Mind Threads
Our mission is clear. We want to foster awareness, understanding and inclusivity in the workplace for those with autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and more. But it's not just about the workplace. It's about showing youngsters that a diagnosis doesn't need to define them.
Mind Threads
Mind Threads S02 Ep 02 Charlie Hart AKA Ausome Charlie
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast contains discussions and references to suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. Please prioritize your well-being and consider whether this content is appropriate for you. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Visit Samaritans here: Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
In this episode (Ep. 2, Season 2), Antje Derks talks to Charlie Hart (she/they) aka Awesome Charlie. Charlie is an experienced, CIPD-qualified HR Analyst. She was eventually diagnosed autistic at the age of 42, after struggling for decades without understanding why and without knowing how to advocate for her needs. Since then she has been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and ADHD, and is now thriving!
Charlie founded Ausome Charlie Ltd as a solopreneur, with the help of her rock star husband, Shiny Si, and their ausome teenagers, Zee and Jay.
Ausome Charlie Ltd is named after the Twitter account @AusomeCharlie which Charlie started in June 2018 when she first discovered Actually Autistic Twitter and the Neurodiversity Movement. Charlie started the Ausome Charlie Facebook page in 2019, and her online neurodiversity advocacy grew from there. On LinkedIn, she has influence with an impressive network of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and HR leaders.
What is Neurodiversity? https://youtu.be/bRp02u_Jm8A?si=r98wMUp4dpWPkmgc
During Autism Acceptance Month, April 2019, Charlie started delivering presentations and speeches about autism and neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace. This started as her side quest, but since leaving her HR Analyst role in June 2023 she has established a reputation as a popular and engaging keynote speaker. She is accredited as a Professional Member of the Professional Speaking Association (MPSA).
Charlie is bisexual and gender non-conforming. The LGBTQIA+ community is just as important to her as the neurodivergent community, and there is a significant correlation. Our family promote love, compassion and support for all young people on the ‘double rainbow’ intersection of autism and LGBTQIA+ in memory of Iggy, who tragically ended his life aged 15 after being tormented for being weird and gay, and to help make this world a better place for Zee and Jay.
Feel free to reach out to Charlie:
Charlie@AusomeCharlie.co.uk
Social Media Links – Ausome Charlie
Huge thanks to Matt Houlihan who produces Mind Threads and Big Top Multimedia who facilitate the broadcast.
If you would like to be considered for the podcast, message Antje on LinkedIn: (5) Antje Derks | LinkedIn