The Autistic Entrepreneur

Lee and Lauren discuss a range of topics, from custard to why creating a great workplace culture isn't rocket science. They dig into workplace management culture, team building, toxic behaviour, and how poor leadership and bad hires can damage a team. They also touch on HR’s role, the need for a clear culture strategy, and why honest communication keeps a business running well.

Lauren & Lee are joined by the brilliant Joanne Diamond for an open, funny, and honest chat about menopause — the stuff people don’t usually talk about. From personal stories and shifting priorities to the stigma, support, and empowerment that come with this stage of life, nothing’s off-limits. They also get into lighter bits — silly questions, favourite fruits, cars, parking, and why we sometimes hold back from saying what we really think. A real, heartfelt conversation about being human.

Join Lauren, Lee and special guest, Laura Seymour, as they dive into a wide range of topics, from the quirks of kangaroos to the intricacies of media and wellbeing. Laura shares her journey from media to wellbeing, discussing the Wirral Wellbeing Magazine, the launch of her Wishing You Well podcast, and the importance of mental health awareness. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, celebrity crushes, and the impact of social media on accountability.

Lee and Lauren explore a variety of topics ranging from the ethics of transgender participation in sports to the dynamics of gender in team selection.They are blessed with a short but impactful visit from Kirsty, Lee's wonderful, warm, beautiful and ever so chatty wife. Also, a variety of other themes, including cultural festivals, sports fandom, board games, music, and personal anecdotes. The hosts discuss the unique atmosphere of rugby matches compared to football, the strategic formation of boy bands like One Direction, and the traditions surrounding Halloween. They also delve into the dynamics of gift-giving, the excitement and stress of surprises, and share personal reflections and fun facts about themselves.

This conversation follows Victoria’s journey from surviving an abusive relationship to becoming a trauma-informed consultant and advocate. She’s come through incredibly traumatic life events and now pours everything she’s learned into Phoenix, her consultancy supporting those affected by domestic and narcissistic abuse. We talk about the realities of leaving, the role of support systems, and the ongoing challenges survivors face in courtrooms and workplaces. The discussion also explores healing, self-worth, boundaries, PTSD, and why workplaces need trauma-informed training

Lauren & Lee discuss the complexities of mental health, exploring the stigmas surrounding it, particularly in men. They also explore the dynamics of communication in leadership roles, particularly focusing on gender differences and the challenges women face in the workplace.The conversation then shifts to the topic of menopause, highlighting the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding it, and the importance of discussing it openly. They emphasise the need for societal change in how menopause is perceived and addressed

Lee, Lauren, and special guest, Gary Mooney, explore a variety of topics ranging from the world of Muppets to the serious realm of neuromuscular therapy and martial arts. Gary shares his personal journey into therapy, the importance of physical fitness, and the cultural connections that shape his experiences. The discussion also touches on parenting, leadership insights, and the humour inherent in Irish culture.

In this episode of the Unpacked podcast, Lauren interviews Lee, asking for a candid conversation about his life experiences, personal growth, and the challenges of self-employment. Lee shares his journey from being bullied in school to joining the submarine service and eventually becoming self-employed. The discussion touches on the importance of trusting one's instincts, the realities of IVF, and the dynamics of living in a female-dominated household.

Lauren and Lee are joined by Alison Blackler from 2Minds to discuss the intricacies of the human mind, leadership, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the workplace. Alison shares her personal journey from lacking confidence to becoming a TEDx speaker, emphasising the power of self-awareness and continuous learning. Alison also discusses the very real challenges of social media, generational divides in business, and the significance of open communication and inclusivity in leadership.

In this episode, Lauren and Lee discuss the concepts of branding and marketing strategies, emphasising the importance of aligning internal culture with external brand perception. They discuss the 'inside out and outside in' strategy, the necessity of understanding customer journeys, and the emotional connections that brands must foster to succeed. The dialogue also touches on the concept of 'onliness' in business, which involves owning every aspect of a brand's identity and values. 

Navigating HR with Rebecca McShaneIn this episode of the Unpacked podcast, hosts Lauren and Lee welcome Rebecca McShane, a modern HR founder and the driving force behind Sure HR. Rebecca shares her journey from drama student to HR consultant, highlighting her passion for supporting small businesses. Rebecca discusses the challenges of recruitment, the importance of value alignment, and the evolving role of HR in today's business landscape.Key Topics:Rebecca's transition from recruitment to HR.The impact of HR on organisational success. Challenges and biases in recruitment.The role of HR in small vs. large businesses.The importance of proactive HR support.Podcast details:Episode: Number 7Guest: Rebecca McShane - Founder of Sure HRHosts: Lauren and LeeHashtags: #HR #SmallBusiness #Recruitment #Podcast

