Episode Summary

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Sydology 101, host Sydney opens up about her own experiences navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent leader, revealing her journey with ADHD and dyslexia. She’s joined by Emily Kircher-Morris, licensed mental health counselor and host of the Neurodiversity Podcast, for a dynamic and heartfelt conversation about what it really means to be neurodivergent—and how leaders can foster truly inclusive workplaces.

Together, Sydney and Emily tackle misconceptions, share practical tips for leaders and team members, and shine a light on the hidden superpowers that come with different ways of thinking.

What You’ll Learn

• What neurodiversity really means — and what falls under the neurodivergent umbrella
• Why many people go undiagnosed and how this impacts their work
• Sydney’s personal journey with ADHD and dyslexia
• Common neurodivergent traits in the workplace that often get misunderstood or overlooked
• Why masking is common—and how it affects employee well-being
• How to build a culture of psychological safety and vulnerability as a leader
• The difference between big-picture vs. logical-sequential thinkers—and why you need both on your team
• Accommodations and systems that help neurodivergent team members thrive
• How to spot hidden strengths like hyperfocus, creativity, organization, and procedural thinking
• Tools and strategies to improve communication and team dynamics

Featured Guest

Emily Kircher-Morris

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Host of the Neurodiversity Podcast
• Author & Advocate
• Specialist in neurodivergent learning and workplace inclusion
• Mom of three neurodivergent kids, bringing full-circle insight to her practice

Resources & Mentions

• The Neurodiversity Podcast – Hosted by Emily Kircher-Morris
• The Neurodiversity Edge by Maureen Dunne
• Upcoming ADHD-focused book by Ari Tuckman (Spring Release)
• The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
• Emily’s “Getting to Know My Work Style” worksheet 

DSN and FOA Member Support

If you’re a FOA Coaching member, remember that you have access to Talkspace for confidential mental health support. If anything in this episode resonated with you and you’re not sure where to start, visit foacoaching.com and fill out the Contact Us form. We’re here to help.