In episode 182, Coffey talks with Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell about their research on recruiting and integrating autistic employees into roles requiring social interaction, particularly focusing on Goldman Sachs' successful initiative to expand the practice beyond traditional technical positions.

They discuss the concept of "double empathy problem" where both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals struggle to understand each other's perspectives and communication styles; the challenges autistic individuals face with traditional job postings and interview processes; the importance of skills-based assessments over traditional interviews; the role of coaches in bridging communication gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent employees; the development and quality of workplace social networks for autistic employees; the benefits of universal design in HR systems to accommodate diverse ways of working; how successful integration of neurodivergent employees can improve overall organizational communication and management practices.

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About our Guest:

Nikki Drader-Mazza is a PhD Candidate in Management at the University of North Texas.

Dr. Virginie Lopez-Kidwell is the Director of the Doctorate in Business Administration and an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas. Together, Nikki and Ginny study workplace neurodiversity, having focused primarily on the hiring and socialization of neuro-minorities.

Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell can be reached at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnykidwell/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-drader-a3173a78/

https://www.facebook.com/nicole.drader 

https://www.instagram.com/nikkidrader

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.
Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).

Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Redesign recruitment and selection processes to emphasize skills-based assessments and clear job requirements rather than traditional interview performance and social interaction
2. Implement coaching programs that facilitate mutual understanding between neurotypical and neurodivergent employees while supporting both managers and new hires
3. Develop universal HR systems and practices that accommodate diverse communication styles and work preferences, benefiting both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees