Episode 36: Beyond the Numbers - Susan Needham on Data, Neurodiversity, and Breaking the Mould

Susan Needham, Senior Manager of Data Governance at Auckland City Council, joins us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about her three-decade journey in data and analytics — a path shaped not only by professional experience but also by her recent discovery of being neurodiverse.From growing up on a Waikato dairy farm to working across sectors like telco, banking, and government, Susan shares how ADHD, dyslexia, and mild autism have influenced her thinking, focus, and ability to simplify complex data into stories that make sense.We talk candidly about neurodiversity in the workplace, misconceptions that need to go, and how organisations can do more to harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse professionals. Whether you’re in tech, data, or leadership — or simply want to understand how our minds shape our work — this episode will challenge and inspire.#Neurodiversity #DataGovernance #WomenInTech #ADHDAwareness #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismAcceptance #TechLeadership #InclusionMatters #NeurodiverseVoices #DiversityInTech