What happens when two capable people simply work very differently? In this episode, we speak with People Consultant & Fractional HR Leader Wendy Yeo about the unwritten rules and hidden expectations of the workplace. We explore how clashes in communication, planning and working styles can lead to misunderstandings, why we often mistake our preferred way of working for the “professional” one, and how these expectations can create additional challenges for neurodivergent employees . We also discuss what managers and colleagues can do to bridge these differences, communicate expectations more clearly and build a more inclusive workplace where people can succeed without having to work in exactly the same way. Key Takeaways from the episode Be curious, not furious. Be curious about what circumstances led to the situation. Pause before judging, replace assumptions with questions and focus on circumstances, not character. Different doesn't mean deficient. Effective leaders adapt to different working styles. Success comes from understanding different working styles and needs, and leveraging unique talents. Build systems, not assumptions. Write down decisions after a meeting, clarify expectations and confirm next steps. This will help to understand what is expected and keep everyone on the same page. About the Guest With over 20 years of experience in Learning and Development, Organizational Transformation and HR leadership, Wendy brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational depth, and a deep passion for people and culture. Little known to people from her years of commercial career, her interest in growing others was first sparked by volunteer endeavors as an undergraduate, working with neurodivergent children and underprivileged youths. Then, the sheer curiosity about social justice and ‘gungho’ impetus to help the underserved, spurred her foray into youth rehabilitation. The desire to take her impact upstream into prevention work saw Wendy venture next into The Singapore Armed Forces, Centre of Leadership Development as a psychologist, where she was deeply grounded in the science of Learning and Organizational Development and honed her point of view as a HR - Talent, Learning & Development practitioner. Over the past decade, Wendy has grown her craft as a Consultant and Regional / Global HR Leader, turning lofty ideas into business-aligned, practical talent and learning strategy and scalable, sustainable solutions across sectors, industries and geographies. Outside her day-job and commitment as a daughter, wife, mum and friend, Wendy is hugely passionate about sharing HR and People Development practices and strengthening talent bench-strength, in the for-purpose sector. Presently, she has come full-cycle to extend (HR, Learning and Leadership Development) skills-based volunteer efforts to furthering the Silver Generation aging and living well agenda. Follow Wendy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendyyeo About The Show Wired to WORK Differently is a podcast from Transforming Lives as part of its “Wired to LIVE Differently” series. Hosted by Moonlake Lee, we have candid conversations with individuals who think, lead and work differently… and professionals who work with them. We will be exploring the strengths, struggles and strategies that shape how we navigate working life. End Credits Presented by Transforming Lives Host Moonlake Lee Executive Producers Moonlake Lee Raven Lim Production Team Dasiyah De Zwart Genie Hoe Production & Post-Production Poddster Singapore Makeup for Host Alisa Cheng Styling for Host Hana Cheng Guest Wendy Yeo © 2026 Transforming Lives Pte Ltd Subscribe to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/TL-newsletter1026 We're also on YouTube: https://bit.ly/TL-YoutubeCh Follow Us On Our Socials • LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/TL-LinkedIn • Facebook: https://bit.ly/TransformingLivesFB • Instagram: https://bit.ly/transforminglivesinsta • Website: https://bit.ly/transforminglives-asia
