Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and Belonging

In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Rebecca Grone from 11:11 Media about Paris Hilton’s journey as a neurodiversity advocate and their collaborations with Understood.org, including joint campaigns for ADHD Awareness Month.Rebecca shares how 11:11 Media weaves impact into every project — including Paris & Pups and Inclusive by Design — and how brands can build mutually beneficial partnerships that drive real change. She leaves us with an important reminder that it’s easy to advocate for what you authentically care about.Timestamps: (01:33) How Paris Hilton became a neurodiversity advocate(06:50) Going all in on impact and ADHD awareness with 11:11 Media(09:48) Introducing Inclusive by Design, an original series on creating neurodivergent-friendly spaces(17:02) What it means to be the “head of impact”(19:00) Building a partnership between Understood.org and 11:11 Media(24:13) Navigating personal and professional relationships when neurodivergence is part of the mixFor a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christina Mallon, head of inclusive design at Microsoft, brings deep expertise in creating products and experiences that work for everyone. In this episode, she joins Nathan to discuss how inclusive design fuels innovation and why brands must move beyond surface-level accessibility. Christina also shares her personal journey navigating both physical and cognitive disabilities in the workplace — and how those experiences have shaped her approach to designing with empathy, intention, and impact.Timestamps (04:47) Christina’s personal experience with visible and invisible disabilities(08:17) What real disability inclusion looks like(15:05) How co-design leads to meaningful inclusion(19:13) Supporting neurodivergent women in the workplace with AI toolsFor a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman is talking to Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) to explore the “creativity crisis” and the role of neurodiversity in shaping the future of advertising.Justin shares insights from groundbreaking research done in partnership with Understood.org on neurodivergent talent in the creative industry — and practical steps agencies can take to unlock creativity at scale.Timestamps: (3:06) What is the creativity crisis, and why does it matter now?(08:54) Surprising insights from 4As research on neurodivergent talent(15:15) How fast-paced change is disrupting, and driving, creativity(24:50) Brands leading the way on inclusion: Who’s getting it right?For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, we sit down with Tyler Dean Kempf — a director, writer, and teacher from The Second City — to explore how improvisational theater intersects with neurodivergent thinking. Tyler shares his late ADHD diagnosis at 40 and how improv gave him tools to understand and embrace his brain.Whether you’re neurodivergent or managing a diverse team, Tyler offers a fresh perspective on listening, collaboration, and creating space for different minds to thrive — on stage, at work, and beyond.Timestamps: (02:45) How the principles of improv can help businesses(06:37) Tyler’s ADHD diagnosis and what led to it(09:42) Talking about neurodivergence at work(14:25) What improv really is — and what it’s notFor a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman sits down with Tina Tonielli. She’s the U.S. head of insights and analytics at Haleon — and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent women. Tina shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how it inspired her to serve on the Women’s Council at Understood.org. From navigating shame to embracing authenticity at work, Tina discusses how neurodiversity in the workplace drives creativity, empathy, and innovation. Learn how leaders can better support neurodivergent talent — and why “organized best friends” might be the secret to workplace success.Timestamps(02:06) Tina’s personal journey with her ADHD diagnosis(11:06) How neurodivergent employees can thrive in the workplace(20:15) What brand leaders need to understand about neurodivergent consumers(25:02) What neurodivergent colleagues wish you knewFor a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re sitting down with Muneer Panjwani, CEO of Engage for Good, to explore how neurodiversity fits into the evolving world of corporate social impact (CSI). As the leader of one of the most influential CSI platforms, Muneer shares insights on the shifting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape and what it means for leaders who remain focused on this work.Plus, you’ll hear how Muneer is using programs like the Halo Awards to elevate underrepresented cause areas — including disability and neurodivergence — into broader corporate social impact conversations.Timestamps(04:41) How leaders are shifting their DEI mindset(14:57) Why imperfect efforts can still drive inclusion(17:39) Rethinking corporate values for today’s world(19:00) Why nonprofit business partnerships will lead the way(22:05) What’s next for corporate social impactWe love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Nathan welcomes Valeria Piaggio, Global Head of Inclusive Growth at Kantar – the world’s leading data, insights, and consulting company – and member of Understood.org Women’s Council, to discuss why neurodivergent consumers matter more than ever.They discuss new Kantar and Understood.org research that challenges the myth that neurodiversity is a niche issue — in fact, it’s a fast-growing, high-impact segment, especially among younger consumers. Valeria explains how brands can better serve and engage this growing population by rethinking research, representation, and inclusive design. And why it drives business growth.Timestamps(05:58) Kantar’s latest research on neurodivergent consumers(14:14) “If you’re not including neurodivergent voices in your research, you’re already behind.”(19:33) What Google gets right about inclusion(25:24) “The shift towards being more effective is to talk less and do more.”We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Kevin Delaney, CEO of Charter, about the future of work and what it means for inclusion and neurodiversity. They explore how hybrid work, AI, and inclusive practices are reshaping the workplace — and why supporting neurodivergent employees is more urgent than ever for business leaders.  Delaney shares practical strategies to build inclusive teams where everyone can thrive, especially as more Gen Z workers identify as neurodivergent.Timestamps:(04:08) “The future of work is neurodivergent.”(06:25) “My job as a leader is to create the conditions for every single worker to do their best work.”(23: 04) “One of the biggest leadership mistakes right now is not communicating into uncertainty.”We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org.For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Nathan welcomes Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. She is also the author of the groundbreaking book, Designing NeuroInclusive Workplaces.Kay challenges the “one-size-fits-all” office model, advocating for flexible, inclusive design rooted in choice and sensory diversity. She shares evidence-backed strategies that enhance productivity, engagement, and well-being, making a clear case for why the most effective workplaces are designed with neurodiversity and flexibility at their core.Timestamps(09:00) The six modalities of work and how to design for each(15:45) “This is the first office that I’ve ever been able to come into where I don’t get headaches.”(20:26) “ If you’re addressing the environment but not the operational side, you’re setting people up for failure.” For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Jesse Morris, co-founder of Difference Partners—a venture capital firm funding early-stage startups innovating for people with disabilities.Jesse shares his investment philosophy and how Difference Partners is reshaping the future of inclusive technology, health care, and education. From AI-powered therapy to innovative accessibility tools, hear how mission-driven startups are solving real problems and why investing in neuroinclusive solutions makes good business sense.Timestamps(03:49) “We’re not saying telehealth replaces in-person care. We’re saying telehealth infrastructure needs to exist.”(11:48) “Not all businesses deserve venture checks.”(25:29) “‘Build fast and break things’ doesn’t work in this space.”For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Minds at Work, a podcast for leaders in neurodiversity and business, hosted by Nathan Friedman, co-president and Chief Marketing Officer of Understood.org. This show explores how neurodiversity drives innovation and creativity in business and beyond. With over 50% of Gen Z identifying as neurodivergent, neurodiversity isn’t just a movement — it’s the future. That means future-proofing your business starts with embracing difference, both in the talent you hire and in the customers you serve. We feature key changemakers in the space and dive into real-world outcomes across tech, design, marketing, and work culture. We’ll be highlighting the power of difference to spark connection, shift systems, and shape a more inclusive future for all. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.