See Me Podcast with Máire Crouchman

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire is joined by Peter Van Der Merwe, a values driven leader in communications with deep experience building inclusive cultures and creating workplaces where people can belong and thrive. Peter shares how feeling like "the awkward kid" and an outsider shaped his leadership, and why inclusion is not a box ticking exercise, but the foundation for creativity and trust. Although he does not have a formal diagnosis, he reflects on recognising traits he relates to through lived experience and close relationships, and how that has made him more humble, empathetic, and curious about the way different people process the world. Together, they explore why so many workplaces still reward sameness, how default assumptions quietly exclude people, and the practical cultural shifts that help neurodivergent and differently wired employees flourish without having to mask. Peter also speaks candidly about the weight of leadership, the risk of burnout, and why organisations need to move from mental health "awareness" to real tools and support. ✨ In this episode: Inclusion as belonging, not performance Why workplaces reward sameness, and what it costs Masking, social rituals, and quiet exclusion Clarity and flexibility as everyday inclusion practices Multiple ways to contribute: written, verbal, visual, and one on one Psychological safety, and what it actually means in real workplaces Burnout, leadership load, and the need for real debrief support Allyship as making space, not speaking for others Self acceptance, and what Peter would tell his younger self 📌 About the host: Máire Crouchman is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman dedicated to creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.  

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire is joined by Scott Armstrong, founder of MENTL, a platform giving mental health the voice and visibility it deserves in workplaces. Scott shares his recent diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, describing it as "seismic," and reflects on how it has reshaped his understanding of his identity, his childhood, and the narratives he carried for decades. He speaks openly about growing up without answers, being labelled "lazy" and "scatterbrained," and living in constant "panic mode" fueled by anxiety, shame, and people pleasing. This is a grounded conversation about healing, nervous system regulation, and self compassion, and what sustainable wellbeing can look like while leading a business and advocating for change. Scott also explores why workplace wellbeing is not just ethical, it is good business, and how simple, practical accommodations can unlock stronger performance and retention. ✨ In this episode: Receiving an adult diagnosis of inattentive ADHD and why it felt life changing Anxiety, childhood trauma, and the long impact of shame and self doubt Masking, people pleasing, and living in constant panic mode Moving from "I have to" to "I will," and how that shift changes daily life Practical strategies: turning off notifications, timers, scaffolding, and body doubling Medication, stability, and learning what supports you best Workplace wellbeing, psychological safety, and supporting neurodivergent talent Why inclusion is good business, not just a moral stance 📌 About the host: Máire Crouchman is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman dedicated to creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman.   In this episode, Máire is joined by Chris, an autistic adult whose journey from childhood masking to adult self-discovery sheds light on what it truly means to navigate the world with a different neurotype. Chris shares vivid early memories of speech therapy, feeling "out of sync," the pressure to fit cultural expectations, and the moment he learned the truth about his diagnosis as a teenager.   Together, they explore how identity forms in silence, how masking becomes survival, and how unmasking becomes freedom. Chris also speaks about his work with The Butterfly, supporting families and advocating for inclusive employment across the UAE.   ✨ In this episode: – Rediscovering an autism diagnosis after years of masking – Growing up neurodivergent in a collectivist culture – Social burnout, empathy, and emotional processing – Stimming, sensory needs, and regulation – Perfectionism, giftedness, and adult burnout – Inclusion, employment, and the work of The Butterfly  

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire sits down with Stephen Coffey, a global HR leader whose personal experiences with autism, ADHD, and workplace inclusion offer a grounded and human perspective on neurodiversity. Stephen shares the story of his brother's journey toward independence — and how a single trip changed his confidence, routine, and social world. Together, they explore how environment, empathy, and awareness can transform lives, workplaces, and relationships. ✨ In this episode: – A family story of autism and independence – How environments support neurodivergent adults – Hiring bias, assumptions, and disclosure – ADHD, stimming, and sensory needs – Emotional maturity and navigating hard moments

