Show Notes
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.
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.