Lucy Hobbs

Lucy Hobbs is a former advertising creative with over 30 years' experience in the creative industries. Now an AuDHD neurodiversity consultant, her own journey began with an ADHD diagnosis in 2007, which gave her a new perspective on many of her personal and professional experiences. For years, however, she kept her neurodivergence private, concerned about the potential for prejudice in an industry that didn't always embrace difference. That changed in 2018, when she chose to speak openly about her experiences as a neurodivergent professional at an industry conference. Recognising the need for greater visibility, understanding and a safe space for others, Lucy founded The Future is ND that year. What began as a platform to connect and support neurodivergent people has since grown into a consultancy, community and wider movement, working with individuals and organisations to challenge perceptions.

Lucy's early career was spent working across freelance and agency advertising projects for leading organisations such as Publicis, Ogilvy, McCann and St Luke's. She describes herself as a neurodiverse thinker with exceptional perceptual organisation, allowing her to approach challenges differently, develop original ideas and identify valuable insights. Rather than viewing her ADHD diagnosis as a barrier, it helped her understand and embrace her creative strengths, while making sense of the challenges she had experienced. A further diagnosis of autism in 2021 deepened her understanding of how she thinks, works and experiences the world. In 2022, she joined ProblemShared as a Neurodiversity Consultant before moving on in 2024 to take up the position of Neurodiversity & Inclusion Advisor at InsideOut.

Through The Future is ND, Lucy is on a mission to empower neurodivergent individuals with the confidence, understanding and tools to show up unapologetically and thrive. Equally, she works with organisations to challenge established perceptions, improve understanding and create workplaces where different ways of thinking are recognised and valued. Her work spans consultancy, workshops, events and community initiatives, supporting brands and businesses looking to build more inclusive cultures and unlock the potential of neurodivergent talent. Her clients include huge household names such as WPP, Publicis, Havas, Warner Music Group and Condé Nast.

As a speaker, Lucy regularly contributes to leadership events, employee engagement initiatives and corporate conferences. Combining personal anecdotes, her extensive creative industry experience and research, she challenges conventional narratives around neurodiversity. She encourages audiences to question assumptions about perceived normality, how language and labels shape identity, and what it takes for different minds to work together successfully. Her talks include Reimagining Normal and Labels, Language and Identity, alongside her more recent work on developing inclusive leadership styles and creating neuroinclusive workplaces. Lucy leaves audiences with a fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion, inspiring them to rethink how they lead, communicate and create environments in which everyone can thrive.