Rethinking leadership for a neurodiverse workforce (with Ben Brooks from PILOT)

Work is changing faster than leadership models can keep up. In this episode, Nathan Friedman sits down with executive coach and PILOT CEO Ben Brooks to unpack what’s broken and what leaders must do next. From the rise of nonlinear careers to the growing expectations of a neurodiverse workforce, they explore why traditional structures around performance, communication, and development are falling short. Ben shares practical insights on building clearer expectations, separating performance from potential, and designing workplaces that work better for everyone. The conversation challenges leaders to move beyond outdated norms and embrace more explicit, human-centered approaches to management. Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to Nathan on Ben’s podcast, The Lift. Check out Understood’s 2026 Neurodiversity at Work survey.  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.