Leading People as Individuals: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity

In this complimentary livestream event, we explore how leaders can cultivate an inclusive work environment that enables your organization to unlock the potential of diverse teams.

NeuroDiversity - people walking in colorful blocks

In this session:

Research has shown that there are clear benefits to having a diverse team, but how do you create an environment for individuals with unique differences to thrive? Discussions about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are becoming central to leadership, and, moving forward, leaders must consider neurodiversity as a central pillar of their organizations' strategy to stay innovative and approach problems in a new way. Recruiting a neurodivergent team isn’t just about ‘doing the right thing’—it enables you to drive your organization to the next level and expand capabilities.

In our second livestream on the topic of neurodiversity in the workplace, we explore how to lead by creating an inclusive work environment that matches the individual needs and preferences of your employees and empowers each member of your team to embrace their differences. For this discussion hosted by Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director at the Ivey Academy, we're joined by guests: Rob Austin, Professor of Information Systems at Ivey Business School; Charlotte Valeur, Chief Executive, Global Governance Group; and Neil Barnett, Director, Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft. During this event, our panelists will explore the benefits of neurodiversity at work and unpack the deficits in traditional managerial structures that limit neurodivergent individuals.

Ivey Centennial Series

Ivey Business School is proud to present a special livestream event series in celebration of our 100th anniversary. This series will explore emerging critical issues for organizations around the evolution of work, sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. Join us throughout 2023 to hear panel discussions and interviews with prominent business leaders, industry experts, and Ivey faculty as we chart the future of business leadership and imagine the possibilities of Canada's next 100 years.

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Faculty

Rob Austin

Rob Austin

Professor, Information Systems

Guests

Neil Barnett

Director, Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft

Neil Barnett

Since the announcement at World Autism Day in 2015, Neil Barnett has been responsible for the program evolution of the Microsoft Neurodiversity Hiring Program. He leads the inclusive hiring strategy for people with disabilities across Microsoft. Neil is also responsible for the strategy and performance of Microsoft’s consumer and enterprise Disability Answer Desk that provides specialist customer support to people with disabilities. He co-founded and leads a coalition of employers as part of the Neurodiversity @ Work Roundtable.

Charlotte Valeur

Chief Executive, Global Governance Group

Charlotte Valeur

Charlotte Valeur is an Investment Banker and experienced FTSE Chair and Non-Executive Director whose long board-level experience spans a host of sectors and industries and covers IPOs, M&A and restructuring. Her current directorships includes Chair of Blackstone Loan Financing Plc, NED of FTSE250 Bankers Investment Trust, FTSE250 Digital Infrastructure and of the international engineering firm Laing O’Rourke.  She is a recognized international authority and professor in corporate governance and leadership, and author of Effective Directors (Questions to Ask). 

 

A lifelong human rights advocate, Charlotte is driven to play her part in creating an inclusive society; she advocates for equality and inclusion for all, working at the intersection of Government, Industry, Academia and the Third Sector. To this effect she also founded and chair Board Apprentice and the Global Institute of Neurodiversity, ION.