Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and Belonging

Understood.org
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A podcast for leaders in neurodiversity and business, hosted by Nathan Friedman, co-president and CMO of Understood.org. This show explores how neurodiversity drives innovation and creativity in business and beyond. With over 50% of Gen Z identifying as neurodivergent, neurodiversity isn’t just a movement — it’s the future. That means future-proofing your business starts with embracing difference, both in the talent you hire and in the customers you serve. We feature key changemakers in the space and dive into real-world outcomes across tech, design, marketing, and work culture. We’ll be highlighting the power of difference to spark connection, shift systems, and shape a more inclusive future for all

  1. When leaders disclose at work (Conversations from Davos)

    1D AGO

    When leaders disclose at work (Conversations from Davos)

    Martin McKay is the founder and executive chairman of Everway, a global organization that helps companies build human-centered, inclusive workplaces. At the 2026 Davos Neurodiversity Summit, he spoke with Dr. Maureen Dunne about disclosing his dyslexia as a founder and senior leader. They discussed the importance of psychological safety for neurodivergent employees, and how organizations can move beyond inclusion as language to create meaningful, lasting change. This special season of Minds at Work is brought to you by Understood.org and the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min
  2. Why neurodiversity belongs on the global agenda (Conversations from Davos)

    1D AGO

    Why neurodiversity belongs on the global agenda (Conversations from Davos)

    Neurodiversity is officially part of the global conversation at the 2026 World Economic Forum. In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman speaks with Dr. Maureen Dunne, neuroscientist, author of The Neurodiversity Edge, and founder of the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. They discuss how the summit came to be and how cross-sector collaboration can move organizations beyond accommodation toward system-level progress. In the episodes ahead, Dr. Dunne will take the mic to host conversations examining the leadership and inclusion themes that shaped this year’s summit. This special season of Minds at Work is brought to you by Understood.org and the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 min

  3. 1D AGO

    Introducing “Conversations from Davos”

    In this special season of Minds at Work, Understood.org partners with the Davos Neurodiversity Summit to explore how neurodiversity is shaping the future of business and belonging. Hosted by neuroscientist and author Dr. Maureen Dunne, these conversations bring together leaders from business, policy, and education to move beyond accommodation and toward inclusive systems that enable people of all neurotypes to thrive. Recorded alongside the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This special season of Minds at Work is brought to you by Understood.org and the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2 min
  4. The power of Paris and purpose-driven media (with Rebecca Grone from 11:11 Media)

    11/17/2025

    The power of Paris and purpose-driven media (with Rebecca Grone from 11:11 Media)

    In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Rebecca Grone from 11:11 Media about Paris Hilton’s journey as a neurodiversity advocate and their collaborations with Understood.org, including joint campaigns for ADHD Awareness Month. Rebecca shares how 11:11 Media weaves impact into every project — including Paris & Pups and Inclusive by Design — and how brands can build mutually beneficial partnerships that drive real change.  She leaves us with an important reminder that it’s easy to advocate for what you authentically care about. Timestamps:  (01:33) How Paris Hilton became a neurodiversity advocate (06:50) Going all in on impact and ADHD awareness with 11:11 Media (09:48) Introducing Inclusive by Design, an original series on creating neurodivergent-friendly spaces (17:02) What it means to be the “head of impact” (19:00) Building a partnership between Understood.org and 11:11 Media (24:13) Navigating personal and professional relationships when neurodivergence is part of the mix For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  5. Inclusive design as a catalyst for real change (with Christina Mallon from Microsoft)

    10/20/2025

    Inclusive design as a catalyst for real change (with Christina Mallon from Microsoft)

    Christina Mallon, head of inclusive design at Microsoft, brings deep expertise in creating products and experiences that work for everyone. In this episode, she joins Nathan to discuss how inclusive design fuels innovation and why brands must move beyond surface-level accessibility. Christina also shares her personal journey navigating both physical and cognitive disabilities in the workplace — and how those experiences have shaped her approach to designing with empathy, intention, and impact. Timestamps  (04:47) Christina’s personal experience with visible and invisible disabilities (08:17) What real disability inclusion looks like (15:05) How co-design leads to meaningful inclusion (19:13) Supporting neurodivergent women in the workplace with AI tools For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org . Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
  6. How inclusion will transform advertising (with Justin Thomas-Copeland from 4As)

    10/06/2025

    How inclusion will transform advertising (with Justin Thomas-Copeland from 4As)

    In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman is talking to Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) to explore the “creativity crisis” and the role of neurodiversity in shaping the future of advertising. Justin shares insights from groundbreaking research done in partnership with Understood.org on neurodivergent talent in the creative industry — and practical steps agencies can take to unlock creativity at scale. Timestamps:  (3:06) What is the creativity crisis, and why does it matter now? (08:54) Surprising insights from 4As research on neurodivergent talent (15:15) How fast-paced change is disrupting, and driving, creativity (24:50) Brands leading the way on inclusion: Who’s getting it right? For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  7. Yes, and: Improv and communication that connects (with Tyler Dean Kempf from The Second City)

    09/22/2025

    Yes, and: Improv and communication that connects (with Tyler Dean Kempf from The Second City)

    Today, we sit down with Tyler Dean Kempf — a director, writer, and teacher from The Second City — to explore how improvisational theater intersects with neurodivergent thinking. Tyler shares his late ADHD diagnosis at 40 and how improv gave him tools to understand and embrace his brain. Whether you’re neurodivergent or managing a diverse team, Tyler offers a fresh perspective on listening, collaboration, and creating space for different minds to thrive — on stage, at work, and beyond. Timestamps:  (02:45) How the principles of improv can help businesses (06:37) Tyler’s ADHD diagnosis and what led to it (09:42) Talking about neurodivergence at work (14:25) What improv really is — and what it’s not For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  8. Embracing your own neurodivergence at work (with Tina Tonielli from Haleon)

    08/11/2025

    Embracing your own neurodivergence at work (with Tina Tonielli from Haleon)

    In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman sits down with Tina Tonielli. She’s the U.S. head of insights and analytics at Haleon — and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent women.  Tina shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how it inspired her to serve on the Women’s Council at Understood.org. From navigating shame to embracing authenticity at work, Tina discusses how neurodiversity in the workplace drives creativity, empathy, and innovation. Learn how leaders can better support neurodivergent talent — and why “organized best friends” might be the secret to workplace success. Timestamps (02:06) Tina’s personal journey with her ADHD diagnosis (11:06) How neurodivergent employees can thrive in the workplace (20:15) What brand leaders need to understand about neurodivergent consumers (25:02) What neurodivergent colleagues wish you knew For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
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About

A podcast for leaders in neurodiversity and business, hosted by Nathan Friedman, co-president and CMO of Understood.org. This show explores how neurodiversity drives innovation and creativity in business and beyond. With over 50% of Gen Z identifying as neurodivergent, neurodiversity isn’t just a movement — it’s the future. That means future-proofing your business starts with embracing difference, both in the talent you hire and in the customers you serve. We feature key changemakers in the space and dive into real-world outcomes across tech, design, marketing, and work culture. We’ll be highlighting the power of difference to spark connection, shift systems, and shape a more inclusive future for all

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