Culture by Neurodesign

Episode 49: Steven Puri on flow, focus and productivity: brain hacks from Hollywood and tech

🎬 From Independence Day to independent workdays: Steven Puri brings insights from both worlds.
He’s led Hollywood studios, raised $20M in venture funding, and now runs The Sukha Company, where he shares the brain hacks and guardrails that help him channel his ADD, dyslexia, and the constant pull of modern distractions into focused, meaningful work.
In this episode, Steven and I discuss: • How to set up flow states on demand. • What Hollywood taught Steven about tenacity versus talent. • Practical hacks that turn 9 scattered hours into 5 focused ones. • Stories from Die Hard, Transformers, and beyond, with brain hacks you can use right now.
Steven’s hacks help individuals stop leaking focus and impact. But in teams, those leaks multiply exponentially.
👉 Book your free Performance Leaks Audit to see where your team’s energy drains away — and let’s start writing your new custom playbook to fix it. https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/performance-leaks-audit
Explore Steven’s work at The Sukha Company: https://www.thesukha.co/
 
#StevenPuri #productivityhacks #flowstate #adhd #dyslexia #brainhacks #focus #Sukha #remotework #doomscrolling #stopprocrastination

Episode 48: What the neurodivergence? Sabine van Ditzhuizen puts me on the spot about neuro-inclusive design

In this fast-paced, no-fluff conversation for Sabine van Ditzhuizen’s What the DEI? series, I get put on the spot about neuro-inclusive design: what it means, why it matters, and how to make it work without drowning leaders in yet more DEI programs.
You’ll hear: • Terminology: neurodiversity and neurodivergence. • Business strengths linked to autism, ADHD and dyslexia - and trade-offs. • Why you don’t need people to “disclose” before you design for their needs. • Two easy neuro-inspired changes that will transform your team’s engagement. • The data that proves cognitive diversity + the right culture = better problem-solving. • How my learning in parenting my autistic son transformed my approach to leadership. • Why I sympathize with DEI fatigue, and how to make inclusion energising and impactful again.
This episode was recorded in 2024 for Sabine van Ditzhuizen’s project, What the DEI?  @whatthedei 
 
Interested in a new approach to DEI?
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on. We’ll chat about what you’re seeing, and discuss how inspiration from neuro-inclusion will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2024-07
 
#neurodivergence #podcast #neurodivergent #dei #cognitivediversity #workplaceculture #neurodivergentstrengths #teaminnovation #inclusiveleadership #autism #autismatwork #adhd #adhdproductivity #dyslexia #futurereadyteams

Episode 47: Flow state and fast brains: balancing creative flow with rigorous structure – a discussion with Nick Cawthon

Nick Cawthon is a San Francisco–based user experience specialist whose career has been driven by his love of creativity, change, and the magic of the flow state. In this conversation, he shares how his “fast brain” thrives when pushing into the unknown, why “burning the mental bridges” can spark breakthroughs, and how pairing with more structured thinkers brings out his best work.
Hear about:
• The magic of the flow state — and what helps Nick get there. • Why “burning the mental bridges” sparks his creativity and innovation.• The complementary power of different approaches: the value of balancing Nick’s creative disruption with engineering precision.
When your team builds the capability to connect creative, fast-moving minds with those who thrive on structure and detail, you get the best of both worlds: adaptability and delivery.
You can connect with Nick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/
Find his short survey to assess your UX and design readiness to integrate AI here: https://retrain.gauge.io
 
Want to connect different neurostyles in your team?
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on. We’ll talk about what you’re seeing, and discuss how inspiration from neuro-inclusion will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2024-07
 
#neurodivergence #adhd #interview #creativity #ADHDflowstate #neurodivergentdesign #neuroinclusive #neuroinclusiveteams #innovation #diversityinnovation #creativedisruptor #humanist #workplaceadhd #mixedneurostyles #teamcollaboration #highperformingteams

Episode 46: Designing for difference: lessons from two restaurants getting autism inclusion right - a discussion with Will Savell

