HOW COULD YOU CREATE A MORE NEUROINCLUSIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE AND HOW COULD YOUR ORGANISATION BENEFIT?
There is a growing awareness of the prevalence of neurodivergent traits, with many adults realising they may have been living with ADHD or autism, unrecognised. But employers are still waking up to the need to accommodate different ways of thinking and processing information.
Research shows that neurodivergent people are underrepresented in the workforce. Those who are employed are often not able to give their best due to a lack of understanding of their needs and fear of making things worse if they speak up.
However employers are losing out. By failing to unlock the potential of neurodivergent people they are missing out on a wealth of skills as well as the enhanced creativity, resilience and agility that diversity of mind can bring to an organisation.
Local neurodiversity trainer, Olga Zilberberg, will be joining us for this event to help employers understand how to create a neuroinclusive workplace and how the changes could benefit their organisation, as well as the wellbeing of their teams.
Following an initial presentation, Olga will join a panel, featuring local people with a variety of perspectives on the topic, for questions from the audience. Please take time to read each of their stories before attending the event to make the most of the opportunity to ask relevant questions.
AGENDA
4pm-4:30pm: Arrivals
4:30pm-5pm: Welcome and presentation
5-5:10pm: Refreshment break
5.10pm-5.40pm: Panel discussion
5:40pm-5.50pm: Wrap-up
5:50pm-6pm: Introduction to our new neurodiversity toolkit
6pm-6:30pm: Networking
ABOUT OUR PANELLISTS
Olga Zilberberg – Founder of The Missing Link and Neurodiversity in Business Advocate
Olga is a trained CBT and NLP practitioner with a focus on neuro-affirming practices and the founder of The Missing Link, an organisation that partners with businesses to prioritize employee wellbeing and mental health while increasing satisfaction, retention, and productivity through inclusive workplace strategies.
With a decade of experience designing and delivering bespoke training programmes, Olga has trained hundreds of individuals across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Her passion for creating neuro-inclusive environments stems from her own lived experience as an autistic ADHDer navigating a neurotypical world. Having faced challenges fitting in, she is dedicated to challenging the status quo, raising awareness of neurodivergent strengths and struggles, and driving societal change to create better opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
In addition to her professional work, Olga volunteers with Neurodiversity in Business – The Neurodiversity Charity, holding the position of Corporate Members Events Lead. Her mission is to make the world more understanding, accepting, and inclusive – ensuring that all individuals feel a true sense of belonging and are celebrated.
Tommy Snipe – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Tommy is the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He was diagnosed at ADHD as an adult and now draws on that experience in his role, where is leads on the implementation of policies and practices that support neurodivergent individuals to feel included and access appropriate support within the workplace.
Tommy is also a qualified coach and supports neurodivergent individuals to achieve their potential as part of his practice.
Laura Blackburn Finlay – Director at Mottashaw Consulting
Laura is an Access to Work Coach and Apprenticeship Assessor. Due to her then undiagnosed ADHD she has had lots of jobs in lots of sectors including sport and security. She is the mother to two neurodivergent teenagers and it was through the elder that she came to her diagnosis five years ago, although looking back the signs were very clearly laid out from an early age.
Drawing on her lived experience with her own employment challenges she supports those who are struggling in the workplace, including line managers.
Jamie Gordon – neurodiversity campaigner, Founder of Reading ADHD Group and freelance mixologist
Jamie is the founder of Reading ADHD Group, an ambassador for ADHD UK and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age during school – a diagnosis that might include dyscalculia today – Jamie faced early academic challenges. His ADHD diagnosis came much later, in 2020, sparking a journey of self-discovery.
Having struggled to progress as an employee, Jamie set up as self-employed and now helps to support other neurodivergent people and campaigns for greater awareness and fairness. Drawing on his own experience, Jamie is committed to creating equitable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, particularly in industries that value diverse skills beyond academic credentials.
Lynden Baldwin – Principal Project & Programme Manager at Microsoft
Throughout his life, Lynden has faced mental health challenges. In his early years, he developed his own tools and coping mechanisms to manage these challenges through school, university, and the beginning of his career. This was out of necessity, as there was limited understanding and support for mental health in the 1990s.
Lynden was diagnosed with OCD and chronic depression at the age of 22, identified as being on the autism spectrum (Asperger’s) at 29, and most recently, diagnosed with Combined ADHD at 49. He also believes he exhibits several other neurodivergent traits and experiences particular challenges with executive function.
In the 2000s, support from previous employers varied greatly and was often dependent on the line manager’s approach.
Microsoft, however, truly embodies its values, including Diversity & Inclusion.
Lynden will discuss the culturally driven top-down and bottom-up approach that Microsoft employs to support him and thousands of others. This approach includes providing the necessary help, tools, and techniques to enable him to be the best version of himself. Given that his role involves facilitating collaboration between Microsoft colleagues and their clients to achieve mutual success, this support is beneficial for everyone involved.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to The Oracle Management Suite, from Minster Street, turn towards The Oracle by Cosy Club and Hobbs (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/t54eTpn7QKvMuCG3A).
You will pass Buenasado on your left.
Just inside the Riverside Level entrance to The Oracle, take the lift opposite Boss up to P1.
Go through the door to your right and head down the corridor.
The Oracle Management Suite will be on your right. Press the buzzer for access.
Alternatively, you can park in the Holy Brook Car Park. Go to level P1 and follow signs to The Oracle. Once you are in the corridor, the Management Suite will be on your right.
A NOTE ON THE FEE
Ethical Reading is a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to keeping our costs as low as possible. We are a volunteer-led, virtual organisation with just two part-time staff members.
While we strive to minimise expenses, there are unavoidable costs associated with running our operations. To help cover these, we have introduced a small fee. However, if you’re unable to pay this fee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at
aW5mbyB8IGV0aGljYWxyZWFkaW5nICEgb3JnICEgdWs=. We’ll provide you with a discount code to fully cover the fee, ensuring accessibility for all. This session is also free for employees of our Partner organisations and Ethical Reading volunteers.
To book, go to
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/embracing-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace-tickets-1280791113699
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Reading, Arts events in Reading, Fine Arts events in Reading.
