Neurodiversity awareness
Keynote Speaker - Matt Gupwell. Unique, evidence based, memorable and engaging.
Who is Matt Gupwell?
Matt Gupwell | Neurodiversity Consultant, Speaker & Strategist
Helping organisations build cultures where different ways of thinking are not just accepted—but expected.
As a respected Neurodiversity in the workplace trainer and a Neurodiversity Consultant, Matt's position in unique. Read more below.
With 15 years of working with and learning from neurodivergent individuals, and lived experience of ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, I help organisations move past buzzwords and into behaviour change. I don’t just define neurodiversity—I show you what gets in the way of people doing their best work, and how to fix it. My work sits at the intersection of communication, cognitive diversity, and culture change. I’ve advised teams across industries—fashion, film, government, tech, healthcare—and what sets me apart is this: I don’t teach you how to spot labels. I show you how to support people. What Makes My Approach Different * I don’t speak about ‘them vs us’ * I don’t repeat generic adjustment lists or information * I don’t expect managers to be experts in conditions, in fact, I don't want you to be Instead, I bring practical tools, strategic insight, and real-world stories to help leaders and teams communicate better, make smarter adjustments, and create environments where people actually thrive. Yes, I’ve spent 15 years as a professional entertainer—so I know how to hold a room. But I also spent 18 years navigating workplaces undiagnosed, learning first-hand how systems create barriers. That’s why my work blends clarity with compassion—and why it sticks. Keynote Speaking topics My flagship talks are practical, provocative, and built to challenge how teams think, speak, and work together. 🎤 Why I don't want you to "know" about neurodivergent conditions, I want you to know what it means to be neurodivergent. 🎤 Weapons of Mass Inclusion Why awareness isn’t enough—and what real support actually looks like 🎤 Communication Isn’t Common Sense: It’s Cognitive If we all think differently, why do we expect communication to be the same? 🎤 The Real Cost of “Just Use Headphones” Why generic adjustments don’t work—and what to do instead Podcast & Public Voice Host of the evidence-led TALKADHD podcast—now recommended by the World Federation of ADHD for clinical and non-clinical professionals Sought-after guest and panel speaker on neurodiversity, workplace design, and inclusion Known for making complex ideas clear, useful, and actionable Want to bring a fresh, credible voice to your inclusion strategy—or your next leadership event?
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Sweety Chanda Talent Partner ITG Group
Thanks so much for your session last week with ITG. Your presentation has left a lasting impact. Your delivery style is incredibly engaging and thought-provoking. I’ve seen firsthand how your words inspired our teams to think differently and take action.
Testimonials
Che L Corporate Fundraising and Partnerships Migrant Help
"I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Matt, at our staff conference. His easy-to-listen-to and energetic style, coupled with a clear and impactful delivery, made the session incredibly engaging. I thoroughly recommend his expertise to anyone looking to enhance their understanding of neurodivergence."
Kate Farmer, Talent Process and Project Manager Encirc
I had the pleasure of attending one of your training days about ND in the workplace. It’s had a real positive personal impact - not only professionally to support our EDI agenda and helping individuals feel empowered and included but also individually particularly with how ND may present differently for girls. The delivery was really engaging, open discussion and a great session I’m recommending to colleagues
Matt Gupwell | Neurodiversity Keynote Talks for 2025 and Beyond
Matt’s keynotes help audiences shift their thinking. These aren’t surface-level awareness talks—they’re honest, evidence-led, and rooted in real-world experience. Each one is designed to challenge assumptions, unlock action, and spark lasting conversations. They are based from his person learnings and from his work as a Consultant and expert trainer.
1) Why I Don’t Want You to "Know" About Neurodivergent Conditions, I want you to know what it means to be neurodivergent.
This isn’t a talk about diagnostic criteria, symptoms or traits. It’s a talk about lived reality. Most managers and leaders feel pressure to understand clinical definitions of ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions — but this misses the point. What matters most is how those conditions appear for people in the workplace. Understanding what executive function, emotional dysregulation and sensory overwhelm can look like without needing to know what condition may be causing them. It helps audiences understand the things they've seen, heard and experienced that they can help with right now without anyone needing to disclose their condition until they are ready. Matt helps audiences drop the jargon and focus on what creates support, trust, and understanding. It’s about people, not profiles. And let's be honest, that's the most important thing. Perfect for: HR, Senior Leaders, DEI Champions, Public Services
2) Weapons of Mass Inclusion, Why awareness isn’t enough—and what real support actually looks like.
Inclusion isn’t built on awareness posters or vague advice—it’s built on action. In this talk, Matt dismantles the popular myth that knowing a little about a condition leads to effective support. Instead, he introduces a powerful reframe: inclusion begins when we understand what neurodivergent experiences actually mean to individuals, and what gets in the way of people doing their best work. Matt shares his "Which Means What" approach to move organisations from generic adjustments to meaningful change. This keynote is provocative, practical, and packed with strategies teams can use right away. Perfect for: HR, Leadership, DEI & People Teams, Workplace Strategy Groups
3) Communication through a neurodivergent lens.
If we all think differently, why do we expect communication to be the same? In this thought-provoking session, Matt explores how cognitive diversity affects how we speak, listen, and understand one another. Miscommunication isn’t about poor skills or bad attitudes—it’s often about different processing styles. And when left unaddressed, it causes friction, burnout, and missed potential. Matt shows how to create clearer communication practices that respect different cognitive styles—especially useful in high-pressure or cross-functional environments. Perfect for: Teams, L&D, Marketing & Comms, Leadership Offsites
4) The Real Cost of “Just Use Headphones” Why generic adjustments often fail—and what real inclusion requires.
