In this episode, today’s guest is Frances Akinde, a neurodivergent educator, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience across primary, secondary, special, and local authority education. Frances is a qualified SENCO, former headteacher of a secondary special school for learners with autism, and a workplace inclusion advocate. She is passionate about creating environments where every learner and employee can thrive.In this episode, we discuss:

• How adversity can be transformed into leadership growth and personal resilience
• The importance of psychological safety and belonging in schools and workplaces
• Frances’ personal journey discovering her neurodivergence and hearing impairment
• Strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees and fostering inclusive workplaces
• The concept of intersectionality and why diverse perspectives matter in organisations
• Practical steps businesses can take to improve productivity and retention through accommodations
• How visual profiles and small acts of kindness can foster connection and engagement
• Lessons on balancing mental health, avoiding burnout, and thriving under pressure

Connect with Frances Akinde:Website: https://www.inclusionht.com/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xpnCrSp3sSYp74kbayJYKBook: https://amzn.eu/d/jlIAeCUIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your engagement helps us reach more people who want to thrive through adversity and inclusion.