Stories

Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent: Onboarding for Success

Nicole Done has over 25 years of workingin the neurodiversity space and currently leads Xceptional’s neuro-inclusive initiatives to achieve the overall vision of unlocking neurodivergent potential for exceptional workplaces. In this three part series, Nicole shares best practices for nurturing Neurodivergent talent in the workplace, the crucial point following the recruitment process – beginning with Onboarding for Success. Part One...

Inclusive Leadership Lessons from Coach Ted Lasso

In today’s workplace, leadership styles have evolved to embrace more inclusive, empathetic, and holistic approaches. One unexpected yet prime example of this modern leadership archetype can be found not in boardrooms but on a fictional soccer field. “Ted Lasso,” Apple TV+’s surprise hit, showcases an American coach’s journey as he leads an English football team,...

Invisible diversity and belonging

As businesses continue to prioritise diversity and inclusion within their workplace, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of disclosure of personal characteristics, such as sexuality and disability, in fostering a sense of belonging among employees. While most available data suggests the vast majority of employees with disabilities do not disclose, Forbes, only...

Article 23 – Podcast with Rhonda Brighton-Hall

Aron Mercer explains that a one-size-fits-all approach is never the correct way to boost DEI initiatives and offers his insights on how organisations can provide relevant accessibility, gain literacy around inclusivity and create a platform of ‘disclosure without ridicule’ in workspaces. Listen to the podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/article-23/have-you-worked-with-someone-who-identifies-as-neurodivergent

Don’t confuse confidence with competence

A job interview can be a very poor predictor. Unless the role is being a regular guest on talk shows, the ability to give an effective interview is likely to have little or nothing to do with the ability to actually do the job on offer. Instead, the interview process effectively relies on hearsay from...

The unexpected benefits of COVID19

(By Aron Mercer and Georgie Chinchen) 2020 was supposed to be a year of growth for Xceptional. We had funding thanks to Google.Org, Westpac and AMP,  a growing team and diverse customers. In March of 2020, we were busy organising a neurodiversity at work breakfast in Sydney, a sold out event which was to be...