Rethinking Autism: The Evidence Behind Milton’s Double Empathy Theory

Milton’s Double Empathy Theory, developed by Damian Milton in 2012, challenges the traditional “empathy deficit” model of autism. Rather than seeing autistic individuals as lacking empathy, it argues that communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people arise from a reciprocal empathy gap, where both groups struggle to understand each other’s perspectives due to differences in communication and social experience.

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Exit Strategy 7: Avoiding Common Exit Strategy Mistakes: Lessons from the Trenches

Planning and executing a business exit is a complex process, and even the most seasoned entrepreneurs can stumble. Mistakes during this critical phase can delay the sale, reduce valuation, or even derail the entire transaction. The good news? Most of these errors are avoidable with proper preparation and foresight.

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Guide to Masking for People without Asperger Syndrome (or ASD)

Masking, at its core, is a kind of impersonation, not to deceive, but to adapt. Everyone does it to some degree, but for people with Asperger’s or ASD, it becomes a survival tool, a way to navigate a neurotypical world that feels alien at times. It’s not about being fake; it’s about blending in, building connections, or simply staying safe.

“We’re all impersonating a personality.” Jean-Paul Sartre (allegedly)

In this guide, I’ll explore the reality of masking, the principles behind doing it well, and the risks it carries. This is a firsthand account from someone with ASD who has learned how to mask, sometimes too well, and the lessons I’ve taken from years of experience, including moments where the mask inevitably slipped.

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Cyber, Digital, and Tech: Understanding the West Midlands Perspective

In the West Midlands, the definitions and boundaries of Cyber, Digital, and Tech are more than just academic semantics; they influence policy, investment decisions, and how the region positions itself on the national and global stage. While the rest of the UK and many parts of the world have moved towards recognising cyber as a distinct and critical sector, in the West Midlands, it still largely sits within the broader digital and technology categories.

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More Autonomous Vehicle Bollocks: The Overhyped Journey to Self-Driving Cars

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been sold as the ultimate transportation revolution, promising safer roads, efficient travel, and even the end of human driving. From Tesla’s Autopilot to Waymo’s robo-taxis, we’ve been told for years that full self-driving cars are just around the corner. But despite billions of dollars in investment and countless headlines, the dream of autonomous vehicles remains more hype than reality.

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Asperger’s Syndrome and the Skepticism towards Social Science: A Personal Perspective

From the outside looking in, the world of social science – particularly concepts like personality types – can appear fascinating and revelatory. However, for many individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (part of the broader autism spectrum), these structures can sometimes feel like contrived categorizations. This isn’t to say that all those with Asperger’s share this sentiment, but a segment does find it challenging to relate to these constructs. Let’s delve into why, using myself as a template and lens.

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Exit Strategy 6: Preparing for Premium Multiples: How to Command the Best Valuation for Your Business

Securing a premium valuation multiple is the holy grail of exit planning. Buyers and investors are willing to pay higher multiples for businesses that demonstrate resilience, scalability, and growth potential. However, achieving a premium valuation requires more than just strong financials; it involves proactively addressing key value drivers and avoiding common pitfalls.

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More Smart Home Bollocks: The Overhyped Promises of Connected Living

Smart homes are supposed to be the future: refrigerators that order your groceries, thermostats that adjust themselves, and lights that follow your every command. Tech companies love to sell the dream of a connected, automated home that makes life easier, safer, and more convenient. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a world full of broken promises, compatibility issues, and unnecessary gadgets.

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The Power of Precision: How Defining Your Ideal Customer Drives Growth

In the world of scaling a business, particularly in SaaS and cybersecurity, one of the biggest challenges is not just acquiring customers but acquiring the right customers. In a recent session, Richard Blundell, co-founder of Venture and a former executive at MessageLabs, shared hard-earned lessons from his experience scaling businesses, including MessageLabs’ remarkable journey from startup to a $695 million acquisition by Symantec.

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Mastering Startup Finance: A Guide to Managing Cash Flow, Investment, and Growth

For many startup founders, finance can feel like a maze of spreadsheets, projections, and investor expectations. But at its core, startup finance revolves around a few fundamental principles: where money comes from, how it is spent, and how to maximize returns while maintaining financial stability.

