Lucy Smith

Neurodiversity & Inclusive Change Speaker, Facilitator, Compare

Lucy Smith, a keynote speaker on neurodiversity, resilience & inclusive change, helps organisations build inclusive, adaptive cultures that thrive on difference. 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.

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Delivering practical workshops, interactive webinars and tailored team development sessions.

Lucy explores how embracing neurodiversity drives creativity, collaboration and wellbeing at work.

-Understanding the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent colleagues

-Practical adjustments and inclusive communication strategies for teams

-Building a culture where neurodivergent talent can thrive and contribute fully

What do other people say?

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

Ready to bring inclusive change to your next event? Book Lucy now

Listen online

Podcasts, interviews and YouTube

Spotify

YouTube

Apple

Find it online

The blog

Inclusive leadership in action, as a diverse team works together around a table reviewing documents during a coaching session

Habits of Highly Inclusive Leaders: What Leaders Do Daily (Not Just Annually)

neurodiversity at work | Neurodiversity| future of work

September 30, 2025•2 min read

Habits of Highly Inclusive Leaders: What Leaders Do Daily (Not Just Annually)

Inclusive leadership is not about a single workshop or an annual awareness day. It is about the small, intentional actions leaders take every day. The best leaders know that inclusion thrives on consistency. This post explores the habits that separate truly inclusive leaders from those who only pay lip service to diversity.

1. Listen More Than You Speak
Inclusive leaders create space for others to be heard. They actively invite quieter voices into the conversation and ensure that decisions are not dominated by the most confident speaker. Daily practice: end each meeting by asking who has not spoken yet.

2. Challenge Bias in the Moment
Rather than waiting for HR or annual reviews, inclusive leaders notice everyday bias and address it immediately. Daily practice: if a team member interrupts another, step in with curiosity and redirect attention.

3. Model Vulnerability
Leaders who admit mistakes and share their own learning journeys set the tone for psychological safety. Daily practice: be transparent when you do not know the answer and commit to finding it.

4. Acknowledge Difference and Celebrate Strengths
Inclusive leaders recognise that difference is not just tolerated but valued. Daily practice: highlight the unique contribution each team member brings, in both formal and informal settings.

5. Make Accountability Visible
Inclusion is not a hidden value, it should be a public commitment. Daily practice: share progress on inclusion goals during team updates, not just in annual reports.

Why Daily Habits Matter for Resilient Teams

When leaders practise inclusion daily, they build more than just respectful cultures, they create resilience. Teams that feel heard, valued, and safe to contribute are better able to navigate change, recover from challenges, and innovate under pressure.

This is where Resilient Team Coaching can make the difference. Our coaching programme helps leaders and teams strengthen these inclusive habits, building trust, adaptability, and long-term effectiveness. It turns good intentions into everyday practice that supports both people and performance.

Inclusion is a daily discipline, not an annual campaign. By embedding these habits into everyday leadership, organisations see stronger engagement, innovation, and trust. If you want to translate these habits into lasting team resilience, explore how our Resilient Team Coaching can help you take the next step.

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Inclusive Change Team Member

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