Classroom 5.0

Mariane Power

Welcome to Classroom 5.0, a podcast helping you to design a future of learning, work and leadership that's both personally meaningful, and creates impact for a better world. Join host, CEO of The Posify Group Mariane Power in conversations that support Inclusive Impact. Expect topics and interviews that deep dive into what it takes to build a truly diverse and equitable world, and learn science backed skills and strategies that are helping our different kind of difference makers thrive.

  1. #50 Building an Anti-Burnout Business and Life as an AuDHD Leader, with Dr Hayley D. Quinn

    03/12/2025

    #50 Building an Anti-Burnout Business and Life as an AuDHD Leader, with Dr Hayley D. Quinn

    What happens when two former clinical psychologists and late diagnosed neurodivergent women sit down to discuss burnout, masking, and sustainable leadership? This honest conversation explores the real challenges neurodivergent entrepreneurs and professionals face, and the radical self-trust required to build work that doesn't break you. In this milestone 50th episode, I sit down with Dr Hayley D. Quinn, a proud Autistic ADHD (AuDHD) woman, former Clinical Psychologist, anti-burnout business coach, podcast host (Welcome to Self), and author of the soon-to-be-released book From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion. Topics covered: ✓ Burnout, what it is and how to distinguish it from exhaustion   ✓ The chameleon effect: masking and its long-term costs ✓ Why "working harder" doesn't solve burnout (and what does) ✓ Dehumanisation in helping professions ✓ Threat, drive & soothing systems (Compassion-Focused Therapy) ✓ AI, uncertainty & neurodivergent leadership ✓ Self-trust as business strategy And a big announcement - this episode also marks the last for Classroom 5.0, at least for now. Thank you for being a part of this community, and shaping the evolution of these conversations into a fresh new podcast in 2026, Jagged Brilliance: AI, Neurodivergence and the Future of Leadership. Subscribe here for launch details, coming soon!  📖 Full episode show notes with links to connect with Hayley and pre-order her book, available at: https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/50

    1h 10m
  2. #49 Driven to Disrupt: How Autistic PDA Strengths Shape Inclusive Impact and Unlock Innovation, with Cherie Clonan

    11/12/2024

    #49 Driven to Disrupt: How Autistic PDA Strengths Shape Inclusive Impact and Unlock Innovation, with Cherie Clonan

    Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, is transforming the landscape of digital media and workplace culture. Guided by her own late diagnosis and idenitification as an Autistic PDA woman, she's pioneering a new standard for workplaces that empower neurodivergent individuals to succeed on their terms. In episode 49 of Classroom 5.0, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cherie, to hear first hand how she's implementing everyday leadership practices and workplace policies that reflect her deep understanding of what it takes for neurodivergent individuals to thrive. While traditional narratives frame PDA as an anxiety-driven response to everyday demands, Cherie, like me, challenges this reductionist view. Instead, she describes PDA as a complexity of her neurobiological wiring that fuels her creativity, autonomy, and fierce sense of justice. I found myself wiping away tears and roaring with laughter as Cherie shared personal and professional anecdotes that vividly captured the fierce determination, creative problem-solving, and sharp humor that embody the strengths of PDA, and highlight her unstoppable drive as a leader fostering inclusive impact and innovation. Learn more about Cherie, watch the full interview on YouTube, and explore the resources discussed by visiting the episode page here: https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/49 If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, or take a minute to rate and review on your favouritie podcasting platform! Conversation Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Origin Story 02:27 Understanding Neurodiversity and Late Diagnosis 05:20 Unmasking and Leadership 08:07 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace 11:21 The Dance of Authenticity and Boundaries 13:31 Masking vs. Compensation Strategies 16:39 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 27:06 Embracing PDA Leadership 30:32 Radical Inclusion in the Workplace 37:48 Creativity and Flow in Neurodivergent Teams 44:16 Impact Mindset and Legacy Connect with Mariane: IG : ‪@marianepower‬ LinkedIn @marianepower www.marianepower.com.au

    50 min
  3. #48 Leading Through Loss with Active Hope, Love and Wise Optimism, with Jenny Steadman and Gillian Coutts

    28/11/2024

    #48 Leading Through Loss with Active Hope, Love and Wise Optimism, with Jenny Steadman and Gillian Coutts

    Just 11 days before her life-altering stroke, Gillian Coutts and I had shared the stage at The Thriving Workplace event in Sydney. I was captivated by her charisma, profound insights into applied positive psychology, and unwavering dedication to help others unlock their full potential back then, and remain as inspired by her positive force in the world today. Over the past two years, Gillian has embarked on an extraordinary journey of rehabilitation, with her family and good friend and professional colleague, Jenny Steadman right by her side. Each day, she is learning to integrate her former identity with the realities of her new one, which as a result of her stroke, is shaped by acquired physical limitations and cognitive differences. In this episode of the NeuroPEAK series, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gillian and Jenny, who has recently shifted into the role of National Director of The Potential Project, a role she'd previously shared with Gillian. Together, they candidly explored what it has been like to navigate these profound changes, offering insights into the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the invaluable role of love and connection in navigating life's toughest challenges. To read further, follow the transcript and gain links to today's resources, visit the episode webpage - https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/48 If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, or take a minute to rate and review on your favouritie podcasting platform! Conversation Highlights: How The Potential Project is shaping a more human world of work. The story of Jenny and Gillian's enduring friendship and its role as a source of strength in challenging times. How Gillian's stroke has reshaped her perspective on love, relationships, and leadership. The power of "wise optimism": accepting reality while moving forward with hope and intentional action. Why navigating change requires emotional agility and self-awareness. The role of compassion in modern leadership and workplace culture. How AI can complement, rather than replace, human qualities. The importance of inclusive workplaces in fostering connection and well-being. Why celebrating small achievements builds resilience. Gillian and Jenny's reflections on what makes life truly meaningful Connect with Mariane: IG : ‪@marianepower‬ LinkedIn @marianepower www.marianepower.com.au

