Nat Hawley is a UK-based neurodiversity and neuroinclusion keynote speaker, consultant and founder of Divergent Thinking, known for helping organisations rethink how workplaces support different minds. A TEDx speaker with an MSc in Applied Neuroscience, Nat is widely recognised for translating complex research into practical strategies that help leaders build more inclusive, effective teams.
Nat’s early career was shaped by a commitment to social impact and youth development. After graduating with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Television Production from Bournemouth University, he began working in outreach, storytelling and mentoring programmes designed to support young people into education and employment. His work with The Prince’s Trust, where he served in roles including Outreach Supervisor & Staff Development Lead, saw him help develop programmes connecting disadvantaged young people with training and job opportunities. Nat also worked in digital storytelling and media education, delivering workshops that helped underrepresented creators build confidence and career skills. These formative experiences gave him a deep understanding of how systems can unintentionally exclude certain groups, an insight that later shaped his work in neurodiversity and inclusive workplace design. Motivated to strengthen the scientific foundation of his work, Nat later completed an MSc in Applied Neuroscience at King’s College London, combining research knowledge with real-world organisational experience.
Nat’s professional reputation grew significantly as he began focusing on neurodiversity in the workplace. In 2017 he founded Divergent Thinking, a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations design neuroinclusive cultures and systems. Alongside this, he held the role of Head of Community & Strategic Partnerships at Exceptional Individuals, where he delivered 300+ executive workshops and helped major employers improve neurodivergent hiring and retention. Through this work, Nat has advised global organisations including Disney, HSBC, BBC, Roche, NHS England and Universal Music, supporting leadership teams to rethink recruitment practices, workplace communication and leadership behaviours. His expertise has also been recognised through media appearances on BBC News and Channel 4, and he has spoken at Clarence House during King Charles III’s time as Prince of Wales, highlighting the growing national focus on neurodiversity and inclusive employment.
Event organisers book Nat because his keynotes combine lived experience, neuroscience and practical leadership insight. As an autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic professional, he brings an authentic perspective that resonates with leaders seeking to create better workplaces. Nat’s talks move beyond awareness to focus on actionable change, covering topics such as neuroinclusive leadership, communication in diverse teams, bias in recruitment and the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Nat Hawley’s official speaker topics are listed below:
- AI, Algorithms and Neurodiversity in the Future of Work
- Beyond Awareness: Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces That Actually Work
- Communication and the Double Empathy Problem at Work
- Inclusive Leadership for Neurodiverse Teams
- Neurodivergent Burnout and Sustainable Performance
- Neurodiversity in Recruitment and Progression
- Reasonable Adjustments in Practice
- Why We Need Neurodiversity: Rethinking “Normal” and Unlocking Different Minds
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Nat’s neurodiversity awareness session was truly outstanding. He shared practical insights, challenged perceptions, and made complex topics accessible - colleagues left inspired and equipped to better support neurodiverse talent." - Karen, Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Bakkavor
"Nat delivered a great neurodiversity session for our team. His facilitation style was open, relaxed and informative, and we left with clear, practical ways to apply what we’d learned across the business - I’d definitely recommend him." - Sarah, Group Head of Talent, The Dot Group
"Nat is an amazingly wise and insightful speaker. He shared innovative ideas in a concise, engaging way, and his passion and eloquence left everyone with a lot to think about - a wonderful contributor to our neurodivergent community." - Donna, Head of Training Services, Neurobox
"Nat and the team delivered workshops that had a significantly positive impact on our leaders and managers. It was one of the most engaging, honest and informative sessions we’ve run, with hugely positive feedback across the business." - Lisa, Talent Professional, HSBC
"Nat’s insight and expertise have been invaluable. He offers evidence-based direction and robust, practical perspectives that have directly shaped research outputs - generous, collaborative and highly impactful." - Louise, Senior Lecturer in Management & Organisation Studies, University of Essex
"Nat is a passionate advocate and expert in neurodiversity with a wealth of experience supporting organisations on their inclusion journey. His in-depth knowledge and innovative approach are truly inspiring." - Camila, Programme Leader & Author, Bournemouth University
- 2025 - Highlighted in the 'Neurodistinct Leaders and Allies Making an Impact' list connected with discussions around the World Economic Forum in Davos
- 2024 - Completed MSc in Applied Neuroscience, King’s College London
- 2019 - Appointed Head of Community & Strategic Partnerships at Exceptional Individuals
- 2017 - Founded Divergent Thinking, a neurodiversity and inclusion consultancy
- 2016 - Recognised for outreach work with The Prince’s Trust, including royal engagement events
- 2014 - Graduated First-Class BA (Hons) in Television Production, Bournemouth University
How to hire Nat Hawley
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Nat Hawley for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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