For this episode I spoke with Nanette Mellor, a disability and neurodiversity specialist, most recently working as a CEO of Drake Music, about their work championing neurodivergent strengths.Our conversation touches on how neurodivergent differences might be better understood and catered to in education; what diagnosis might look like in the future; and whether some of the skills historically considered essential are as crucial in the 21st century.

We also spoke about the impact of AI for neurodivergent people in the workplace, how common neurodivergent strengths like creative thinking and becoming more valued, and about Nanettes own journey through employment, the challenges and strengths of being dyslexic, and how challenging convention can lead to resistance even in leadership positions. Chapters are below.

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Chapters

00:00 Coming up in this episode

00:42 Sam intro

04:22 Introduction to Nanette

08:23 Neurodivergent specific schooling

13:19 Are exams still worthwhile?

16:33 AI can’t think like a neurodivergent mind

19:15 Creating better education outcomes for ND people

23:26 Is ‘diagnosis’ necessary to get needs met?

28:38 Are essential skills still essential?

34:56 The benefits of creating thinking

41:06 Benefits of dyslexia to Nanette

45:12 Whether to disclose at work or not

48:30 Is it possible to be an authentic leader?

51:20 Challenges in a neurotypical workplace

54:05 Strengths that make Nanette a leader

Links

The article mentioned in the intro is an interview Nanette gave to Eric Pines titled “Neurodiversity in the Workforce”. It can be found here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/neurodiversity-in-the-workforce-nanette-mellor-of-drake-music-on-why-its-important-to-include-dd46f7af503a

A Future Vision for Neurodivergent Work & Education | Nanette Mellor Part 1