Registration has closed for this event!
About the event
Thank you for your interest in this event. This event has now taken place, and though registrations are closed, if you would like to watch the recording then you can access it here (along with the other NCW 2024 event recordings!). We hope you enjoy.
In the war for cutting-edge creativity and innovation, neurodivergents are the creative industries best weapon.
It’s understood that 15% - 20% of the UK population are neurodivergent, and, according to The Creative Access report 2022, a whopping 54% of disabled people employed in the advertising, marketing and media industry are neurodivergent. Many struggling to self-identify or gain the work adjustments they need.
How can we as a community pave the way for future neurodivergent creatives to thrive? To fuel future creative minds to succeed in an industry that is only just starting to recognise that they are there?
Join Lucy Hobbs and an interesting mix of creatives from The Future is ND network who will discuss the benefits and challenges of neurodiversity in today’s creative workplace. Discover how understanding and accommodating different needs can make a huge difference to agencies and clients that pride themselves on creativity and an alternative perspective.
We will explore:
How our neurodivergence fuels our creativity
How best to manage our creative minds
What barriers we face in the workplace and society
How agencies and clients can better accommodate us
The benefits of being self- employed versus full-time
How we collaborate best in creative teams
This is a free online event via Zoom.
Lucy Hobbs | Event Chair
Creative Director and Founder of The Future is ND
Lucy is an AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) Creative Director and Founder of The Future is ND- a platform that celebrates and champions neurodiversity in the creative and tech industries.
Lucy advocates through a program of regular events, keynotes, workshops, consultancy, and creative projects – all to educate and inform organisations and society on how to best embrace and empower a more neurodiverse workforce and world.
Ant Jackson
Creative Director and Consultant
Ant (she/her) is a freelance Creative Director and Consultant, most known for writing Lidl’s tagline ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’. Formerly a Marketing Manager, Ant retrained as a copywriter and went against her lecturers’ advice with a cheeky stunt that got her foot through Adland’s door. Since then, she’s created many effective and award-winning campaigns for leading agencies, brands and non-profits. Ant hasn’t always found her ADHD easy to manage, but believes that it does have some creative merits, if self-awareness, self-care and self-love are practiced too.
Jason Gilby
Creative
Hi, I’m Jason, a trans AUDHD self-employed creative, with specialisms in design, motion and post production. I have 7 years industry experience, with a mix of working in agency and independently, and am always looking for ways to challenge the ‘norm’ to ensure a working environment that is primarily inclusive, and accessible. When I’m not clicking around on Adobe (honestly another update?!) You’ll find me down Brighton beach front with the dogs, looking for gluten free goods.
Lennie Varvarides
Founder of DYSPLA
Lennie Varvarides, founder of MSFT LTD and DYSPLA CIC, is an artist, agent, producer, and award-winning writer/director. A first-generation Cypriot raised in London's garment industry, Lennie holds a Visual Arts degree from UAL and an MA in Writing for Performance from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. In 2018, they completed a WFTV mentorship. Lennie's work straddles commercial and art spheres, blending creativity with societal discourse. They've spoken at esteemed forums like BFI, Aesthetica Short Film Festival, and Royal Television Society. Nominated for the Stereotype Buster category at Genius Within's Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards, Lennie champions neurodivergent representation. Currently advising London's Liberty Festival, celebrating D/deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent Artists (2021-2023).
Liana Fricker
Founder & Head of New Ventures at Inspiration Space
Liana is a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder Coach, known for her expertise in transforming ideas into thriving businesses.
Featured on Startups Magazine's list of 'Most Influential Women' in 2022 and 2023, she has a wealth of experience in guiding startups and making strategic decisions.
Diagnosed with ADHD at 39, she’s a champion for neurodiversity in the creative industries and entrepreneurship.
Stuart Hallybone
Creative Director
Stu is a Creative Director, earned creative specialist, and strategic collaborator. Despite his own social inadequacies, he has worked in the creative industries for over two decades. So far, he has encouraged people to swap cigarettes for smiles, convinced a brand to graffiti on their new billboards, orchestrated a petrol engine lullaby, and almost started an intergalactic war.
Stu is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, recognized as one of the Top 80 Neurodiverse Advocates in the UK. He is committed to mentoring emerging creative talent and is unapologetic in his obscure film and literary references.