My Vision
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I want to contribute to shaping world where those who have unique talents, who see and sense the world differently, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, feel understood, equipped, and inspired throughout their life's journey. .
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I Work with Parents - I am a Parent - I get it!
Providing hope to parents
in the face of despair....
I come from a place of personal experience and I am here for you on this incredible journey called life, especially when it comes to parenting. Our experiences shape us in profound ways and our children learn from us, absorbing both the positives and negatives of our life.
I am positioned to support parents through the most challenging of situations, drawing on own my personal journey where I met the perfect storm of: supporting aging parents, raising a tricky teen and a neurodivergent toddler at a time when my career was peaking, I was perimenopausal and my husband was in a war zone.
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Losing my son in a tragic accident, just as my neurodivergnt teen was about to enter the world o GCSES/HighSchool, catapulted me and my family into a black hole, They were the toughest years of our lives
During that time, I had to work hard to function for the sake of my family. I became a Mindfulness Teacher, Master NLP Practitioner and Hypnotherapist and Zing Performance Coach. I also trained in educating women about menopause.
Using everything I have learned as a parent of a neurodivergent teen, and parenting my older son through challenging times, I have turned my experiences as an HR professional and parent, into creating suppport for parents through coaching and group programmes that are specifically tailored to your unique situation.
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I want to offer you hope in times of despair. It's hard to see the future positively when we are fire fighting, but it's possible.
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In the mosaic of human experience, every individual tile has its unique hue, texture, and story. Whether in the realms of business, education, or personal development, working directly with individuals offers a profound opportunity to spark transformative growth. Why Individual Engagement Matters 1. Personalised Insight: Each individual comes with a distinct set of experiences, strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Engaging one-on-one allows for a deeper dive into understanding these nuances and crafting strategies that resonate on a personal level. 2. Safe Space for Vulnerability: Working with individuals creates a confidential environment where they can share concerns, doubts, and aspirations without judgment, allowing for authentic discussions and holistic growth. 3. Flexibility: Unlike group settings, individual interactions can be more fluid, adapting to the pace, learning style, and immediate needs of the person. The Process 1. Understanding the Individual: The journey begins with active listening. It's crucial to understand where they are coming from, what drives them, and where they hope to go. 2. Setting Clear Goals: Together, we chart out objectives that are both ambitious and attainable. These serve as the north star guiding all further interactions and interventions. 3. Tailored Strategies: Recognizing that one size doesn't fit all, individualized action plans are devised, taking into account the person's strengths, areas of development, and preferences. 4. Feedback and Iteration: Regular check-ins ensure that the approach remains relevant and effective, allowing for real-time adjustments and ensuring that the individual feels supported at every step.
I collaborate with businesses to enable them to deepen their understanding of neurodivergence and create more inclusive workspaces - WORK WITH ME
Companies have a vital role to play in acknowledging and championing the unique talents and perspectives that neurodivergent employees bring to the table. My approach involves: Talks and Training: To dispel myths and misconceptions, and to educate employers on the nuances of neurodivergence. These sessions foster a culture of empathy and equip companies with the tools to understand their neurodivergent employees better. Implementing Reasonable Adjustments: Many neurodivergent individuals excel when minor modifications are made to their work environment or routines. I guide businesses in identifying and implementing these changes, ensuring that neurodivergent employees can perform at their best. Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Neurodivergent talent is abundant, but often overlooked. I help companies refine their hiring processes and establish retention strategies that value and nurture their neurodivergent staff. The Importance of Support It's crucial to recognize that providing adequate support for neurodivergent employees isn't just a matter of compliance or goodwill — it's a strategic imperative. Diverse teams, which include neurodivergent perspectives, have been shown to foster greater innovation, resilience, and problem-solving capabilities. The words of Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned autistic spokesperson and advocate, resonate deeply in this context: "Different, not less." Neurodivergent individuals aren't lacking; they simply process and perceive the world differently. When businesses embrace these differences, they unlock a wealth of potential that can propel them forward in unexpected and transformative ways. In closing, by proactively supporting all employees and acknowledging their unique strengths and needs, companies not only enrich their organizational culture but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly diverse global marketplace.
''I will speak for you, I will fight for you, I will advocate for you, so that one day, you can do it for yourself.'' ~ Unknown
Meet Karen Turner
Karen founded iOptimizeMe as a result of personal tragedy and, to pay homage to her children's (now adults) determination and courage. Karen's focus is on bringing together well researched tools and techniques that actually work to:
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enable parents to support their children
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help individuals realise their potential
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support businesses in embracing, understanding and nurturing the unique skills and talents that a neurodivergent population bring to the workplace.
"I am committed to empowering parents of neurodivergent children, guiding neurodivergent individuals, and assisting companies in creating inclusive environments. My mission is fueled by compassion, understanding, and a focus on developing tailored strategies that celebrate unique minds.