Episode #18
Ep18 Leadership, Fatherhood, and the Power of Being Tuned In | Matt | See Me Podcast | Máire
Welcome to the See Me Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist and neurodivergent advocate Máire Crouchman. In this episode, Máire is joined by Matt, a leadership specialist who works with leaders, individuals, and teams in the corporate world, and a father of two boys who is neurotypical living in a neurodivergent household. His wife Van and his eldest son Ashton both have ADHD, and Matt speaks openly about how learning to see the world through their eyes has reshaped him as a husband, a father, and a leader. Matt shares the honest turning point when he realised he was losing his connection with his teenage son by meeting ADHD traits with a firmer hand, and how a single moment of self-awareness sent him on a deep journey to understand neurodivergence. He talks about tuning into state of mind before responding, the one second decision that keeps a relationship intact, and why suppressing an instinctive reaction in service of a higher purpose is one of the hardest and most worthwhile skills a parent can build. Together, they explore what it means to advocate for a child in a school system that is not always ready, the reality of pupil passports, and why cognitive diversity in a team is a superpower rather than an inconvenience. Matt also opens up about his quieter younger son Owen, being observant of the child who does not shout for attention, and the ways his own suppression of feelings may be quietly shaping the next generation. The conversation closes on psychological safety as the lead domino for both families and organisations, and what it really means to be seen. ✨ In this episode: Realising his relationship with his teenage son was slipping, and choosing to change course Tuning into state of mind before responding, and the one second decision Suppressing an instinctive reaction in service of a higher purpose Learning a whole new language as a neurotypical parent in a neurodivergent household Pupil passports, teacher accountability, and advocating inside the school system ADHD, impulse control, and the difference between a hard day and a bad kid Cognitive diversity as a superpower in teams, and the "how to work with me" guide The quieter child in a loud household, and why observant parenting matters Role modelling vulnerability at the dinner table Why psychological safety is a business case as much as a human one What it truly means to be seen About the host: Máire Crouchman is a psychotherapist, educator, and neurodivergent woman dedicated to creating spaces where every kind of mind is welcome.