This talk debunks the overused “solutions” that rarely meet anyone’s needs. From noise-cancelling headphones to flexible hours, generic adjustments can help—but only when they’re used in the right context. Matt walks audiences through a better approach to workplace design—one that factors in individual needs, operational reality, and sustainable strategies. Whether you’re just starting or refining your approach, this talk offers insight that will change how you think about adjustments. Perfect for: Facilities, Occupational Health, HR, Line Managers
Introductions for you to use.
1) Short - apprx 150 words. 45 - 60 seconds
Our speaker today is Matt Gupwell—an evidence-led strategist, consultant, and keynote speaker whose talks are known for cutting through the noise around neurodiversity, communication, and workplace inclusion. Matt works with global brands, public sector teams, and creative industries to help them build environments where different kinds of thinkers can thrive. His approach is practical, human, and refreshingly honest. He doesn’t teach you about diagnoses—he teaches you how to support people. Matt’s sessions challenge lazy thinking, bust myths, and offer simple, powerful tools that organisations can use right away. Whether he’s talking about the real cost of “just use headphones,” or reframing what inclusion actually looks like in practice, Matt’s goal is always the same: to help you understand your people better—and design work that works. Please welcome, Matt Gupwell.
2) Medium - apprx 350 words. 90 - 120 seconds
Today’s speaker, Matt Gupwell, is one of the UK’s most respected voices in the field of neurodiversity, cognitive communication, and inclusive workplace design. But don’t expect a typical awareness talk. Matt’s approach is different—and deliberately so. He’s not here to deliver clinical definitions or tell you what ADHD or autism “look like.” Instead, Matt focuses on what those differences mean in real-world settings—and how they shape the way we think, communicate, lead, and collaborate. Matt works with clients across industries: from fashion brands and film studios to NHS trusts and government teams. What unites them is a desire to go beyond tick-box training and create environments where people don’t just feel seen—but are genuinely supported to do their best work. His keynotes are full of insight, lived experience, and practical tools. He’s known for asking the questions others avoid, busting common myths, and helping teams move from awkward awareness to confident action. You might hear him challenge ideas like “reasonable adjustments” being just about noise-cancelling headphones—or explore why miscommunication is often neurological, not personal. What’s consistent across all his sessions is this: Matt helps people understand each other better, and shows organisations how to turn that understanding into impact. Get ready for a talk that’s honest, evidence-led, and deeply human. Please welcome, Matt Gupwell.
3) Long - apprx 2 minutes
It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce today’s speaker—Matt Gupwell. Matt is a respected strategist, consultant, and keynote speaker who specialises in neurodiversity, cognitive communication, and inclusive work design. He’s known for challenging conventional approaches to workplace inclusion—and for helping teams move from awareness to action in a way that’s practical, honest, and human. What sets Matt apart is his refusal to deliver the kind of talks that make people nod, then forget. His sessions stay with you, because they’re grounded in real experience, backed by evidence, and designed to make a lasting impact. Matt doesn’t teach audiences to memorise labels or diagnostic traits. Instead, he helps people understand what those conditions actually mean for the individuals in their teams, and how work systems, communication, and environments can either enable or disable performance. With clients that include global fashion brands, leading creative agencies, NHS trusts, and public service organisations, Matt is trusted across sectors for his ability to engage deeply and challenge gently. His work focuses on what makes workplaces truly inclusive—not in theory, but in daily practice. He’s also the creator of the “Which Means What” framework—a tool that helps organisations move beyond generic adjustments and start making changes that really work for the people they support. Matt’s sessions are packed with myth-busting, real-world stories, and the kind of insights that shift mindsets. He explores topics like: Why awareness isn’t enough if we don’t change our systems Why “just use headphones” isn’t a real strategy And how communication breakdowns are often cognitive—not about attitude or effort But more than anything, Matt’s message is this: if we want better workplaces, we have to start with understanding—of each other, of ourselves, and of the hidden systems that shape how we work. So whether you’re here today to rethink adjustments, improve psychological safety, or simply be better equipped to lead diverse teams—this session will give you tools, clarity, and a whole new way of seeing the world around you. Please give a warm welcome to Matt Gupwell.
Matt’s requirements
Stage/Performance time, Tech/rehearsal times if required, Name of tech crew, name of showrunner (if employed), names of any VIP or persons I should be aware of.
Microphones: I always prefer a wireless microphone. I am happy with Lavalier, Headset or Handheld. (please always have a spare mic charged just in case)
Presentations and displays: I use Powerpoint for slideshows. I always bring a laptop and USB drive with the presentation on and send you a copy by email as a back up. All presentations are formatted in 1920 * 1080 format. My presentations occassionaly use audio and video, so connection to the sound system is necessary.
Lighting: I am occassionaly overstimulated by lighting either directly above me or in front of me. Whilst I am able to cope I mention it just in case it can be avoivded.
My incredibly complex rider: Food – I don’t eat meat or dairy. Drink – I only drink Soy milk in tea, but take coffee black. I always have a my own bottle of water on stage with me.
Where possible I like to record my talks both in person and online for my own review and future promotional work. Please state if this presents an issue.