Culture by Neurodesign

Episode 19: Reviving our evolutionary superpower: why teams need cognitive balance

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explains the research behind the Theory of Complimentary Cognition, and how evolution formed humanity's unique ability to adapt to change through collaboration and cognitive diversity.
Lisa breaks down why our workplaces often miss out on the benefits on offer from this evolutionary superpower by prioritizing cognitive "fit" over "mix", resulting in teams that may be efficient but which lack resilience.
Drawing on research from Helen Taylor and her colleagues, she explores how organizations can proactively build cultures that attract and connect different cognitive styles to unlock innovation and long-term success in unpredictable conditions.
Learn how to shift from conformity to a cognitively diverse team culture that thrives in uncertainty and change.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 18: Build resilient teams: engagement, talent, and innovation redefined

What if one strategic shift could simultaneously boost engagement, attract top talent, and drive innovation?
In this episode, I introduce Step 1 of my signature 12-step program—a practical, research-backed approach to embedding cognitive inclusion and unlocking your team’s full potential.
You’ll learn:✅ Why traditional diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts often fall short.✅ How disengagement, talent struggles, and resistance to change are all interconnected—and solvable with a single approach.✅ A simple, actionable first step you can take today to assess the opportunity.
If your team feels stuck, burned out, or resistant to change, this episode is your starting point.
 
 
Since publishing this podcast, I’ve decided to discontinue the 12 Steps program. Rather than persevering stubbornly and hoping something would change, I’m acting on the evidence of what I’ve observed: the content resonated strongly, but the do-it-yourself format didn’t lead to the kind of engagement I intended.
The 12 Steps approach is strong — rooted in evidence and experience — so don't worry; the content and advice in this podcast is still relevant and valuable to address your challenges with your team. But the format of sharing the insights and actions wasn't optimal.
So I’ve evolved the work into something more impactful: my new Neuro-Inspired Teams program. My mission hasn’t changed — helping leaders build teams that grow their business and free them to lead. But the format has. The biggest shifts:
It’s now a Done-With-You Strategic Leadership Partnership.
I tailor the content, support, and delivery to each unique leadership context.
I'm reworking the core content into short films with takeaway guides and actions that are easier to consume on the go or during work.
Learn more at https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/services.

Episode 17: From berry bushes to breakthroughs: ADHD and innovation

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores how cognitive diversity fuels organizational innovation and resilience.
Drawing on new scientific research, Lisa illustrates how traits commonly associated with ADHD—although often misunderstood—can be powerful assets in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.
Learn why a mix of cognitive styles within your team is essential, and how investing in building strong connections between people with different styles enhances creativity, adaptability, and long-term success.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 16: From constraints to creativity: dyslexia and innovation

Dr Lisa Colledge continues her focus on innovation by exploring the cognitive strengths associated with dyslexia.
Drawing on research by Helen Taylor and Martin David Vestergaard to reframe dyslexic skills as team strengths rather than challenges, Lisa highlights how dyslexic traits—such as strong holistic perception, and a rich memory for the context of experiences—equip teams to thrive in rapidly changing environments. 
She also discusses how evolutionary pressures shaped these traits to benefit humanity and how teams and organizations can emulate this to build resilient, adaptive teams.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 15: Autism, allism, and innovation: a case study with Prof. Laurent Mottron

Dr. Lisa Colledge shares a case study from Professor Laurent Mottron, whose lab thrived by combining diverse cognitive styles. Highlighting autistic team member Michelle Dawson’s contributions, the story shows how traits like attention to detail and analytical rigor, paired with allistic strengths, drove impactful outcomes. Learn why a cognitively inclusive culture is key to sustaining innovation.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 14: Innovation through the lens of the six working geniuses

Discover how cognitive diversity fuels the innovation cycle in this episode of Culture by Neurodesign. Dr. Lisa Colledge connects Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses to the innovation process, explaining the innate behaviors behind each genius and showcasing real-world examples. Learn how addressing gaps in these traits through a cognitively inclusive culture is key to driving sustainable organizational success.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 13: The innovation cycle: from creativity to execution

Dr. Lisa Colledge debunks the myth that innovation can’t be systematized by distinguishing between creativity and innovation and introducing frameworks like the explore-exploit model and Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses. She explains how leaders can create systemic conditions that foster a balance of cognitive styles and an inclusive culture, enabling organizations to cycle from idea generation to value creation sustainably.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 12: Avoiding the Polaroid pitfall: a culture of healthy dissent

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the balance between cultural fit and cognitive diversity, featuring case studies from Originals and Polaroid’s downfall. Learn how fostering cognitive inclusion drives innovation, resilience, and adaptability, with actionable insights to future-proof your team.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 11: DEI and the straight white male: what can I contribute?

Dr. Lisa Colledge explores barriers to engaging with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially for straight white men, and reframes DEI as a strategy for innovation, retention, and talent. She introduces cognitive inclusion—embracing diverse thinking—and offers practical tools to help leaders confidently advance inclusion for all.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.

Episode 10: DEI in the media spotlight: are you feeling the pressure?

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the challenges and opportunities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s turbulent media landscape. From corporate missteps to lessons in authenticity, she explores the pressures leaders face when addressing sensitive inclusion topics. Drawing on real-world examples like Salesforce's Mark Benioff and candid LinkedIn discussions on neurodivergence, Lisa highlights why authenticity and evidence-based leadership are essential for success in the DEI space.
 
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.