Nat Hawley

Founder of Divergent Thinking, Global Neurodiversity Strategist & TEDx Speaker Advising Disney, NHS England & HSBC

  • Delivered 300+ leadership workshops on neurodiversity & inclusive leadership
  • Featured by BBC & Channel 4 discussing neurodiversity in modern workplaces
  • Former Head of Community & Strategic Partnerships at Exceptional Individuals
  • Founder of Divergent Thinking helping organisations embed neuroinclusive workplace systems
  • TEDx speaker translating neuroscience research into practical workplace strategies

When Nat Hawley is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

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

Nat Hawley is a UK-based neurodiversity and neuroinclusion keynote speaker, strategist and consultant who helps organisations build workplaces where different kinds of thinking are recognised as strengths. An autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic advocate with an MSc in Applied Neuroscience, Nat combines lived experience with research to help leaders understand the value of cognitive diversity. Through practical frameworks and engaging storytelling, Nat translates complex science into clear, actionable steps that empower organisations to create more inclusive, psychologically safe and high-performing environments.

Nat is the Founder of Divergent Thinking, a consultancy dedicated to helping employers redesign systems so neurodivergent people can thrive. Through this work, Nat advises organisations on inclusive recruitment, leadership development and workplace culture. Nat has partnered with major global organisations including Disney, HSBC, BBC, Universal Music, Roche, Toyota Financial Services and NHS England, guiding leaders on how to unlock the strengths of neurodivergent talent. Prior to founding Divergent Thinking, Nat served as Head of Community and Strategic Partnerships at Exceptional Individuals, where Nat helped scale one of the UK’s leading neurodiversity employment organisations while delivering hundreds of leadership workshops and organisational programmes.

Across Nat’s career, measurable impact has been a defining feature. Nat has delivered 300+ executive workshops and helped organisations improve neurodivergent hiring by significant margins through inclusive recruitment design. Nat also co-founded the Neurodiversity Employment Academy in partnership with the UK Department for Work and Pensions and Roche, supporting more than 150 neurodivergent candidates into career pathways with strong placement outcomes. Beyond organisational change, Nat has played a key role in wider conversations about inclusion, receiving recognition including a Pride of Britain nomination and commendation from HRH The Prince of Wales for contributions to youth opportunity and social mobility.

Nat is also widely recognised as a compelling keynote speaker who inspires leaders to rethink traditional workplace systems. A TEDx speaker whose talk ‘Why We Need Neurodiversity’ highlights the importance of different cognitive perspectives, Nat delivers talks that move audiences beyond awareness into meaningful action. Regularly featured across national media including BBC and Channel 4, Nat brings credibility, warmth and practical insight to every stage. Organisations invite Nat to speak on topics such as neuroinclusive leadership, inclusive hiring, psychological safety and sustainable performance, equipping leaders with practical tools to ensure every mind can contribute and succeed.

Official Testimonials

Nat Hawley is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“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

To enquire about Nat Hawley for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@diversity-inclusion-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 297.