NeuroConversant Leadership

Hosted by Jeremy Doran

Business Management

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148

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May 2026

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About the show

Effective Communication in the S.T.E.M. workplace. Jeremy is a leadership coach who specializes in helping engineers and other S.T.E.M. professionals become great managers and leaders. Being a great leader requires exceptional communication skills, especially in environments where there are a lot of Neuro-Diverse people. We explore communicating well with people who think, communicate and see the world very differently than most. The world needs this diversity in order to make progress. Leaders who can communicate well across this diversity will set themselves apart from the rest!

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May 21, 2026Episode 14743 min

Why Your Best Candidate Just Failed The Interview: #147

Over 80% of autistic adults with college degrees are unemployed. That's not a pipeline problem — it's a workplace design problem.In this fireside chat recorded at an inclusion conference, I'm joined by Arianna DeAngelis, Training Manager at The Autism Project, for a candid conversation about what neuro-inclusive workplaces actually look like — and why the companies getting it right have a real competitive edge.We talk about the damage done by the "high functioning" label, the difference between masking and code-switching, why your interview process is screening out great candidates, and the simple structural changes that make workplaces better for everyone — not just neurodivergent employees.Subscribe to NeuroConversant Leadership on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. New episodes drop every Thursday.If you are having trouble finding qualified candidates, or losing great talent and aren't sure why, visit www.NeuroConversantLeadership.com to get resources or to contact me.

May 14, 202633 min

Your Most Important Decisions Aren't as Rational as You Think: with Julina Ogilvie

What if the key to financial success isn't picking the right stocks — it's understanding how your clients think? Julina Ogilvie joins Jeremy Doran to share her journey from finance to wealth management and why communication, personality, and emotional intelligence matter more than most advisors realize.In this episode:Why fear and greed drive every market decision — and how to work with that, not against itHow to tailor your communication style to different client personalitiesThe role of neurodiversity in financial planning and client relationshipsWhat behavioral finance reveals about how we really make money decisionsHow to help clients "stay the course" when volatility triggers panicConnect with Julina Ogilvie:🌐 Website: https://www.PrincipleWealthPartners.com🎙️ Women on Wealth Podcast: https://julinaogilvie.net/podcastResources mentioned:JP Morgan's Autism at Work Program: https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/people-and-culture/autism-at-workBehavioral Finance Nobel Laureates: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economics/2013/summary/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergent Leadership01:34 Julina's Journey in Finance03:38 Transitioning from Advisors to Individual Clients05:38 The Dance of Communication07:43 Understanding Client Personalities09:30 The Importance of Direct Communication11:18 Behavioral Finance and Emotional Decision-Making17:29 Exploring Money Stories20:29 Diversity in Finance24:45 Translating Complex Financial Concepts26:31 The Role of Behavioral Finance29:16 Conclusion and Communication Advice

May 7, 2026Episode 14510 min

Why I change DEI to D$I

Most people have strong opinions about DEI. Jeremy has a different take: drop the E for equity and replace it with a dollar sign.In this solo episode, Jeremy reframes the DEI conversation around what actually drives business results — cognitive diversity and genuine inclusion. He makes the case that neurodivergent professionals represent an underutilized talent pool of 67 million Americans, and that the companies already winning (JPMorgan, Deloitte) aren't doing it out of social obligation. They're doing it because it works.Topics include:Why equity is nearly impossible to define — and what to focus on insteadThe business case for cognitive diversity (30–140% productivity gains)How subtle exclusion costs you your best thinkersPractical hiring strategies to reduce bias and widen the talent poolWhat it means to be neuroconversant

