Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, is transforming the landscape of digital media and workplace culture. Guided by her own late diagnosis and idenitification as an Autistic PDA woman, she’s pioneering a new standard for workplaces that empower neurodivergent individuals to succeed on their terms. 

In episode 49 of Classroom 5.0, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cherie, to hear first hand how she’s implementing everyday leadership practices and workplace policies that reflect her deep understanding of what it takes for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

While traditional narratives frame PDA as an anxiety-driven response to everyday demands, Cherie, like me, challenges this reductionist view. Instead, she describes PDA as a complexity of her neurobiological wiring that fuels her creativity, autonomy, and fierce sense of justice.

I found myself wiping away tears and roaring with laughter as Cherie shared personal and professional anecdotes that vividly captured the fierce determination, creative problem-solving, and sharp humor that embody the strengths of PDA, and highlight her unstoppable drive as a leader fostering inclusive impact and innovation.

Learn more about Cherie, watch the full interview on YouTube, and explore the resources discussed by visiting the episode page here: https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/49

If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, or take a minute to rate and review on your favouritie podcasting platform! 

Conversation Highlights: 

00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

02:27 Understanding Neurodiversity and Late Diagnosis

05:20 Unmasking and Leadership

08:07 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace

11:21 The Dance of Authenticity and Boundaries

13:31 Masking vs. Compensation Strategies

16:39 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

27:06 Embracing PDA Leadership

30:32 Radical Inclusion in the Workplace

37:48 Creativity and Flow in Neurodivergent Teams

44:16 Impact Mindset and Legacy

 

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower

www.marianepower.com.au

Just 11 days before her life-altering stroke, Gillian Coutts and I had shared the stage at The Thriving Workplace event in Sydney. I was captivated by her charisma, profound insights into applied positive psychology, and unwavering dedication to help others unlock their full potential back then, and remain as inspired by her positive force in the world today.

Over the past two years, Gillian has embarked on an extraordinary journey of rehabilitation, with her family and good friend and professional colleague, Jenny Steadman right by her side. Each day, she is learning to integrate her former identity with the realities of her new one, which as a result of her stroke, is shaped by acquired physical limitations and cognitive differences.

In this episode of the NeuroPEAK series, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gillian and Jenny, who has recently shifted into the role of National Director of The Potential Project, a role she'd previously shared with Gillian. Together, they candidly explored what it has been like to navigate these profound changes, offering insights into the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the invaluable role of love and connection in navigating life’s toughest challenges.

To read further, follow the transcript and gain links to today's resources, visit the episode webpage -  https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/48

If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, or take a minute to rate and review on your favouritie podcasting platform! 

Conversation Highlights:

• How The Potential Project is shaping a more human world of work.

• The story of Jenny and Gillian’s enduring friendship and its role as a source of strength in challenging times.

• How Gillian’s stroke has reshaped her perspective on love, relationships, and leadership.

• The power of “wise optimism”: accepting reality while moving forward with hope and intentional action.

• Why navigating change requires emotional agility and self-awareness.

• The role of compassion in modern leadership and workplace culture.

• How AI can complement, rather than replace, human qualities.

• The importance of inclusive workplaces in fostering connection and well-being.

• Why celebrating small achievements builds resilience.

• Gillian and Jenny’s reflections on what makes life truly meaningful

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower

www.marianepower.com.au

 

In episode 47 of Classroom 5.0, I sat down with A/Professor Dr. Shohreh Majd, an expert in neuroscience, to explore what’s happening “under the hood” of our neurodivergent brains and bodies. Shohreh shared her insights around the biological basis of our strengths and struggles, and we riffed together on practical strategies that help apply this understanding to help us thrive.

For links to resources discussed on today's episode, see the podcast show notes here - www.marianepower.com.au/blog/47

Loved the episode? Please take a moment to leave it a 5 star review, and help us reach more good humans with stories of inclusive impact!

Key Chapter Highlights:

• The Brain and Neurotransmitters
• Understanding Dopamine and its Role
• Hormones and Women's Cognitive Function
• Adjustment and Strategies for Brain Health
• Exercise and Mental Activity for Brain Health
• Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Practices and The Role of Support
• Preventative Measures for Managing Stress and Burnout
• The Power of Self-Awareness and Pausing
• Helping Others and Creating a Meaningful Life

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower

www.marianepower.com.au

In Episode 46 of Classroom 5.0, I'm joined by Jade Warne, founder of the Small Business Growth Club, who shares her journey as an entrepreneur shaped by her Samoan roots and a creative family. We dive into the unique strengths neurodiversity brings to business, the importance of flexibility, a service-driven mindset, and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT for small business productivity. Highlights include Jade’s reflections on neurodiversity in entrepreneurship, tackling burnout, and creating balanced work environments that support diverse needs and life stages.

