As we look ahead to Neuro North Forum 2026, it feels important to pause and reflect on one of the most impactful moments from last year’s event, the Panel Discussion: “The Importance of Making Neuroinclusivity in the Workplace a Priority.”
NNF25 brought together a diverse community of leaders, practitioners, academics and neurodivergent professionals. But it was the panel conversation that truly crystallised the purpose of the Forum: to create workplaces where people feel understood, supported and able to thrive.
A Panel That Brought Every Perspective Into the Room
Expertly facilitated by Clemence Harding (Coach Clem), the panel brought together voices from business, academia, entrepreneurship and lived experience:
- Jacky Stansfield Smith (IncluScape) — championing the BELONG Framework® and the practical steps organisations can take to embed neuroinclusivity.
- Pablo Muñoz (Durham University) — offering an academic and entrepreneurial lens on how neurodiversity fuels innovation and problem‑solving.
- Emma Morgan (Amazon) — sharing her personal journey navigating a successful career with ADHD, and the importance of environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
- Alison Stephenson (AAA Caring Caretaker) — demonstrating what inclusive leadership looks like in practice through her organisation’s culture and values.
- Stuart Murray (Murtek) — highlighting how a supportive, people‑centred culture can transform both performance and wellbeing.
Each panellist brought something different, and that was the power of the session. It wasn’t a single narrative. It was a mosaic of perspectives, experiences and insights that reflected the complexity and richness of neurodiversity in real workplaces.
Key Themes That Emerged
1. Neuroinclusivity Drives Innovation
Pablo’s contribution reminded us that neurodiversity isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic advantage. Different ways of thinking lead to new ideas, creative solutions and fresh approaches to challenges.
2. Culture Starts With Leadership
Alison and Stuart demonstrated that inclusive cultures don’t happen by accident. They are shaped intentionally, through values, behaviours, policies and everyday interactions.
3. Lived Experience Matters
Emma’s story was a powerful reminder that neurodivergent employees don’t need fixing, they need understanding, flexibility and environments where they can bring their strengths to the table.
4. Practical Tools Make Inclusion Real
Jacky’s BELONG Framework® grounded the conversation in action. Delegates left with a clear sense of how to move from awareness to implementation.
5. Curiosity Is the Starting Point
Clem’s facilitation brought everything back to one core leadership skill: curiosity. When leaders stay curious, about people, needs, perspectives and barriers, inclusion becomes natural, not forced.
Why This Conversation Still Matters
The panel didn’t just share insights, it sparked something. Delegates described the session as:
- “eye‑opening”
- “practical and human”
- “the moment everything clicked”
- “a conversation every organisation needs to have”
It became clear that neuroinclusivity is no longer a niche topic. It’s a leadership priority.
And that’s exactly why NNF26 is shifting into a leadership‑first theme.
The tools leaders use, how they communicate, how they listen, how they set boundaries, how they understand people, all shape whether people can thrive in the workplace.
Looking Ahead to NNF26
The reflections from the 2025 panel have directly influenced the design of the 2026 Forum. This year, we’re focusing on Tools for Real‑World Leadership, because inclusion isn’t a standalone initiative. It’s woven into everyday leadership practice.
The panel reminded us that when leaders understand people, communicate clearly, create psychological safety and stay curious, inclusion becomes a natural outcome.
NNF26 will build on that foundation with practical tools, inspiring speakers and a renewed commitment to leadership that works for everyone.
A Final Reflection
The 2025 panel left us with one powerful truth:
When we understand people, we lead better.
When we embrace difference, we innovate better.
When we create inclusive cultures, we all thrive.
And that’s exactly what Neuro North Forum exists to champion.