What if small, values-led businesses are already leading the way in autism-inclusion: quietly, practically, and without a policy document in sight?
In this uplifting and highly practical episode:
• Will Savell shares real-world inclusion stories from two restaurants in East Tennessee.
• We explore how clear communication, calm leadership, and flexible roles support autistic team members.
• Learn how strengths-based team design helps everyone perform under pressure, not just those with a diagnosis.
• Discover what it feels like to work in a truly inclusive environment, not only for neurodivergent team members but also for their customers.
• Consider the lessons you could apply to your own workplace: calm leadership under pressure; clear expectations that guide excellence while allowing for flexibility; and designing roles around individual strengths.
If you’re wondering what autism inclusion looks like in the real world, this is the episode to tune into. I originally discussed these restaurants with will during our discussion that you can hear in Episode 43 - ADD in the age of DEI backlash: a real-life look at burnout and belonging, with Will Savell.
Listen here: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/add-in-the-age-of-dei-backlash-a-real-life-look-at-burnout-and-belonging-with-will-savell
You can connect with Will here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-savell-b86ab9346/
👉 Want to make your team more inclusive for autistic talent?
Let me help you with that.
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on.
We’ll cover what you’re seeing, start to diagnose root causes, and explore how inspiration from neuro-inclusion can improve the engagement, wellbeing, and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-07
 
#autismatwork #autism #neurodivergence #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiversityatwork #inclusiveteams #inclusiveworkplace #smallbusiness #flexiblework #flexibleworking #resilience

Episode 45: From autism diagnosis to entrepreneur: finally, inclusion that works for everyone

Discover how designing for diverse neurostyles boosts both fairness and performance. Neuro-inclusion works for autistic, ADHD, and neurotypical thinkers, without trading one group’s opportunity to thrive for another’s.
This is the story behind my business, that led to me being recognized as one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future in 2025: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/inside-view/top-10-entrepreneurs-who-will-shape-the-future-in-2025
This is the story of why neuro-inclusion is the only kind of inclusion that makes sense to me.
Suspect that someone in your team is autistic? Has ADHD? Is dyslexic? Wondering how you can best support them to contribute and thrive? Let me help you with that.
 
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what you're experiencing. We’ll diagnose root causes, and see how taking inspiration from neurodivergence inclusion will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-07
#neurodivergence #neuroinclusive #leadershipdevelopment #resilience #autismatwork #adhd #adhdatwork #cognitivediversity #inclusiveworkplace #inclusionmatters #inclusiveleadership #teamperformance #neurodivergentleader #authenticleadership

Episode 44: Neuro-inclusion 101: a conversation with Kay Suthar on what leaders miss

New to neuro-inclusion? This episode is the perfect place to start.
In this warm and curious conversation, Kay Suthar asked the big questions, about leadership, team culture, autism, ADHD, and how we build workplaces where everyone contributes.
You’ll hear us discussing:
• How I accidentally discovered the impact of neurodivergence at work.
• The autism-inspired communication tweak that boosted performance across an entire team.
• That “awareness” is a good start, but not enough for lasting change, and what to do instead.
• Why the easiest situation to implement this in is a one-person company that wants to set itself up for growth.
And you’ll see how Kay’s podcast tip turns out to be a neuro-inclusive design best practice.
It’s personal. It’s practical.
And it’s a great starting point if you’re curious, not yet confident.
Curious about the possibilities for your team’s performance? Let me help you with that.
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on. We’ll cover what you’re seeing, start to diagnose root causes, and discuss how inspiration from neuro-inclusion will benefit your team’s engagement, wellness and performance. 🔗
Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2024-07
 
This episode was originally published on Kay Suthar’s Make Your Mark podcast, under the title “Neuro-Inspired Leadership: How Lisa Colledge Is Rewiring teams for Inclusion & Performance.”
You can find that episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7kw_eGWcEI
#neurodivergence #autistictalent #autismatwork #autism #neurodivergent #neurodivergentstrength #leadership #adhd #teamculture #dyslexia #cognitiveinclusion #inclusiveteams #futureofhr #foundertips #startupleadership #changemanagement

Episode 43: ADD in the age of DEI backlash: a real-life look at burnout and belonging, with Will Savell

What happens when masking stops working, and the system starts to make less space for difference?
In this powerful, real-world conversation:
• Will Savell shares his journey through ADD, executive burnout, and a fresh start.
• Why “diversity hire” comments are more common, and more damaging, than we think.
• The wide range of responses to neurodivergence — from candid curiosity to quiet discomfort.
• A raw look at the politicization of DEI in the US, and why the people most affected rarely get to lead the conversation.
• And, if you are nervous about how to respond, a three-step practical framework to respond to someone sharing their diagnosis or difference at work.
You can connect with Will here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-savell-b86ab9346/
 
👉 Want to boost the neuro-inclusivity of your team?
Let me help you with that.
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what’s going on.
We’ll cover what you’re seeing, start to diagnose root causes, and discuss how inspiration from neuro-inclusion will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-07
 
#add #adhd #adhdtips #adhdawareness #adhdinadults #burnout #masking #workburnout #neurodivergence #neurodivergent #mentalhealthmatters #authenticityinbusiness #inclusionmatters #neuroinclusive #dei #deibacklash

