Beyond the Surface: Exploring Blackness, Neurodiversity & Mental Health

Missed our Courageous Conversation with PowerToFly? Catch the replay.

We partnered with PowerToFly, Black@Z, and Able@Z for Beyond the Surface: Exploring Blackness, Neurodiversity & Mental Health, held during UK Black History Month and on the eve of World Mental Health Day.

Watch the full recording below to hear why designing for the margins benefits everyone, the hidden cost of masking and code-switching, and what real allyship looks like in practice.

You’ll also come away with simple steps you can start using today, from naming your own needs to leading with curiosity, even when you get it wrong.

What You'll Walk Away With

After watching the session, you will gain the following insights and actionable steps:

1. Design for the margins. If it works for the most marginalized people, it works for everyone.

Action: In your next team decision, ask: “How does this affect Black women, neurodivergent, or trans colleagues?”

2. Listen to your body. Masking takes a toll, and burnout usually shows up physically first.

Action: Do a quick daily body scan for a week and note what you feel.

3. Make your needs visible. When one person names their needs, others feel free to name theirs.

Action: Add one line about how you communicate best to your email signature, or turn on meeting buffers.

4. Allyship takes some risk. Speak up in your own voice, and advocate for people who aren’t in the room.

Action: The next time you hear a harmful comment, say “I’m not comfortable with that” instead of looking to the affected person.

5. Lead with curiosity, even when you get it wrong. Mistakes will happen. What counts is how you respond.

Action: Before your next apology, ask, “Is this a good time for me to apologize?”

Who You'll Hear From

Stream the Session

What Comes Next?

After watching the recording, please take a few minutes to complete our FEEDBACK SURVEY

Your insights will help us enhance future sessions.