Award Winning EP and former Accenture Song Production Lead, Leila Bartlam on Late-Diagnosed Autism, Neurodiversity & Leadership in Advertising

In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Leila Bartlam, UK Country Lead for Accenture Song Production Studios (at the time of this recording) for a deeply honest and insightful conversation about neurodiversity, self-discovery, resilience and receiving an autism diagnosis later in life.After decades working at the highest levels of the advertising and production industries, Leila reflects on how receiving her autism diagnosis at the age of 48 fundamentally reshaped her understanding of herself, her career and the way she had navigated the world throughout her life.An award-winning producer and operational leader, Leila’s work has been recognised by D&AD, British Arrows, Creative Circle and Campaign Big Awards, alongside a reputation for driving creative excellence whilst helping agencies build healthier, more effective and more sustainable ways of working.With warmth, intelligence and candour, Leila shares her experience of navigating leadership, burnout, masking and workplace dynamics through the lens of late-diagnosed autism and why becoming more open about her neurodivergence has made her an even fiercer advocate for hidden voices within the creative industries.Together, Athene and Leila discuss:Late-diagnosed autism and neurodiversityNeurodivergent leadership in advertisingBurnout, masking and mental healthWomen with autism and identityWorkplace culture and staff advocacyCreative leadership and operational excellenceEmotional resilience and self-discoveryBuilding healthier environments for neurodivergent staffAs both a leader and passionate advocate for neurodivergent inclusion, Leila continues to champion more compassionate, supportive and psychologically safe workplaces across the advertising and production industries with th elaunch of AdND a support network for the neurodivergent workforce in advertising and media. Please go to her LinkedIn page to join the call.This is a thoughtful, empowering and deeply hilarious conversation about identity, understanding yourself later in life and the freedom that can come from finally seeing yourself clearly.The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨Track 1 You can go your own way - Fleetwood Mac- Rumours Track 2 Inbetween Days - The Cure - Head on The DoorTrack 3 Dreams by The Cranberries - The Collection Track 4 Shostakovich - Symphony Number 5 - The fourth movement Allegro Non TroppoTrack 5 State of Grace - Taylor Swift - RedThe emPOWER Breakfast - Leila Bartlam Spotify PlaylistLeila Mentions:Melanie Sykes autobiography IlluminatedNoise Canceling Headphones:More expensive:https://www.bose.co.uk/en_gb/products/headphones/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-ultra.html#v=QCUE-HEADPHONEIN-LBLU-WWLess expensive:https://www.loopearplugs.com/products/quiet-plusMind Mapping Software: Mind Manager Book: Highly Sensitive People Leila Bartlam, Accenture Song, LB&co, autism diagnosis, late diagnosed autism, neurodiversity, neurodivergent leadership, women with autism, advertising industry, burnout, masking, emotional wellbeing, workplace culture, neurodivergent advocacy, women in advertising, creative leadership, mental health, empowerment podcast, authentic leadership, neurodivergent staff support, self-discovery Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.