Early Life and Education

Michael Tozer, known as Mike, was born and raised in the UK, where he cultivated a strong academic foundation. He graduated from the prestigious University of Oxford, where he developed an interest in the intersection of technology and social impact. This passion would guide his career for the next two decades.

Career Beginnings

After completing his studies, Mike relocated to Hong Kong, where he dedicated 12 years to a non-profit organization. Here, he focused on developing software solutions that connected businesses with non-profit partners. His efforts were pivotal in fostering collaborations that benefitted communities and spurred social change.

Following this impactful tenure, Mike took on a significant role with the United Nations, working on a system that connected 23 UN agencies with businesses across more than 70 countries. This experience deepened his understanding of global systems and the importance of leveraging technology for social good.

Personal Challenges and Inspiration

While in Boston, Mike pursued a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University. It was during this time that his young son was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, a leading genetic cause of autism. This personal experience profoundly influenced Mike, motivating him to consider not only his son’s future but also the potential of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Founding Xceptional

Upon returning to Australia, Mike faced the challenges of job hunting in a new country. Despite his impressive academic credentials and extensive experience, he found it difficult to communicate his qualifications to potential employers. This prompted him to reflect on the struggles of his sister, Sarah, who is also on the autism spectrum. Sarah’s intelligence and capabilities contrasted sharply with her employment challenges, including an incident where she lost her job due to a misunderstanding of her work approach.

Recognizing that approximately 125 million people globally have autism and that they are significantly less likely to find employment than their neurotypical peers, Mike founded Xceptional. The company aimed to change the narrative around autism in the workplace, focusing on strengths rather than challenges.

Xceptional’s Mission and Impact

Since its inception, Xceptional has grown into a leading provider of software testing services, employing individuals with autism. The team has expanded to include ten members, five of whom are software testers with autism, and is supported by a distinguished advisory board.

Xceptional’s unique approach to hiring neurodiverse talent has garnered attention for its tangible benefits to companies. Employees with autism often exhibit exceptional attention to detail, strong focus, and an ability to handle repetitive tasks—qualities that are invaluable in software testing.

In addition to software testing, Xceptional provides accessibility training for businesses, ensuring that digital products are compliant with WCAG standards. The company has also developed an innovative training course to better assess candidates for software testing roles, helping to ease the hiring process for those with autism.

Achievements and Recognition

Under Mike’s leadership, Xceptional has achieved remarkable milestones, including securing $1 million in funding from the Google.org Impact Challenge. This funding is set to fast-track the development of an anxiety-reducing recruitment app designed specifically for individuals with autism, furthering Xceptional’s mission to enhance employment opportunities for this community.

The company has also received accolades for its innovative approach, including an award at the Australian Impact Investment Awards 2020 for its Beneficial Outcomes Linked Debt contract, demonstrating its impact on social change.

Personal Advocacy and Hobbies

In addition to his professional achievements, Mike has embraced running as a personal passion and a unique form of advocacy. He began running while in Boston, using it as an outlet during challenging times. In a creative twist, Mike runs in a suit to raise awareness for autism and the barriers individuals face in securing employment. This unconventional approach has sparked conversations about the workplace and has led to increased visibility for Xceptional’s work. Notably, Mike holds the world record for the fastest half-marathon run in a suit.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Mike is committed to expanding Xceptional’s impact. His short-term goals include developing the new recruitment app and growing the team. In the long term, he envisions a workplace environment that is far more inclusive and understanding of neurodiversity by the time his son enters the workforce. Mike hopes to pave the way for a future where individuals with autism can contribute meaningfully and have their strengths recognized and utilized.

Through his personal journey and professional endeavors, Mike Tozer exemplifies the power of harnessing differences and the importance of creating opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their neurological makeup. His work with Xceptional continues to inspire change and foster a more inclusive world.