Culture by Neurodesign

Episode 59: Season 1 reflection: the three themes you connected with most

In this special Season 1 finale of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge reflects on a full year of episodes, and explores three themes that have resonated deeply with her listeners.
Why neuro-inclusion is your performance infrastructure, not only an ethical add-on. How connecting diverse neurostyles strengthens both wellbeing and organizational results, and why this dual focus is the heart of the modern leadership playbook.
Why accommodations don’t scale as the primary strategy to enable neurodivergent talent. And how proactive cultural design (“design, not disclosure”) creates healthier, more scalable, and more effective working cultures.
Why the neurodiversity lens goes beyond neurodivergence, and resonates with everyone. How cognitive factors are universally shared spectra, and why designing for neurodiversity as the extreme of these spectra lifts performance and wellbeing for all.
Stay connected until the start of Season 2: • Register for Lisa’s free weekly newsletter, The Neuro-Inspired Question: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/lets-connect • Join her free presentation to mark International Day of People with Disability on 3 December: Autism-inspired innovation: how freedom within a framework builds neuro-inclusive cultures: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/autism-inspired-innovation • Book a free Performance Leaks Audit (https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/performance-leaks-audit?month=2025-11) or a meeting that you shape according to your questions (https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-11)
Lisa mentioned these episodes to the themes she reflected on.
Theme 1: neuro-inclusion is not an add-on — it’s performance infrastructure for the modern workplace • Episode 29 – “Culture is the Game — IBM vs Polaroid.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/culture-is-the-game-ibm-vs-polaroid • Episode 33 – “Autism and Silicon Valley: a case study in neuro-inclusive design.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/autism-and-silicon-valley-a-case-study-in-neuro-inclusive-design • Episode 21 – “Organizational resilience: 90% of companies lack the core capabilities.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/why-most-companies-fail-at-resilienceand-how-to-fix-it
Theme 2: design over disclosure - the shift from accommodations to proactive cultural design • Episode 56: “Trust over control: autism and universal design at Schiphol airport.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/schiphols-neuro-inclusive-design-a-better-way-for-autism • Episode 37: “Neurodivergence and high performance: lessons from a underwater school play.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/neurodivergence-and-high-performance-lessons-from-a-underwater-school-play • Episode 45: “From autism diagnosis to entrepreneur: finally, inclusion that works for everyone.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/from-autism-diagnosis-to-entrepreneur-finally-inclusion-that-works-for-everyone
Theme 3: the universal appeal of the neurodiversity lens • Episode 20: “Quiet strengths: engaging introvert talent - a discussion with Richard Etienne.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/how-to-engage-and-retain-your-introvert-talent • Episode 40: “My ADHD team lead is unbearable during deadlines. What can I do?” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/my-adhd-team-lead-is-unbearable-during-deadlines-what-can-i-do • Episode 28: “Work get-togethers: connection not conformity.” https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/work-get-togethers-connection-not-conformity
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiversityatwork #autism #autismatwork #autisminclusion #adhd #adhdatwork #dyslexia #dyslexiasupport #leadership #inclusivedesign #workplaceculture #inclusiveworkplace #playbook #workplacewellbeing #futurereadyteams #changemanagement #season1

Episode 58: Freedom within a framework: how autism-inspired design builds neuro-inclusive culture

I shared my experience of flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport with my autistic son, Chris, two weeks ago, and how thoughtful, human-centered design transformed an overwhelmingly a stressful journey into one that was manageable.
The response online was overwhelming. So in a short follow-up series, I’m exploring the key themes that emerged from your comments.
Last week’s episode focused on progress over perfection. This week, I am continuing me reflection with the second theme: freedom within a framework, and what it really means to build neuro-inclusion by design, not disclosure.
In this episode: • Why designing for difference beats waiting for disclosure every time. • What the ADHD neurostyle teaches us about balancing clarity and flexibility. • Why structure and autonomy must co-exist to create neuro-inclusive cultures. • How airports like Schiphol model “freedom within a framework” in practice.
💡 I’ll also be marking International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December) with a free live presentation inspired by your response. If you’d like to be first to hear when registration opens, 👉 sign up for my newsletter, The Neuro-Inspired Question. https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/lets-connect
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #autism #autismatwork #autisminclusion #adhd #adhdatwork #dyslexia #dyslexiasupport #inclusivedesign #universaldesign #agilemindset #workplaceculture #workplacewellbeing #progressoverperfection

Episode 57: Progress over perfection airports show us the way from autism to neuro-inclusive culture

Last week, I shared my experience of flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport with my autistic son, Chris. I was blown away by how thoughtful, human design made a stressful situation manageable, and by the incredible response to that story online.
Comments have poured in, and some interesting themes emerged about what what resonated when we think about how to design neuro-inclusion into our cultures. So in this episode - the first in a short series - I’m digging into one of those themes: progress over perfection.
In this episode: • Why “perfect plans” block neuro-inclusion. • Why 40% done can be transformational - if it’s human-centered. • How an agile mindset powers neuro-inclusive design in airports and workplaces.
💡 I’ll also be marking International Day of People with Disabilities (3 December) with a free live presentation inspired by your response.If you’d like to be first to hear when registration opens, 👉 sign up for my newsletter, The Neuro-Inspired Question: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/lets-connect
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #autism #autismatwork #autisminclusion #adhd #adhdatwork #dyslexia #dyslexiasupport #inclusivedesign #universaldesign #agilemindset #workplaceculture #workplacewellbeing #progressoverperfection

Episode 56: Trust over control: autism and universal design at Schiphol airport

What happens when inclusion runs on trust instead of control?
In this episode, I explore what flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport with my autistic son revealed about how trust, flexibility, and how universal design can turn inclusion from a set of exceptions into a reliable system.
• My FIT cultural model that turns inclusion from a reaction into a system.• Why the old “accommodations-only” model no longer works in neurodiverse workplaces. • The story of a flight, a Pikachu cuddly toy, and an airport that quietly got autism-inclusion right. • Howleadership using Freedom within a Framework lets leaders design cultures that enable difference.
🎧 Listen to learn how universal design principles inspired by autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can create workplaces where everyone thrives.
And learn how the same principles - clarity, fairness, and shared responsibility - help teams and organizations move beyond accommodations-only enablement of neurodivergence toward sustainable, neuro-inclusive cultures: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/inside-view/techs-autism-at-work-programs-why-these-pioneering-programs-must-evolve
If you’d like to explore how to systematize neuro-inclusion in your team, drop me an email (lisa@lisacolledgeconsulting.com) reserve time for a free Performance Leaks Audit: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/performance-leaks-audit?month=2025-10
A team that runs on trust instead of control feels a lot better, for everyone - and it performs better too
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #leadership #leadershiplessons #autism #autismatwork #adhd #adhdatwork #dyslexia #universaldesign #psychologicalsafety #schipholairport #schiphol #cognitivediversity #teamculture #changemanagement

Episode 55: Energy by design: how teams can rethink burnout and focus in the age of distraction - with Rich Ellis

Your team’s energy isn’t infinite, but you can design it to go where it counts most.
In this episode, Dr Lisa Colledge talks with Rich Ellis, a health and energy coach who helps individuals and teams protect and sustain their energy before burnout hits.
💡 You’ll hear: • Subtle signals of energy mismanagement you can spot early on. • Energy myth: the more you exercise, the more energy you’ll have. • Practical steps to help your team start to regain focus, rhythm, and recovery. • Real-world stories from Rich’ work with tech, construction, and professional-services teams. • How our bodys’ ancient stress systems once kept us safe, but are struggling with the constant pressures of modern work and life. It’s a conversation about designing energy with intent, so it fuels creativity, connection, and results, not exhaustion.
Find out more, and connect with Rich here: • Website: https://richellis.nz/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richsellis/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richellis/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richsellis?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Vic3YS842gOyUOn0&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1EzpdYu9LN%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
 
# #neurodivergence #energymanagement #burnout #burnoutprevention #workplacewellness #workplacewellbeing #leadership #parasympathetic #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealthatwork #stressmanagement #preventburnout #focus #workfocus

Episode 54: The ADHD advantage in entrepreneurship, with Peter Shankman

The ADHD brain isn’t broken - it’s built for action.
In this fast-moving, funny, and deeply personal conversation, Peter Shankman - five-time entrepreneur, author, and ADHD advocate - shares the life rules and habits that helped him turn distraction into drive.
🔹 Why 3:30 a.m. workouts keep him focused and calm. 🔹 How ADHD shapes his creativity, risk-taking, and speed. 🔹 The mindset shift that helped him build multiple companies.
Peter’s learned to understand and work with his ADHD brain. His story shows what’s possible when you stop fighting your wiring and start designing for it.
Want to know where your team’s innovation energy is quietly draining away? Try my free Performance Leaks Audit and start to turn wasted effort into impact: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/performance-leaks-audit
Peter Shankman is a six-time bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Help A Reporter Out (HARO), which changed the face of media outreach. Dubbed “the world’s most authentic marketing expert,” Peter specializes in helping entrepreneurs harness their strengths, build stronger personal brands, and scale faster in an attention-deficit world.
Peter shares how today's best entrepreneurs leverage speed, authenticity, and neurodiverse thinking to drive innovation - and why "different brains" are often the secret weapon behind major success stories.
Join Source Of Sources https://sourceofsources.com/
His books include: •Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain by Peter Shankman • The Boy With The Faster Brain by Peter Shankman
Website: https://www.shankman.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterShankman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petershankman/
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/petershankman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petershankman/
 
