The Power of Curiosity in Neurodiversity & Inclusion

In this episode, Laura Anthony shares her journey from childhood experiences with neurodiversity to her work as a disability lawyer and advocate for neurodiverse workplaces. She discusses the importance of understanding, curiosity, and systemic design in creating inclusive environments that benefit everyone.Laura Anthony is a nationally recognized speaker, disability attorney, and workplace consultant with decades of experience in neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, and dispute resolution. Drawing from her training and roles leading neurodiverse teams, Laura works with leaders who want to transform their workforce and culture through neuroinclusion. She partners with organizations ranging from global brands to local schools, helping them to recognize the different ways people think and communicate and to design systems where those differences spark innovation and growth.Laura has delivered keynotes and led corporate trainings for a variety of audiences, including Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, education institutions and associations representing legal, health care, education, and human resources professionals. Her work has been featured in Forbes and on leading podcasts, reflecting the growing recognition of neurodiversity as a workforce and talent priority. You can learn more about Laura’s work at lauraganthony.com.Keywordsneurodiversity, inclusion, leadership, systemic design, curiosity, workplace culture, disability law, neurodiverse workforceKey topicsNeurodiversity and systemic designAssumption of the risk and behavior interpretationCreating inclusive environments through systemic rampsThe importance of curiosity over assumptionsLeadership's role in fostering neuroinclusive culturesPersonal stories illustrating neurodiversity in care and workThe misconception of neurodivergence as superpowersExpanding the lens on diversity and inclusionSound bites"Great minds don't think alike""Ask how they are, not what’s wrong""Neurodivergence is not a superpower"Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background00:29 Guest's childhood and career path188:50:50 Living with neurodiversity in the family48055:32:34 The importance of empathy and authentic connection139166:39:15 The risks of assumptions in interpreting behavior200555:32:39 Core concepts: Great minds don't think alike237777:46:05 Universal systems as ramps for inclusion276944:26:10 Diversity, inclusion, and expanding the lens318333:19:33 Applying neurodiversity understanding outside of work378888:52:56 Personal story of caregiving during COVID431388:52:57 Lessons from caregiving and making assumptions550833:19:49 The myth of neurodivergence as a superpower672499:59:56 Creating environments that support everyone696111:06:38 How to fix a stubbed toe in relationships786111:06:40 The importance of valuing differences in systems812777:46:40 Closing thoughts and appreciationResourcesLaura's Websitewww.lauraganthony.comLaura's LinkedInLaura G. Anthony | LinkedInConnect with Veronicahttps://www.veronicasterling.comVeronica Sterling | LinkedIn