The Real Cost of Masking at Work: Neurodiversity Expert Ludmila Praslova

It’s absolutely crucial in today’s work for leaders and the organizations they run to understand the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent workers. In this episode, host Morra Aarons-Mele dives into the complexities around the word “superpower” and the ways workplaces can improve with Ludmila Praslova, a professor at Vanguard University of Southern California and author of the book The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work. They speak about the kinds of accommodations companies can be taking, the latest data around neurodiversity and work, and personal stories about being neurodivergent leaders.

Among the most important links between our physical and mental health might just lie in our digestive tract. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is a gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and the founder of 38TERA. In this episode, he explains his own journey to eating better, how that impacted him mentally, and the most cutting edge research about how anxiety and IBS are linked, why it is especially important for anxious achievers, and more. Learn more about Dr. B: https://theplantfedgut.com/

Dr. James Kustow is a London-based expert in adult ADHD. He shares the latest research around the disorder - which he hesitates to even call a disorder - including how ADHD is linked to emotions and our physical body. Kustow has a truly whole-body understanding of ADHD. We’ll hear some of the science behind ADHD-related behaviors and how they can impact our careers and leadership abilities.

Want to learn more about neurodivergence and navigating career success? Check out Morra’s recent appearance on the We Too Are One podcast, where host Martin Gale aims to celebrate the power of individuals with ADHD and autism - and what it looks like in their work and lives.  Check out more about the show here: https://www.wetooareonepodcast.com/about

Author and former Fortune 500 CHRO Susan Schmitt Winchester returns to the show, this time to talk about past toxic bosses, perfectionism, and coming to terms with why we do what we do at work. She talks about uncovering the reasons we are drawn to perfectionism, what it looks like, and actionable ways we can change our behavior to improve our mental health and our careers.

Leadership comes in many forms, and good leadership can be found at all kinds of organizations, from startups to faith communities. In this episode, Morra searches to learn more about how leaders perform and manage their own anxieties, as well as the anxieties of others. We also explore how leaders can most effectively communicate during anxious times. She speaks with Steve Cuss, an author and pastor, as well as Present Voices founder Lee Bonvissuto.  Learn more about Steve: https://www.stevecusswords.com/about Learn more about Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbonvissuto/

Vlad Gheorghiu is on a mission to make workers happier, healthier, and at the same time, more productive. The ex-McKinsey consultant took his own experience of panic attacks to change his work to something more meaningful. After leading the global mental health and well-being program at the storied consulting firm, he went on to found Kyan Heath, which focuses on a preventive approach to mental health in organizations. He explains why he thinks it can help not just workers, but also the bottom line.  Learn more about Kyan Health here: https://www.kyanhealth.com/

Disclosing your mental health struggles to colleagues or a boss (or even friends and family) can be really hard. In this conversation, host Morra Aarons-Mele speaks with leadership development expert Elle Clark about the upside of creating a culture of transparency. Clark shares her experience being open about anxiety in the corporate world, how it has changed her leadership, and about her relationship with body image.

Many of us carry shame around every day without even realizing it. It can stop us from developing great relationships, chasing our dreams, or even making the most of the day. David Bedrick is an author, psychological activist, and founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies, and he’s spent his life helping people recognize shame and detach from those feelings both physically and mentally. He explains practical ways we can all deal with past trauma and the feelings it creates within us.

We all bring our trauma with us to work every day. But if we build the right culture and relationships, we can also bring vulnerability and healing. If you’ve felt like you have to hide a huge part of yourself at work, this episode is for you.  First, Morra speaks with Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America, about how her trauma from her youth impact the way she works and leads today; and her expertise around addiction and the workplace. Then, we hear from Bobby Hoffman, chief deputy at the Hampden Massachusetts County Sheriff’s Office, who is part of a program bringing therapy dogs to the often macho and not-so-mental health friendly work of policing.