A conversation with Brandon Oliver on leading with empathy in tech, embracing neurodiversity beyond labels, and how different ways of thinking can unlock stronger teams, better systems, and more human workplaces.

Episode Date: March 27th

Host: Tia Kleckner (CEO at LinkTech), Adam Kleckner (Head of Strategy at LinkTech)

Summary:

Brandon Oliver is a tech leader, ERG leader, and dad of three who was diagnosed as autistic later in life. In this conversation he unpacks what that late diagnosis meant — the recontextualising, the trauma piece, the relief — and how it reshaped how he shows up as a leader. He makes the case for psychological safety over checkboxes, calls out the superpower myth, and explains why assuming positive intent is the most underused leadership tool in the room.

Main Topics:

Neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence — why the distinction matters more than most companies realise

Brandon's late autism diagnosis and what recontextualising your entire life actually feels like

Why the superpower narrative around neurodivergence can cause just as much harm as the stigma

How psychological safety unlocks innovation — but only when paired with real guidance

Leading without requiring self-disclosure — and why assume positive intent changes everything

The ROI of simple workplace adjustments companies keep making employees fight for

ERGs as a checkbox — and why you can't policy your way into inclusion

What Brandon would never put on his resume but can't imagine living without

Intriguing Quotes:

"When you bring psychological safety to the table, you give people the opportunity to figure out how to show up."

"Assume positive intent. We're modelling our systems off an assumption of abuse."

"It has to be embedded in the culture. If it's treated as a separate thing, it will come across as an afterthought."

"Not every person can bring the same energy just because they're neurodivergent. The superpower culture can be a real problem."

"I work very, very hard to bring the best version of myself to what I do. I gotta be honest, I'm tired."

"Be the adult that you needed as a kid."

Key Moments:

[06:34] Brandon's late diagnosis story — growing up masking everything, then sitting in a car with his wife and saying cold: "Do you think maybe I might be on the spectrum?" Her answer: "That checks out."

[08:28] The trauma piece nobody talks about: recontextualising your entire life as an adult. Rejection sensitivity dysmorphia. Looking back and realising you weren't a horrible person — your brain just worked differently.

[12:23] How the diagnosis reshaped Brandon's leadership — moving from "run the be-like-other-leaders.exe" to meeting people where they are, providing questions in advance, and leading with empathy over process.

[20:48] The superpower myth called out directly — neurodivergence is not a guarantee of innovation. Unmanaged, unguided, it can cause just as many problems as it solves. Support and guidance first.

[26:36] Assume positive intent — and stop making people fight for a standing desk with doctor's notes and forms. The ROI of simple adjustments is enormous. The cost of making people prove they need them is higher.

[30:58] Rapid fire: misconception to kill — giftedness. What companies miss — removing barriers reveals people who were struggling invisibly. Inclusion policy most gotten wrong — ERGs as a checkbox.

Notable Resources:

Concepts: Neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence; rejection sensitivity dysmorphia; psychological safety; ERGs; neurodivergent burnout; universal design

Connect with Brandon Oliver:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-oliver-a781b715/

Connect with The Human Advantage Podcast:

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