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 Change webinar: Neurodiversity – Start the Conversation, 24 Sept, understanding neurodiversity at work.

Start the Conversation: Practical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Teams

neurodiversity at work | Neurodiversity| Work

September 26, 2025•2 min read

Card style advertisment for the webinar containing the webinar details.

I had the pleasure of delivering our Start the Conversation taster session yesterday. We explored hidden barriers in the workplace, why reasonable adjustments do not require a formal diagnosis, and how context shapes what is considered reasonable. We also looked at some practical strategies for building an inclusive workplace, such as setting clear agendas, using visible timers, offering multiple ways to communicate, and creating sensory-aware spaces.

Another focus was the importance of strengths-based feedback for neurodivergent colleagues, along with the value of creativity, empathy, and recognising ‘spiky’ profiles. These qualities benefit entire teams and help drive workplace inclusion. I shared one of my own ADHD strengths and my intense empathy feelings. I admitted that I took a while preparing a script to help me keep to time, which in the end I could not open on my laptop and had to read from my phone instead! I am owning that moment, and will put it on my prep checklist for next time, one of my strategy support tools.

I also got distracted by my chat notifications and had an RSD spiral, thinking someone was telling me to slow down, when in fact it was just a client email (note to add 'turn off notifications' to my prep checklist). I am sharing this openly because I want to model how my brain works, and to show other neurodiverse colleagues and friends that it is OK to have moments like these. In previous roles, this may have resulted in continued RSD and eventually burn out, but in a supported environment I continue to work through these feeling and adapt support strategies for success.

Despite these little blips, the webinar was fantastic, and we have received lots of engagement and enquiries for support. This is exactly why I love my job: being in a supportive and understanding environment, helping others, and educating the world of work about neurodiversity..

If you missed the session, you can watch the recording here.

And if you would like to continue the conversation about neurodiversity at work, get in touch with us to find out more or to book a session. You can email [email protected] or use our Contact Us form.

Next in our Start the Conversation webinar series is Red Flags or Reasonable Requests on the 11th of November, led by our founder, Lucy Smith. Book your place here: Free Webinar: Red Flags and Reasonable Requests Lunch & Learn

Neurodiversityworksupportbarriersreasonable adjustmentsWorkplace inclusionNeurodiversity in the workplaceInclusive workplace practicesReasonable adjustments at workSupporting neurodiverse employeesInclusive leadershipAdjustments without diagnosisWorkplace accessibility tipsNeurodiversity training sessionsNeurodiversity awareness training

Becca Burke

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