The Deep Dive on Inclusion in the Workplace

Episode #66:
The Deep Dive on Inclusion in the Workplace

When I sat down with advocate, speaker, and host of the Deep Dive Podcast, Michael Coles, one thing became immediately clear — his work is deeply personal.

Michael spent years navigating workplaces that didn’t fully understand autism. For a time, supportive colleagues helped make things manageable. But when those people left, the environment changed. Pressure increased, support disappeared, and the stress began to build.

Eventually, his nervous system simply couldn’t cope.

On November 2nd, 2023, Michael reached the point of autistic burnout and was hospitalized after calling a health line for help. He later resigned from his job and hasn’t been able to return to full-time work since.

But instead of staying silent, Michael turned that experience into advocacy.

“I’ve been living with this for like 51 years… and I don’t want to see anybody suffer through what I’ve been through.”

In June 2024, he launched the Deep Dive Podcast, where he interviews neurodivergent guests about autism, ADHD, disability, and lived experience. The goal is simple — amplify autistic voices and create deeper understanding.

Michael is particularly passionate about workplace inclusion. He believes true inclusion must go beyond simply “ticking a box.”

“True inclusion is an absolute must, not just inclusion for show.”

For many autistic employees, success comes down to practical supports: clear communication, structured tasks, time to process changes, and access to quiet spaces when overwhelmed.

These adjustments aren’t complicated — but they can be life changing.

Through his podcast and advocacy work, Michael hopes to build greater awareness of autistic burnout and help workplaces become environments where neurodivergent people can genuinely thrive.

Because when inclusion is done properly, everyone benefits.

Click here to watch the full episode