded by a sea of opportunity
- Music saves me because it allowed me to express myself and find the relationship between other intelligence
- Challenges and opportunities of teaching music to young people and the energy of ND kids to go further with their learning
- Playing a different tune to others
- Understanding yourself to bring more of yourself
- Human behavior, pushing back
- Music penetrates both parts of the brain without permission
- There will always be a person that is not for you, find your people/purpose

You can find out more about the work Clinton does here:

https://www.clintonjordan.com/

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

Today I am joined by Keith Fraser who's the Chair of the Youth Justice Board, Commissioner for No 10 Downing Street on Race and Ethnic Disparity as well as a great advocate and supporter of Neurodiversity at Work.

We were lucky enough to have Keith feature in our book Neurodiversity at Work and so it's a real pleasure to finally be able to have him on the podcast.

His journey is fascinating and he shares the highs and lows of being Neurodiverse/Dyslexic and undiagnosed. He also shares what happened next and how it wasn't all plain sailing and how we still need to break down the stigma that can still exist within our organisations. 

What we discuss:

- Intro who are you and what do you do?
- When/why did you get your late diagnosis and was there a eureka moment?
- What impact did the diagnosis have on your role as a senior member of the police force?
- Keith share how disclosing had a negative impact on him, his role, and his respect as a professional, he became a perceived risk overnight
- The challenge he faced getting reasonable adjustments over the line
- The need for Neurodiverse talent within the police system and specifically to support young people in the youth justice system
- Changing the mindset from a negative focus to a positive strengths-based focus for neurodiverse talent
- What's next...

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

Today I am joined by Jacki Edry who is the author of Moving Forward which presents an informative, emotional, and empowering account of the challenges and struggles on the road to recovery from complicated brain surgery ‒ as well as the search for understanding, meaning, and faith. She shares with us her personal experiences as an author, an employee, and a parent.

What we discuss:

- Who is Jacki and why does she care about Neurodiversity

- The global impact of being a parent of a neurodiverse child 

- The education system, democratic schools, alternative teaching methods

- Why Jacki set about writing the book and who is it for

- Why there is so much confusion for parents, and a lack of support 

- Moving the discussion from a negative mindset to a positive one

- The importance of more parents having a voice to share with others

- Brains work like different technology processing systems

- Covid has provided some opportunities for change 

- Where you can contact and connect with Jacki 

This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group 

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

Neurodiversity At Work is here! Today we have a special addition of the podcast where we cover six key questions in under 10 minutes. 

1. Why we wrote the book

2. The definition for Neurodiversity

3. Why we are failing at the recruitment process

4. Why employers should care

5. Where are we losing talent

6. What are Spiky Profiles

You can now buy it from most bookstores including Amazon, Waterstones and directly from the publishers Kogan Page.

You can Amanda and Theo's new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

#neurodiversityatwork

#neurodiversity

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 individuals.

IBM has improved hiring practices in 5 continents and 9 countries, provided neurodiversity acceptance training in 30+ countries, and educated over 1,900 IBMers for their Neurodiverity101 educational course.

We discuss:

- How do we create safe spaces and helping others embrace the power of diversity of thought.

- What is the role of a Global Neurodiversity BRG Lead at IBM

- What resources can business leaders implement to support neurodivergent professionals.

- What does a company-wide neurodiversity global program look like and what are the benefits and outcomes. 

You can find Natalia here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-lyckowski/

You can order our new book 'Neurodiversity At Work here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... it's from a past guest High Contrast: Music is Everything

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 makes for good engaging content that helps their customers stand out from the crowd.  

This is what thinking and acting differently looks like! #Neurodiversity

You can order our new book 'Neurodiversity At Work' here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neurodiversity-Work-Performance-Productivity-Neurodiverse/dp/1398600245

Love the intro music... High Contrast: Music is Everything

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 out was through a complete transformation. Her story is the foundation we need to build on. That incredible minds suffer from a loop imposed on them by a poor system and are based on if they were lucky or unlucky enough to be born into a safe environment or a dangerous one. 

She is the proof, that educations reform works and that investing in people as early as possible can transform the value they add to society.

Neurodiversity is the last frontier of diversity and inclusion and it includes everybody! Even those who have been to prison and served their sentence.  

Love the intro music... High Contrast: Music is Everything

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 fascinating insight into the challenges and needs of employees in the workplace and how we can offer them better comfort and accessibility to the workspace.

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 shares with us the positive work Smart Recruiters and its partners are doing to help shift the dial in this area. 

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 how we can support our managers. 

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 producers creates sounds that are nominated for a Grammy, played across the globe on TV live as part of the Olympics and at some of the best music venues across the world.

Truly amazing! 

"THE ABILITY TO MAKE TRACKS ON YOUR OWN IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME IS VERY SEDUCTIVE, AN INSTANT RUSH, THAT'S MY DRUG" High Contrast

You can also hear one of his tracks as the intro to my podcasts 'Music is Everything'. This is the sound of Neurodiversity!

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 fly within our industry. I think he's a great guy and it was a real pleasure to have him on.

This episode sponsors the work he's doing to support rough sleepers in his area. Contact me or Bill directly to see how you can help.

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 some of the great work she's doing to raise the profile of Neurodiversity.

Yonah Welker today's guest is an explorer and influencer known for his contribution to the tech and creative landscapes. We discuss his journey as somebody who is Neurodiverse, his interest and influence in open ecosystems and platforms which empower individual ability, diversity access, adaptive learning and well-being, circularity and sustainability. His technology focus encompasses AI, robotics, data science, computer science, engineering.

But Yonah is also somebody who has faced significant personal challenges and through those challenges he's emerged as a highly skilled, capable and influential superhero :)

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 and professionally.