From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential, with Mike Knapp
Release Date: 09/20/2024
#48 Leading Through Loss with Active Hope, Love and Wise Optimism, with Jenny Steadman and Gillian Coutts
Classroom 5.0
Just 11 days before her life-altering stroke, Gillian Coutts and I had shared the stage at The Thriving Workplace event in Sydney. I was captivated by her charisma, profound insights into applied positive psychology, and unwavering dedication to help others unlock their full potential back then, and remain as inspired by her positive force in the world today. Over the past two years, Gillian has embarked on an extraordinary journey of rehabilitation, with her family and good friend and professional colleague, Jenny Steadman right by her side. Each day, she is learning to integrate her former...
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The Neuroscience of Neurodivergent Strengths and Struggles, with Dr Shohreh Majd
Classroom 5.0
I sat down with A/Professor Dr. Shohreh Majd, an expert in neuroscience, to explore what’s happening “under the hood” of our neurodivergent brains and bodies. Shohreh shared her insights around the biological basis of our strengths and struggles, and we riffed together on practical strategies that help apply this understanding to help us thrive. For links to resources discussed on today's episode, see the podcast show notes here - Loved the episode? Please take a moment to leave it a 5 star review, and help us reach more good humans with stories of inclusive impact! Key Chapter...
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Relationship-Driven Business Growth, and Optimising AI for Sustainable Success, with Jade Warne
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In Episode 46 of Classroom 5.0, I'm joined by Jade Warne, founder of the Small Business Growth Club, who shares her journey as an entrepreneur shaped by her Samoan roots and a creative family. We dive into the unique strengths neurodiversity brings to business, the importance of flexibility, a service-driven mindset, and the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT for small business productivity. Highlights include Jade’s reflections on neurodiversity in entrepreneurship, tackling burnout, and creating balanced work environments that support diverse needs and life stages. For links to resources...
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45 From Imagination to Impact: Unlocking Creativity
Classroom 5.0
Ever wondered what separates those with great creative ideas from those who turn them into reality? In this episode of Classroom 5.0, I sit down with Joel Connolly, Creative Director at Blackbird Venture Capital, to explore how creativity shows up in everyday life—and how to move from inspiration to execution. Joel shares insights on the role of personal taste, the discipline required to bring ideas to life, and the biological benefits of neurodiversity in accessing flow states. If you think creativity is reserved for a select few, this conversation might just change your mind. Key...
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential, with Mike Knapp
Classroom 5.0
Series 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership. My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered that the source of his exhaustion wasn’t the work—but how the work was structured for his neurodivergent brain. This realisation was a turning point, and in our...
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Ep #43 ADHD and Marketing: The Creative Appeal, with Martin Sully
Classroom 5.0
In this episode of Classroom 5.0, Mariane sits down with Martin Sully, founder of Snapper Studios, to explore how branding can foster inclusivity and connection. We discuss the role of neurodiversity in the marketing industry, with insights into how individuals with ADHD thrive in fast-paced creative environments. Martin also shares practical tips on aligning values with brand strategy and the importance of attention to detail. Join us as we unpack how thoughtful, inclusive design can create meaningful impact for both businesses and their audiences. For links to resoruces mentioned in today's...
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The Role of Psychological Safety in Building an Inclusive Work Culture, with Camille Davey
Classroom 5.0
Camille Davey, the founder of Grow Together Now and a lived experience mental health speaker joins Mariane Power to discuss mental health in the workplace. We explore how leaders can transform their workplaces into safe, inclusive environments, where every voice is valued, and share practical, science backed tips to help you hold hard, but necessary conversations that support mental health, and foster inclusive workplaces. In this episode, you'll learn : The critical role of psychological safety in creating an inclusive work culture. Why “courageous curiosity” is...
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Diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis, Bella’s parents were told their daughter would spend a significant portion of her life in hospitals. However, thanks to the fierce dedication she and her family have invested in her health, Bella has managed to change her destiny, and now shares her considered, holistic approach to health and well-being with others. In this episode, Bella, founder of the Halo Effect, discusses how her experiences shaped her professional purpose, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, radical self-care, and informed decision-making in creating a healthy...
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In Episode 40 of Classroom 5.0, we delve into the impact of human-centered leadership and purpose-driven business with Seth Pathiyil, Head of Hunter Energy Hubs at AGL Energy Ltd. With over three decades of experience across five industries and four countries, Seth shares how his values-aligned approach is transforming AGL’s clean energy initiatives and fostering inclusive impact. Seth's upbringing in Kerala, India, profoundly influenced his leadership style, instilling values of integrity, respect, and well-being. These principles guide his efforts at AGL, where he leads the creation of...
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#39 The Art of Hard Conversations and Transcendent Leadership, with Dr Cree Scott
Classroom 5.0
Ever struggled with tough conversations, unsure how to approach them without causing harm? You're not alone. In this week's episode, Mariane Power sits down with Dr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity Psy Consulting, to explore the art of navigating hard conversations. With over 20 years in psychology and leadership development, Dr. Scott shares insights on science-backed communication strategies and soul-filled connections that break through unconscious bias and help us build more inclusive communities, schools and workplaces. In this episode, Dr. Scott delves into: Self-awareness and...
info_outlineSeries 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership.
My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered that the source of his exhaustion wasn’t the work—but how the work was structured for his neurodivergent brain.
This realisation was a turning point, and in our conversation, Mike reveals how understanding his ADHD and Autism unlocked a deeper potential. It's allowed him to not only reshape his career but also rethink how creativity and innovation can truly flourish when supported by environments that understand neurodiversity.
What if we all embraced our unique wiring instead of trying to fit into rigid moulds? How would your life change if you had a work structure that truly supported how your brain works?
As Mike shares, it’s time we started seeing neurodivergence as a strength, not a challenge to overcome. The world needs more workplaces that foster the kind of creativity only neurodivergent minds can deliver.
Are you ready to unlock your own leading-edge potential? If you’re curious about how neurodiversity can fuel innovation in fast-paced industries, this episode is a must-listen!
You'll learn how to:
- Embrace your uniqueness
- Build flexible work and life environments
- Harness the power of neurodivergence for innovation
What’s one way you could shape your environment today to work better for your brain? Loved this episode? Please share it with a friend, and leave a review to help it reach others!
For resources, click here for the podcast episode page