In this episode, Nathan welcomes Valeria Piaggio, Global Head of Inclusive Growth at Kantar – the world’s leading data, insights, and consulting company – and member of Understood.org Women’s Council, to discuss why neurodivergent consumers matter more than ever.

They discuss new Kantar and Understood.org research that challenges the myth that neurodiversity is a niche issue — in fact, it’s a fast-growing, high-impact segment, especially among younger consumers. Valeria explains how brands can better serve and engage this growing population by rethinking research, representation, and inclusive design. And why it drives business growth.

Timestamps

(05:58) Kantar’s latest research on neurodivergent consumers

(14:14) “If you’re not including neurodivergent voices in your research, you’re already behind.”

(19:33) What Google gets right about inclusion

(25:24) “The shift towards being more effective is to talk less and do more.”

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Kevin Delaney, CEO of Charter, about the future of work and what it means for inclusion and neurodiversity. 

They explore how hybrid work, AI, and inclusive practices are reshaping the workplace — and why supporting neurodivergent employees is more urgent than ever for business leaders.  Delaney shares practical strategies to build inclusive teams where everyone can thrive, especially as more Gen Z workers identify as neurodivergent.

Timestamps:

(04:08) “The future of work is neurodivergent.”

(06:25) “My job as a leader is to create the conditions for every single worker to do their best work.”

(23: 04) “One of the biggest leadership mistakes right now is not communicating into uncertainty.”

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected].

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

This week, Nathan welcomes Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. She is also the author of the groundbreaking book, Designing NeuroInclusive Workplaces.

Kay challenges the “one-size-fits-all” office model, advocating for flexible, inclusive design rooted in choice and sensory diversity. She shares evidence-backed strategies that enhance productivity, engagement, and well-being, making a clear case for why the most effective workplaces are designed with neurodiversity and flexibility at their core.

Timestamps

(09:00) The six modalities of work and how to design for each

(15:45) “This is the first office that I’ve ever been able to come into where I don’t get headaches.”

(20:26) “ If you’re addressing the environment but not the operational side, you’re setting people up for failure.” 

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected].

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

In this episode of Minds at Work, Nathan talks with Jesse Morris, co-founder of Difference Partners—a venture capital firm funding early-stage startups innovating for people with disabilities.

Jesse shares his investment philosophy and how Difference Partners is reshaping the future of inclusive technology, health care, and education. From AI-powered therapy to innovative accessibility tools, hear how mission-driven startups are solving real problems and why investing in neuroinclusive solutions makes good business sense.

Timestamps

(03:49) “We’re not saying telehealth replaces in-person care. We’re saying telehealth infrastructure needs to exist.”

(11:48) “Not all businesses deserve venture checks.”

(25:29) “‘Build fast and break things’ doesn’t work in this space.”

For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected].

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

Welcome to Minds at Work, a podcast for leaders in neurodiversity and business, hosted by Nathan Friedman, co-president and Chief Marketing Officer 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.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.