Tania Gerard was invited to provide a workshop for the Leicester Business Festival.

I was thrilled to be part of this year’s Leicester Business Festival (LBF), hosting a workshop on “Neurodiversity in the Workplace”. This event was an incredible opportunity to share knowledge, inspire change, and contribute to the legacy of one of the UK’s most impactful business festivals. What made my workshop even more special was seeing it evolve into a global event, with participants joining not just from the UK, but also from the United States and Canada.

Leicester Business Festival: A Catalyst for Growth

For the past decade, the Leicester Business Festival has celebrated the vibrancy and innovation of Leicester and Leicestershire’s business community. From its inception in 2015, LBF has grown exponentially, bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to network, share insights, and growth.

With nearly 1,000 festivals hosted, a marketing reach of over 443 million, and 89% of businesses reporting a positive impact, LBF has become more than just a regional event—it’s a showcase of Leicester’s strengths, ambitions, and global connections. Being a part of this festival was a true honour, and it’s a testament to Leicester’s role as a hub of innovation and inclusivity.

A Workshop with a Global Impact

My both in-person and online workshop, “Neurodiversity in the Workplace”, focused on creating understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in professional settings. Here are some of the main topics we covered:

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Exploring what neurodiversity means and how it manifests in the workplace.

• Creating Inclusive Work Environments: Sharing actionable strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

• Business Benefits of Embracing Neurodiversity: Highlighting how neurodivergent talent can drive innovation, reduce turnover, and improve overall workforce satisfaction.

• Case Studies and Success Stories: Learning from real-world examples of companies successfully implementing neurodiversity initiatives.

The session was designed to provide HR professionals, directors, managers, and business leaders with practical tools and strategies to embrace neurodiversity in their organisations.

What started as a local event quickly gained a global dimension. With participants joining from across the UK, the US, and Canada, the workshop highlighted the universal importance of neurodiversity and the shared challenges and opportunities businesses face worldwide.

The Importance of Leicester Business Festival

The Leicester Business Festival is not just a series of events; it’s a movement. Each year, it draws attention to Leicester’s dynamic business community, showcasing the region’s innovation, talent, and investment potential.

For me, LBF represents a platform for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and growth. It’s a space where ideas become actions, and local initiatives can ripple out globally. Hosting my workshop during this festival was a reminder of how powerful shared learning and collaboration can be.

What’s Next?

If you missed the event, don’t worry—the Leicester Business Festival is an annual opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. And for those eager to dive into neurodiversity in the workplace, I’m always here to continue the conversation.

Thank you to LBF for hosting this incredible festival and to everyone who attended my workshop. Together, we’re not just building better workplaces—we’re shaping a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can truly be themselves.

If you’d like to learn more about my work or explore neurodiversity training for your company, feel free to reach out. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Find out more about the Leicester Business Festival and my workshop here.