Lucy Smith

Speaker, Facilitator, Compare

Inspiring audiences & making a difference

Neurodiversity | Managing Change | Resilience

Life Stories | Social Enterprise

Authentic storytelling that makes a difference

Hi, I am Lucy!

Some people call me the "pocket rocket". I think that is because I have passion and energy to bring out the best in an audience.

I have been working with audiences for almost 25 years in many guises - Lecturer, radio presenter, drama teacher, children's entertainer (I have been a professional fairy) facilitator, compare and speaker.

As a speaker I believe there has to be some substance behind us and I sure have that too. Not being able to settle and always saying "YES" to opportunities has led to a whole lot of experience that informs my work and my presentations.

At my core I am a purpose led social entrepreneur who loves to start a conversation about topics that matter.

I start those conversations with stories some that will surprise and some that will inspire. I talk about some difficult stuff and combine my unique expertise and knowledge.

Relatable, authentic and thought provoking

Lucy x

Neurodiversity

What is your perspective?

I come from a range of different perspectives when I talk about neurodiversity. From pedagogy, organisation development and leadership, research, personal and family and real lived experience. With a a strengths based approach I talk positively and with passion about change and neurodiversity in work, school and community.

I engage audiences to get them thinking and start conversations that will make and does make a lasting difference.

Change Management

Let me meet you at your

bus-stop

In the world of change management, it's not about imposing a new route; it's about understanding where you're starting from.

I have spent a decade working with senior leaders in transformational change where I have learned that change is often an individual journey and we will all join that journey from a different bus-stop.

I combine theory with reality and always have an eye on the future.

Life Stories

The secret change agent

A wealth of stories based on real lived experience with plenty of lessons for the future. Spilling some my secrets on here would be giving away some of my best work which you will want to hear straight from the source.

Oh, okay, let's just say I can talk about resilience, royalty, and some really fun stuff from a career in international law enforcement,

Social Enterprise

Making a difference - the torch that lights the stars

Lighting people up to make sustainable change happen is a big part of what I do. From setting up a community radio station to developing an innovative and groundbreaking conference around digital wellbeing and young people.

I talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to social enterprise, from grass roots to engagement at the highest levels right up to Downing Street.

What do other people say?

Don't take it from me, here is what others say about working with me.

Work with me

Want to work with me?

Book a call to work directly with me.

Choose from 60 or 30 minutes.

A chance to talk about your challenges, ask questions, work through a problem.

It's your call and your time.

Listen online

Podcasts, interviews and YouTube

Spotify

Apple

YouTube

Find it online

The blog

What I Wish I Knew Before Menopause Hit My Neurodivergent Brain

Mental Health| Neurodiversity| Personal Development| Menopause

May 02, 2025•2 min read

If you’re deep in the fog, feeling scattered, sensitive, and wondering when you became 'this version' of yourself, this is for you.

Because there’s a long list of things we wish someone had told us before perimenopause and menopause started turning our internal world upside down, especially for those of us with ADHD or autism.

So if you’re only just connecting the dots, here’s a list you deserve to see now - not years after the struggle.

1. Brain fog isn’t a fluke - it’s hormonal

And for neurodivergent brains that rely on structure and sharpness, it hits hard. Losing words, forgetting plans, or zoning out mid-meeting isn’t a moral failure. It’s biology.

2. Menopause can amplify sensory sensitivity

Lights too bright. Sounds too sharp. Clothes suddenly unbearable. This isn’t you becoming delicate, it’s your nervous system becoming overloaded.

3. Your ADHD and/or autism traits may feel stronger

Things you used to 'manage' might now feel unmanageable. This doesn’t mean you’re going backwards, it means your old coping systems need upgrading, with new awareness.

4. You don’t have to push through

We were taught to work harder, mask better, show up even when we’re crumbling. But menopause demands compassion, not hustle.

5. Masking will drain you faster now

You may find yourself losing patience, stimming more, feeling less tolerant in social situations. That’s not failure. It’s your mask slipping, and your real needs surfacing.

6. Emotional waves are real

Tearful in meetings? Overwhelmed by minor changes? Hormonal shifts impact mood regulation. ADHD and autistic women often feel this more intensely.

7. You can ask for adjustments - even in senior roles

You deserve quieter environments, clearer communication, schedule flexibility, and understanding. No title makes you exempt from needing support.

8. Self-trust is key

If something feels off, it probably is. You’re the expert on your body and brain, even if no one else sees what you’re holding.

9. Finding your people matters

The relief of hearing, 'me too' from another late-diagnosed woman is powerful. Coaching, peer spaces, and neurodivergent community can be life-changing.

10. There is a way through this

With the right information, space, and tools, this stage doesn’t have to be the end of your clarity or capacity. It can be the beginning of a new kind of connection with yourself.

If you’re nodding along or feeling tearful reading this, know this: we made the From Brain Fog to Clarity workshop just for you.

It’s the workshop we all wish we’d had.

https://inclusivechange.co.uk/brain-fog-to-clarity-workshop

Inclusive Change Team Member

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