Best Dr Lisa Colledge Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 59: Season 1 reflection: the three themes you connected with most 13:25

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21d ago13:25

13:25

In this special Season 1 finale of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge reflects on a full year of episodes, and explores three themes that have resonated deeply with her listeners. Why neuro-inclusion is your performance infrastructure, not only an ethical add-on. How connecting diverse neurostyles strengthens both wellbeing and organizational…

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Episode 58: Freedom within a framework: how autism-inspired design builds neuro-inclusive culture 10:53

28d ago10:53

10:53

I shared my experience of flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport with my autistic son, Chris, two weeks ago, and how thoughtful, human-centered design transformed an overwhelmingly a stressful journey into one that was manageable. The response online was overwhelming. So in a short follow-up series, I’m exploring the key themes that emerged from …

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Episode 57: Progress over perfection airports show us the way from autism to neuro-inclusive culture 11:50

1M ago11:50

11:50

Last week, I shared my experience of flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport with my autistic son, Chris. I was blown away by how thoughtful, human design made a stressful situation manageable, and by the incredible response to that story online. Comments have poured in, and some interesting themes emerged about what what resonated when we think a…

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Episode 56: Trust over control: autism and universal design at Schiphol airport 10:36

1M ago10:36

10:36

What happens when inclusion runs on trust instead of control? In this episode, I explore what flying from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport with my autistic son revealed about how trust, flexibility, and how universal design can turn inclusion from a set of exceptions into a reliable system. • My FIT cultural model that turns inclusion from a reaction i…

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Episode 55: Energy by design: how teams can rethink burnout and focus in the age of distraction - with Rich Ellis 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

Your team’s energy isn’t infinite, but you can design it to go where it counts most. In this episode, Dr Lisa Colledge talks with Rich Ellis, a health and energy coach who helps individuals and teams protect and sustain their energy before burnout hits. 💡 You’ll hear: • Subtle signals of energy mismanagement you can spot early on. • Energy myth: th…

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Episode 54: The ADHD advantage in entrepreneurship, with Peter Shankman 24:55

2M ago24:55

24:55

The ADHD brain isn’t broken - it’s built for action. In this fast-moving, funny, and deeply personal conversation, Peter Shankman - five-time entrepreneur, author, and ADHD advocate - shares the life rules and habits that helped him turn distraction into drive. 🔹 Why 3:30 a.m. workouts keep him focused and calm. 🔹 How ADHD shapes his creativity, ri…

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Episode 53: From defensive to Neuro-Inspired: how the best teams thrive in volatile times 12:27

2M ago12:27

12:27

By Dr Lisa Colledge

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Episode 52: Your emails aren’t enough: lessons from neurodiversity and universal design 9:10

2M ago9:10

9:10

Leaders often assume communication is clear, but sticking rigidly to your preferred style quietly drains energy and reduces impact. In this episode, I share stories from my own career that reveal how easy it is to leave performance on the table, and how simple shifts reclaim lost impact. You’ll hear: • The hidden costs of sticking to “your” style o…

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Episode 51: Autism-inspired communication: fixing hidden energy leaks at work 13:32

2M ago13:32

13:32

In this episode, I share two simple tips inspired by how my autistic son learns best, and show how we can apply this approach to unlock hidden impact in the workplace. You’ll hear: • Why “implicit” signals and fake questions drain energy. • How to flip invisible energy leaks into focus and measurable impact. • Real-world stories from parenting, cor…

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Episode 50: The new leadership playbook: award-winning universal design for ADHD, dyslexia, and autism 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

🎉 Episode 50 special! I’ve just been named Leadership Consultant of the Year by Corporate LiveWire - and I’m sharing the award-winning innovations that underpin the new leadership playbook. 👉 In this episode: • Why we’re all “high performers” - when enabled. • How autism, dyslexia and ADHD power universal design for teams. • Why designing for neuro…

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Episode 49: Steven Puri on flow, focus and productivity: brain hacks from Hollywood and tech 48:57

