Who We Are and Why We Care

“What is the most important thing you have learned in your life thus far?” asks Kacey Cardin, Executive Leadership coach and TedX speaker. On this kickoff episode of The Neurodivergent Leader Podcast, special guest Kacey Cardin flips the script and interviews co-hosts Heather and Donna about their experiences with neurodiversity.

Donna opens up about her social anxiety and how peers often perceived her as judgmental, when in reality this stemmed from shyness and insecurity. Donna shares her experience as an educator for over twenty years and why she is now actively trying to repair a broken system that provides neurodivergent students with little to no support. She shares how listening and empathy are her greatest strengths, and through listening to her clients she is able to implement changes and methods that are more inclusive and accessible.

Heather, a neurodivergent leader and serial entrepreneur is passionate about spreading awareness around accepting your neurodivergent tendencies instead of hiding them. She opens up about her sobriety and how alcohol acted as a safety blanket for her in uncomfortable and overwhelming social situations. Heather warns listeners of the dangers of “masking” to cover up neurodivergent behaviors and provides tips on how to feel confident and embrace your differences.

Tune in to this week's episode of The Neurodivergent Leader to hear guest Kacey Cardin interview co-hosts Donna and Heather about all things neurodivergence and ask some hard-hitting and wisdom-filled questions. 

 

Quotes

• “I spent my whole life being told that I was lazy, that I just didn't care enough.” (3:03-3:08 | Kacey)

• “The vision, the strategy, the pattern recognition and the innovation, the creativity. Those are amazing strengths my neurodivergence gives me.” (16:33-16:40 | Heather)

• “What is the most important thing you have learned in your life thus far?” (17:48-17:51 | Kacey)

• “Love without judgement.” (19:05-19:07 | Donna)

• “We want to see a world where personal values and personal leadership and personal contribution are the ways in which we build teams and organizations, so that we can be a more inclusive, accepting society.” (32:02-32:13 | Heather) 

• "Love yourself, live your dreams.” (35:36-36:38 | Donna)

 

Links

https://www.kaceycardincoaching.com/

 

www.neurodivergentleader.com 

https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentleader/ 

 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm