Culture by Neurodesign

We like to think of ourselves as rational—but science tells a different story. Our brains are wired to take shortcuts so we can take rapid, instinct-based decisions, and while that helped our ancestors survive, today it can leads to sub-optimal outcomes. In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge discusses how the information processing style of autistic thinkers is more resistant...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores what happens when culture meets people where they are—not where we think they should be. Using Steve Silberman’s now-classic Wired article The Geek Syndrome as a starting point, Lisa describes how Silicon Valley became a pioneer in neuro-inclusion—by attracting talented people, with traits that made them well suited to technology...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge speaks directly to leaders who aim to take advantage of a growth opportunity, but sense that something is not quite right in their team—even when everything on the surface looks fine. These early signals—low energy, stalled projects, reduced initiative—are culture alarms. They are subtle, and easy to ignore, but they are real. And most le...

What if the team member you rely on most—the one who always delivers—is quietly limiting your team’s growth? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores the risks of over-relyiance on high performers, and what it really takes to build a high performing, innovative team. Through personal stories, research, and actionable insights, Lisa unpacks why rewarding only individual...

In this episode, Dr Colledge explores Step 4 of her signature program, 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. It’s the step where cultural change moves beyond the leader and begins to involve the team—intentionally, respectfully, and practically. With candid personal stories and a proven tool—the Neurostyle Navigator—Lisa explains how to build motivation and shared accountability to make th...

What does it really take to survive disruption—and thrive in the face of it? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores two iconic companies that faced massive change in the early '90s: IBM and Polaroid. Both had brilliant people. Both valued culture. But only one turned its culture into a capability—and survived. Lisa unpacks how IBM’s turnaround under Louis Gerstner Jun...

Work get-togethers are meant to be fun and engaging, right? But the fact is that they’re only fun for a vocal minority of your organization—and an exhausting ordeal for others. In this episode, I explore how team social events usually default to an extrovert-friendly mold, leaving introverts, neurodivergent team members, and those facing personal challenges feeling drained, overlooked, and pressur...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College is joined by neurodivergent business psychologist Robert Annis for a candid and insightful conversation on neurodivergence, leadership, and the future of work. They discuss the strengths and struggles that come with neurodivergent experiences, the generational shifts in talent entering the workforce, and what leaders must do to build inclu...

In Episode 26 of Culture by Neurodesign, we take the next step in my signature program, Neuro-Inspired: 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. After defining your vision in Step 2, it’s time to start taking action—starting with you. As a leader, your team mirrors your behaviors. This episode focuses on two small but transformative leadership behaviors: Microinclusions: small acts of inclusi...

How do you create meaningful change in your team when leadership isn’t fully on board?   In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Jaime Gennaro and I explore The Middle Way—a practical, under-the-radar approach to empowering your team, building influence, and driving change without fighting for top-down approval.   If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to make things better but facing leader...

In this special Podcasthon episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College sits down with Tjerk Feitsma, Director of The Neurodiversity Foundation, to discuss the transformative power of neurodiversity. Tjerk shares his journey from late diagnosis to becoming a leading advocate, The Foundation’s global impact, and the significance of Neurodiversity Pride Day. We explore why inclusion matters, t...

Why do some leaders resist growth—even when it’s clearly beneficial for their teams and organizations?   In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I sit down with my partner and leadership coach Jaime Gennaro of Practica Consulting. We explore why some leaders struggle to embrace change, how ego and outdated management styles play a role, and why gender dynamics often influence leadership engagem...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, we continue exploring my signature program, Neuro-Inspired: 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. Today, we focus on step 2: defining your vision for a future-proof team. Rushing to solutions without a clear vision will only slow your progress and limit your impact. That’s why we take this time to clarify where your team is going, and what success...

The world is more unpredictable than ever, yet 90% of organizations admit they lack the core capabilities needed for resilience. Leaders recognize the risks—technological disruption, regulatory shifts, economic instability—but most still focus on short-term damage control rather than long-term adaptability. In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores why most resilience st...

How can teams tap into the quiet potential of introverts, and create environments where they thrive?   In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College sits down with Richard Etienne, founder of The Introvert Space, to discuss the power of the often hidden strengths of introverts, and how teams and orgaizations can shape their culture to maximize the contributions from introverted talent...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explains the research behind the Theory of Complimentary Cognition, and how evolution formed humanity's unique ability to adapt to change through collaboration and cognitive diversity. Lisa breaks down why our workplaces often miss out on the benefits on offer from this evolutionary superpower by prioritizing cognitive "fit" over "mix", r...

What if one strategic shift could simultaneously boost engagement, attract top talent, and drive innovation? In this episode, I introduce Step 1 of my signature 12-step program—a practical, research-backed approach to embedding cognitive inclusion and unlocking your team’s full potential. You’ll learn: ✅ Why traditional diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts often fall short. ✅ How diseng...

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores how cognitive diversity fuels organizational innovation and resilience. Drawing on new scientific research, Lisa illustrates how traits commonly associated with ADHD—although often misunderstood—can be powerful assets in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. Learn why a mix of cognitive styles within your team is essential, and...

Dr Lisa Colledge continues her focus on innovation by exploring the cognitive strengths associated with dyslexia. Drawing on research by Helen Taylor and Martin David Vestergaard to reframe dyslexic skills as team strengths rather than challenges, Lisa highlights how dyslexic traits—such as strong holistic perception, and a rich memory for the context of experiences—equip teams to thrive in rapidl...

Dr. Lisa Colledge shares a case study from Professor Laurent Mottron, whose lab thrived by combining diverse cognitive styles. Highlighting autistic team member Michelle Dawson’s contributions, the story shows how traits like attention to detail and analytical rigor, paired with allistic strengths, drove impactful outcomes. Learn why a cognitively inclusive culture is key to sustaining innovation....

Discover how cognitive diversity fuels the innovation cycle in this episode of Culture by Neurodesign. Dr. Lisa Colledge connects Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses to the innovation process, explaining the innate behaviors behind each genius and showcasing real-world examples. Learn how addressing gaps in these traits through a cognitively inclusive culture is key to driving sustainable orga...

Dr. Lisa Colledge debunks the myth that innovation can’t be systematized by distinguishing between creativity and innovation and introducing frameworks like the explore-exploit model and Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses. She explains how leaders can create systemic conditions that foster a balance of cognitive styles and an inclusive culture, enabling organizations to cycle from idea genera...

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the balance between cultural fit and cognitive diversity, featuring case studies from Originals and Polaroid’s downfall. Learn how fostering cognitive inclusion drives innovation, resilience, and adaptability, with actionable insights to future-proof your team.   I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and ada...

Dr. Lisa Colledge explores barriers to engaging with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially for straight white men, and reframes DEI as a strategy for innovation, retention, and talent. She introduces cognitive inclusion—embracing diverse thinking—and offers practical tools to help leaders confidently advance inclusion for all.   I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build...

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the challenges and opportunities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s turbulent media landscape. From corporate missteps to lessons in authenticity, she explores the pressures leaders face when addressing sensitive inclusion topics. Drawing on real-world examples like Salesforce's Mark Benioff and candid LinkedIn discussions on neurodivergence, Lisa highl...