18 The Future of Leadership is Neuroinclusive (with Nicola Knobel)

18 The Future of Leadership is Neuroinclusive (with Nicola Knobel)

Episode 18: Unmasking Leadership with Nicola Knobel What if the problem was never neurodivergent people — but the workplaces and leadership models we’ve been trying to force ourselves into? In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I’m joined by author, TEDx speaker, and people-first leader Nicola Knobel for a powerful conversation about neurodivergent leadership, psychological safety, masking, and the future of inclusive workplaces. As two AuDHD women in leadership, we explore the reality of navigating professional spaces that often reward neurotypical communication styles — and what needs to change for neurodivergent people to genuinely belong and thrive. We discuss: • ADHD, autism & masking in leadership • Why traditional leadership models often fail neurodivergent people • Psychological safety and authentic leadership • The hidden toll of burnout, productivity pressure & late diagnosis • Why inclusion must go beyond awareness posters and gestures • Strength-based leadership and neuroinclusive workplaces • The future of work through a more human, people-centred lens This is an honest, validating and thought-provoking conversation for anyone navigating adult ADHD, autism, leadership, or professional belonging. If you’ve ever felt like you had to mask who you are to succeed at work — this episode will make you feel seen. Resources: Connect & follow Nicola Knobel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaknobel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaknobel/] Website: https://nicolaknobel.com/ [https://nicolaknobel.com/] Unmasking Leadership by Nicola Knobel: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unmasking-Leadership-Neurodivergent-Psychological-Workplaces/dp/0473767562 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unmasking-Leadership-Neurodivergent-Psychological-Workplaces/dp/0473767562]

17 Neurodivergent in Academia: Finding Balance & Building Belonging

What does it look like to navigate academia as a neurodivergent woman — and a mother — in a system that wasn’t designed for you? In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, we explore the lived experience of ADHD, autism, and dyslexia in academic environments, through the lens of identity, motherhood, and professional belonging. This is a real, reflective and insightful conversation about the challenges — and reasonable adjustments — of being neurodivergent in high-performance, structured systems. We explore: • The experience of ADHD, autism and dyslexia in academia • The added layer of motherhood and invisible load • Burnout, energy management, and sustainability • Finding balance in a system that doesn’t naturally support neurodivergence • The importance of psychological safety and belonging in academic spaces This episode speaks to a wider conversation around adult ADHD, autism, neurodivergent women, and professional belonging — and what needs to change to create more inclusive environments. If you’re a neurodivergent woman, working in academia, or navigating ADHD or autism as an adult, this episode will help you feel seen — and remind you that the system isn’t always built for your brain, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong in it. Dr Alix Dietzel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alix-dietzel-63029625/ INSTAGRAM: @DR_ALIXDIETZEL [https://www.instagram.com/dr_alixdietzel/]

16 Adult ADHD & Autism: Breaking the Cycle of Ruminating Thoughts

ADHD, Autism & Ruminating Thoughts – Why Your Brain Won’t Switch Off Why do ruminating thoughts feel so intense with ADHD and autism — and why can they be so hard to switch off? In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, we explore the lived experience of rumination in adult ADHD and AuDHD — from overthinking and mental loops to emotional processing and nervous system overwhelm. This is a real, reflective conversation that blends personal experience with deeper insight — ideal for anyone looking to better understand life with ADHD and autism, especially as an adult navigating work, identity, and belonging. We explore: • Why rumination shows up in ADHD and autism • The link between neurological differences and rumination loops • How rumination impacts daily life, work, and relationships • Practical ways to gently interrupt thought spirals If you’re navigating adult ADHD, AuDHD, or feeling stuck in your thoughts, this episode will help you feel seen — and offer a new way to understand what’s happening. ADHD Late to Know is a podcast exploring adult ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence — through lived experience, research, and real conversations that create “that makes sense” moments. Resources: * How Does ADHD Cause Intrusive Thoughts? [https://add.org/adhd-intrusive-thoughts/#:~:text=Intrusive%20thoughts%20in%20ADHD%20might,to%20blame%20for%20having%20them.] * Why Can’t I Let It Go? Rumination and the ADHD Brain [https://focusmag.uk/why-cant-i-let-it-go-rumination-and-the-adhd-brain/#:~:text=The%20default%20mode%20network%20(DMN,is%20more%20'future%2Dfocused.] * The ADHD Brain Revealed: The Surprising Truth of the Default Mode Network [https://www.addept.org/living-with-adult-add-adhd/default-mode-network-adhd#:~:text=It's%20the%20endless%20chatter%2C%20the,often%20focused%20on%20the%20past.] * Neural Basis of Why We Fail to Control Unwanted Thoughts [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ritual-and-the-brain/201802/neural-basis-why-we-fail-control-unwanted-thoughts#:~:text=New%20research%20explains%20the%20brain's%20process%20of,something%20from%20popping%20up%20in%20your%20head.] * Rejection Sensitivity Explained [https://rainbow-mandala.com/about-adhd#:~:text=Rejection%20Sensitivity%20&%20the%20Brain%20(part%203),2.%20Prefrontal%20Cortex%20(PFC):%20Impaired%20Top%2DDown%20Regulation] * 10 Tips to Manage Ruminating Thoughts That Come With ADHD [https://attncenter.nyc/10-tips-to-manage-ruminating-thoughts-that-come-with-adhd/#:~:text=ADHD%20brains%20aren't%20the,wander%20on%20a%20continuous%20loop.] * ADHD: The "Ferrari Engine with Bicycle Brakes" [https://drhallowell.com/2019/11/25/your-racing-adhd-brain/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CYour%20brain%20is%20very%20powerful,hence%20is%20impulsive%20and%20hyperactive.] * ADHD Explained: The Brain’s Braking System [https://www.ruthbomar.com/adhd-explained/]