Episode 42: Neurodivergent thinking is a business strategy, not a sympathy play with Robert Annis

What if the very skills your business is missing are ones you’re accidentally screening out?
In this high-energy, thought-provoking discussion with organizational psychologist Robert Annis, we cover:
• The unexpected strengths of autistic team members, far beyond the tech stereotype.
• Cognitive diversity as a business asset for growth and innovation, not just a compliance checkbox.
• Our role in making the case to leaders that they should stop overengineering processes which stifles innovation.
• Signs of a cultural shift happening in forward-looking organizations, with a focus on the code deceiphering skills of UK’s GCHQ.
This episode is for any leader who wants to consider new ideas to unlock the full potential of their team.
Find out more about NEURO, the charity Robert and his wife have launched here: https://www.neurocharity.org
 
👉 Want to explore neuro-inclusion as a strategic capability that drives more than 4% growth?
Let me help you with that.
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about how to make your culture fit the future.
We’ll discuss what you’re experiencing, diagnose root causes and explore how neuro-inclusion can improve your team’s performance now, and secure your growth for the future.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2024-07
 
#neurodivergence #neurodivergent #autistic #autistictalent #autismatwork #inclusiveworkplace #inclusiveteams #inclusiveworkplaces #executivefunction #innovation #autismlawfirms #leadershipfear #teamdesign #cognitivevariety #organizationalresilience #organizationaltransformation #inclusiveleadership

Episode 41: How to design a brainstorm for autistic and ADHD thinkers - and everyone else

Most brainstorms favor one type of thinker, and leave the others drained or silent.
Discover how to unlock better ideas by designing your brainstorm for ALL neurostyles: introverts, ADHD-style fast thinkers, autistic-type deep processors, and more.
⚡ Includes 3 focus areas, each with 3 tactics, to help your team contribute their best thinking.
These are practical, research-backed, neurodivergence-inspired tips you can apply today, whether or not your team members have shared a diagnosis.
Want to boost the effectiveness of your brainstorms, and your team? Let me help you with that.
 
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what you're experiencing. We’ll diagnose root causes, and see how taking inspiration from neurodivergence inclusion will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-07
#brainstorming #brainstormingtips #neurodivergence #inclusiveleadership #adhd #adhdtips #autismatwork #autism #introverts #introvertsbrainstorming #psychologicalsafety #teamcollaboration #creativethinking #leadershipcommunication #teammeetings #inclusionmatters

Episode 40: My ADHD team lead is unbearable during deadlines. What can I do?

A real situation. A real team. A real problem.
The team believes their lead has ADHD, and blames that for everything: chaos, stress, last-minute scrambles, and sleepless nights. But here’s the truth:
👉 The real problem isn’t what you think it is. And solving it doesn’t require a diagnosis.
In this episode, Dr Lisa Colledge shares a team case study: delivering on a deadline feels like a warzone, the team feels disrespected and overwhelmed, and performance is below where the team feels it should be.
Discover:
• Why “she’s just so ADHD” is the wrong frame, and a red herring.
• How the real issue is unconnected neurostyles and undefined team norms.
• How Lisa’s team operationalizing FIT model offers a better path forward.
• What a team-created, neuro-inclusion-inspired solution actually looks like.
• How building this team capability provides the foundation for scalable, sustainable high trust with performance.
You won’t hear generic advice or diagnosis-led frameworks here. The episode describes a practical, cultural shift, designed for reality.
💬 "Inclusion shouldn’t be all on the person asking for adjustments. The most effective teams make inclusive practices part of how they operate every day."
Recognize this in your own team?
Book a free consultation and let’s talk about it.
We'll talk about what you're experiencing, diagnose root causes, and see how building a neuro-inclusive team will benefit the engagement, wellness and performance of your team.
🔗 Book here: https://calendly.com/lisa-colledge-consulting/connect-with-lisa-colledge?month=2025-07
Also mentioned in this episode:
🎧 Episode 17: From berry bushes to breakthroughs: ADHD and innovation https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/cognitive-flexibility-and-innovation-why-adhd-traits-matter-in-organizations
📰 Stop waiting for a diagnosis: neuro-inclusive design beats tradition so you can outpace, outperform and outlast your competition https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/inside-view/stop-waiting-for-a-diagnosis-neuro-inclusive-design-beats-tradition
 
#adhd #adhdawareness #teamwork #burnout #neurodivergence #resilience #leadership #innovation #leadershipdevelopment #neuroinclusive #neuroinclusiveleadership #adhdtips #psychologicalsafety #deadline #deadlinestress #collaborativeteams