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.
Latest episodes
October 21, 2026 ·
How authentic ADHD representation makes better kids’ shows (with Jamie Piekarz from HappyNest)
Paris & Pups showrunner Jamie Piekarz shares how her team built authentic ADHD characters by collaborating with Understood.org, and why real representation in kids’ TV can’t be a passing trend.
September 2, 2026 ·
Why disability representation in ads is still stuck at 3% (with Frank Starling from LIONS)
Frank Starling of LIONS on why disability representation in ads is stuck at 3%, and how brands can move from DEI statements to real, lasting action.
August 19, 2026 ·
How diverse minds build stronger creative teams (with Gina Wolf from LinkedIn)
Gina Wolf of LinkedIn shares how understanding different communication styles — including neurodivergent ones — and using AI helped her build a stronger creative team.
July 8, 2026 ·
The entrepreneur’s advantage (with Rakia Reynolds from Actum)
Entrepreneur Rakia Reynolds shares how embracing ADHD helped her turn creativity, pattern recognition, and unconventional thinking into a business advantage.
June 3, 2026 ·
Unlocking the competitive edge of thinking differently (with Hiren Shukla from EY)
EY global leader Hiren Shukla joins “Minds at Work” to explore how cognitive diversity, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership create a competitive edge for the future of work.
May 12, 2026 ·
Rethinking leadership for a neurodiverse workforce (with Ben Brooks from PILOT)
Executive coach Ben Brooks discusses how clearer expectations and inclusive design can help leaders build stronger, more adaptable workplaces.
March 18, 2026 ·
Who owns your brain data and neural privacy (Conversations from Davos)
Brain-reading tech is now being offered to consumers. Who owns your neural data and how could it be used against you?
March 11, 2026 ·
How ERGs transform culture and build empathy (Conversations from Davos)
Explore how ERGs and neuroinclusive leadership build empathy, support neurodivergent employees, and reshape workplace culture.
March 4, 2026 ·
Moving past performative inclusion (Conversations from Davos)
IBM leader Nat Lyckowski explains how neuroinclusive workplaces drive innovation, retention, and performance through practical systems change.
February 25, 2026 ·
Advancing neurodiversity at Cornell University (Conversations from Davos)
Explore how Cornell supports neurodivergent students and faculty through mentorship, universal design, and programs that foster inclusion.
Host
Nathan Friedman
leads the multifaceted brand strategy, product marketing, consumer engagement, communications, creative and production functions.