Redefining Inclusion and Creativity: Allegra Chapman’s Journey to Empowerment

The Secrets of Learning & Development

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S2:E10
In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie are joined by Allegra Chapman, co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce, a consultancy dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces. Allegra shares her inspiring and non-linear career journey, beginning in the charity sector, moving through publishing and communications, and ultimately co-founding her own business.
Allegra reflects on pivotal moments in her life, including discovering her neurodivergence and navigating the challenges of being a working mother, which shaped her approach to leadership and inclusion. She highlights the importance of creating workplaces that celebrate diverse thinking and support neurodivergent individuals, emphasising the value of universal design for thriving teams. Allegra also discusses the measurable impact of her consultancy’s work, sharing powerful examples of transformation within organisations.
Additionally, Allegra explores the role of creativity as a tool for self-care and wellbeing, offering practical advice for reconnecting with creative instincts. She introduces her book Creativity Is Your Self-Care, which features 52 exercises to inspire emotional wellbeing, and discusses how creativity benefits teams by enhancing problem-solving, communication, and innovation.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable insights, powerful personal stories, and strategies to create inclusive and innovative workplaces, delivered with Allegra’s passion and authenticity.
Key Takeaways
Embracing Neurodiversity and Authenticity in Leadership
Allegra highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating diverse ways of thinking and working in the workplace. She emphasises that creating inclusive environments through universal design benefits all employees, not just those who are neurodivergent. Organisations can enhance communication, innovation, and collaboration by understanding and leveraging individual strengths.
The Role of Creativity in Wellbeing and Workplace Success
Allegra passionately advocates for creativity as a tool for emotional and mental wellbeing. She encourages individuals to reconnect with their natural creativity, offering practical advice for overcoming societal conditioning that suppresses artistic expression. She also underscores how creativity can improve problem-solving, communication, and team cohesion, making it an invaluable asset for personal growth and business success.
Guest Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allegrachapman/
https://www.watchthisspace.uk/
https://gathertogether.substack.com/

Chapters

1. Redefining Inclusion and Creativity: Allegra Chapman’s Journey to Empowerment (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and Welcome (00:02:10)

3. A Non-Linear Career Path (00:03:14)

4. Discovering Neurodivergence (00:08:22)

5. The Mission Behind Watch This Space (00:12:20)

6. Creativity as a Wellbeing and Business Too (00:25:32)

7. Authenticity and Defining Success (00:32:00)