Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and Belonging

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

Episodios

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

    11 AGO

    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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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
  2. Redefining corporate good (with Muneer Panjwani from Engage for Good)

    28 JUL

    Redefining corporate good (with Muneer Panjwani from Engage for Good)

    This week, we’re sitting down with Muneer Panjwani, CEO of Engage for Good, to explore how neurodiversity fits into the evolving world of corporate social impact (CSI). As the leader of one of the most influential CSI platforms, Muneer shares insights on the shifting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape and what it means for leaders who remain focused on this work. Plus, you’ll hear how Muneer is using programs like the Halo Awards to elevate underrepresented cause areas — including disability and neurodivergence — into broader corporate social impact conversations. Timestamps (04:41) How leaders are shifting their DEI mindset (14:57) Why imperfect efforts can still drive inclusion (17:39) Rethinking corporate values for today’s world (19:00) Why nonprofit business partnerships will lead the way (22:05) What’s next for corporate social impact We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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.

    30 min
  3. Neurodiversity is a growth strategy (with Valeria Piaggio from Kantar)

    14 JUL

    Neurodiversity is a growth strategy (with Valeria Piaggio from Kantar)

    In this episode, Nathan welcomes Valeria Piaggio, Global Head of Inclusive Growth at Kantar – the world’s leading data, insights, and consulting company – and member of Understood.org Women’s Council, to discuss why neurodivergent consumers matter more than ever. They discuss new Kantar and Understood.org research that challenges the myth that neurodiversity is a niche issue — in fact, it’s a fast-growing, high-impact segment, especially among younger consumers. Valeria explains how brands can better serve and engage this growing population by rethinking research, representation, and inclusive design. And why it drives business growth. Timestamps (05:58) Kantar’s latest research on neurodivergent consumers (14:14) “If you’re not including neurodivergent voices in your research, you’re already behind.” (19:33) What Google gets right about inclusion (25:24) “The shift towards being more effective is to talk less and do more.” We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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.

    34 min
  4. Is your workplace ready for the next generation of neurodivergent talent? (with Kevin Delaney from Charter)

    30 JUN

    Is your workplace ready for the next generation of neurodivergent talent? (with Kevin Delaney from Charter)

    In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Kevin Delaney, CEO of Charter, about the future of work and what it means for inclusion and neurodiversity.  They explore how hybrid work, AI, and inclusive practices are reshaping the workplace — and why supporting neurodivergent employees is more urgent than ever for business leaders.  Delaney shares practical strategies to build inclusive teams where everyone can thrive, especially as more Gen Z workers identify as neurodivergent. Timestamps: (04:08) “The future of work is neurodivergent.” (06:25) “My job as a leader is to create the conditions for every single worker to do their best work.” (23: 04) “One of the biggest leadership mistakes right now is not communicating into uncertainty.” We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org. For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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
  5. 16 JUN

    Designing neuroinclusive workplaces (with Kay Sargent from HOK Design)

    This week, Nathan welcomes Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. She is also the author of the groundbreaking book, Designing NeuroInclusive Workplaces. Kay challenges the “one-size-fits-all” office model, advocating for flexible, inclusive design rooted in choice and sensory diversity. She shares evidence-backed strategies that enhance productivity, engagement, and well-being, making a clear case for why the most effective workplaces are designed with neurodiversity and flexibility at their core. Timestamps (09:00) The six modalities of work and how to design for each (15:45) “This is the first office that I’ve ever been able to come into where I don’t get headaches.” (20:26) “ If you’re addressing the environment but not the operational side, you’re setting people up for failure.”  For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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.

    33 min

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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

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