24. Unpacking Fraud, Neurodiversity, and Assertive Communication with Lou Baxter MBE

DISC Profile: Red & Yellow (D&I) | In this episode of the "It Starts With YOU" podcast, host Vic O'Farrell welcomes guest Louise Baxter MBE, an influential figure in consumer protection with an MBE for her work against financial abuse, particularly scams affecting vulnerable groups.   The discussion centres around the nuances of fraud and scams, emphasising how situational factors, rather than personal traits, contribute to vulnerability. Louise shares insights from her work with the National Trading Standard Scams Team, highlighting the unreported nature of fraud and its significant impact on both victims and the economy. She advocates for reframing the narrative around fraud victims, challenging victim-blaming language and promoting awareness.   Louise also provides personal insights into her neurodivergent traits, explaining how they influence her work and communication style. The conversation touches on the importance of diverse team roles and the impact of personality profiling on improving team dynamics and personal interactions. She highlights the significance of assertive communication and offers advice on dealing with impulsivity, drawing from her own experiences.   "It Starts with You" podcast is available everywhere on Wednesdays every fortnight.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review! Thank you, Vic.      Let's Connect! Follow Vic O'Farrell via the Queen of Behaviours  Instagram - @vicofarrell LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaofarrell/ Email – [email protected] Website - www.queenofbehaviours.com   For updates on new episodes and everything podcast related Watch the podcast on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@queenofbehaviours Instagram - @itstartswithyoupodcastqob Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenofbehaviours TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itstartswithyoupodcast LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/queenofbehaviours/ Website - www.queenofbehaviours.com/podcast   About the Guest Louise Baxter MBE Louise is a consumer champion with a real passion for supporting vulnerability. Louise started work for East Sussex Trading Standards.  In 2011 Louise got frustrated by the system in relation to support of scam victims and started what is now the National Trading Standards Scams Team.  In 2017 Louise was awarded a CTSI Fellowship and an MBE for Protecting Vulnerable Consumers from Financial Abuse. Louise is a Non-executive Director for the Property Ombudsman and TrustMark Board and is involved with several other boards, she is also previous chair of CTSI  (2021). Louise is joint CEO of www.consumerfriend.org.uk. An organisation set up to provide information, advice and education to consumers on their consumer rights with a focus on consumer vulnerability.   Connect with Louise Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial Instagram: @ConsumerFriendUK Website: www.consumerfriend.com