Innotainment Podcast

In this episode of Innotainment, Aga Gajownik is joined by Pei Ying Chua – Head Economist @ LinkedIn APAC to explore what really happens cognitively, emotionally, and logistically when mothers return to work.   Together, they unpack what is often left unnamed in professional settings: brain fog during breastfeeding, dopamine suppression, shifting identity, cognitive overload, and the invisible emotional labour of balancing caregiving with performance.   This conversation goes beyond productivity. It looks at the neurobiology of postpartum changes, the cognitive cost of constant micro-decisions, and what brain-friendly organisations can do to support sustainable performance for working parents.   Topics include: • The neurological impact of breastfeeding on dopamine and focus • Why “mum brain” is physiological, not incompetence • Cognitive load, decision fatigue, and emotional labour • Performance before vs. after becoming a parent • Flexibility beyond location — workload pacing and quarterly structuring • Why empathy is a core management skill • Sustainable performance vs. overperforming at 150% • Using AI to reduce mental logistics and cognitive strain • Protecting focus time and reducing unnecessary micro-decisions • The identity shift of returning as a “new version” of yourself   This episode is especially relevant for: Mothers returning to work after maternity leave Managers supporting new parents HR leaders designing flexible policies Organisations focused on retention of female talent Anyone interested in brain-friendly workplaces and sustainable performance 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode Pei Ying Chua – Head Economist @ LinkedIn APAC Innotainment podcast – Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form: Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram @innotainment_podcast, @myquirkyadhdbrain

In this episode of Innotainment, ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠ is joined by ⁠Dr Samantha Hiew⁠ - scientist, storyteller, and founder of ADHD Girls - to explore ADHD and Autism in women through the lenses of neuroscience, hormones, trauma, and workplace systems.   Together, they unpack what is often misunderstood or left unnamed: the cost of long-term masking, performance variability, nervous system overload, and why so many high-performing neurodivergent women burn out despite appearing “fine” on the surface.   This conversation goes beyond awareness. It looks at what is actually happening cognitively, neurologically, and psychologically in neurodivergent women, and what leaders can do to design genuinely brain-friendly organisations that support sustainable performance.   Topics include: Why masking and self-regulation are so energetically expensive Executive functioning, performance variability, and hormonal cycles Trauma, nervous system responses, and their impact on work and relationships Psychological safety, micromanagement, and cognitive load Energy-based productivity and regenerative leadership Practical, low-cost changes leaders can implement immediately   This episode is especially relevant for: AuDHD and neurodivergent women navigating work and leadership Managers and HR leaders who want inclusion to actually work Anyone interested in brain-friendly organisations and sustainable performance   Note: This episode includes reflective discussion of abusive relationships and trauma, explored in a professional and educational context.   🔗 Links mentioned in this episode ⁠Dr Samantha Hiew ⁠– Tip of the iceberg, Autism and ADHD in Women: DSM-5 Criteria via Scientific & Intersectional Lens ⁠ADHD Girls⁠ – Social impact organisation supporting neurodivergent women in healthcare, education, and workplaces ⁠Innotainment podcast⁠ – ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain

In this episode, Aga Gajownik sits down with veteran benefits leader and founder Andrea Toh to explore what modern employee benefits really mean in today’s workplace. Beyond insurance plans and surface level perks, Andrea reveals how meaningful benefits are built through culture, communication, and human connection, not just budgets. With 20 years of experience shaping benefits systems across Singapore, she unpacks how organisations can create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay.   Together, they dive into: ✨ Why “traditional benefits” no longer meet the needs of Gen Z and millennial workers 🧠 How culture, purpose and team communication directly shape employee experience 💬 The hidden cost of poorly trained managers and why they make or break retention 👥 How small companies can create big impact through simple, human benefits 🔄 Why job design, team alignment and meaningful conversations matter more than perks 🏡 The role of family, flexibility and community in building workplaces people love   Whether you’re a founder, people manager, or HR professional, this episode reveals how benefits can become a daily experience, not a PDF policy, and how leaders can design teams that thrive without burning people out.

In this episode, Aga Gajownik sits down with Brian Slattery, founder of Teamwork Unlocked and former Head of Culture Club at Google, to explore what really happens inside teamwork when different brains, strengths and cognitive styles collide. From late ADHD diagnosis and leadership quirks to building escape-room-powered leadership programmes, Brian shares a refreshingly honest look at how trust, psychological safety and better conversations can transform the way teams collaborate. You’ll hear: 🧠 How ADHD shows up in leadership and why late diagnosis often brings both clarity and chaos 🔐 Why trust should be given, not earned - and the speech Brian teaches leaders to transform culture 🧩 The 9 team profiles he sees in action inside escape rooms (and why “Mavericks” and “Challengers” are disappearing) 🚫 Why innovation stalls in risk-averse cultures and how permafrost forms in middle management ✨ Practical, tiny habits that help leaders support cognitive diversity without adding workload 🎉 The art of celebrating failure and why “birthday culture” does absolutely nothing for motivation Whether you're a senior leader, HR professional or a manager trying to build more brain-friendly teams, this conversation is a masterclass in understanding people, creating trust and designing systems that let every brain contribute.

