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Jolene Stockman Autistic Advocate + Leadership Developer + Author

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The Call to Neurodiversity - Understanding Autism

Ultra-enthusiastic TEDx speaker and accoladed author Jolene Stockman whips up optimism around neurodivergence through her blend of energetic storytelling and cutting-edge resources. “I want people to know I’m autistic and I am successful because of, not despite of, how my brain works.” Diagnosed as an adult, Jolene is a globally recognized inclusion and diversity educator, Master of Neuro-Linguistics, and one of the youngest Distinguished Toastmasters in the world.

"The Māori word for autism, takiwātanga, means ‘in their own time and space.’”

“I’m Jolene, a fast-talking film fan that loves fizzy drinks and shiny things. I was the shy kid. I couldn’t speak but I read a lot, and plotted my world take over by torchlight.”

Meet Jolene Stockman (she/her/ia), a multiply-neurodivergent author, speaker, instructional designer, and diversity and inclusion educator from Taranaki, Aotearoa NZ. Jolene is both Pākehā and Māori, Te Ātiawa iwi. She is also tangata whaitakiwātanga – autistic.

Jolene grew up feeling “she had been dropped off on the wrong planet,” but had an affinity for the mystical parts of life and written words. Blue-haired teenage Jolene joined her local Toastmasters club to study the art of public speaking. Jolene later explored technical writing, media, and business.

As an adult, Jolene was diagnosed as autistic: “Suddenly a life of feeling broken, weak, and different, was reinterpreted with a fresh lens. Suddenly ‘over-sensitive’ was super-sensitive. ‘Too intense’ was focused. […] I wasn’t a broken regular person, I was a perfect autistic person!” In 2018, Jolene shared her experience publicly through a TEDx Talk that resulted in global interest and exposure.

A Master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Jolene is fueled by the possibilities of how we use language to shape our world. Jolene champions neurodiversity and universal design as an advance human evolution, rather than a barrier. “We feel like we don’t fit in the box, but what if it’s the box that’s the problem?”

Jolene is a trustee on the board of non-profit Autism Connex and an advisor for Altogether Autism. She generates enthusiasm through strength-based resources, books, and talks. She works with non-profits, global corporates, educators, and care providers to “rewrite normal!” Her first books on autism are out in 2023 from Jessica Kinglsey Publishers (UK).

“I tell the world that being wired-up differently is not only okay, it’s maybe even amazing!”

  • Rewrite Normal: How to be Normal and Why Not to Be

    Jolene Stockman was always the weirdest person in the room. She still is, but now she knows why. Diagnosed with Autism as an adult, Jolene was invited to re-evaluate her life with new eyes. Her presentation explores her experience of Autism, both before and after diagnosis. Jolene's story resonates with anyone looking for a place to belong, and reminds us that ultimately, our existence rewrites normal.

    Jolene will deliver:

    • How she hid her Autism to pass for 'normal'
    • The advantages and challenges of being diagnosed
    • Neuro-diversity: The new normal

    Brain Candy: Inclusivity in the Workplace and the World

    Freckles? ADHD? Blonde? Gifted? Humans are as diverse in brain function as appearance. Neuro-diversity is like running on “Windows,” while everyone else is on “Mac.” When we appreciate the differences, we open doors to greater understanding and inclusion. Let’s learn some new “operating systems!” 

    Since her adult diagnosis, Jolene has been telling her story to increase understanding and optimism around Autism. Because it’s more than a spectrum; it’s a kaleidoscope, a buffet of brain candy that’s changing the world.

    Jolene will deliver:

    • The facts and myths around Autism
    • The realities of being Autistic in a professional role
    • How we can support neurodiversity in the workplace and the world

    Autistic World Domination: How to Thrive in a World Designed for Average

    For autistics finding their place, and loved ones supporting the process; this presentation will light the way and empower listeners to thrive with tips and tricks for Autistic world domination. She will speak to her lived experience and share concepts from her award-winning book for young adults, "Total Blueprint for World Domination."

    Jolene will deliver:

    • Her journey from selective mutism to public speaker
    • The ways her Autistic traits boosted her success
    • Design and dominate the world based on your strengths

    The Omniverse: A World Where We Are All

    Crossing the stars from unplugged toasters and jawbreakers to language evolution and office accessibility, Jolene Stockman invites you to join her in The Omniverse. The place where every individual is a strong, multi-layered, multi-spectrum, customized key to unlocking new worlds. It’s time to move from binary to spectrum. In every way. Embracing multi-layered ways of thinking, seeing, speaking, and being because neurodiversity delivers some of the very skills and qualities we need to thrive.

    Audiences will learn how to:

    • Unlock the freedom of how to work, when to work, and where to work
    • Anticipate, innovate, and evolve the ongoing process of accessibility
    • Change your words, to change the world

    Level 257: Exploring Autistic Culture

    With her trademark energy and humour, Jolene Stockman will change the way you think about autism – and yourself. She’ll reveal the way autistics sense, spend, and breathe energy, and show you how to use these tips to gamify your life. Get ready to experience level 257: This is beyond autism awareness or acceptance. This is autism awe.

    In this presentation audiences will:

    • Understand autism as a way of being
    • Experience human mercury
    • Learn the power of sensitivity 

     

  • What People are Saying About Jolene Stockman!

