What happens when a leader realizes the traits they spent years hiding are actually their greatest strengths? In this episode, I talk with Amy Streater Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, who was diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism. Amy shares the shame and confusion that can come with a late diagnosis, from struggling with “boring” tasks to feeling overwhelmed by sensory input and social dynamics at work. We also dive into negotiation and selling through a neurodivergent lens, why many neurodivergent people struggle with traditional power dynamics, and how understanding neurodivergence can transform the way you lead, negotiate, communicate, and work with others.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 The shame many neurodivergent adults carry before diagnosis.

05:30 What is neurodivergence?

07:45 What does leadership mean to you?

10:45 Why neurodivergent people often struggle with dishonesty and mixed signals.

13:30 What’s the difference between internal anxiety and external performance?

19:45 How reading body language can be a negotiation superpower.

25:15 The pressure neurodivergent women feel to make everyone comfortable.

31:30 How BATNA reduces anxiety in difficult negotiations.

35:45 How to sell without pretending to be someone else.

39:30 How to spot manipulation and dishonesty quickly.

45:15 The downside of being “too direct” at work.

48:30 Why autonomy and agency matter to neurodivergent people.

55:00 What’s your advice for neurodivergent people trying to advocate for themselves?