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire is joined by Carrie, International Education Manager at EveryWay (formerly Texthelp) — a global leader in assistive technology for education and the workplace. Carrie shares her journey from corporate business development to a purpose-driven career in inclusive education. Drawing from her professional experience and her personal life as a parent of a neurodivergent child, she explores how inclusive technology can change the way we teach, learn, and understand difference. ✨ In this episode: – What inclusive EdTech really looks like in practice – How assistive tools like speech-to-text empower confidence and learning – Misconceptions about assistive technology ("Isn't it cheating?") – The importance of awareness, empathy, and acceptance in inclusion – Parenting a child with ADHD and nurturing self-esteem through strengths – Designing schools, workplaces, and systems where every kind of mind can thrive 📌 About Máire Crouchman: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome. The See Me Podcast is her space to explore stories of inclusion, identity, and authenticity. 🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about neurodiversity, parenting, inclusion, leadership, and mental health. New episodes released regularly. Learn more about EveryWay: https://www.texthelp.com

Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire is joined by Houssam Kayal, Managing Partner at DefineX and a leading strategist in embedded finance and digital payments. With years of experience advising banks and tech companies across the region, Houssam brings a human-centred perspective to innovation and leadership. Drawing from his professional work and his family's experiences with neurodiversity and mental health, he explores how empathy, meaningful listening, and gratitude shape the way we lead — and why inclusive workplaces are essential in today's fast-moving world. ✨ In this episode: – Why empathy is a leader's most powerful skill – Personalising leadership to unlock individual strengths – Building workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued – Gratitude, presence, and leading with intention

Dr. Catherine O'Farrell, award-winning inclusion consultant, international inspector, and founder of Incluzun, joins Máire to discuss what true inclusion looks like in education — from empowering learning support assistants to transforming leadership across schools. She shares her journey from classroom teacher in Ireland to international advocate for inclusion, and the realities of building systems that truly support children, families, and educators. In this episode: – Building inclusive schools that empower every child – Supporting parents navigating complex education systems – Training and protecting learning support assistants – The power of empathy and leadership in education – Why systemic change starts with understanding and collaboration 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Hady Bou Onk, Chief Customer Officer at GE Vernova Software, shares his journey as a father to a non-verbal autistic child and how it transformed his approach to leadership. He reflects on redefining "normal," building inclusive workplace cultures, and why happiness — not conformity — should be the ultimate goal. In this episode: Parenting a neurodivergent child and embracing difference Lessons on empathy and perspective in leadership Why culture is the foundation of true diversity The challenges of hiring and inclusion in business A comic book inspired by his son's adventures 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Ramzi Ghurani, Managing Partner at Petra Insurance Brokers, talks about resilience, fatherhood, and how his daughter's ADHD diagnosis reshaped his leadership. He shares how empathy, gratitude, and presence guide him as both a parent and a leader. In this episode: Balancing authority with empathy in leadership Parenting through ADHD Building resilience in family and work Why workplaces must embrace neurodiversity 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

In Part 2, Gavin turns to mental health and the realities of leadership when life gets difficult. He shares how asking for help is strength, why humour matters, and how leaders can create safe, human-centred spaces for their teams. In this episode: Why vulnerability is a strength in leadership Friends, mentors, and mental health Using humour in difficult times Building resilient, inclusive teams 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

In Part 1, PwC Academy Partner Gavin Aspden shares stories from childhood bullying to leading 170 people today. With humour and candour, he reflects on thinking differently, building trust, and the self-awareness that shaped his leadership. In this episode: Why surrounding yourself with different thinkers matters Balancing intellect, strength, and vulnerability "Eggshell days" and self-awareness Why honesty is flexible 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Entrepreneur and father Najib Sabbagh reflects on building businesses across hospitality, entertainment, tech, and real estate — and why inclusion, empathy, and community are always at the centre of his leadership. In this episode: Leading diverse teams with vision Accessibility in workplaces and events Finding your tribe Protecting your well-being as a leader 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Dr. Craig Cook, CEO of the Brain and Performance Center in Dubai, shares his journey of raising a non-verbal autistic son. From the moment that changed everything to the lessons his son taught him about love and identity, Craig reflects on parenting, marriage, and leadership with honesty and depth. In this episode: Parenting a non-verbal autistic child From denial to acceptance Marriage and invisible labour in families Inclusivity in schools and workplaces 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.

Philip Mahoney, SVP of Food & Beverage at Raffles and Fairmont Hotels, opens up about life as a neurodivergent executive, a father to neurodivergent children, and a leader in hospitality. Together with Máire, he explores what it really means to be seen — as a professional and as a human being. In this episode: Neurodivergent leadership in practice Creating inclusive workplace cultures Parenting with compassion Why hospitality can be a hidden haven for diverse thinkers 📌 About Máire: Máire is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman passionate about creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome. .