    “Jolene delivers fast-paced presentations filled with action steps and 'lightbulb' moments! Her refreshing perspective will change the way you live and work. We love her energy and passion!” Gaylene Findlay - Advisory Principal, BDO New Zealand

    “Jolene kept the energy high and wowed the audience with an emotional and thought-provoking presentation. Her exceptional content and stunning delivery knocked our socks off!” Eve Kawana-Brown - Business Development Manager, Venture Taranaki

    “A speaker that thrills the audience, Jolene immerses everyone into the Universe created by her story. You will laugh, cry, feel exhausted and uplifted. You will never be the same.” O. Williams

    “Jolene spoke to our staff for World Autism Day to support our inclusion and diversity strategy. Her time, energy and knowledge left us buzzing, and the feedback from staff following the talk was outstanding! She also helped us create a short, snappy video with really useful information for our staff to take away. It has been such a pleasure working with Jolene.”   Anonymous

    "Thank you for empowering us as teachers, sharing your knowledge, challenges and achievements so openly and positively. My practice and our team will be forever changed thanks to your talk today. You are amazing! Thank you!" Anonymous      

    “The book is easy to read, very enjoyable and leaves you feeling good. Forget about the over-priced "big names" if you are looking for a book to change your outlook on life and give Jolene Stockman a chance to make a change in your life - no matter how old or young you are.” – Reader’s Favorite

    “Jolene Stockman is full of encouragement and motivation and her energy leaps off of the pages.” – Everything About Books

    "If you are serious about living your dreams, read this book to change your life. I loved it!" The Rebecca Review

    "Smart, funny, and truly inspirational, Total Blueprint for World Domination is a self-help book that can win the hearts of individuals who wish to live their life to the fullest." The Examiner

    "This book blew me away with the inspiring message. It's enticing, sweet, and brilliant." Catch the Lune Book Reviews

    "It's a beautifully told story that you'll still be thinking about long after you finish reading it." A Pocket Full of Books

  • Awards

    • Folio Award Winner: Best Column/Blog for an Association/Nonprofit (2020)
    • Emerging Business Excellence Award – Taranaki Chamber of Commerce (2016)
    • Five Star Readers Favorite (2013)
    • Five Star Readers Favorite (2012)
    • Flamingnet Top Choice Award (2011)
    • US Digital Video Award Best Educational Video (2006)
    • Nominee: NZ Hospitality Standards Institute’s Innovative Resource (2005)
    • Creative Director of Braincandy Media (1998)
  • Clients

    • Puke Ariki Festival of Words, New Zealand (2023)
    • Firstgas Group, New Zealand (2022)
    • Otago Museum iNDx Art Exhibition, New Zealand (2021)
    • Otago Polytechnic Neurodiversity Symposium, New Zealand (2021)
    • IBM, Canada (2021)
    • Homeland Podcast, Saskatoon Sk (2021)
    • SAY Magazine, Canada (2020)
    • Hutt Maternity and the New Zealand College of Midwives (2020)
    • European Autism Congress, Hungary (2020)
    • Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, New Zealand (2020, 2019)
    • Asia Pacific Autism Conference, Thriving with Autism Conference, Singapore (2019)
    • Civil Aviation Authority, New Zealand (2019)
    • Women Beyond Ordinary, International Women's Day Panel, New Zealand (2019)
    • Autism Connex, New Zealand (2018)
    • TEDx, New Zealand (2018)
    • Girlfriend Magazine, Australia (2017)
    • Talking Better Business Podcast with Craig Oliver, New Zealand (2017)
    • Educare, New Zealand
    • BDO NZ, New Zealand
    • Govett Quilliam, New Zealand
    • Franchise Association of New Zealand
    • Mark Dwyer Photo + Video, New Zealand    

“I’m Jolene, a fast-talking film fan that loves fizzy drinks and shiny things. I was the shy kid. I couldn’t speak but I read a lot, and plotted my world take over by torchlight.”

Meet Jolene Stockman (she/her/ia), a multiply-neurodivergent author, speaker, instructional designer, and diversity and inclusion educator from Taranaki, Aotearoa NZ. Jolene is both Pākehā and Māori, Te Ātiawa iwi. She is also tangata whaitakiwātanga – autistic.

Jolene grew up feeling “she had been dropped off on the wrong planet,” but had an affinity for the mystical parts of life and written words. Blue-haired teenage Jolene joined her local Toastmasters club to study the art of public speaking. Jolene later explored technical writing, media, and business.

As an adult, Jolene was diagnosed as autistic: “Suddenly a life of feeling broken, weak, and different, was reinterpreted with a fresh lens. Suddenly ‘over-sensitive’ was super-sensitive. ‘Too intense’ was focused. […] I wasn’t a broken regular person, I was a perfect autistic person!” In 2018, Jolene shared her experience publicly through a TEDx Talk that resulted in global interest and exposure.

A Master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Jolene is fueled by the possibilities of how we use language to shape our world. Jolene champions neurodiversity and universal design as an advance human evolution, rather than a barrier. “We feel like we don’t fit in the box, but what if it’s the box that’s the problem?”

Jolene is a trustee on the board of non-profit Autism Connex and an advisor for Altogether Autism. She generates enthusiasm through strength-based resources, books, and talks. She works with non-profits, global corporates, educators, and care providers to “rewrite normal!” Her first books on autism are out in 2023 from Jessica Kinglsey Publishers (UK).

“I tell the world that being wired-up differently is not only okay, it’s maybe even amazing!”

Speaker Summary

Location: Canada

Language: English

Website: Click Here

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