As you may have guessed, this show is all about Lauren from early childhood to university dropout to feeling better about herself to multiple business owner. There's also a maths quiz thrown in. Be warned, Lauren yabbers on, and on, and on....To be fair, it's really interesting and well worth a listen, even the bits where she tries to be funny. Enjoy ❤️Key Topics: (AI)The journey from university to entrepreneurship: Overcoming personal and professional challenges. The power of diverse perspectives in business, personal growth and self-discoveryHashtags: #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #LifeJourney

Join Lauren and Lee as they get into the complex relationship between social media and mental health. They share personal stories and insights, exploring the pressures faced by teenagers today and the role of schools and parents in addressing these challenges.Takeaways:Lauren shares her personal experiences with social media and its impact on her mental health during her school years.Lee discusses the challenges faced by his daughter in a similar environment and the role of schools in managing these issues.The conversation touches on the broader societal implications of social media and potential solutions.

In this conversation, Lee and Lauren explore the dynamics between introverted and extroverted personalities, particularly in the context of business and social interactions.They discuss the importance of self-awareness in leadership roles and how it can influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships. The conversation also delves into the impact of social media on self-perception and body image, highlighting the pressures that arise from marketing and societal expectations. Finally, they touch on personal experiences with parenting and the challenges of raising children in a digital age.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Introversion and Extroversion02:39 Understanding Personal Traits and Social Dynamics05:26 The Impact of Self-Awareness on Social Interactions08:32 Leadership Styles: Introverts vs. Extroverts11:29 The Role of Personality in Business Success14:23 Authenticity in Business and Personal Life17:14 Social Media's Influence on Self-Perception20:13 The Pressure of Social Expectations23:14 Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in a Digital Age28:41 The Illusion of Social Media30:04 The Addiction of Social Media31:52 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception34:10 The Role of Parents in Social Media Awareness36:07 The Pressure of Beauty Standards38:54 The Influence of Marketing on Body Image39:50 Intentions Behind Cosmetic Procedures41:45 Navigating Questions About Cosmetic Work45:28 Parenting Perspectives on Children and Social MediaTakeawaysIntroverts and extroverts can exhibit traits of both personalities throughout their lives.Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership and personal growth.Social media can create unrealistic expectations and pressures on individuals.Authenticity is valued more than a curated persona in both personal and professional settings.The marketing industry significantly influences body image and self-esteem, especially among women.It's important to differentiate between genuine self-improvement and changes driven by external pressures.Taking breaks from social media can improve mental health and self-perception.Parenting styles can vary greatly, and experiences with children can shape one's views on introversion and extroversion.Understanding the dynamics of introversion and extroversion can enhance workplace relationships.The conversation around body image and marketing is ongoing and complex, affecting all genders.Keywordsintroversion, extroversion, self-awareness, leadership, social media, body image, marketing, parenting, mental health, confidence

Sean’s story is one of grit, resilience, and heart. Once homeless himself, he knows first-hand the reality of life on the margins — the uncertainty, the stigma, the daily fight just to get through.But what makes Sean remarkable is how he turned that lived experience into fuel for change. For the past 16+ years, he’s held senior roles across Liverpool and the UK, working tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness, influence policy, and drive support and training services that don’t just tick boxes — but truly change lives.Through his warm and empathetic tone, Sean doesn’t just share statistics or headlines. He gives us a glimpse into the human side of homelessness — the stories, the challenges, and the resilience you don’t often hear about.This conversation isn’t just about homelessness. It’s about hope, dignity, and what it really takes to rebuild a life. And Sean brings that message with a passion and authenticity that’s hard to ignore.Sean, welcome — we’re so glad to have you with us. ❤️❤️ i

In this episode, we dig into the difference between good bosses and bad bosses — and the dramatic ripple effect they have on a business. From staff morale and productivity to recruitment and retention, we unpack how poor leadership can damage a workplace, and how great leadership can transform it.

Welcome to the very first episode of Unpacked with Lauren and Lee. We figured we’d skip the big intro and just dive straight in.In this one, Lauren goes off on a wild ride covering everything from brothels, pizza and the Greeks, to misogyny, fish pie, lawn mowers, and AI. She also does her best to convince Lee that Santa is real—and that her roast potatoes could win awards.The Unpacked Podcast is hosted by Lauren Jones & Lee O'Carroll. Both live in the Wirral—a beautiful peninsula, located in the Northwest of England.🎬🍿 Production & Publishing was handled by Umbrella.☂️ This podcast is sponsored by Umbrella. Umbrella provides incredible business support, genuine encouragement and expert guidance to small businesses.