
Why neurodiversity belongs on the global agenda (Conversations from Davos)
Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and BelongingShow Notes
Neurodiversity is officially part of the global conversation at the 2026 World Economic Forum. In this episode of Minds at Work, host Nathan Friedman speaks with Dr. Maureen Dunne, neuroscientist, author of The Neurodiversity Edge, and founder of the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. They discuss how the summit came to be and how cross-sector collaboration can move organizations beyond accommodation toward system-level progress.
In the episodes ahead, Dr. Dunne will take the mic to host conversations examining the leadership and inclusion themes that shaped this year’s summit.
This special season of Minds at Work is brought to you by Understood.org and the Davos Neurodiversity Summit. For a transcript and more resources, visit Minds at Work on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected].
More from Minds at Work: How Neurodiversity Fuels Business and Belonging
What does it take to put ADHD on screen without turning it into a checkbox? Jamie Piekarz, SVP at HappyNest Entertainment and showrunner of Paris & Pups, joins Nathan Friedman to talk about building the animated series inspired by Paris Hilton, who has spoken openly about her ADHD.
Only 3 percent of ads tested feature someone with a visible or invisible disability — and that number has barely moved in years. Frank Starling, chief DEI officer at LIONS (the organization behind Cannes Lions) joins Nathan Friedman to unpack the state of inclusion work in advertising and marketing and what it will take to close existing gaps.
What happens when you take a global team of strategists and turn them into a creative studio overnight? Gina Wolf, global director of BrandWorks Creative Studio at LinkedIn, joins Nathan Friedman to talk about leading through that transformation and creating space for different communication and working styles.
Entrepreneurship rewards people who see opportunities that others miss. Rakia Reynolds joins Nathan Friedman to discuss how ADHD shaped her leadership style, fueled her creativity, and helped her build a thriving business.
As businesses navigate AI, rapid transformation, and shifting workforce expectations, one of the greatest untapped advantages may already be hiding in plain sight: neurodivergent talent. In this episode, Nathan Friedman speaks with EY global leader Hiren Shukla about how cognitive diversity fuels innovation, adaptability, and business growth.