For links to resources discussed on today's episode, see the podcast show notes here - www.marianepower.com.au/blog/46

Loved the episode? Please take a moment to leave it a 5 star review, and help us reach more good humans with stories of inclusive impact!

Key highlights :

• 03:03 - Jade’s upbringing and early career: Jade reflects on her family’s influence, particularly her mother’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, and her experience working with high-achievers in university and the magazine industry.

• 09:45 - Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: Discussing the high representation of neurodivergent people in entrepreneurship, Jade and Mariane explore the unique qualities that neurodiversity brings to the table.

• 13:26 - Barriers and vulnerabilities in small business: The conversation turns to challenges like burnout and the importance of setting a balanced digital “diet” for mental health.

• 16:00 - Values and impact in small business: Jade shares her philosophy of a service-driven business model focused on deeply understanding and supporting customers.

• 23:10 - AI’s role for entrepreneurs: Jade explains how she uses ChatGPT and other AI tools to streamline business processes, increase productivity, and overcome the overwhelm of running a small business - tips that are particularly useful for our ADHD community!

• 30:33 - The need for (and benefits of) workplace flexibility: Advocating for more flexible workplaces, Jade discusses the importance of accommodating different life stages and responsibilities.

• 38:33 - Quick fire round: Jade reflects on concepts like an impact mindset, inclusive impact, and living a meaningful life, highlighting figures who inspire her, including Glennon Doyle and Cherie Clonan.

"The workplaces we’ve had don’t fit the human lifecycle. They suit one type of person in one phase of their life—someone unencumbered with responsibilities. People deserve physical health and mental health. Money is important, but only in the mix of seeing other people, serving them, and being able to survive and thrive"​

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower

www.marianepower.com.au

Ever wondered what separates those with great creative ideas from those who turn them into reality? In this episode of Classroom 5.0, I sit down with Joel Connolly, Creative Director at Blackbird Venture Capital, to explore how creativity shows up in everyday life—and how to move from inspiration to execution. Joel shares insights on the role of personal taste, the discipline required to bring ideas to life, and the biological benefits of neurodiversity in accessing flow states. If you think creativity is reserved for a select few, this conversation might just change your mind.

Key Highlights:

• 03:10: The role of personal taste in creativity
• 12:30: Creativity as a birthright
• 15:00: The distinction between craft and creativity
• 22:05: Navigating creative challenges
• 30:35: Founders and artists as creators with shared archetypes

For links to resources discussed on today's episode, see the podcast show notes here

Loved the episode? Please take a moment to leave it a 5 star review, and help us reach more good humans with stories of inclusive impact!

Connect with Mariane:

Get Mariane's new free ADHD Motivation guidebook, Master Your Mind and Find Your Mojo, to finally take action on those big goals you're chasing.

Follow Mariane on Instagram

Follow Mariane on LinkedIn

Explore how Mariane can support your Neurodiversity Journey here

Series 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership.

My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered that the source of his exhaustion wasn’t the work—but how the work was structured for his neurodivergent brain.

This realisation was a turning point, and in our conversation, Mike reveals how understanding his ADHD and Autism unlocked a deeper potential. It's allowed him to not only reshape his career but also rethink how creativity and innovation can truly flourish when supported by environments that understand neurodiversity.

What if we all embraced our unique wiring instead of trying to fit into rigid moulds? How would your life change if you had a work structure that truly supported how your brain works?

As Mike shares, it’s time we started seeing neurodivergence as a strength, not a challenge to overcome. The world needs more workplaces that foster the kind of creativity only neurodivergent minds can deliver.

Are you ready to unlock your own leading-edge potential? If you’re curious about how neurodiversity can fuel innovation in fast-paced industries, this episode is a must-listen! 

You'll learn how to:

• Embrace your uniqueness
• Build flexible work and life environments
• Harness the power of neurodivergence for innovation

What’s one way you could shape your environment today to work better for your brain? Loved this episode? Please share it with a friend, and leave a review to help it reach others!

