42. The Wonders of Neurodiversity - The Future Needs Different Thinkers

In this extended episode we focus on the treasure trove of benefits that neurodivergence brings to the table. Hugely successful people such as Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Greta Thunberg and Richard Branson have shared how their dyslexic, ADHD or autistic gift to think and see things differently has enabled them to impact and shake up the world.  In our increasingly AI/automated workplace, having a neurodivergent brain could be the career asset to nurture rather than a risk to mitigate. And for anyone planning to be in the world of work in 2030 and beyond, knowing what is happening in schools now enables you to prepare well for your future colleagues. We are joined by consultant Headteacher Julie Bravery who has been in the world of education for over 30 years. As well as running one of the UK's most successful primary schools she has consulted with the DoE and local authorities. Her observations are that the education system is outdated and not fit for modern life : "it is the system that is broken, not your child".  For example, an estimated 10% of the population is dyslexic (and that's just those who have been assessed) and with typically one SENco (specialist co-ordinator) per school, many children are getting left behind. Societally, this is already causing self-esteem/mental health challenges in adulthood, and commercially, an extraordinary amount of brainpower could be missed because that difference was not nurtured.  Please share with anyone who you think would benefit from a shot of confidence about their neurodivergence - the world needs your beautiful brain!Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid (attributed to Einstein).