In this episode of 'A Day in the Life Of' podcast series, host Maxine Bell speaks with Lucy Whitehall, a psychologically informed leadership coach whose journey from corporate life to self-employment has shaped a deeply reflective and authentic practice. Lucy shares how she's learned to love working life again by embracing balance, integrity, and compassion—while navigating the grey area between coaching and therapy.

Propelled by her fascination in what makes humans tick, she is a coaching psychologist and positive psychologist whose practice focuses on the deep work – understanding client's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Driven by her own lived experiences with mental health and the current stresses of modern life, Lucy believes that all coaches should have a basic understanding of neuroscience. She is a self-confessed 'geek' for learning and passionate about CPD, which she believes helps her work with credibility, ethics and self-awareness, enabling her to be her best self as a coach for her clients.

Lucy shares her experiences with toxic work environments, and why she believes coaching leaders is key to creating healthy, happy, supported workforces that also perform well. She shares the challenges and highlights of being a self-employed coach and running a business, emphasising the non-negotiables she has about her own self-care. Listeners will gain insights, tips and be inspired by the joy and sense of purpose Lucy has found in her career as a coach and creating spaces for genuine human connection can thrive.

You will learn:

· Understand the principles and practice of psychologically informed coaching

· What coaches can support and develop good leadership

· Why self-care is essential for good wellbeing and good coaching practice.

'I never believed I could go to work, look forward to it, and have to control my working because I love it so much.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-psychologically-informed-leadership

In this episode, Kate Jenkinson talks to Professor Ludmila Praslova, organizational psychologist and author of the acclaimed book The Canary Code. Ludmila shares insights from her research and lived experiences, unpacking the book's central metaphor of the 'canary in the coal mine' — as a powerful lens for understanding workplace dynamics. She explains how neurodivergent individuals, often more attuned to dysfunction, can serve as early warning signals for toxic environments: arguing these sensitivities are not weaknesses but offer organizations a vital opportunity to detect and address systemic issues before they escalate.

With refreshing frankness, Ludmila explores neurodiversity in organizational settings, from poor hiring and evaluation practices to the pitfalls of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts and the value of considering intersectionality. She discusses and demonstrates the importance of 'inclusion from the margins,' providing real examples of forward-thinking companies that have successfully implemented neuroinclusive practices. Ludmila shares the role of feedback mechanisms, flexibility, and fair evaluation, and champions job crafting, role modelling and inclusive leadership.

Ludmila invites listeners to reimagine workplaces, where transparency, curiosity and fairness create environments where every mind and every business can thrive.

You will learn:

· Why sensitivity is not fragility but a signal that can aid organizations in creating high performing teams

· Why traditional performance management, such as bell curves, do not work.

· Why designing workplaces for those most marginalised results in healthier, more equitable and more effective systems for everyone

'You don't just bring in more of the same by adding neurodivergent people to the team. You bring in different pieces that create a much richer overall talent set.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-neuroinclusive-organizational-teams-canary-code

In this insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson speaks with neurodiversity lead, Dominique Stern and scientist and coach, Nathalie Meunier about how the global healthcare company, Roche, is embedding neurodiversity inclusion into its culture through coaching, education, community, and courageous leadership. Together, they explore how understanding and embracing neurodivergent experiences can transform the employee experience. Dominique and Nathalie share real examples and practical strategies that highlight how psychological safety, active listening, and curiosity can unlock hidden potential and foster a sense of belonging and innovation across teams.

This conversation goes beyond awareness, demonstrating how neuroinclusion is a strategic advantage that enhances collaboration, innovation, and business performance. As Dominque summarises, "Neuroinclusion is not charity. Neuro inclusion will directly unlock probably one of the biggest performances reserves you have in your organization."

Gain real-world insights into how Roche's Neurodiversity Network has co-created a thriving, supportive environment where neurodivergent employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Whether you're a coach, internal practitioner, HR leader, or senior executive, this episode offers actionable steps to champion neurodiversity and build an organization where every mind truly matters.

You will learn:

· How neurodivergent employees thrive in an environment of psychological safety, awareness and sense of belonging.

· Practical strategies for leaders and coaches to cultivate a neuroinclusive culture — where cognitive diversity drives real business results.

· How coaching skills can lead the way to healthier inclusive workplace

'We create a place of belonging and acceptance for neurodivergent people, we are neurodiversity affirming, and we also raise awareness of neurodiversity at work and advocate for neuro inclusion in every aspect of the employee experience.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-innovation-corporate-inclusive-leadership