April 30, 202630 min

From Stuck to Success: Unlocking Neurodiversity at Work with Lisa Richer

What if the way your brain works isn't a problem to fix — but a strength to unlock? In this episode, Jeremy is joined by Lisa Richer, founder of Journey to Bloom and a neurodivergent success partner, who helps professionals move from stuck to success through her three-stage journey map: Clarity, Confidence, and Courage.Lisa brings a deeply personal perspective — diagnosed with multiple neurodifferences later in life, she spent years in the corporate world masking, shutting down, and being told to "just do it my way." Now she helps individuals and organizations understand themselves first, so they can show up fully for others.Key Topics:What "neurodivergent" actually means — and why the definition mattersHow common neurodivergence really is in the workplace (more than you think)The left-handedness analogy: reframing neurodivergence from condition to characteristicLisa's 3 Cs: Clarity (internal), Confidence (relational), and Courage (systemic)Why the "messy middle" is where real leadership happensHow companies like SAP and JP Morgan are proactively leveraging neurodiverse strengthsUnderstanding your learning preference — and why it helps everyone in the roomHow to reframe "does anyone have questions?" so people actually respondScaling inclusion from individuals to departments to systemic changeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to neurodiversity and leadership in technical workplaces02:36 - Differentiating neurodiversity from cognitive diversity04:02 - How common is neurodivergence in the workplace?05:10 - The workday challenges faced by undiagnosed neurodivergent individuals06:36 - Recognizing neurodifferences and the extra work of fitting in07:44 - How inclusive programs like those at JP Morgan succeed by leveraging neurodiverse strengths09:39 - Helping people advocate for themselves in communication and workplace settings11:36 - Understanding yourself to improve communication and collaboration12:09 - Building confidence with the 3 Cs: Clarity, Confidence, Courage14:13 - Moving from manager to true leader through vulnerability and embracing the unknown17:31 - Why courage means facing fear, not the absence of it19:34 - Strategies that help neurodivergent professionals help everyone in the room22:00 - The courage it takes to ask questions — and how to create space for them27:39 - Working with individuals vs. organizations: where change really starts30:27 - Reframing "ask me a question" to "share your insight"32:58 - Lisa's one piece of advice for everyoneLisa's closing advice: If you're thinking it, someone else is too — just ask.Connect with Lisa Richer:Website: Journey2Bloom.comEmail: Lisa@Journey2Bloom.comLinkedIn & Facebook: /LisaRicherInstagram: @Journey2BloomConnect with Jeremy:Website: www.NeuroConversantLeadership.comLinkedIn: /jeremydoranspeaks

April 23, 2026Episode 14329 min

What Great Leaders Do in Their First 90 Days

Show Notes:What if the first 90 days in a new leadership role matter more than the next 90 months? That's the core belief driving today's guests — and the stories they share will stick with you.Neil Marshall, Chairman of Health Search Partners, and Kurt Mosley, Association Practice Leader at Health Search Partners, have spent a combined 65+ years placing and coaching healthcare executives. Together they developed a First 90 Days program to help leaders not just land the role — but thrive in it.In this episode, Neil and Kurt share the frameworks, stories, and mindset shifts that separate leaders who build lasting trust from those who struggle to gain traction.What we cover:The hospital CEO who literally moved into the hospital for his first 90 days — and what it taught him about symbolic leadershipThe 25-50-25 rule for earning authority when you're newWhy your first visible act may be remembered longer than anything else you doHow to be quick without being hurried in decision-makingThe parking lot move that turned "our people matter" from a slogan into a realityWhat the book What Got You Here Won't Get You There means for new managers transitioning out of individual contributor rolesWhy most people just want to be heard — and the financial case for making that happenWhether you're stepping into a C-suite role or your first management position, this conversation offers a repeatable approach to building credibility from day one.Resources & Links:🔗 Health Search Partners: https://www.healthsearchpartners.com📖 What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-You-Here-Wont/dp/1401301304🔗 Neil Marshall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmarshall🔗 Kurt Mosley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtmosleyChapters:00:00 – Meet Neil Marshall and Kurt Mosley02:34 – The origin of the First 90 Days program03:59 – The CEO who moved into the hospital05:03 – What symbolic acts actually are08:11 – The 25-50-25 rule for earning authority09:56 – Building trust through behavior, not titles12:41 – The parking lot symbolic act14:31 – A structured approach to your first 90 days16:08 – Be quick, but don't hurry19:57 – Listening to people who think differently than you21:45 – Advice for new managers from technical roles25:40 – How to earn authority, not just hold a title27:25 – One communication tip from each guest

April 16, 202610 min

If You Can Talk to a Friend, You Can Talk on a Stage: The Principles Are the Same

Most people are terrified of public speaking — but the core skills are ones you already use every day. In this solo episode, drawn directly from his upcoming book, Jeremy breaks down why effective communication follows the same principles whether your audience is one person or a thousand.What you'll learn:Why the mirror/window framework from Good to Great applies directly to communicationThe two things every effective communicator needs to know: their audience's goals and how they process informationHow to engage a group that won't interact — without it feeling like pulling teethWhen to appeal to logic vs. emotion, and how to handle a mixed audienceWhy delivering information in multiple formats benefits everyone — neurodivergent and neurotypical alikeHow to gather audience intelligence before you ever step on stageThe core principle: Whether the audience is one person or a thousand, it's not about you — it's about what they're going to get from what you say.Call to ActionJeremy's book on neurodiversity and workplace communication is coming spring 2026. Sign up for the Launch VIP list for sneak previews and early discounts — link in the show notes.Interested in public speaking coaching or interpersonal communication training? Reach out to Jeremy directly and he'll get you connected with the right resources.