In this episode, Aga Gajownik sits down with Larissa Murmann, Digital Chief HR Officer at Unilever International, to unpack how leaders can navigate change, support their teams and adapt new technologies without burning people out. Larissa offers a candid, insider perspective on what’s changing inside global organisations - from AI adoption and hybrid team design to fractional roles and wellbeing at scale. Together, they explore the mindset shift leaders must make, why emotional and subconscious intelligence matter more than ever, and how to build high-performing teams when humans and AI increasingly work side-by-side. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, preventing burnout, and creating workplaces where people feel trusted, empowered and supported - no matter their neurotype, generation or working style. Whether you’re a founder, HR leader or emerging manager, this conversation will show you how to design more brain-friendly teams and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving world.

In our first episode of Innotainment Season 2, Aga Gajownik brings back applied neuroscientist Naomi Glover to dive deep into what’s really happening inside our workplaces and inside our brains. From burnout and disengagement to the challenges of introducing psychological safety, this episode explores how outdated structures, rigid office mandates, and untrained managers are quietly costing organisations billions. Discover: 🧠 What neuroscience reveals about engagement, burnout, and motivation 💼 Why flexibility and trust aren’t “perks” but they’re performance essentials 🤖 How technology and AI are reshaping the way our brains focus and connect ✨ Practical shifts to start building brain-friendly organisations that help everyone thrive, neurodivergent or not. Whether you’re a senior leader, HR professional, or simply someone tired of bad meetings, this episode offers a science-based perspective on how to make work actually work.

Being a guest on someone else’s podcast is a great marketing tool for your business, BUT only if you’re strategically reaching out to shows that align with your expertise. In this bonus episode, ⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Aga Gajownik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ discuss why guesting works best when there’s a clear connection between the value you can add to the host’s audience. Aga shares the vague pitches she’s received from people completely outside of her industry, and Rhianne shares ways you can pitch yourself in a more effective way. Plus, they talk about why podcasters should consider inviting guests onto their own show as a way to elevate organic marketing and reach new audiences. Want to put this into action? - Apply to be a guest on the Innotainment Podcast ⁠here⁠ - Or, book a Podcast Guesting Strategy Discovery Call with Rhianne ⁠here⁠ Building a business? Grab Aga's⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots Interested in podcasting? Get Rhianne’s freebie:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Your Ultimate Business Podcast Checklist: From Idea to Launch⁠⁠⁠⁠: the step-by-step guide to turning your podcast idea into a powerful business tool. Want to continue the conversation? Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast⁠⁠⁠

In this bonus episode, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland and Aga Gajownik⁠⁠⁠ break down how to turn your podcast concept into episode topics that actually serve your business. They discuss content pillars, building an idea bank, and creating repeatable formats to save you time, stay consistent, and avoid the dreaded “what should I record this week?” stress. Listen in to learn how to plan smarter, not harder, and keep your podcast working for you long after you hit publish. Need guidance? Book an Episode Planning Session with Rhianne to map out episodes that speak to your ideal client, create a rhythm that works for you, and get a repeatable structure so planning feels easier instead of overwhelming. Building a business? Grab Aga's ⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠:⁠⁠The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots Want to continue the conversation? Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast⁠

It’s great to have a catchy podcast idea, but without a clear concept, your show can fail to connect with your audience or support your business. In this bonus episode, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ discuss what a podcast concept is and how creating one is a lot like mapping your brand with the Business Model Canvas. Because once you get clear on your podcast purpose, audience, and value proposition, every episode has plays a role in your bigger strategy.   Interested in podcasting? Book a free ⁠clarity call⁠ with Rhianne: A relaxed chat designed to help you figure out the direction of your podcast.   Building a business? Grab Aga's⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots.   Want to continue the conversation? Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast⁠⁠⁠

Let’s talk about the money. No shame, complicated spreadsheets, or overwhelm. ⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Aga Gajownik⁠ demystify the Cost Structure and Revenue Streams of the Business Model Canvas. They discuss cash flow, recurring costs, and how to align your finances with your energy. 🎁 Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you! Want to keep the conversation going? Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast

Entrepreneurship can feel very lonely and overwhelming. ⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland⁠ and ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠ explore the Key Partnerships of the Business Model Canvas. They discuss designing a business that doesn’t depend solely on you, and what to look for in people you want to collaborate with.🎁 Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you! Want to keep the conversation going? Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast

Aga Gajownik⁠ speaks to ⁠Amber Sawyer⁠, the founder of Embodied Woman Yoga, to explore what counts as the Key Resources of the Business Model Canvas. They dive deeper into what it takes to build a business, including physical tools, inner strength, and emotional capacity. Amber draws from her experience of running a yoga business, managing family life, and navigating creative cycles. 🎁 Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you! Want to keep the conversation going? Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast

Not all to-do lists are created equal. This week ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠ and ⁠Rhianne Lovell-Boland⁠ uncover what actually needs to get done in your business and what can wait. This episode on Key Activities of the Business Model Canvas is your guide to cutting the busywork and focusing your energy.   🎁 Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you! Want to keep the conversation going? Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast

Do you use the power of community to build your business? ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Shilpa S. Nath⁠, Founder of Women in AI (for good), creator of What The Fail, and Kali Club, dive into the Customer Relationships part of the Business Model Canvas. Let's explore what it means to build human connection without faking authenticity. 🎁 Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠free companion guide⁠⁠⁠⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet. A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you! Want to keep the conversation going? Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@Innotainment_Podcast

Marketing doesn't have to be loud and exhausting. This week ⁠Aga Gajownik⁠ invited ⁠Anna Norriss⁠ to explore the Key Channels of the Business Model Canvas. They talk about how people can find you and your offer, and how to choose platforms that work for your energy and voice. Grab your : ⁠The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet⁠ A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Let’s build a business that fits you.

