Unlocking Neurodiversity – A Leadership Mindset

Date: January 17, 2024
Type: Online

Unlocking Neurodiversity – A Leadership Mindset

Effective leadership isn’t just about managing resources or hitting targets; it’s about harnessing the collective potential of diverse minds on a team to foster innovation, resilience, and growth. Understanding the connection between neurodiversity and belonging at work can unlock immense value for public sector leaders. By nurturing an inclusive environment for everyone, leaders can help accelerate innovation, enhance decision-making, and build a talent pipeline for their organizations.

Join us for this exclusive virtual event and connect with Ivey Business School Professor Rob Austin, founder of the Neurodiversity Employment Research Project. Through real-world case examples, cutting-edge research, and live Q&A, you’ll boost your knowledge in this emerging field and gain practical takeaways for your personal leadership.

Key Takeaways

Re-frame Your Mindset: Challenge the traditional notions of neurodiversity. Recognize the importance of leading individuals based on their unique qualities and strengths.

Diversity and Performance: Dive deep into the connection between diversity and performance. Discover why the traditional approach of ‘fitting in’ can, more often than not, suppress innovation and hinder success.

The Benefits of Neuro-Inclusive Leadership: Understand the tangible and intangible benefits of adopting neuro-inclusive policies and practices. Harness the strength of diversity to achieve better results while establishing a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

The Ivey Academy logo

This event is offered in partnership with the Ivey Academy.

Event Details

Date & Time: January 17 2024, 13:00 to 14:15 EDT

Audience: All Public Service executives across Canada and internationally are invited to attend APEX’s learning events

Session Resources

Neurodiversity and Belonging at Work

Learning Program at The Ivey Academy

Ivey Neurodiversity Employment Research Project

PowerPoint Presentation

Session Recording Available

Dr. Rob Austin

Professor, Information Systems and Innovation, Ivey Business School

Professor Rob Austin has been at the forefront of understanding and promoting the success of neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. As a respected member of the Ivey Business School faculty, he has championed the need to recognize and leverage the unique potential that neurodiverse individuals bring to organizations.

Professor Austin’s research expertise revolves around the integration of technology and management, and how neurodiversity plays a pivotal role in this intersection. With numerous publications to his name, his studies offer profound insights of how neurodiverse talent can reshape business landscapes and lead to competitive advantage.

Ivey Neurodiversity Employment Research Project: Under Professor Austin’s leadership, the Ivey Neurodiversity Employment Research Project was initiated to explore the potential of neurodiverse individuals in boosting organizational productivity and fostering innovation. This groundbreaking project not only delves deep into understanding the nuances of neurodiversity but also advocates for its recognition as a significant driver of business growth.

Photo Dr. Rob Austin
Photo Chad Sheehy

Chad Sheehy

Executive, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, APEX

Chad Sheehy joined APEX on interchange in September 2023 from Health Canada. He is part of the Leadership Centre of Excellence and is excited for the opportunity to develop APEX’s EDI and accessibility strategy. Chad will be working with executives, diversity networks and government departments to advocate for and with executives from communities that are facing barriers. Additionally, Chad will lead the work within APEX as an organization to advance EDI and accessibility in our policies and programming.

Chad has nearly 20 years of public sector experience, mainly in regulatory compliance and enforcement, until he shifted his career in early 2023 to align with his passion and values and pursue advancing DEI in the public service. In his diverse educational background, Chad trained as a Naturopathic Doctor and holds Executive Certificates in DEI Strategies for Business Impact from Cambridge Judge Business School and in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

Chad is a father of two, and along with partner and kids, he enjoys exploring and embracing the beauty of the Rockies and prairies.

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