3M ago48:57

48:57

🎬 From Independence Day to independent workdays: Steven Puri brings insights from both worlds. He’s led Hollywood studios, raised $20M in venture funding, and now runs The Sukha Company, where he shares the brain hacks and guardrails that help him channel his ADD, dyslexia, and the constant pull of modern distractions into focused, meaningful work.…

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Episode 48: What the neurodivergence? Sabine van Ditzhuizen puts me on the spot about neuro-inclusive design 19:01

3M ago19:01

19:01

In this fast-paced, no-fluff conversation for Sabine van Ditzhuizen’s What the DEI? series, I get put on the spot about neuro-inclusive design: what it means, why it matters, and how to make it work without drowning leaders in yet more DEI programs. You’ll hear: • Terminology: neurodiversity and neurodivergence. • Business strengths linked to autis…

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Episode 47: Flow state and fast brains: balancing creative flow with rigorous structure – a discussion with Nick Cawthon 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

Nick Cawthon is a San Francisco–based user experience specialist whose career has been driven by his love of creativity, change, and the magic of the flow state. In this conversation, he shares how his “fast brain” thrives when pushing into the unknown, why “burning the mental bridges” can spark breakthroughs, and how pairing with more structured t…

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Episode 46: Designing for difference: lessons from two restaurants getting autism inclusion right - a discussion with Will Savell 13:09

4M ago13:09

13:09

What if small, values-led businesses are already leading the way in autism-inclusion: quietly, practically, and without a policy document in sight? In this uplifting and highly practical episode: • Will Savell shares real-world inclusion stories from two restaurants in East Tennessee. • We explore how clear communication, calm leadership, and flexi…

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Episode 45: From autism diagnosis to entrepreneur: finally, inclusion that works for everyone 12:41

4M ago12:41

12:41

Discover how designing for diverse neurostyles boosts both fairness and performance. Neuro-inclusion works for autistic, ADHD, and neurotypical thinkers, without trading one group’s opportunity to thrive for another’s. This is the story behind my business, that led to me being recognized as one of the Top 10 Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future in 2025…

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Episode 44: Neuro-inclusion 101: a conversation with Kay Suthar on what leaders miss 19:08

4M ago19:08

19:08

New to neuro-inclusion? This episode is the perfect place to start. In this warm and curious conversation, Kay Suthar asked the big questions, about leadership, team culture, autism, ADHD, and how we build workplaces where everyone contributes. You’ll hear us discussing: • How I accidentally discovered the impact of neurodivergence at work. • The a…

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Episode 43: ADD in the age of DEI backlash: a real-life look at burnout and belonging, with Will Savell 34:20

4M ago34:20

34:20

What happens when masking stops working, and the system starts to make less space for difference? In this powerful, real-world conversation: • Will Savell shares his journey through ADD, executive burnout, and a fresh start. • Why “diversity hire” comments are more common, and more damaging, than we think. • The wide range of responses to neurodive…

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Episode 42: Neurodivergent thinking is a business strategy, not a sympathy play with Robert Annis 35:07

5M ago35:07

35:07

What if the very skills your business is missing are ones you’re accidentally screening out? In this high-energy, thought-provoking discussion with organizational psychologist Robert Annis, we cover: • The unexpected strengths of autistic team members, far beyond the tech stereotype. • Cognitive diversity as a business asset for growth and innovati…

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Episode 41: How to design a brainstorm for autistic and ADHD thinkers - and everyone else 14:34

5M ago14:34

14:34

Most brainstorms favor one type of thinker, and leave the others drained or silent. Discover how to unlock better ideas by designing your brainstorm for ALL neurostyles: introverts, ADHD-style fast thinkers, autistic-type deep processors, and more. ⚡ Includes 3 focus areas, each with 3 tactics, to help your team contribute their best thinking. Thes…

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Episode 40: My ADHD team lead is unbearable during deadlines. What can I do? 14:12

5M ago14:12

14:12

A real situation. A real team. A real problem. The team believes their lead has ADHD, and blames that for everything: chaos, stress, last-minute scrambles, and sleepless nights. But here’s the truth: 👉 The real problem isn’t what you think it is. And solving it doesn’t require a diagnosis. In this episode, Dr Lisa Colledge shares a team case study:…

