Arran Smith
Neurodiversity Thought Leader, Strategist, Consultant, Coach and Speaker driving understanding
Empowering understanding through inclusion, innovation, and neurodiversity.
Hello, I'm Arran
I believe different ways of thinking create different possibilities, and when we understand those differences, we can change how people learn, work and live.
I’m a consultant, strategist, coach, speaker and thought leader with more than 20 years of experience across neurodiversity, education, business, technology and the not for profit sector. My work combines professional expertise with lived experience of severe dyslexia, giving me a different perspective on accessibility, inclusion and the way we design systems around people.
I have worked with organisations ranging from grassroots charities and schools to global technology companies, helping people understand difference, embrace technology and turn ideas into meaningful action.
“Different perspectives create stronger understanding. Sometimes the biggest change starts simply by seeing something differently.”
My Professional Journey
My journey has never followed a traditional path. From education, retail and the voluntary sector to entrepreneurship, consultancy, technology and strategic leadership, each experience has shaped the way I think today. I have built businesses, created national events, advised organisations, worked with Microsoft on accessibility and education, served in board and governance roles, and spent much of my career championing greater understanding of dyslexia and neurodiversity.
What connects those experiences is curiosity. I want to understand how something works, why it works that way and whether there might be a better way of doing it.
My Values
People sit at the centre of everything I do. I believe in inclusion, accessibility, curiosity, resilience, collaboration and creativity. Technology should empower people rather than replace them, and Artificial Intelligence should be developed and used responsibly, ethically and inclusively.
For me, inclusion is much more than policy or compliance. It is about understanding people, removing unnecessary barriers and creating environments where different ways of thinking are recognised and valued.
Thoughts and Perspectives
I see the world through a different lens. Dyslexia has shaped the way I process information, solve problems, recognise patterns and explore ideas. Over time, I have learned that seeing something differently can be as valuable as knowing the answer.
That perspective now influences everything from my work in neurodiversity and education to business strategy, Artificial Intelligence and inclusive innovation. I am interested in the connections between people, technology and systems, and in asking what could happen if we approached familiar problems from a different direction.
Working Together
Turning understanding into action
I work with individuals, organisations, educators and leaders who want to understand neurodiversity, embrace Artificial Intelligence and create more inclusive ways of working, learning and thinking. Through consultancy, coaching, speaking and strategic support, I bring together lived experience, more than 20 years of professional knowledge and a curiosity for what could be done differently. Whether we are solving a challenge, developing an idea or exploring new opportunities, my approach is about understanding where you are now and helping you move forward.
Coaching and Support
Understand yourself. Work differently. Move forward.
One-to-one coaching for neurodiverse individuals who want to better understand themselves, recognise what works for them and make practical changes in work, life and everyday situations. Together, we explore your strengths, difficulties, experiences and goals to find approaches that work for you.
Understand Yourself
Build a clearer understanding of how your neurodiversity affects the way you think, work, communicate and experience everyday life. Start to recognise the patterns, situations and environments that influence how you feel, respond and perform.
Recognise What Works
Explore your strengths, existing strategies and the environments or approaches that help you work at your best. Identify what already supports you so you can use those approaches more intentionally and consistently.
Explore What Could Change
Look at the things that are getting in the way and explore practical strategies, technology, AI and different ways of approaching them. Consider what could be adapted, simplified or done differently to reduce unnecessary difficulty and create more sustainable ways of working.
Move Forward
Turn greater understanding into realistic actions and changes that work for you, rather than trying to fit somebody else’s way of doing things. Focus on practical next steps that you can test, review and build on as your understanding develops.
Experience, knowledge and lived experience brought together
My work has developed across more than 20 years of experience in business, education, technology and the not for profit sector. These are the areas where I bring together professional knowledge, strategic thinking and lived experience to advise, support, challenge and create change.
Neurodiversity
Lived experience meets professional expertise.
Understanding dyslexia and neurodiversity and their impact across education, employment, business and everyday life.
Artificial Intelligence
Using AI to empower people.
Exploring practical, responsible and accessible uses of AI for productivity, communication, creativity, learning and innovation.
Business and Strategy
Turning ideas into action.
Supporting organisations, entrepreneurs and leaders with strategy, development, innovation, marketing and sustainable growth.
Accessibility and Technology
Technology should remove barriers.
Drawing on extensive experience in accessibility and assistive technology to help people and organisations make technology work for everyone.
Education
Creating opportunities through better understanding.
Working across schools, SEND, EdTech, alternative provision and inclusive education to develop strategy, improve accessibility and explore different approaches to learning.
Not for Profit and Community
Purpose needs strategy to create lasting impact.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience across charities, membership organisations and community networks to support governance, strategy, sustainability, development and meaningful change.
Stay Connected
Ideas, experiences and different perspectives, straight to your inbox.
I regularly share my thoughts, experiences and ideas across neurodiversity, Artificial Intelligence, accessibility, technology, education, business and life. Join my newsletter for articles, practical insights, new ideas and reflections on the things I am learning, questioning and exploring.