#adhd #entrepreneurship #PeterShankman #neurodiversity #innovation #focus #dopamine #Neuroinclusion #neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neuroinclusive #autism #dyslexia #neurodivergentfounder #adhdatwork

Episode 53: From defensive to Neuro-Inspired: how the best teams thrive in volatile times

In these volatile times, the old leadership playbook is cracking under the strain.
The same habits that once kept teams safe now hold them back - slowing innovation, draining energy, and disconnecting people from their mission. In this episode, Dr Lisa Colledge shares how leaders can shift their teams from defensive to neuro-inspired, building cultures that thrive in uncertainty by pairing structure with stretch.
🔹 Why reliability can quietly turn into rigidity. 🔹 The two traps teams fall into when change accelerates. 🔹 Designing teams that stay curious, connected, courageous, caring, and creative - even under pressure
🌩️ You can’t control volatility - but you can design a culture that converts it into impact.
📅 Free live session - 9 October 2025 Leading under an invisible load: turn hidden drains into measurable impact Can’t join live? Register anyway - you’ll get the recording. https://www.crowdcast.io/@neuro-inspired
Missed the live session? Don’t worry. 👉 Uncover where your team’s innovation energy is leaking with my free Performance Leaks Audit. https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/performance-leaks-audit
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neuroinclusive #teamculture #teamenergy #teamperformance #cognitivediversity #changemanagement #futurereadyteams #leadership #leadershipresponsibility #adaptability

Episode 52: Your emails aren’t enough: lessons from neurodiversity and universal design

Leaders often assume communication is clear, but sticking rigidly to your preferred style quietly drains energy and reduces impact.
In this episode, I share stories from my own career that reveal how easy it is to leave performance on the table, and how simple shifts reclaim lost impact.
You’ll hear: • The hidden costs of sticking to “your” style only. • Why assuming people have read your emails causes churn. • Practical ways to reduce wasted energy in meetings and projects. • How rigid communication leaves engagement and impact untapped. • Why universal design, ADHD, and autism insights make teams stronger.
👉 Want to learn more? Join my free 30-minute live session on 9 October. I’ll share case studies and my FIT Framework: 3 guardrails to spot and fix energy leaks in your team. Registration here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@neuro-inspired.
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neuroinclusive #communication #emailcommunication #universaldesign #adhd #adhdatwork #autismatwork #autism #teamculture #teamdesign #teamculture #teamenergy #meetingsuccess

Episode 51: Autism-inspired communication: fixing hidden energy leaks at work

In this episode, I share two simple tips inspired by how my autistic son learns best, and show how we can apply this approach to unlock hidden impact in the workplace.
You’ll hear: • Why “implicit” signals and fake questions drain energy. • How to flip invisible energy leaks into focus and measurable impact. • Real-world stories from parenting, corporate, and cross-cultural work. • Why universal design benefits autistic, ADHD, dyslexic - and every – brain.
👉 Join my free 30-minute presentation (9 October) to see more case studies and my FIT Framework in action. Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@neuro-inspired.
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #autismatwork #autism #adhd #adhdatwork #dyslexia #universaldesign #communication #cognitiveinnovations #teamculture #teamdesign #teamenergy

Episode 50: The new leadership playbook: award-winning universal design for ADHD, dyslexia, and autism

🎉 Episode 50 special!
I’ve just been named Leadership Consultant of the Year by Corporate LiveWire - and I’m sharing the award-winning innovations that underpin the new leadership playbook.
👉 In this episode: • Why we’re all “high performers” - when enabled. • How autism, dyslexia and ADHD power universal design for teams. • Why designing for neurodivergent extremes lifts everyone’s performance. • 5 award-winning innovations: universal inclusion, culture over compliance, Neuro-Inspired Teams™, Future-Ready Team Pathway™, FIT Golden Rules.
🚀 Plus: a brand-new free presentation series to celebrate: short, practical sessions you can use straight away.
👉Register here. https://www.crowdcast.io/@neuro-inspired]
✉️ Want updates about future sessions? Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/lets-connect/#newsletter
📖 Prefer to read? Here’s the companion article to this podcast, with links to deep dive if you’d like:
 
#leadership #playbook #universaldesign #autismatwork #autism #leadershipstrategies #adhd #dyslexia #inclusiveteams #inclusiveleadership #agileleadership #awardwinning #consultant