April 9, 2026Episode 1419 min

What ADHD Actuall Is - And How It Shows Up at Work

ADHD is the most commonly cited form of neurodivergence — but it's widely misunderstood. In this episode, Jeremy Doran explains what ADHD actually is: not a deficit of attention, but a challenge in regulating it. He covers the science behind dopamine dysregulation, why diagnosis rates vary so widely (especially between men and women), and the remarkable strengths ADHD brings to the workplace — including hyper-focus, creativity, and the kind of unconventional thinking that drives innovation.Jeremy also shares concrete, practical strategies — both for people with ADHD navigating their careers and for the leaders and colleagues who work alongside them.If you lead technical teams, work in a STEM environment, or just want to understand how different brains operate — this one's worth your time.In this episode:Why ADHD is a dysregulation problem, not an attention deficitThe surprising statistics on diagnosis — including why women are dramatically underdiagnosedThe three powerful strengths ADHD brings to teams: hyper-focus, creativity, and unconventional thinkingPractical strategies for individuals with ADHD to structure their workWhat managers and colleagues can do to unlock the full potential of neurodivergent team membersChapters:00:00 Introduction to ADHD in the Workplace00:51 Common Misconceptions About ADHD01:27 Understanding ADHD: Myths and Realities02:44 How Common Is ADHD?04:08 How to Capitalize on Strengths and Manage the Challenges04:57 Strengths and Challenges of ADHD06:58 Working Alongside Someone with ADHD07:06 Strategies for Managing ADHD in Professional Settings08:01 The Bottom LineKeywords: ADHD, neurodivergence, neurodiversity, workplace, leadership, STEM, hyper-focus, creativity, executive function, time management📘 My book on neurodivergence and leadership is coming Spring 2026. Sign up for the VIP Launch List for sneak previews and launch discounts:

April 2, 20265 min

The World Wasn't Built for You. Now What?

Being neurodivergent isn't the problem. The world being built for neurotypical people is — but that doesn't mean you're off the hook for figuring out how to navigate it.In this episode, Jeremy Doran uses three everyday examples — left-handedness, introversion, and non-native speakers — to build a case for why fitting in costs some people dramatically more than others. Then he introduces Dr. Matt Zakreski's seven-foot-tall analogy to reframe what neurodivergence actually is: not a deficit, but a trait paying a tax that most people never notice.If you lead technical teams, this episode will change how you think about who's quietly exhausted on your team — and why.Sign up for the NeuroConversant newsletter and book launch VIP list

March 26, 202630 min

Why Your Brain is Sabotaging Your Success (And How to Stop It) : Kae Wagner

What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn't your circumstances — but the saboteurs living rent-free in your head?Kae Wagner is a bestselling author and executive communication consultant specializing in Positive Intelligence (PQ). In this episode, she breaks down the nine saboteurs that quietly undermine our leadership, relationships, and happiness — and how understanding them is the first step to getting out of your own way.Whether you're a Hyper Rational, a Stickler, an Avoider, or all three, this conversation will help you move from reacting out of old patterns to responding with clarity and intention.Take the free Positive Intelligence Saboteur Assessment:Text Kae: 717-951-6049 (text only — identify yourself and mention PQ)www.NeuroConversantLeadership.com New episodes every Thursdaylinkedin.com/in/jeremydoranspeaks

March 19, 20268 min

Stop Trying to Motivate Your Employees! Do This Instead.

You can't motivate people, but you can create the conditions where motivation thrives. In this episode, Jeremy Doran shares a simple but powerful story about an employee whose 3pm slump wasn't a performance problem — it was a scheduling mismatch. Once Jeremy understood what she actually wanted, they built a plan that worked for everyone.If you manage people, this one reframes how you think about motivation, alignment, and getting the best out of your team.Understanding the goals of others in your workplace is fundamental to effective leadership. Each division within a company, be it sales, engineering, or service, often has different objectives. For example, a manufacturing company may have teams with distinct targets based on their roles. Recognizing these differences allows for smoother interactions and collaboration.When you grasp not just the "what" but the "why" behind someone else's goals, you open doors to more productive conversations. Often, when you ask a colleague for help, their initial response might be a reluctant "no." However, by inquiring about the reasons behind their goals, you may find that their hesitations stem from valid concerns such as time constraints or priorities. Understanding these nuances can lead to more effective solutions tailored to their needs.What you'll learn:Why carrots and sticks don't work — and what doesHow to uncover what your employees actually wantHow to align individual goals with organizational goals for real, lasting productivity🎙️ Connect with Jeremy Doran:🌐 NeuroConversantLeadership.com📧 JDoran@NeuroConversantLeadership.com#Leadership #EmployeeMotivation #ManagementTips #NeuroConversantLeadership #TechnicalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamManagement #WorkplaceProductivity #PeopleManagement #LeadershipCoaching