Episode 17: Meet the people shaping a kinder, bolder profession

This week’s Chartered Accountants Global Update is packed with two things every modern professional needs: forward-looking climate for talent and leadership (we’re heading to Munich for One Young World 2025) — and a deeply human, practical conversation about neurodiversity at work from Difference Makers Discuss with Mark Scully.One Young World Summit — Munich, 3–6 November 2025Chartered Accountants Worldwide is once again sending a stellar delegation to One Young World — where more than 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries convene to exchange ideas, build networks and spark action.Munich — a global hub for innovation, technology and research — is the perfect stage for those conversations. CAW’s delegates this year bring real-world projects and fresh perspectives, including:Laura Mason (UK) — public-service innovationSophie Sweeney (Ireland) — integrating sustainable development into professional educationSaad Bin Asim Zubairi (Bahrain) — ethical applications of AIJaspreet Rayat (UK) — social mobility and inclusionRebecca Casey — governance and diverse leadershipChristiaan Coetzee (South Africa) — transforming audit workflows globallySitali Chiuyu (Zambia) — entrepreneurship and inclusionKhethiwe Sibanyoni (South Africa) — gender-based violence activist and Deloitte audit traineeFollow the delegation and live updates via #CharteredStar on social — we’ll be sharing reflections, insights and moments from Munich as the summit unfolds.Difference Makers Discuss — Episode 3: Mark Scully on neurodiversity, courage and compassionIf you only listen to one episode this month, make it this one. Shinayd Donovan’s conversation with Mark Scully is an honest, practical, and hopeful guide to building workplaces where neurodivergent people — and everyone — can thrive.Mark’s story in briefMark’s CV reads like success: qualified at KPMG, rose to tax director. But behind the outward success was repeated struggle: excellent academic performance, yet an inability to decode the unwritten social rules of the workplace. He masked, over-worked, said “yes” to everything — until burnout forced him to pause and seek support.A counsellor later asked the life-changing question: “Has anyone ever mentioned autism to you?” After assessment, Mark was diagnosed autistic in 2021. That diagnosis gave him a framework to understand his experience and to start changing how he worked — compassionately and deliberately.What changed — and the important lessonThrough coaching, Mark learned to:Say no constructively instead of overcommittingCommunicate real expectations, rather than assuming others share themUse strategies that played to his strengthsThe result was tangible: performance ratings improved (from repeated middling results to top ratings). Mark made many of these changes before disclosing his diagnosis — and when he finally told his boss, the response was simple and powerful: “What adjustments do you need?” Mark replied, “You’ve already put them in place. I just asked for what I needed.”This underlines a vital point: adjustments that enable neurodivergent people to thrive often benefit everyone.Practical takeaways for leaders and managersMark’s conversation is full of hands-on advice. Key actions for firms and leaders:Shift from process-focused to person-centered, outcome-focused management. Ask: Is there a different way of working that suits how this person thinks and still achieves the outcome?