Dan was overwhelmed by the weight of running his organisation, and every task fell on his shoulders. Enlisting the support of Lois, a trained support worker from Send It To Alex, he was introduced to neuroinclusive AI tools and sustainable ways of working and growing his business. Dan gained structure, confidence, and breathing space. Today, he leads consciously, focusing on impact without sacrificing his wellbeing.
About Dan Flanagan
Dan Flanagan is the Founder of Dad La Soul, a multi-award-winning and game-changing social enterprise dedicated to transforming how the UK’s six million dads are seen, heard, and supported.
Motivated by his own experiences growing up in a culture that offered little support for fathers, Dan made it his mission to challenge the status quo. Under his leadership, Dad La Soul has invested more than 10,000 hours collaborating with tech innovators, local authorities, and community partners to create inclusive spaces and practical solutions for dads and families.
His work has been recognised at the highest levels, including 10 Downing Street, the All-Party Parliamentary Committee on the Future of Fatherhood, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, as well as by leading outlets such as The Guardian, BBC, Huffington Post, ITV, and more than 140 other publications.
Harnessing AI for everyday challenges
Dan Flanagan runs Dad La Soul, a multi award-winning social enterprise that creates a community for dads and male carers. But behind the success, Dan was exhausted. Diagnosed with dyslexia in his 40s and later ADHD, he described life as
“constantly frazzled… on a one-way ticket to a breakdown.”
As a founder, every task, from admin and contracts to events and fundraising, fell to him. Without support, the sheer volume was overwhelming. Through Access to Work, Dan was connected with trained support worker Lois, and the way he worked began to shift.
Support that adapts
From the start, Lois made an impact: “There’s not a part of the business they didn’t get involved in,” Dan explained. But Lois brought more than admin support, she introduced Dan to AI tools that broke down barriers in his day-to-day life.
Together, they explored how ChatGPT and other platforms could reduce the burden of writing, structuring ideas, and managing processes. As Dan puts it:
“It’s not something to be scared of, it can simplify challenges.”
By embedding AI into their workflow, Lois gave Dan practical ways to manage overwhelm and stay focused, while also building his confidence in using new technology.
Human insight behind the tools
For Lois, support was never just technical. “I came into the role thinking it would just be a little bit of admin,” she reflects, “but it’s been a lot more than that.”
Her consistent presence, honesty, and encouragement created trust, making it easier for Dan to share struggles and accept help.
For Dan, Lois is there to recognise the signs and red flags, and keep him grounded. The blend of human insight and thoughtful use of AI created a powerful foundation for change.
Dan describes the impact of bringing in support as nothing short of ‘seismic’.
He is able to now step back from work, prioritise his mental health, and invest more fully in life beyond his organisation.
From burnout to stability
The results are clear.
“We’re a lot more stable as an organisation,”
Dan says.
“I don’t feel the need to do 70-80 hour weeks anymore.” With processes in place, tools to ease the load, and Lois’ steady support, he’s been able to work sustainably without sacrificing wellbeing.
“On paper, you think it’s just someone to help with email. But the real impact is being fully prepared, having checks and balances, and people in your corner. That makes a huge deal.”
Asked to sum up the experience, Dan doesn’t hesitate, “Outstanding.”
