From Art to Neuroinclusion: Nat Hawley's Inspiring Journey at Eastleigh College

This week brought a special moment as Eastleigh College (SHCG) published a feature on Nat Hawley, an alumnus whose path from studying Art, Media and Design to founding Divergent Thinking offers a powerful story about building neuroinclusive workplaces. Nat’s journey shows how creativity and lived experience can shape meaningful work that supports diverse ways of thinking.

Discovering a Path at Eastleigh College

Nat attended Eastleigh College in 2010–2011, completing a Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Media and Design. At the time, the future was uncertain. Few could have predicted that this creative foundation would lead to a career focused on neuroinclusion—a field dedicated to making workplaces more accessible and supportive for neurodivergent individuals.

The college experience was more than just learning technical skills. It was a place where Nat began to understand how to work with his brain rather than against it. This insight became a cornerstone for the work he would later build through Divergent Thinking.

Article of SHCG website

Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces Through Creativity and Communication

Divergent Thinking is a consultancy that helps organisations create clearer, more accessible, and more human work environments. Nat’s approach draws on creativity and communication skills honed during his studies, combined with his lived experience as a neurodivergent person.

The consultancy works across sectors, offering practical strategies that improve how teams communicate and collaborate. For example, Divergent Thinking advises companies on how to:

• Simplify complex information to reduce cognitive overload

• Design inclusive recruitment processes that welcome diverse candidates

• Create flexible work environments that respect different sensory needs

  
  

These examples show how small changes can make a big difference in supporting neurodivergent employees.

Lessons for Students and Early-Career Professionals

Nat’s story offers encouragement for anyone still finding their way. The feature highlights that success is not a straight line but a process of building and learning. It reminds readers that comparing themselves to others’ paths can be misleading.

If you are a student or early in your career, consider these takeaways:

• Your journey is unique and valuable

• Creativity and communication skills can open unexpected doors

• Understanding how your brain works can help you find the right environment

  
  

This perspective helps shift the focus from fitting a preset template to building a path that works for you.

The Importance of Sharing Stories Like Nat’s

The feature published by Eastleigh College does more than celebrate achievement. It connects the dots between education, personal growth, and professional impact. Stories like Nat’s help raise awareness about neuroinclusion and inspire others to think differently about work and diversity.

Thanks to the SHCG Press Team for capturing this story and to Eastleigh College for providing a foundation that supports diverse talents.

Nat Hawley’s journey from art student to neuroinclusion consultant shows how education, creativity, and lived experience combine to create meaningful change. If you want to learn more about his work and the full feature, you can read it here:

Eastleigh College Alumni Feature on Nat Hawley