What can an Astrophysics Lab teach us about managing for inclusive excellence- and how can it make your own meetings better? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Keivan Stassun, MacArthur Genius Fellow, Vanderbilt astrophysicist, and founder of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. We talk about clear communication norms, leading better meetings and other practices that support neurodiverse talent, and the mindset shift managers need to unlock hidden genius at work. Get ready to create workplaces where every brain can thrive.

In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 What does “inclusive excellence” really mean?

05:15 How clear communication norms unlock focus and fairness.

08:30 Why agendas, structure, and precision help neurodivergent employees.

12:00 Ways to build new team habits that stick over time.

16:00 Supporting hyperfocus and respecting “hardwired” traits.

20:30 What Dr. Stassun discovered about his own brain through managing diverse teams.

23:00 Why Dr. Stassun normalized virtual participation years before COVID.

27:30 The science of visual thinking and strengths-based neurodiversity.

30:15 Why creativity and genius show up in many different forms.

33:30 The #1 mindset shift managers need to unlock talent.

Resources + Links

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube 

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Dr.Keivan Stassun on LinkedIn: @keivanstassun