Episode 35: What tech got right with autism at work programs — and where we go next

Culture by Neurodesign

Autism hiring programs, like those of SAP and Microsoft, proved that neurodivergent talent can supercharge innovation, retention, and team performance. But what if you’re a team lead, founder, or manager without a big organizational program behind you?

In this episode, D. Lisa Colledge explores why these initiatives, while groundbreaking in their time, aren’t enouigh for today’s teams. Often don’t scale: they rely on formal diagnosis, central coordination, and deep resources, and they leave out many people who could benefit.

You’ll hear how companies like ASML and EY are evolving beyond diagnosis-based models, and how Lisa’s FIT Framework - Fair, Intentional, Team-Minded - gives any team a way to anticipate the different neurostyles you know are present, and build inclusion into daily practice.

If you’re thinking about creating an environment where different thinking styles thrive, but don’t have access to one of these didicated programs, this episode is for you.

The following podcast episodes are referred to:

• The perfect match between the skills that autistic talent tends to have and the needs of technology - Episode 33: Autism and Silicon Valley: a case study in neuro-inclusive design. https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/autism-and-silicon-valley-a-case-study-in-neuro-inclusive-design

• The risks associated with building a team on one star performer – episode 31: The hidden cost of rock stars—and what great leaders do instead. https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/the-hidden-cost-of-rock-starsand-what-great-leaders-do-instead

• How the skills associated with different neurostyles align along the stages of the innovation cycle, from ideation to execution - episode 14: Innovation through the lens of the six working geniuses. https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/podcast/innovation-through-the-lens-of-the-six-working-geniuses And this article is mentioned - Stop waiting for a diagnosis: neuro-inclusive design beats tradition so you can outpace, outperform and outlast your competition. https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/inside-view/stop-waiting-for-a-diagnosis-neuro-inclusive-design-beats-tradition

I'm Lisa, and I take inspiration from neurodivergence-inclusion to help leaders create cognitively inclusive cultures that connect people with different cognitive styles, empowering everyone to contribute their best.

Learn how my services can transform your team: https://www.lisacolledgeconsulting.com/services

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