For resources, click here for the podcast episode page  

Connect with Mariane: • Get Mariane's new free ADHD Motivation guidebook, Master Your Mind and Find Your Mojo, to finally take action on those big goals you're chasing. • Watch the episodes on YouTube • Follow Mariane on Instagram  • Follow Mariane on LinkedIn • Explore how Mariane can support your Neurodiversity Journey here

 

In this episode of Classroom 5.0, Mariane sits down with Martin Sully, founder of Snapper Studios, to explore how branding can foster inclusivity and connection. We discuss the role of neurodiversity in the marketing industry, with insights into how individuals with ADHD thrive in fast-paced creative environments. Martin also shares practical tips on aligning values with brand strategy and the importance of attention to detail. Join us as we unpack how thoughtful, inclusive design can create meaningful impact for both businesses and their audiences.

For links to resoruces mentioned in today's show, head to the episode webpage: www.marianepower.com.au/blog/43 

Camille Davey, the founder of Grow Together Now and a lived experience mental health speaker  joins Mariane Power to discuss mental health in the workplace. We explore how leaders can transform their workplaces into safe, inclusive environments, where every voice is valued, and share practical, science backed tips to help you hold hard, but necessary conversations that support mental health, and foster inclusive workplaces. 

In this episode, you'll learn : 

• The critical role of psychological safety in creating an inclusive work culture.
• Why “courageous curiosity” is essential for leaders navigating mental health conversations.
• Practical steps for embedding psychological safety into your workplace, starting with self-audits and co-designing solutions.
• The importance of embracing discomfort as a sign of genuine care and growth.
• The role of lived experience, and the importance of consulting neurominority groups and those with lived experience when designing policies and practices that meet psychosocial safety legislation requirements. 

Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or simply passionate about mental health, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you foster a supportive, thriving workplace.

To access show notes and resources mentioned, visit the episode page here 

Ready to understand and harness neurodiversity? At Posify, we equip individuals and organisations with neuroaffirming knowledge and science-backed strategies to foster a more inclusive, healthy, and productive work-life design. Visit www.theposifygroup.com.au to learn more! 

 

Diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis, Bella’s parents were told their daughter would spend a significant portion of her life in hospitals. However, thanks to the fierce dedication she and her family have invested in her health, Bella has managed to change her destiny, and now shares her considered, holistic approach to health and well-being with others.

In this episode, Bella, founder of the Halo Effect, discusses how her experiences shaped her professional purpose, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, radical self-care, and informed decision-making in creating a healthy lifestyle.

Key takeaways from our conversation include:

• The importance of integrating physical, mental, and social health.

• Science-backed tips for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and reducing inflammation.

• The role of gut health in managing chronic conditions.

• Practical strategies for achieving peak performance through holistic health.

Tune in to Episode 41 for an inspiring discussion on resilience, holistic health, and the pursuit of well-being. 

A reminder that all conversations shared on Classroom 5.0 are for entertainment and educational purposes only, and should never replace the recommendations of your specialised health care team. Please consult with your doctor(s) and professionals for personalised support that informs your healthcare journey. 

Access shownotes and links to Bella's work by visiting the episode page here

Watch the full episode available on YouTube here 

Season 4 of Classroom 5.0 is brought to you by The Posify Group. To explore how we are creating an inlcusive future, and to learn more about The NeuroIMPACT Network, visit our website here 

In Episode 40 of Classroom 5.0, we delve into the impact of human-centered leadership and purpose-driven business with Seth Pathiyil, Head of Hunter Energy Hubs at AGL Energy Ltd. With over three decades of experience across five industries and four countries, Seth shares how his values-aligned approach is transforming AGL’s clean energy initiatives and fostering inclusive impact.

Seth's upbringing in Kerala, India, profoundly influenced his leadership style, instilling values of integrity, respect, and well-being. These principles guide his efforts at AGL, where he leads the creation of low-carbon industrial energy hubs powered by renewable energy and chairs the Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Key Takeaways:

• How Seth’s childhood in Kerala shaped his leadership philosophy.
• Insights into AGL’s clean energy transition projects.
• The importance of collaboration and conscious business practices for sustainable development.
• Essential future leadership skills like analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
• The impact of Gen Z on the workforce and the integration of different generations.

Seth’s inspiring journey offers valuable insights into leadership, clean energy, and the future of work, and helps us to see how prioritizing people and purpose can drive remarkable business performance and ensure we create a sustainable future. 

For links to today's shownotes, including resources shared, visit www.marianepower.com.au/blog/40

And to learn more about how you can unleash the potential in your people by leveraging the neurodiversity that exists within your workplace, learn more about The NeuroIMPACT Network here

If you loved this episode, please help us to create more just like it by sharing, rating and reviewing on tyour favourite podcast platform.