Kelly Grainger, widely known as 'The Autistic CEO', is an influential keynote speaker and leading voice in neurodiversity, inclusive leadership and workplace culture. Drawing on more than two decades of corporate experience alongside his lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Kelly offers a rare and compelling perspective on how organisations can unlock the full potential of every employee. His talks challenge outdated assumptions about neurodivergence while equipping leaders with the understanding and confidence to build truly inclusive environments where difference is recognised as a strength rather than a barrier.
Kelly’s career began in the corporate world, where he spent 23 years in senior roles with globally recognised organisations including PepsiCo, Merlin Entertainments and News International. Throughout this time, he developed deep expertise in leadership, operations and people management, working within high-pressure, performance-driven environments. His own neurodivergent identity was not diagnosed until his forties, a turning point that helped him reframe his career journey and better understand both the challenges and advantages he had experienced in the workplace. This personal insight, combined with senior-level business experience, now underpins his practical and relatable approach to organisational change.
Building on this foundation, Kelly co-founded Perfectly Autistic with his wife, Hester Grainger, creating a consultancy dedicated to workplace neurodiversity. Together, they have trained thousands of professionals and supported organisations in redesigning management practices, improving communication and preventing workplace conflict. Kelly has also collaborated with Mind’s Mental Health at Work programme to develop practical toolkits that help employers create more neuro-inclusive cultures. His expertise has led to speaking engagements with the United Nations Global Compact and the Autism Show, while his client work includes organisations such as Red Bull Racing F1, TUI, the NHS, British Airways and GSK. He is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio and has been featured in major national media.
As a speaker, Kelly stands out for his clarity, authenticity and actionable guidance. He translates complex topics around neurodiversity into practical leadership strategies that organisations can implement immediately. By combining boardroom credibility with personal experience, he helps audiences move beyond awareness to meaningful change. Delegates leave his sessions with a deeper understanding of how inclusive leadership drives performance, engagement and wellbeing, making Kelly Grainger a transformative and highly sought-after keynote speaker.
