Open Wired with Natalie Phillips-Mason

Natalie Phillips-Mason

Real people solving inclusion challenges with respectful curiosity and candid conversations. If you are interested in making pragmatic inclusion happen in workplaces, boardrooms, retail and physical spaces - this is for you.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Fostering Diamonds in the Workplace

    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 talent. Joh doesn't mince her words. She is a straight shooter, pragmatic and reflective. This conversation offers unique insight into the mind of a neurodivergent parent, academic and corporate leader.References that Joh has asked us to include in the episode description: Heisenberg's uncertainty principle: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle - GeeksforGeeks Specialisterne: Specialisterne Global - Specialisterne Global Crime thriller with an autistic lead character:Patience (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb

  2. Aug 10

    The Book Lover who went Blind with Karen McCarthy

    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 Board member in the not-for-profit sphere, working to strengthen and steer organisations that break down barriers for, and advance the rights of, people who are vulnerable to discrimination and disadvantage. She loves books, ballet and stretching the boundaries of what she’s capable of. Key Takeaways: One person’s lived experience of acquired disability Just because you can’t do something doesn’t mean you can’t do something differently. Adversity and resilience. Resources: Karen McCarthy - Keynote Speaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdmccarthyspeaks/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BqNiaxjv8TImE2BFOUXIg%2Fg%3D%3D

  3. Aug 3

    The Hidden Disability Sunflower with Sandee Facy

    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 they may need support - The Sunflower symbol is in over 300 airports around the world as well as in Retail, Transport, Railway, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment venues, Sporting clubs and Financial sectors.   - The Sunflower has been launched locally in Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA. - Organisations can utilise the Program for their employees. References:  Bayley House: Bayley House - NDIS Disability Support Services in Bayside MelbourneLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeefacy/ HDS: A symbol for non-visible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or invisible disabilities.

  4. Jul 28

    Putting the Human back into the Hiring game with Ryan Kelly, Founder of Creative Natives

    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 hiring for and with flexibility. Key Takeaways: Starting a recruitment agency with purpose, and why human connection in the hiring space is critical Recruiting and leading with empathy The benefits of flexible, freelance and part-time roles for organisations and candidates AI and its impact on the recruitment industry.  Links: Ryan’s profile: linkedin.com/in/ryanpatrickkelly99 Website: creativenatives.com.au Email: ryan@creativenatives.com.au

    Putting the Human back into the Hiring game with Ryan Kelly, Founder of Creative Natives

  5. Jul 21

    How Neurodivergent Directors can influence traditional Boards with Sara Harrup

    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 neurodivergence, or request adjustments in order to participate fully. Sara is Deputy Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, Chair of Jabiru, and Non-Executive Director at HCI. She coaches neurodivergent executives and board directors, and provides training and consulting on neuroaffirming leadership to organisations seeking to move beyond awareness into genuine structural change. Sara is Autistic and ADHD, and a person with disability, and speaks openly about what it means to govern well when your body and mind work differently, and what boards lose when they are designed with narrow assumptions about how Director’s bodies and minds are built. Key Takeaways: The role that Boards play in governance Why diverse perspectives and system thinkers should be part of every Board. What boards lose when they're designed with narrow assumptions about how directors' bodies and minds are built.Internal ableism Neuroinclusion Tips for BoardsAI risks. Connect to Sara: linkedin.com/in/sara-harrup uniquemindco.com sara@uniquemindco.com

    How Neurodivergent Directors can influence traditional Boards with Sara Harrup

  6. Jul 7

    The Sensory Specialist with Sarah James

    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 public environments neuroinclusive. Key Takeaways Why sensory inclusive public spaces are important for children and adultsHow sensory aids can assist in the classroomHow the NDIS shaped the landscape.

  7. Jun 30

    Neuroinclusive Co-working: Inside the WonderPlay Studio with Madeleine Lobsey

    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 co-working and event space in the heart of Sydney. In this episode we explore neuroinclusive design and building spaces that suit all neurotypes. Key Takeaways Why neuroinclusive co-working spaces are needed Workspace zoning for different work styles The importance of predictability, choice and community  Neurodivergent thinking, systems and problem solving Why we should play when we work Using a later in life diagnosis of Autism and ADHD to channel creativity.  Link to information about the WonderPlay Studio: WonderPlay Studio: A Space for Co-Working Creativity

  8. Jun 23

    Customer Aggression in Retail & Psychosocial Safety with Professor Gary Mortimer

    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 retail workers.  Gary shares the latest data on what is and isn’t working, and how we can create safer workplaces in a sector that employs around 10% of Australians. Key Takeaways: The definition of Customer aggression Highlights from SacSA’s Customer Aggression Report What’s working and what’s not The impact on Retail employee inclusion and psychosocial hazards in retail environments. Links: Research can be found here: SaCSA Releases New Report Highlighting Impact of Customer Aggression on Retail Workforce and Businesses - Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)

  9. Jun 16

    Inclusive Beauty: Designing Accessible Beauty Products with Storm Menzies

    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 breaking traditional beauty norms with product designed to be unapologetically empowering. Key Takeaways why accessible beauty matters how inclusive product design is reshaping the beauty industry Storm’s journey from beauty customer to retail supplier and what it takes to get an accessible product into the Australia beauty category.

  10. Jun 10

    Disability Representation in the Media - with Lisa Cox OAM & Paul Nunnari PSM PLY

    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 is full of insights and candid commentary. Takeaways Why representation matters The brands doing it well How to avoid tokenism The disability dollar and commercial impacts of exclusion    How to make shopping more inclusive and accessible.  Sources Home - Media Diversity Australia Home | Inclusively Made Connect With Natalie Interested in being a guest, have a topic you'd like me to explore or just want to connect? I'd love to hear from you. Visit my website - https://inc-change.com/ Follow on Instagram @inclusivechange Follow me on Linked In Email me Natalie@inc-change.com.

  11. Trailer

    Trailer: Open Wired with Natalie Phillips-Mason

    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 retailers. Whether you lead, practise, or are simply navigating this work yourself, you'll come away with practical insights and ideas worth borrowing. Subscribe so you don’t miss a conversation. Connect with Natalie Website ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Instagram

Trailer

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Real people solving inclusion challenges with respectful curiosity and candid conversations. If you are interested in making pragmatic inclusion happen in workplaces, boardrooms, retail and physical spaces - this is for you.

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