Meet the Team
Born in a small mining town in West Yorkshire and raised by a single mum with strong working-class values, Ian and Lois always knew they were different, it was so obvious, that people told them how different they were from other people and each other all the time. Though they grew up together in the same house, their experiences of being different couldn’t be more… well, different.
Lois Baynham
About Lois
I was always labelled as a rebel; an impulsive chatterbox with “ants in her pants” due to an inability to sit still, boundless energy with no direction, a daydreamer, an idiator, with a lust for excitement and humour. I was routinely kicked out of my classes and given behaviour slips for detention (remember my rebel label?), yet I simultaneously achieved the joint highest number of GSCE A-C’s, and I was awarded both the school's prestigious “Andrew Cook” sports award, and “Best Contribution to All Aspects of School Life”. I moved to Liverpool to study for my Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Sports Science, graduating at 20, with a BA (Hons) Psychology & Sociology. I left England in July 2004 to live and work in New York for 18 months. I never left. Having accumulated what some call an "interesting resume", I’m a jack of all trades and a master of quite a few (at least in my mind). I’ve lived and worked chaotically, yet relatively successfully for most of my life, with undiagnosed ADHD++.
Diagnosed at 42, embracing the ups and downs of being undiagnosed and labelled by other people for my shortcomings (disabilities), has given me a unique insight into the humbling challenges and complex beauty of neurodiversity. It has also brought me closer to my friends and family, who have been pivotal in helping me to reconnect with my authentic self and thrive beyond my limitations. My diagnosis also took me back to University to finish what I started all those years ago, and become a kick-ass research psychologist!
An avid Psychology Scholar, Global HR Leader, Futurist, People Whisperer and Hardcore Friend, I believe in the boundless potential within each of us and I'm dedicated to exploring the diverse intersections of life, work, neurodiversity, class and mental health. As Founder of The HR Collab. and Unlabelled & Limitless, my professional and personal experiences fuel my passion for embracing individuality and creating inclusive environments full of limitless possibilities.
Ian Baynham
About Ian
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From as far back as I can remember, I knew I saw the world differently, though I couldn’t understand why. My early years were spent masking and trying to fit in, which often led to challenges, including frequent attempts to kill my sister, partly driven by my inquisitive nature into the plausibility of WWE moves being real and partly by her boundless energy and inability to stop talking. Diagnosed with "some" autistic traits in early childhood, I didn’t meet enough criteria for a full diagnosis—Asperger’s wasn’t yet recognized. I rejected these labels because they didn’t fully capture my experiences, which over time, affected my mental and emotional well-being.
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I earned a scholarship to Grammar School, but I never felt like I belonged due to my background. I found solace in running and staying under the radar with a small group of misfit friends. Recognizing that I was a hands-on learner, I left school at 18 and joined the Army, where my experience as an army medic proved invaluable. I treated soldiers with empathy and recognized their need to mask emotional struggles, much like I had. My journey with Autism taught me that many suffer in silence, fearing judgment. While establishing Army programs to address alcohol abuse and PTSD, I learned about the suspected connection and in some cases, overlap between some Autistic traits and PTSD, which can result in substance abuse. It’s crucial to break the stigma surrounding Autism and create environments where people feel safe to share their struggles and embrace their strengths. The British and US Army are only now beginning to realize the benefits of neurodiverse and autistic talents, despite still prohibiting diagnosed individuals from applying.
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After leaving the Army, I struggled with relationships, fatherhood, career fulfillment, and mental health. Seeking help started a long journey toward acceptance and understanding, solidifying my identity as Autistic. Acknowledging this has allowed me to validate what I’ve always known: I am different, I think differently, I act differently, and that’s perfectly okay.
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Now, as a father of neurodiverse children, a people manager in Data Science and Engineering, a Well-Being Champion, and a Co-Chair for an Accessibility Network, I am passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces for disabled and neurodiverse individuals. I strive to raise awareness and champion accessibility, neurodiversity, and disability. With an MBA in senior leadership, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to my role as co-host. Together, we can build a community where struggles are acknowledged, and overcoming them is celebrated.