Neurodiversity with Theo Smith Theo Smith

Podcast Episode with Guest Andrew McDonald: Embracing Neurodiversity in the World of Copywriting

Main Theme: Navigating the challenges and unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals in the professional world.

Episode Highlights:


Introduction: Andrew McDonald, a renowned neurodivergent copywriter, delves deep into the importance of understanding and marketing to neurodivergent audiences.


A Journey to Freedom: Andrew's candid recount of his journey, from a stifling toxic work environment to the liberating world of freelance writing. Although he found success as a copywriter, business growth wasn't without its challenges.


Neurodiversity in the Workspace: Neurodiverse individuals often grapple with a world designed for neurotypical minds. Andrew reflects on his personal struggles, including confronting past traumas and facing the cold, often impersonal world of emailing.


The Power of Relationship-building: Highlighting the significance of fostering genuine relationships, Andrew underscores the importance of outreach and community-building as pivotal to a thriving business. Theo Smith, our host, echoes this sentiment, advocating for authentic connections over cold outreach.


Networking Nuances for the Neurodiverse: Theo shares his own challenges with maintaining energy at networking events. In response, Andrew offers practical solutions like the potential of adding value through engaged LinkedIn comments and automating email content to combat burnout.


The Neurodiverse Community: Both Theo and Andrew stress the advantages of connecting with niche communities, leveraging unique strengths to resonate with audiences on platforms like LinkedIn. They discuss how neurodiverse individuals naturally foster rapid and genuine connections, often diverging from conventional networking norms.



Closing Note: Discover how neurodiverse communities are challenging the status quo, advocating for inclusivity, and leading with authenticity in a world where difference is strength. Dive into this engaging conversation between Theo Smith and Andrew McDonald to learn more.





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

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In today's conversation, Theo sits down with the incredible Shey Ojedokun, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the author of "Black and Neurodiverse." 📚

Join us as Shey shares her journey of late diagnosis, resilience, and self-discovery in a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity. Get ready to be inspired and gain new perspectives on the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table.

Tune in now and embark on a transformative exploration of neurodiversity! 🌟


This weeks episode includes:


Introduction to the Guest (0:00 - 1:50): Theo Smith introduces Shey Ojedokun, the guest, and sets the stage for the discussion on neurodiversity.


Late Diagnosis and Identifying with Neurodiversity (1:50 - 7:22): Shey discusses her late diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia and how these neurodivergent traits affect her daily life. She reflects on how she initially saw them as weaknesses but now embraces them as strengths.


Barriers to Early Diagnosis (7:22 - 10:30): Shey talks about potential barriers to early diagnosis, including lack of awareness, school communication, and cultural factors.


Transition from Education to Career (10:30 - 16:45): Shey shares her transition from studying marketing at university to working in marketing roles. She highlights challenges she faced in administrative tasks but emphasizes her strengths in creativity and communication.


Strengths and Challenges in the Workplace (16:45 - 23:20): Shey discusses how she found her strengths, particularly in verbal communication and pitching, despite challenges with writing and organization. She also mentions the importance of onboarding and additional support.


Discovering Co-Occurrence (23:20 - 27:05): Shey and Theo discuss the concept of co-occurrence in neurodiversity and how it can lead to a better understanding of one's unique neurodivergent traits.


Motivation for Writing the Book (27:05 - 32:10): Shey shares her inspiration for writing the book, particularly driven by her niece's potential neurodiversity and the lack of literature addressing neurodiversity within the African and Caribbean communities.


Book's Focus and Goals (32:10 - 36:45): Shey discusses the two key chapters in her book: "Light at the End of the Tunnel" and "My Superpower." She aims to provide encouragement, upliftment, and education to readers.


Challenges of Misunderstanding (36:45 - 41:45): Shey and Theo talk about the challenges of misunderstanding and lack of awareness surrounding neurodiversity, both within and outside communities.


The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories (41:45 - ): Theo acknowledges the importance of sharing personal stories to educate and create change, and he applauds Shey for her resilience and contribution to the field of neurodiversity.



And we hear more on Shey, how to connect with her and order her book.




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

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In this week's episode, we were lucky enough to host a Live event with three 'Warrior Mums' - Theresa, Marie, and Joy, who will share their unique journeys raising gifted autistic children.From confronting educational challenges to advocating for workplace inclusivity, we delve into their experiences and insights. Whether you're a parent, employer, or educator, this episode is a call to action for a more inclusive future. You don't want to miss it!In this session, I'm honoured to host three incredible 'Warrior Mums' - Theresa, Marie, and Joy. These amazing women talk us through their aligned yet distinct journeys of raising exceptionally gifted autistic children.They'll dive deep into the joys and challenges they've faced, from navigating educational systems that don't always cater to their children's unique needs, to confronting barriers in the workplace.From the early days of their children's education, through individual advocacy, to post-formal education and employment scenarios, these mums have a wealth of experiences and insights to share.We explore questions like:* What does advocacy look like, both as a parent and as an individual?* How can employers ensure they are genuinely neuroinclusive?* What actions can each of us take to contribute to a more inclusive future?Whether you're a parent, an employer, an educator, or simply someone interested in neurodiversity, this session promises to be a treasure trove of real-world insights and actionable steps. Plus, if you're looking for resources to further your understanding, we've got you covered!



