From lived experience to specialist practice: Ross’s story
Ross came to the NWN Assessors® Programme from a background in workplace wellbeing, inclusion and safety, already supporting organisations through his consultancy, Growology. He was looking to build on that experience and develop a more robust, evidence-based approach to neuroinclusion, both within his own business and through the wider organisations and partnerships he works with.
In his own words, Ross reflects on what prompted him to undertake the programme, the value he found in looking at workplace barriers from different perspectives, and how the learning has influenced the way he approaches his work. He also shares how the programme has helped shape the strategic growth of Growology and given him greater confidence to have difficult conversations and advocate for meaningful change.
We’re really pleased to share Ross’s story and his experience of the NWN programme below.
Finding Clarity in the Noise: My Journey Through the NWN Programme
As a consultant, my days are spent navigating the complexities of workplace wellbeing, inclusion, and safety. I help organisations build environments where people can thrive, yet for a long time, I found myself searching for a more robust framework to articulate my own professional value, support those in a journey that I myself had encountered and sharpen the impact of my work.
I’ve always been someone who dives deep into challenges, whether that’s developing strategies for workplaces or designing interactive learning modules, but I needed a structured approach to bridge the gap between my practical experience and the strategic growth of my own company, Growology. That’s what brought me to the Neurodiversity Workplace Needs (NWN) programme.
The Catalyst for Change
My decision to enrol in the NWN programme was prompted by a desire to move beyond being just a facilitator with lived experience. I wanted to become a specialist who could offer truly evidence-based support in neuroinclusion. I saw the growing need for genuine expertise in this space, and I knew that to be effective, I needed to ground my passion in formal training. I wasn't looking for a generic certification; I was looking for a transformative experience that would shift how I approached my consultancy work.
What I Found Valuable
The most striking element of the NWN programme was its ability to turn complex concepts into actionable, human-centred strategies. The training didn’t just teach me "what" to do; it challenged me to reconsider "how" I perceive workplace barriers.
I found immense value in the collaborative learning environment. Engaging with peers who brought diverse perspectives helped me dismantle some of my own assumptions. It reinforced the importance of listening, really listening to the individual’s experience rather than relying on standard protocols that often fail to account for the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent colleagues. The programme provided the tools to move from a reactive model of "fixing problems" to a proactive model of "designing inclusive systems. "
Applying the Lessons
Since completing the programme, the impact on my practice has been immediate and profound. I have integrated these learnings directly into the core of Growology. When I now facilitate sessions on workplace wellbeing, I’m not just talking about general safety; I’m embedding neuroinclusive practices that ensure every participant feels empowered.
Whether I am working with large corporate clients or collaborating on initiatives like #Team33, where we leverage digital tools for suicide prevention, the principles of the NWN programme guide my approach. It has given me the confidence to lead difficult conversations and the strategic framework to advocate for systemic changes that benefit everyone.
The journey from completing the programme to where I am today has been about constant iteration. I haven't just added a qualification to my portfolio; I have fundamentally evolved my consultancy to better serve the needs of a modern, diverse workforce.
My takeaway?
The most powerful tool we have is the ability to ask the right questions, and now, I’m equipped to do just that.
Ross