Wired Differently- When the Problem Isn’t the Person, It’s the System

Episode 82 – Wired Differently I Am Self-ish Podcast What happens when talented people spend more energy trying to fit into the workplace than actually doing their best work? In this episode, Will Wright sits down with Ray Gordon, founder of Lumi Workplace, for a candid conversation about neurodivergence, workplace masking, psychological safety, and why so many capable people struggle inside systems that were never designed with them in mind. Ray shares his experience of growing up knowing he was intelligent while also feeling like a failure. His ADHD diagnosis in his mid-30s helped him understand years of overworking, self-doubt, and masking throughout his corporate career. Will and Ray discuss what masking can look like at work, including changing how you speak, dress, make eye contact, interact socially, and behave because you believe being yourself may not be accepted. They also explore ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, OCD, synesthesia, and why neurodivergence affects more workplaces and families than many people realize. Ray reflects on his corporate experiences at companies including EY and Glia, where he eventually founded a Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group. That experience helped inspire Lumi Workplace, where he now works with both organizations and neurodivergent professionals. The conversation examines what true neuroinclusion requires, from recruiting and interviews to performance management, sensory environments, culture, and what Ray considers the foundation of it all: Psychological safety. Ray challenges leaders to stop automatically viewing neurodivergence through a deficit lens. Instead of beginning with what someone struggles with, ask: What is this person exceptionally good at? Because inclusion is not about helping someone become more like everyone else. It is about creating environments where people do not have to hide who they are to succeed. Ray Gordon is the founder of Lumi Workplace. After more than two decades in corporate leadership, including American Express and EY, his ADHD diagnosis changed how he understood his career and years of masking at work. Today, he helps organizations create more neuroinclusive workplaces and coaches neurodivergent professionals as they build their careers. Website: lumiworkplace.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rayagordon Driven to Distraction How to ADHD on YouTube Failing at Normal TED Talk “Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Produced and Edited by Will Wright William Wright Certified Master Practitioner Career & Leadership Coach 📧 [email protected] 📞 646-645-1509 🌐 www.iamself-ish.com Be bold. Be SELF-ISH. Less stress, more choice. About Ray GordonConnect with RayResources Mentioned