Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and Belonging

What does it take to put ADHD on screen without turning it into a checkbox? Jamie Piekarz, SVP at HappyNest Entertainment and showrunner of Paris & Pups, joins Nathan Friedman to talk about building the animated series inspired by Paris Hilton, who has spoken openly about her ADHD.

Jamie shares how her team worked with Understood to create nuanced ADHD characters, and why tools like “chill skills” and a visual task tracker help every kid. She and Nathan also discuss what neurodivergent team members bring to the creative process, and how feedback from parents is shaping the show’s impact — from the screen to the toy aisle.

Watch Paris & Pups on YouTube Kids: https://www.youtube.com/@ParisAndPups

Visit the brand shop: https://www.walmart.com/brand/parispups/20064071

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Only 3 percent of ads tested feature someone with a visible or invisible disability — and that number has barely moved in years. Frank Starling, chief DEI officer at LIONS (the organization behind Cannes Lions) joins Nathan Friedman to unpack the state of inclusion work in advertising and marketing and what it will take to close existing gaps.

Frank discusses findings from a joint report with LIONS, Understood.org, the Unstereotype Alliance, and Shift 20 on disability and neurodiversity in marketing. Frank also shares why co-design with underrepresented communities is essential to authentic storytelling, and why brands should narrow their DEI focus in order to drive real commercial and cultural impact.

Check out the report: Shifting the Narrative on Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion in Marketing

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you take a global team of strategists and turn them into a creative studio overnight? Gina Wolf, global director of BrandWorks Creative Studio at LinkedIn, joins Nathan Friedman to talk about leading through that transformation and creating space for different communication and working styles.

Gina discusses authentic leadership and shares an exercise that helped her global team navigate different styles of conflict, collaboration, and processing time, including insights from neurodivergent teammates that changed how she leads. She and Nathan also dig into how AI is accelerating upskilling, reshaping creative workflows, and giving more voices a seat at the table.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Entrepreneurship rewards people who see opportunities that others miss. Rakia Reynolds joins Nathan Friedman to discuss how ADHD shaped her leadership style, fueled her creativity, and helped her build a thriving business.

From masking at work to embracing pattern recognition as a superpower, Rakia shares why some of the qualities that once made her feel different in school and traditional workplaces became her greatest strengths as a founder.

Together, they explore what leaders can learn from entrepreneurial thinking — and why workplaces that embrace neurodiversity are better equipped to innovate and grow.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Check out resources for women with ADHD at www.understood.org/adhd-women

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As businesses navigate AI, rapid transformation, and shifting workforce expectations, one of the greatest untapped advantages may already be hiding in plain sight: neurodivergent talent. In this episode, Nathan Friedman speaks with EY global leader Hiren Shukla about how cognitive diversity fuels innovation, adaptability, and business growth.

Drawing from EY’s leading neuroinclusion work and global workforce research, Hiren explains why psychological safety, flexible systems, and strengths-based leadership are becoming essential for the future of work.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org

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Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Work is changing faster than leadership models can keep up. In this episode, Nathan Friedman sits down with executive coach and PILOT CEO Ben Brooks to unpack what’s broken and what leaders must do next. From the rise of nonlinear careers to the growing expectations of a neurodiverse workforce, they explore why traditional structures around performance, communication, and development are falling short.

Ben shares practical insights on building clearer expectations, separating performance from potential, and designing workplaces that work better for everyone. The conversation challenges leaders to move beyond outdated norms and embrace more explicit, human-centered approaches to management.

Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to Nathan on Ben’s podcast, The Lift.

Check out Understood’s 2026 Neurodiversity at Work survey.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Neurotechnology is moving rapidly from hospitals to everyday consumer devices. Headsets that promise better sleep, focus, or productivity may also collect neural data that reveals cognition, emotion, and mental health.

In this conversation, Stephen Damianos, executive director of the Neurorights Foundation, talks to host Dr. Maureen Dunne about the emerging the emerging field of neuro rights and the urgent policy questions surrounding brain data, privacy, and consent. Drawing on work with neuroscientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, he explores how new technologies can decode brain signals — and what that means for personal freedom.

What happens when technology can decode thoughts? And how can safeguards ensure that innovation benefits everyone, including neurodivergent users?

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

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Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the Davos Neurodiversity Summit, one message stood out: The future of work will be shaped by empathy, psychological safety, and better systems. Not just better intentions.

In this conversation, Dr. Maureen Dunne talks with Tristan Lavender, a globally recognized voice on neurodiversity at work, to explore what that looks like in practice.

As the founder of a global neurodiversity employee resource group for a multinational organization, Tristan advocates for proactively building employee resources and designing approaches to AI and leadership cultures that work for different minds.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org

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Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nat Lyckowski is the Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader at IBM, where she is helping redefine how organizations build environments where different minds drive measurable results. Through authenticity, data, and intentional design, she is paving the way for business leaders to move beyond awareness and into action.

In this episode, Maureen Dunne and Nat explore how companies can move past performative inclusion and make practical, low cost cultural shifts that create meaningful change for neurodivergent employees.

The business case is clear. Representation, mentorship, and inclusive infrastructure are not just values. They are scalable drivers of innovation, performance, and long term growth.

The perspectives Nat shares come from her lived experience and personal point of view, reflecting what she’s learned along the way.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org

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Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Conversations from Davos, Dr. Maureen Dunne speaks with Eve De Rosa of Cornell University about building truly neuroinclusive campuses. They explore how Cornell is leading the way in higher education, showing how research, teaching methods, and innovation can drive systemic change, empower neurodivergent individuals, and foster a campus culture where people of all learning styles can thrive.

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.

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org

.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Workon Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 withhttp://understood.org, including joint campaigns for ADHD Awareness Month.

Rebecca shares how 11:11 Media weaves impact into every project — including Paris & Pupsand 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 Workon Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

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Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 http://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 is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at https://u.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.