S5 Ep. 04 - Pathways to Self-Employment for Neurodivergent Canadians

The Future Skills Podcast

The Future Skills Podcast
S5 Ep. 04 - Pathways to Self-Employment for Neurodivergent Canadians
Aug 13, 2025 Season 5 Episode 4
The Conference Board of Canada

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores how self-employment and entrepreneurship can serve as powerful pathways for neurodivergent Canadians to thrive in the workforce. Jennifer Fane from The Conference Board of Canada discusses her Future Skills Centre-funded research on barriers facing neurodivergent entrepreneurs and the need for tailored support programs; Wanda Deschamps, founder of Liberty Co. and openly autistic entrepreneur, shares her perspective on shifting the narrative from accommodations to strengths and the importance of neuroinclusion in business; and Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada, reveals how “dyslexic thinking” has fueled his serial entrepreneurship success, from building North America’s largest wrapping paper business to creating innovative educational platforms. 

Guests

Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate, The Conference Board of Canada

Wanda Deschamps, Founder and Principal, Liberty Co.

Brad Loiselle, CEO and Founder, Skills Council of Canada