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From Founder to CEO: Lessons in Leadership, Growth, and Resilience

For any startup founder, the journey from idea to execution is filled with challenges. However, the biggest transformation isn’t just in scaling a business, it’s in evolving from a founder into a CEO.

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Bobby Fischer vs. Paul Morphy: Titans of Chess in Different Eras

Bobby Fischer and Paul Morphy, two American chess prodigies from different eras, stand as titans of the game. Fischer, the Cold War icon, revolutionised chess with his precision, opening theory, and professional demands, while Morphy, the Romantic-era genius, dazzled with intuitive sacrifices and elegant combinations. Despite their differing styles and trajectories, Fischer famously acknowledged Morphy’s unparalleled brilliance, stating, “He was the greatest of us all.” Both left enduring legacies that continue to inspire and shape the world of chess.

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Exit Strategy 5: Timing Your Exit: How to Align Business Readiness with Market Opportunities

Timing is everything when it comes to selling a business. Exit too early, and you might leave value on the table; wait too long, and you risk market shifts or internal challenges diminishing your business’s worth. The right timing strikes a balance between your business’s readiness, market conditions, and shareholder objectives.

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More Tech Startup Bollocks: Hype, Hustle, and the Myth of Disruption

Tech startups: the engines of innovation, disruption, and sometimes, pure nonsense. We’ve all seen the headlines. A scrappy young company with a flashy pitch secures millions in funding, promises to revolutionise an industry, and is hailed as the next big thing. But scratch the surface of many startups, and you’ll find more buzzwords than business sense.

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Expanding to the US: Lessons from Internationalization Experts

International expansion is a significant milestone for any startup, but it comes with its own set of complexities. In a recent discussion led by John Kinson, an experienced consultant specializing in global market entry and startup scaling, founders and executives explored the realities of expanding into the US. The conversation covered market readiness, legal and regulatory considerations, hiring strategies, and the cultural nuances that can make or break a company’s success overseas.

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Overview, Summary, Thoughts, and Recommendations on the NCSC Cyber Security Risk Management Guidance

This article evaluates the NCSC’s Cybersecurity Risk Management Guidance, highlighting its strengths in broad coverage and practical tools but identifying key weaknesses, including the lack of an integrated end-to-end framework, inconsistent depth, and limited audience-specific tailoring. It recommends strengthening the framework’s integration, providing accessible tools, addressing organisational resistance, and incorporating strategies for emerging technologies and black swan events. These enhancements could elevate the guidance to a truly comprehensive standard for diverse organisations.

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Disability Inclusion in the Workplace: Key Takeaways from Disability Rights UK’s Talk

Disability inclusion is a vital yet often misunderstood aspect of workplace diversity. In a recent session hosted at Plexal, Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK, provided valuable insights into what it means to create a truly inclusive work environment. His talk covered the social model of disability, legal obligations under the Equality Act, workplace adjustments, and practical steps businesses can take to foster inclusivity.

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Anne “Honey” Lantree: The Beat Behind The Honeycombs

When it comes to the world of rock and roll, female drummers have often been overshadowed. However, among those who broke the mould and left an indelible mark is Anne “Honey” Lantree, the drummer of the 1960s pop group, The Honeycombs.

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Scaling a Cyber Intelligence Business: Lessons from Crisp’s Growth Journey with John-Orr Hanna

Scaling a company from a small team to a global market leader is a challenge that requires smart hiring, a robust governance model, and a deep understanding of customer needs. In a recent Cyber Runway Founders Fireside, John-Orr Hanna, former Chief Intelligence Officer at Crisp, shared his experience of growing the company from a handful of analysts to over 140 employees and achieving a 15x business expansion in four years.

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The Genetics Behind Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome has a strong genetic component, with multiple genes linked to brain development and synaptic function. This article delves into key genetic findings, such as SHANK and CNTNAP2 genes, chromosomal variations, and their impact on traits associated with Asperger’s, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetics and environment.

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