Speakers

Aron Mercer (he/him) is a social entrepreneur, author, and expert in neurodiversity in the workplace, with over 25 years of experience spanning commercial leadership, nonprofits, and social enterprises. Diagnosed with ADHD at 12, his personal journey has shaped his understanding of systemic barriers to employment and advancement for people with disabilities.

Aron holds a BA in Social Sciences from Macquarie University and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Swinburne. In his corporate career, he excelled in commercial leadership and people management, spending a decade overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and team development in marketing and technology services.

Since 2017, Aron has led growth Xceptional, now Xceptional Academy, innovating approaches to workforce participation by dismantling traditional hiring barriers. His 2024 book, Untapped Talent: A Practical Guide for Hiring and Retaining Neurodivergent Staff, examined inclusion through the employee lifecycle.

Beyond Xceptional, Aron serves as Mentor in Residence at the Social Impact Hub, Global Advisor for Billion Strong, and Adjunct Industry Fellow at Griffith University, further contributing to neurodiversity advocacy and education. Aron is married and lives with his wife and two sons in Brisbane.