Ever wondered why some colleagues approach work so differently from you? It's not just personality—it might be neurodiversity at play.

Jenny Turner, founder of Human Fabric, takes us on a fascinating journey into how different brain types function in the workplace. With approximately 20% of the population being neurodivergent (including conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia), understanding these differences isn't just an inclusion issue, it's a business advantage.

Jenny shares compelling reasons why organisations should embrace neurodiversity: the exceptional talents neurodivergent individuals often bring, the superior performance of cognitively diverse teams, and the enhanced leadership skills developed when managing diverse thinking styles. She reveals how the pandemic created an unexpected testing ground, with many neurodivergent people discovering they could thrive when freed from sensory-overloaded office environments.

Drawing from her personal experience with ADHD, Jenny provides us with insights into both the struggles (like rejection sensitivity and difficulty starting certain tasks) and strengths (hyper-focus and innovative thinking) that come with neurodivergence.

Her practical advice for organisations ranges from awareness training to simple accommodation processes that are typically low-cost but high-impact.

The conversation culminates in a profound realisation: we all process information differently, and when we adapt our work practices to accommodate these differences—like separating information-sharing from decision-making—everyone benefits. As AI increasingly handles systematic tasks, uniquely human capabilities like empathy and innovative thinking become more valuable than ever.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, manage diverse teams, or simply want to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode offers valuable information on how to harness the full spectrum of human potential.

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