    57 min
  4. Relationship-Driven Business Growth, and Optimising AI for Sustainable Success, with Jade Warne

    05/11/2024

    Relationship-Driven Business Growth, and Optimising AI for Sustainable Success, with Jade Warne

    In Episode 46 of Classroom 5.0, I'm joined by Jade Warne, founder of the Small Business Growth Club, who shares her journey as an entrepreneur shaped by her Samoan roots and a creative family. We dive into the unique strengths neurodiversity brings to business, the importance of flexibility, a service-driven mindset, and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT for small business productivity. Highlights include Jade's reflections on neurodiversity in entrepreneurship, tackling burnout, and creating balanced work environments that support diverse needs and life stages. For links to resources discussed on today's episode, see the podcast show notes here - www.marianepower.com.au/blog/46 Loved the episode? Please take a moment to leave it a 5 star review, and help us reach more good humans with stories of inclusive impact! Key highlights : 03:03 - Jade's upbringing and early career: Jade reflects on her family's influence, particularly her mother's ingenuity and resourcefulness, and her experience working with high-achievers in university and the magazine industry. 09:45 - Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: Discussing the high representation of neurodivergent people in entrepreneurship, Jade and Mariane explore the unique qualities that neurodiversity brings to the table. 13:26 - Barriers and vulnerabilities in small business: The conversation turns to challenges like burnout and the importance of setting a balanced digital "diet" for mental health. 16:00 - Values and impact in small business: Jade shares her philosophy of a service-driven business model focused on deeply understanding and supporting customers. 23:10 - AI's role for entrepreneurs: Jade explains how she uses ChatGPT and other AI tools to streamline business processes, increase productivity, and overcome the overwhelm of running a small business - tips that are particularly useful for our ADHD community! 30:33 - The need for (and benefits of) workplace flexibility: Advocating for more flexible workplaces, Jade discusses the importance of accommodating different life stages and responsibilities. 38:33 - Quick fire round: Jade reflects on concepts like an impact mindset, inclusive impact, and living a meaningful life, highlighting figures who inspire her, including Glennon Doyle and Cherie Clonan. "The workplaces we've had don't fit the human lifecycle. They suit one type of person in one phase of their life—someone unencumbered with responsibilities. People deserve physical health and mental health. Money is important, but only in the mix of seeing other people, serving them, and being able to survive and thrive"​ Connect with Mariane: IG : ‪@marianepower‬ LinkedIn @marianepower www.marianepower.com.au

    46 min
  5. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential, with Mike Knapp

    20/09/2024

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential, with Mike Knapp

    Series 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership. My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered that the source of his exhaustion wasn't the work—but how the work was structured for his neurodivergent brain. This realisation was a turning point, and in our conversation, Mike reveals how understanding his ADHD and Autism unlocked a deeper potential. It's allowed him to not only reshape his career but also rethink how creativity and innovation can truly flourish when supported by environments that understand neurodiversity. What if we all embraced our unique wiring instead of trying to fit into rigid moulds? How would your life change if you had a work structure that truly supported how your brain works? As Mike shares, it's time we started seeing neurodivergence as a strength, not a challenge to overcome. The world needs more workplaces that foster the kind of creativity only neurodivergent minds can deliver. Are you ready to unlock your own leading-edge potential? If you're curious about how neurodiversity can fuel innovation in fast-paced industries, this episode is a must-listen! You'll learn how to: Embrace your uniqueness Build flexible work and life environments Harness the power of neurodivergence for innovation What's one way you could shape your environment today to work better for your brain? Loved this episode? Please share it with a friend, and leave a review to help it reach others! For resources, click here for the podcast episode page Connect with Mariane: • Get Mariane's new free ADHD Motivation guidebook, Master Your Mind and Find Your Mojo, to finally take action on those big goals you're chasing. • Watch the episodes on YouTube • Follow Mariane on Instagram • Follow Mariane on LinkedIn • Explore how Mariane can support your Neurodiversity Journey here

    36 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Classroom 5.0, a podcast helping you to design a future of learning, work and leadership that's both personally meaningful, and creates impact for a better world. Join host, CEO of The Posify Group Mariane Power in conversations that support Inclusive Impact. Expect topics and interviews that deep dive into what it takes to build a truly diverse and equitable world, and learn science backed skills and strategies that are helping our different kind of difference makers thrive.