Episode 10: How to create neuro-inclusive workplaces

Our guest this episode is the wonderful, Tim Smyth. Tim is a User Experience Researcher with expertise in technology, design, neuro-inclusion, and music.

In this episode we discuss Tim’s recent experience of job hunting, being neurodivergent and all Tim’s insights on designing better experiences for all. You’ll get a glimpse into Tim’s magical way of simplifying complexity through his approach of meeting people where they are at and designing with, not for others.

We love how Tim applies a unique combination of music, design, and technology skills with his own lived & living experiences to solve problems and create meaningful experiences to create a better society for all.

You can connect with Tim via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwsmyth/

Today's guest is Brent McAlister who joins us to talk about the power of multi-generational learning.

Brent is many things to many people, a parent, CEO, goal-keeper and community legend amongst many other things. Brent has worn many hats in his life to date including a proud parent to five young women (including co-host Rose), an innovative strategist and currently, a CEO who boasts an award-winning track record in transforming communities through innovative, pioneering approaches.

In this podcast, we explore mental health and accessing therapy, the power of multi-generational mentoring, leveraging spontaneous volunteering in times of crisis and why it’s important to be a lifelong learner.

It’s not often you get to hear the heart, soul, mind and depth of stories from an accomplished leader, dad and community advocate like Brent so sit back and enjoy this episode.

Content warning: this episode touches on stories of mental health and suicide and we advise listeners to take care and tune out if this may be triggering.

Today we are joined by Bev Simpson who is a Mum, Optimist, Connector, Talker, Feeler and has also worked part-time for almost a decade. Bev has over 15 years’ experience in People & Culture, working for some of Australia's most iconic brands. In this episode we explore why part-time options are vital for people at various life stages and how we can make part-time work for businesses and individuals.

Our guest is Karen Monjo who has held many roles including as an entrepreneur and is currently a specialist recruiter. This episode focuses on Karen’s journey to her role as a mum. It talks about IVF, fertility, and birthing and therefore we advise listeners to tune in with care as we appreciate these topics are uniquely experienced by each person and may be triggering. Karen, Rose, and Gems explore how the workplace and fellow workers can support colleagues experiencing IVF and navigating fertility options.

Karen talks about her journey to parenthood and how she balances being a working mum to two little ones. As she is often deep in the juggling act that a working mum brings, she acknowledges her gratitude for having a strong support network both in my professional and personal life. We hope this episode helps create a better world of work for everyone, especially those navigating becoming parents and accessing fertility services whilst being employed.

Some links that map help listeners:

https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

We are joined by the amazing Bexx (she/her) to explore the concept of professionalism.

Bexx is a Māori/Ghanian queer woman residing in Naarm. Currently working in the arts and community industry, she has gone through all types of jobs. Including retail, event producer and youth work. Outside of this, she has an arts practice of video editing as well as visual projection art. She is a firm advocate for land back, First Nations led initiatives and community support starts from the ground up.

This episode also explores how different workplace environments adopt different standards of what's ok and what isn't. We also talk about accepting different communication styles and not wasting time coding our emails to meet an ambiguous, often unsaid, so-called-professional expectation level. Who gets to decide what is unprofessional or professional and who benefits from the standards set by leaders, those in positions of power and employers? Lets discuss!

In this episode we are joined by Vanessa Dolan who joins us from Bali. Vanessa has 20+ years global advertising experience working in Australia, Amsterdam and the Middle East, and for the past 6 years, she has been specialising in the recruitment of extraordinary talent in Australia.

We explore how Vanessa intentionally went after career opportunities that allowed her to travel and live in places with rich diversity, building a collection of passport stamps, career experiences, roles and friendships around the globe. We chat about how Vanessa has been intentional about making career choices to support the life she wanted including a life without children and how the workplaces has shown up for her.

Vanessa is also an active coach for graduates wanting to enter the creative market, and a mentor for women working in marketing. In her spare time you will find Vanessa either in the gym, kickboxing, or at home doing yoga.

In this episode with the Queer Advocate, Stevie Lane (they/them), we explore the moments that matter for trans inclusion in the workplace. We explore the power of colleagues who have your back, and the power of rest and finding strength in community as advocates.

More about our guest: Stevie Lane is a writer, videographer and communications specialist with almost 10 years’ experience advocating for the rights of LGBTIQA+ people and other marginalized groups throughout Australia. They use their lived experience as a queer, trans and non-binary person to connect with others, educate and create change.

Stevie runs the instagram page @thequeeradvocate and provides services in videography, photography, writing, public speaking and LGBTIQA+ consultation.

Edan Haddock joins us to discuss being queer and how finding your own sparkle is a gamechanger at work and in life! This episode talks about finding your own magic and why belonging is so different to fitting in. We discuss Edan's career pathway, being queer and how limiting beliefs creep in when really, the sky is the limit for us all.

Edan shares moments where the workplace environment truly embraced him and the leadership practices that made all the difference.

Edan is a multiple award winning HR leader. Passionate about innovation and showcasing the Australian Talent Industry on the world stage, Edan is the Founder of Createfulness, and the Chief Bander at Rubberband- the recruitment network for all.

Createfulness is a team development program- helping teams shift from their REACTIVE mindset to their CREATIVE mindset to solve business problems. Using fresh flowers, the workshops are hands on, and help employees shift into their Createfulness zone.

Rubberband is an online networking forum, with a core focus on mental health support for the Talent Acquisition Industry. Rubberband is a fully inclusive community for anyone working in the Talent/ HR/ Recruitment sector. Connection is via a thriving Facebook Community, Twice yearly online events (Bounce) and weekly Roundtables via LinkedIN Live.