What pain points do you guide your customers through and how do you explain it without sounding robotic? Aga Gajownik unpacks how to craft a value proposition that feels human, clear, and aligned with how you actually help people and Rhianne Lovell-Boland has an epiphany on the difference between what she does and the value she gives to her clients. 🎁 Grab your ⁠free companion guide⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Because your quirks aren’t the glitch in the system—they are the system. Let’s build a business that fits you! Feel free to continue the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @Innotainment_Podcast

In this episode, we’re digging into customer segments, aka who you actually serve, and why getting clear on that really matters (without sending you into a niche-induced identity crisis). Aga Gajownik shares why figuring out your ideal client is less about getting it perfect and more about experimenting. She opens up about how she found her people after maternity leave and how to stop repeating patterns that leave you burnt out. Rhianne Lovell-Boland talks about her early days of wanting to help anyone who wanted a podcast and how she quickly realised she couldn’t be everything to everyone (and didn’t need to be). If defining your clientele has ever felt like guesswork or a wild emotional rollercoaster, this one’s for you! 🎁 Grab your ⁠free companion guide⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Because your quirks aren’t the glitch in the system—they are the system. Let’s build a business that fits you! If you'd like to keep the conversation going, follow us on Instagram @Innotainment_Podcast

Before we get tactical, we’re getting personal. Aga Gajownik (systems strategist and mildly rebellious realist) and her co-host Rhianne Lovell-Boland (podcast strategist and systems thinker convert) dive into the story behind Innotainment. How Aga went from starting a business without a system (and ending up homeless) to becoming a full-blown business model nerd. Whilst Rhianne went from constantly feeling overwhelmed to finally finding systems that actually worked for her brain. Plus, they share why so many of us struggle with business strategy, and why the Business Model Canvas isn’t just for MBA bros. You’ll also get your first step in learning how to actually prioritise tasks based on the real time and energy you have. So, if you’ve ever opened a strategy tool and thought, “Cool diagram… now what?” this episode’s for you! 🎁 Grab your ⁠free companion guide⁠: 🧠 The Neurodivergent Founder’s Business Model Cheat Sheet A visual, ADHD-friendly, no-fluff companion to help you reflect, take action, and connect the dots. Because your quirks aren’t the glitch in the system—they are the system. Let’s build a business that fits you!  

This podcast is for brilliant humans who secretly wonder if they're the problem in their business. (Spoiler: you're not!) Host Aga Gajownik, founder of Innovation and Integration with co-host Rhianne Lovell-Boland, podcast strategist and founder of More Talk Media, introduce you to what’s to come in the Innotainment series! Together, along with a few special guests, they’ll explore the 9 elements of the Business Model Canvas, share real-world challenges of building a business (especially with a neurodivergent brain).  🎧 Episode 1 drops June 17th. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

In this episode of Innotainment, Aga Gajownik sits down with Andy Skipper, founder of CTO Craft, to explore one of the most common and least discussed transitions in tech: what happens when your best engineer becomes a leader and nobody prepares them for it.   Andy brings a grounded, practitioner perspective built from his own experience as a first-time CTO and years of coaching senior technology leaders around the world. Together, they unpack why the skills that make someone brilliant at building things are often the very skills that trip them up when they step into leadership, how ego and identity shape the transition, and why leading in isolation is one of the fastest paths to burnout.   From rethinking what it means to manage highly intelligent, autonomous people to finding the right balance between technical depth and commercial awareness, this episode challenges the default assumption that great engineers make great leaders and asks a bigger question: what does it actually take to grow well?   Discover:  💡 Why the move from individual contributor to CTO is one of the most under-supported transitions in tech  🧠 The identity and ego shifts that come with seniority — and how to navigate them without burning out  🤝 Stakeholder management, commercial awareness and translation skills that no one teaches you  👥 How to lead highly autonomous, highly intelligent people without micromanaging or losing yourself  ⚡ The difference between leading and managing — and why you can do one without the other  🌍 Why isolation accelerates burnout and what finding your tribe actually looks like   Whether you're a CTO, a founder building a tech team, or a leader who got promoted without a roadmap and is figuring it out as they go, this episode offers honest, experience-led insight into growing as a leader without losing yourself in the process.   🔗 Links mentioned in this episode Andy Skipper – Founder of CTO Craft (LinkedIn) CTO Craft – Community, events and resources for senior technology leaders ⁠Innotainment podcast⁠ – ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain