Episode 233: Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Dignity and Intersectional Belonging with Dr Ludmila Praslova and Dr Leigh Richardson

Dr Leigh Richardson speaks with Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. who was named a member of Thinkers50 Radar, a global group of 30 management thinkers whose ideas are most likely to shape the future of work. She is the author of The Canary Code. Exclusion robs people of opportunities, and it robs organizations of talent. In the long run, exclusionary systems are lose-lose. How do we build win-win organizational systems? Healthy systems that support talent most impacted by organizational ills—canaries in the coal mine—support everyone. Currently, despite their skills and work ethics, members of ADHD, autism, Tourette Syndrome, learning differences, and related communities face drastic barriers to hiring and advancement. In the U.S., 30-40% of neurodivergent people and 85% of autistic college graduates struggle with unemployment. Like canaries in the mine, they are impacted by issues that ultimately harm everyone. Lack of flexibility, transparency, and psychological safety excludes neurodivergent, disabled, and multiply marginalized talent—and leaves most employees stressed and disengaged. This unique book is a guide to change-making for CEOs, managers, HR leaders, and everyone who wants to contribute to building a more inclusive world. Dr. Praslova is a Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California who regularly writes for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and Forbes. She is the first person to have published in Harvard Business Review from an autistic perspective. A talent strategy expert with extensive experience in global diversity and neurodiversity, she focuses her consulting on creating organizational systems for inclusion and well-being and providing neuro-inclusion training to organizations such as Amazon, Bank of America, and MIT. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to veterans and their families and learn how each of us can contribute to this vital cause. After the podcast, visit The Brain Performance Center's website at https://thebrainperformancecenter.com/ to explore how our programs can support individual brain health needs. Whether you're seeking advice or a comprehensive consultation, our dedicated team is ready to help you achieve optimal brain performance. Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Listen to In Your Head with Dr. Leigh Richardson wherever you get your podcasts, and join us in supporting our veterans through education, awareness, and actionable initiatives.