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Adesewa shares her journey from aspiring civil engineer to Microsoft marketing professional, highlighting how her neurodiversity became her superpower in the tech industry through apprenticeship programs and advocacy.

• Finding her way to tech through an apprenticeship after initially planning a civil engineering career
• Becoming an advocate for apprenticeships as pathways that support different learning styles
• Creating marketing campaigns that reach diverse audiences from technical to executive levels
• Mentoring and supporting other neurodivergent professionals through employee resource groups
• Getting diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, and the challenges of getting proper support
• Using AI tools like Copilot to work with her brain rather than against it
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a young Black woman in a predominantly white male industry
• Emphasising the importance of accessing support resources like DSA (Disabled Students' Allowance)
• Advocating for personalisation in workplace tools and environments
• Building confidence through the mantra "they didn't hire you for any reason"

If you're interested in learning more about dyslexia, consider checking out Made by Dyslexia's course on Microsoft's training page, which aims to help people understand what it means to be dyslexic.

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What if our greatest technological advancements could actually make us more human? That's the provocative question at the heart of this conversation with Ian Shanahan, a global technology leader whose 25-year career spans Accenture, UiPath, BlackBerry, and now Panama Consulting.

Instead of fearing artificial intelligence and automation, Ian presents a compelling vision of technology addressing three critical challenges: our growing health and social care crisis, the UK's lagging productivity, and the need for greater societal equality. Drawing from his extensive experience implementing AI and automation at scale, he makes a passionate case that these tools should augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

The discussion navigates both practical applications and philosophical implications of our technological future. We explore how AI is becoming a powerful equalizer for neurodiversity by reducing cognitive load and offering alternative communication pathways beyond text. Ian shares fascinating perspectives on how technology could transform healthcare delivery, with AI potentially handling routine diagnoses while freeing medical professionals to specialize more deeply.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is its balanced approach. While acknowledging legitimate ethical concerns around AI governance and potential misuse, Ian counters doom-laden narratives with historical perspective – from panics about automobiles replacing horse-drawn carts to today's fears about generative AI. Throughout, he emphasizes how technology can foster social mobility by democratizing capabilities once reserved for large organizations or privileged individuals.

Whether you're a technology professional, business leader, or simply curious about how AI might reshape your world, this episode offers both practical insight and hopeful vision for technology as a force for human flourishing. How might these tools help you focus on what truly matters?

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When Lottie was diagnosed with dyspraxia at age nine, she couldn't have known this "difference" would become her greatest professional strength. Now leading global talent acquisition at Ethicode after eight years in tech recruitment, she reveals how neurodivergent thinking creates exceptional recruiters.

The journey from journalism and PR to recruitment wasn't planned but proved surprisingly natural. Lottie discovered that the relationship-building skills central to communications work transferred perfectly to connecting candidates with opportunities. More significantly, growing up as someone who felt misunderstood cultivated extraordinary levels of empathy – now her superpower in an industry where understanding human motivation is everything.

This empathic approach extends beyond individual recruitment. While working in Australia's cybersecurity sector, Lottie founded a meetup specifically for women and neurodivergent professionals after repeatedly finding herself the only woman at industry events. The gatherings quickly grew to 100+ attendees, demonstrating the hunger for inclusive spaces where people can authentically connect.

The conversation explores practical strategies for thriving as a neurodivergent professional in high-pressure environments. From establishing clear organizational systems to setting firm work-life boundaries, Lottie shares how she transforms potential challenges into strengths. She also explores how AI might level the playing field by handling administrative tasks that tax working memory, while emphasizing that human connection remains irreplaceable.

Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion of how neurodivergent people often connect deeply with one another through shared experiences of navigating a world not built for their minds. Whether in personal relationships or professional networks, there's a recognition between those who've had to work differently and think differently throughout their lives – creating bonds built on mutual understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.