22-25 April 2026 
Brilliant Brains - Embracing Neurodiversity
2022TL; DR
1 in 7 people are neurodivergent: our brains are wired differently and we experience the world in unusual ways. If you lead a team, there’s a good chance you’ve met one or more of us! Building a culture where neurodivergent people thrive takes work, but the rewards are immense. In this session I’ll share my experience as a neurodivergent woman in data. We’ll discuss your questions, challenges, and ideas and opportunities for inclusion in a safe and supportive space.
Session Details
1 in 7 people are neurodivergent: our brains are wired differently and we experience the world in unusual ways. If you lead a team, there’s a good chance you’ve met one or more of us! Building a culture where neurodivergent people thrive takes work, but the rewards are immense.
"About 35% of the neurodivergent population has extremely high creativity, complex problem-solving skills, data and technology acumen, aptitude, and interest. When acumen, aptitude, and interest line up like a constellation in the sky, it creates a level of focus, and that employee will outperform anybody that you have in this space.”- Hiren Shukla, Global Neurodivergence Researcher for EY.
In a global competition for talent, these are the people you want – and need - in your business and on your teams.
In this session you'll learn:
- What neurodivergence means and how it affects us - the superpowers and the kryptonite
- What this can look like in technology and data teams
- Practical steps you can take to build an inclusive culture where neurodivergent people can thrive
There will be an opportunity for questions and facilitated discussion with other attendees.
No prior knowledge is required.
Feedback link: https://sqlb.it/?7122
"About 35% of the neurodivergent population has extremely high creativity, complex problem-solving skills, data and technology acumen, aptitude, and interest. When acumen, aptitude, and interest line up like a constellation in the sky, it creates a level of focus, and that employee will outperform anybody that you have in this space.”- Hiren Shukla, Global Neurodivergence Researcher for EY.
In a global competition for talent, these are the people you want – and need - in your business and on your teams.
In this session you'll learn:
- What neurodivergence means and how it affects us - the superpowers and the kryptonite
- What this can look like in technology and data teams
- Practical steps you can take to build an inclusive culture where neurodivergent people can thrive
There will be an opportunity for questions and facilitated discussion with other attendees.
No prior knowledge is required.
Feedback link: https://sqlb.it/?7122
3 things you'll get out of this session
Speakers
Sarah Francis's previous sessions
Being Brilliantly Bonkers: Neurodiversity, mental health, & inclusion
1 in 7 people are neurodivergent: our brains are wired differently and we experience the world in unusual ways. The same applies for many people with long term mental health challenges. In this session I'll share practical steps you can take to build an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, learn, and be their authentic selves
Maximising everyone's super powers - Panel discussion
In this panel we will discuss approaches with leaders in the field who have first hand experience of managing neurodiversity in the work place. Welcome questions from the audience as to how everyone can maximise their and their teams super powers
Talk data to me: How to tell compelling stories to non-technical people
Over the last 10 years, and especially in the last two, the data landscape of businesses has fundamentally changed. Good data science and engineering can help commercial results explode, and deliver outstanding return on investment. However, it’s not always easy. If you’ve ever seen someone’s eyes glaze over when you start a technical presentation, or you’re struggling to communicate the value of what you’re delivering, this session is for you.