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

Inclusive Change blog cover image titled “From Brain Fog to Clarity: “Why Does Everything Feel So Loud?” Understanding Sensory Processing Differences in Menopausal Women” The graphic features a bright pink background with two women, one holding a fan and the other smiling. The subtitle reads “Menopause, Brain Fog, and the Neurodivergent Mind."

“Why Does Everything Feel So Loud?” - Understanding Sensory Processing Differences in Menopausal Women

Mental Health| Neurodiversity| Personal Development| Menopause

May 02, 2025•1 min read

Do you suddenly find yourself avoiding busy supermarkets? Do certain fabrics feel unbearable? Are everyday sounds making you irritable or even panicked?

You’re not becoming fussy. You’re likely experiencing sensory processing sensitivity - something that’s common in autistic and ADHD women, especially during menopause.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how your brain interprets information from your environment. This includes:

•Noise

•Light

•Touch

•Smell

•Temperature

•Movement

If you’re neurodivergent, your brain might process this input more intensely or less consistently than neurotypical brains.

Sensory Profiles in Autism and ADHD

•Autistic women often have heightened sensitivity (hyper-sensitivity) or low registration (hypo-sensitivity) to specific sensory inputs.

•ADHD women may swing between seeking stimulation and feeling overwhelmed by it—especially when already tired or dysregulated.

Why Menopause Makes It Worse

Hormonal fluctuations can:

•Increase sensory sensitivity

•Lower your tolerance for noise and chaos

•Disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature, touch, and comfort

•Affect your ability to 'filter out' background sensations

Real-Life Signs

•Getting physically uncomfortable from certain clothes or materials

•Avoiding certain lighting or sounds

•Experiencing 'sensory shutdown' after a long day

•Finding it hard to focus in cluttered or noisy environments

What Helps

•Dress for comfort, not conformity

•Use ear defenders or noise-reducing headphones

•Create calm, low-stimulation zones in your home or workspace

•Schedule quiet recovery time after high-input situations

•Advocate for sensory-safe environments at work

You’re not overreacting. You’re overwhelmed. And it’s valid.

Want more insight into how menopause affects your sensory system and nervous system regulation? That’s exactly what we unpack in our workshop and coaching spaces.

Come join us:

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

Inclusive Change Team Member

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