Webinar: Neurodiversity Webinar – Make space for a different view
This webinar will be held over zoom. Click here to read the User Guide for Zoom webinars/meetings
Recording now available on YouTube and actuview
At least 1 in 7 people are estimated to be neurodivergent – that is, they have an alternative thinking style. Although many autistic adults have the skills required to become actuaries or have careers in financial services, most are unemployed.
In this Panel event we will explore how employers can build inclusive cultures to break down barriers and improve their organisations’ skill base through increased inclusion of people who are neurodiverse.
NB: As a security measure, there is a two-step registration process before you receive the link to join any webinar. The first step is to register your interest in attending a webinar by making a reservation for an event via the Society’s website. You will receive a link to then register via the Zoom platform. It is after this second registration step that you will receive the link to join the webinar.
Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity. Adam founded the organisation based on his own experiences growing up on the autism spectrum. Today, AsIAm provides support to the autism people and their families, advocates on behalf of the community, and works to support public and private sector organisations and communities in becoming inclusive and accessible.
A Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee, Adam is a frequent contributor to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas. He has also sat and advised on many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion. From Greystones in Co Wicklow, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020.
Alicja (‘Aleetsya’) Nocon is a client-centred Neurodiversity and Wellbeing Trainer, Consultant and Coach at Expand the Circle. Following a life-changing discovery of her own place on the autism spectrum in 2020, Alicja has been on a mission to change the perceptions surrounding autism and other neurodivergent thinking styles in the workplace.
Prior to creating Expand the Circle, Alicja enjoyed a diverse career as an actuary and worked for Deloitte, Legal & General and Munich Re for a decade. Alicja recently completed a prestigious Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at University of East London, where her research interest focused on the role of character strengths and humour in supporting the wellbeing of autistic adults.
Alicja is keen to use her voice, and that of the neurodivergent community, to bring about positive change in the wider system. She is a regular public speaker, most recently at the IFoA Conference and Autscape in 2022.
Alicja’s self-care habits include bullet journaling, watching comedy shows and taking a proper lunch break. She is at her happiest when surrounded by her friends and family, her two rescue cats and homemade food – ideally all at the same time.
Michael Fitzgerald is a qualified Life Coach with a special interest in Mental Health & Wellbeing coaching.
He is also a music producer, software developer & mental health advocate and has been involved in initiating and promoting various community initiatives in Cork.
Prior to qualifying as a coach, Michael was an actuarial professional for 35 years working and consulting in Life, Pensions and Non-Life and has previously served as a Council member of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland.
His personal experience with mental challenges and in particular complex post-traumatic disorder has given him an insight into the need for and power of compassion, empathy and kindness in creating connection.