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

Welcome to today's episode where we journey with Mike Plunkett through the twists and turns of his life as a creative soul who battled the depths of addiction, depression, and the challenges of the pandemic lockdown.

Mike, an incredibly talented photographer, delved deep into creativity as an escape, utilising studio lights and household settings, even catching the eyes of magazine editors and gallery curators.

But beyond the luminous accolades lay dark shadows of personal struggles. From suicidal ideation, grappling with addiction, and seeking solace in therapy, his is a tale of resilience and rebirth.

Through community support from the LGBT foundation and a fresh understanding of neurodiversity and mental health, our conversation with Mike delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the power of redemption.

So, tune in as we unfold a story that encapsulates the essence of human struggle, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.

Show Highlights & Key Notes:


Neurodiversity with a guest and host. (0:03) 


Photography, creativity, and neurodiversity. (1:30) 


Career struggles and creativity. (6:12) 


Career changes, creative outlets, and personal growth. (11:26) 


Creativity, mental health, and photography during pandemic. (18:10) 


Addiction recovery journey with ups and downs. (23:48) 


Addiction, neurodiversity, and personal growth. (29:25) 

And lot's more...









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 enlightening episode of 'Neurodiversity with Theo Smith and Friends,' join Theo as he welcomes Samantha Lubanzu, a diversity and inclusion specialist, career coach for women of color, and fervent advocate for empowerment.

Show Highlights & Key Notes:


Welcoming Samantha: Discover the magic of first encounters, as Theo reminisces about Samantha's infectious energy and their instant connection during their inaugural meeting at the LinkedIn Accelerator Programme and the unforgettable CIPD Meet in Manchester.


The Mission: The duo articulates the essence of enabling superheroes, emphasizing the need to recognize and amplify neurodiverse strengths.


Diverse Associations & Organizations: Samantha deep dives into the nuances of large-scale organizations, stressing the urgent call for genuine diversity, which transcends mere policies and procedures.


Samantha's Journey: Journey alongside Samantha as she recounts her academic pursuits, from a creative haven in Moss Side, Manchester to transitioning into a technological school, culminating in her recognition of dyslexia during her college and university days.


The Rise of Black Entrepreneurs: Celebrate the surge of black entrepreneurial spirits, as both Samantha and Theo highlight the transformations they've observed, especially on digital platforms like LinkedIn.


The Pandemic's Repercussions: Samantha provides a raw, unfiltered account of the heightened vulnerabilities faced by black women during COVID-19, drawing attention to challenges like redundancies and amplified caring responsibilities.


Empowering Initiatives: Learn about Samantha's upcoming plans to uplift black business mothers through a fully-sponsored retreat, along with her soon-to-be-launched CPD Accredited Diversity Inclusion Course.


The Ripple Effect: Theo accentuates the cascading impacts of Samantha's endeavors, demonstrating how impacting a select few can reverberate to affect countless others.


Connect with Samantha: Stay connected and delve deeper into Samantha's perspectives through her LinkedIn profile and her exclusive Facebook group, 'Diversity Inclusion Unlocked.'


A Personal Revelation: Samantha's narrative takes a heartfelt turn as she divulges a family discovery - her brother's dyslexia diagnosis.



Immerse yourself in this compelling discourse as Theo and Samantha weave through empowerment, neurodiversity, and the ongoing efforts to champion and celebrate differences.

This episode is not only a testament to the changes in the diversity and inclusion landscape but also a beacon of inspiration for listeners worldwide.



Find here here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-lubanzu-career-biz-strategist/



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

This is the leading podcast on Neurodiversity where Theo chats with people from all walks of life on their stories, their journey, and their lived experiences on the Topic of Neurodiversity and Neuroinclusion.

In this episode, Theo sits down with two extraordinary individuals, Mima and John, to share their incredible journey and experiences in the context of neurodiversity.

Join us as we delve into Mima's passion for Lego, her work in forestry, and her love for cricket, alongside John’s role as a forest manager at Chatsworth Abbey estate.

Discover how their paths crossed, both from Bangor University with a shared passion for forestry, and how their collaboration has led to valuable insights about autism and the challenges they faced.

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of neurodiversity and gain a deeper understanding of the unique perspectives and talents these individuals bring to the table.

Tune in now for an enlightening conversation that will inspire and inform.



Introduction to the podcast and its sponsor, Dynamis Group (0:27)


Theo introduces the guests, Mima and John, and their journey (1:15)
Mima describes herself as a Lego-obsessed individual who works in forestry and plays cricket (2:32)
John is the forest manager at Chatsworth Abbey estate and shares his love for cricket and classic cars (3:57)
Theo discusses their experiences at Bangor University and the nature of their work (5:00)
Mima reflects on her struggles in the early days of her job, including difficulties with spatial awareness (6:14)
John shares his observations of Mima’s challenges and his concerns for her health (13:38)
John discusses his realisation that Mima might be autistic and his initial reaction to the discovery (25:00)
Mima recounts the moment when John brought up the possibility of her being autistic and her subsequent conversations with friends about it (27:16)
John talks about their decision to pursue a diagnosis and the importance of asking questions (28:31)
We then delve into what happened next!



Subscribe to our paid content here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neurodiversity/subscribe



This episode is supercharged by Dynamis Group

https://dynamisgroup.com/

You can buy Amanda and Theo's award-winning 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