15 Neurodivergent Relationships: Building a Life & Business That Works

What does it look like to build a life, relationship, and business as a neurodivergent couple? In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I sit down with a neurodivergent married couple to explore the realities of navigating ADHD, autism, family life, and business — together. This is a fun, honest and meaningful conversation about: • Supporting each other with different neurotypes • Navigating marriage, communication & energy needs • Building businesses that actually work for neurodivergent brains • The gaps in support for neurodivergent & disabled people • How they’re helping change what’s available This episode is full of lived experience, insight, and real-life examples of what support can actually look like. If you’re neurodivergent, in a relationship, building something, or figuring it all out — this one will resonate. Show Notes: Purpl Discounts: https://www.purpldiscounts.com/ [https://www.purpldiscounts.com/] https://www.instagram.com/purpldiscounts/ [https://www.instagram.com/purpldiscounts/] Brilliantly Different Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/brilliantlydifferentcoaching/ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/brilliantlydifferentcoaching/__;!!NlLrMPuo!rLtoLnksUvZspfB-nbDgKziAUUmcgbEFMtWxiItub7EsfYpDXxtf8URtU8OOJj_JGyMannfUesW24c_uIzwR$] https://neuroworkpartners.com/brilliantly-different/ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/neuroworkpartners.com/brilliantly-different/__;!!NlLrMPuo!rLtoLnksUvZspfB-nbDgKziAUUmcgbEFMtWxiItub7EsfYpDXxtf8URtU8OOJj_JGyMannfUesW24aml5A-N$]

14 Why Consistency Doesn’t Work for ADHD (Persistence Does)

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you can’t stay consistent, this episode will change how you understand your brain. In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I explore why traditional productivity advice often fails ADHD and AuDHD adults — and why persistence, not consistency, is the real path to progress. We dive into the neuroscience behind commitment, executive function, and attention - including why shame spirals, rejection sensitivity, and autistic inertia can make starting or returning to tasks feel impossible. You’ll also learn practical strategies for working with your neurodivergent brain rather than against it, including: • The Minimum Version Rule for hard days • How curiosity enables persistence with ADHD • Why persistence reduces shame and burnout • How to return to tasks after setbacks without all-or-nothing thinking If you’re late diagnosed with ADHD or AuDHD, this episode will help you reframe productivity, self-compassion, and what real progress looks like. Show Notes & Research Resources: Core ADHD & AuDHD Theories • Dr. William Dodson — The Interest-Based Nervous System https://www.additudemag.com/secrets-of-the-adhd-brain/ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.additudemag.com/secrets-of-the-adhd-brain/__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPsCLogiM$] • Dr. Russell Barkley — Executive Function & Consistent Inconsistency https://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets.html [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets.html__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPk4DOBfk$] • Dinah Murray — Monotropism Theory of Autism https://monotropism.org [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/monotropism.org__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPiFpaxpE$] Emotional & Mindset Research • Dr. Barbara Fredrickson — Broaden-and-Build Theory https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122271/ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122271/__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPmiTNP-I$] • Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria & Emotional Dysregulation https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/ [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPsd-Jv6-$] • Self-Compassion & Executive Function https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201603/self-compassion-and-adhd [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201603/self-compassion-and-adhd__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPqhQXl8M$] Cognitive Barriers • Autistic Inertia Research https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631876 [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631876__;!!NlLrMPuo!tOSkW3CnBZt1T3xu49f8YgsW7BZUhbXhKVKF-P_ROESKEjLvOWh7dy8HcUEvMEMPdjFzuUssfv5HPkug7pAP$]