Inclusion as a Competitive Edge - with Hacia Atherton
From Speaking of Inclusion... by Katie Allen Consulting Limited
April 1, 2026 · 51 min · Season 3 · Episode 63
About this episode
Hacia Atherton discusses the importance of inclusion and psychological safety in the workplace, emphasizing the shift from safe spaces to brave spaces for authentic growth.
In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by HaciaAtherton , author of "Billion Dollar Blind Spot", principal consultant at All Star Consulting, and founder of Empowered Women in Trades. Hacia brings her lived experience as a woman in a fifth-generation family plumbing business, a leader with ADHD and dyslexia, and the resilience forged through surviving a near-fatal horse-riding accident. Our conversation covers everything from the realities of family business dynamics and the importance of psychological safety at work, to how positive psychology and individual belonging can transform not just performance, but wellbeing and leadership. We talk about how honest self-reflection, adaptive tools, andunapologetic role modelling can open doors for true inclusion, and why Hacia believes that shifting from "safe spaces" to "brave spaces" is fundamental for lasting change. 3 Key Takeaways from our chat: Role modelling inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly practices creates visible, actionable change : leaders who openly adapt for their own needs empower others to do the same. Psychological success matters as much as outward business performance…
People in this episode
Host: Katie Allen
Guest: Hacia Atherton
Topics covered
- inclusion
- psychological safety
- neurodiversity
- leadership
- family business dynamics
- positive psychology
Keywords
- inclusion
- psychological safety
- neurodiversity
- leadership
- brave spaces
- family business
- wellbeing
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: All Star Consulting, Empowered Women in Trades
Books & works: Billion Dollar Blind Spot
More episodes of Speaking of Inclusion...
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- Practical Nutrition - with Sammy Williams · April 28, 2026 · 1h 5m
- Being Safe People - with Cath Blayney · April 14, 2026 · 1h 10m
- Islamophobia - with Halyma Begum · March 17, 2026 · 56 min
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