Breaking the Mould: Neurodiversity, CIMA & Building Your Own Path

About

• Breaking Barriers: Why the Right Environment Unlocks Neurodivergent Potential Understand the unique challenges neurodivergent students face in traditional study and exam settings, from sensory overload to rigid learning formats. Learn why environment is everything, and how flexibility, clarity, and processing time can transform outcomes. Hear how Kaplan’s support made a real difference in Gavin’s CIMA journey, and what all institutions must do better.
• The Power of the Spiky Profile: Turning Neurodivergent Traits Into Business Strengths Discover what a “spiky profile” really is, and why autistic strengths (like hyperfocus, honesty, and deep focus) often sit alongside sharp dips in other areas. Learn how to play to your peaks and build support systems for your troughs. See how these traits aren't just manageable; they’re valuable assets in finance, leadership, and innovation.
• Fuel for the Future: How Lived Experience Drives Purpose-Led Entrepreneurship Explore how setbacks and adversity shaped Gavin’s decision to launch Neuvantage and write Binman to Boardroom. Understand how real-life challenges can inspire inclusive business ideas and personal breakthroughs. Be reassured: success doesn’t have to follow a straight line, and a neurodivergent brain can be your biggest competitive edge.

Panellists

Gavin Simpson – Founder of Neuvantage Business Services & Author of Binman to BoardroomGavin Simpson is a Chartered Management Accountant, founder of Neuvantage Business Services, and the voice behind Binman to Boardroom — a movement that champions social mobility and neurodiversity in business. His career journey spans from working as a binman to launching a finance consultancy supporting SMEs with cost control, process improvement, and financial clarity. Diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, Gavin studied CIMA while navigating the challenges of neurodivergence in traditional learning environments. He now uses his story to inspire others from non-traditional backgrounds to succeed on their own terms.

Who is this suitable for?

This is suitable for Kaplan apprentices, Kaplan UK students, Kaplan staff, and any employers who want to join. We have a limit of available places, which will be allocated on a first come first-served basis. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Joining the webinar

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If you have a question…

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Webinar Recording

This webinar will be hosted on Zoom and will be recorded, along with any participant questions, however, images of participants will not be captured on the recording. You may choose what name you wish to be visible. Once you have registered for the webinar we will send a calendar invite to your email address and email you reminders about the upcoming event. After the event, we will email all participants with a copy of the recording and further relevant information including a request for feedback. If you do not wish to receive these emails please let us know by clicking the ‘Contact’ button at the bottom of this page. We may also use the recording for promotional/marketing purposes. The recording will only be kept as long as is necessary. We will not share your email address with other participants, however, we may share your contact details with the partner we are hosting the webinar with. We may also update your profile on our customer management system to reflect your attendance at this webinar. To find out more about how we handle personal data please see our privacy notice here.