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Episode 39: The surprising connection between parenting and leadership: discussion with Sharon Lim 39:05

5M ago39:05

39:05

Your team isn’t your family, but if you’re leading both, you likely have more skills you can interchange between both situations than you realize. In this conversation, Leadership and Team Coach Sharon Lim shares how two decades of guiding executives shaped how she raised her three teenaged sons, and what it taught her about trust, boundaries, and …

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Episode 38: Lee September on transforming sensitivity into a leadership superpower 40:55

6M ago40:55

40:55

What if the traits you thought made you ‘weird’… are actually what make you a brilliant leader? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge speaks with Lee September, Software Engineering Manager at Bol.com. Lee shares how discovering his neurodivergence, and embracing traits like sensitivity, empathy and deep perception, have shape…

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Episode 37: Neurodivergence and high performance: lessons from a underwater school play 9:59

6M ago9:59

9:59

What does a school play for neurodivergent children have to teach us about leadership and team performance? In this personal episode, I share a moment that reminded me exactly why I started this work: I believe that everyone can do something extraordinary—when you enable them to succeed. - Why our expectations shape outcomes more than we think. - H…

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Episode 36: Super-vision: why autistic minds are a natural match for intelligence work 15:08

6M ago15:08

15:08

What do autistic pattern recognition, Temple Grandin’s visual thinking, and Israel’s elite intelligence unit have in common? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores why neurodivergent thinking styles - such as autistic and dyslexic neurotypes - are a natural match for high-performance roles in cybersecurity and intellig…

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Episode 35: What tech got right with autism at work programs — and where we go next 15:49

6M ago15:49

15:49

Autism hiring programs, like those of SAP and Microsoft, proved that neurodivergent talent can supercharge innovation, retention, and team performance. But what if you’re a team lead, founder, or manager without a big organizational program behind you? In this episode, D. Lisa Colledge explores why these initiatives, while groundbreaking in their t…

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Episode 34: Anti-bias brains that excel in logic and rational decision-making 8:24

7M ago8:24

8:24

We like to think of ourselves as rational—but science tells a different story. Our brains are wired to take shortcuts so we can take rapid, instinct-based decisions, and while that helped our ancestors survive, today it can leads to sub-optimal outcomes. In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge discusses how the information proce…

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Episode 33: Autism and Silicon Valley: a case study in neuro-inclusive design 10:55

7M ago10:55

10:55

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores what happens when culture meets people where they are—not where we think they should be. Using Steve Silberman’s now-classic Wired article The Geek Syndrome as a starting point, Lisa describes how Silicon Valley became a pioneer in neuro-inclusion—by attracting talented people, wi…

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Episode 32: Your culture alarm: growth slows every time you hit snooze 12:28

7M ago12:28

12:28

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge speaks directly to leaders who aim to take advantage of a growth opportunity, but sense that something is not quite right in their team—even when everything on the surface looks fine. These early signals—low energy, stalled projects, reduced initiative—are culture alarms. They are subtle, …

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Episode 31: The hidden cost of rock stars—and what great leaders do instead 13:33

7M ago13:33

13:33

What if the team member you rely on most—the one who always delivers—is quietly limiting your team’s growth? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores the risks of over-relyiance on high performers, and what it really takes to build a high performing, innovative team. Through personal stories, research, and actionable ins…

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Episode 30: Step 4: from personal action to team accountability 18:02

7M ago18:02

18:02

In this episode, Dr Colledge explores Step 4 of her signature program, 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. It’s the step where cultural change moves beyond the leader and begins to involve the team—intentionally, respectfully, and practically. With candid personal stories and a proven tool—the Neurostyle Navigator—Lisa explains how to bui…

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Episode 29: Culture is the game — IBM vs Polaroid 16:32

8M ago16:32

16:32

What does it really take to survive disruption—and thrive in the face of it? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores two iconic companies that faced massive change in the early '90s: IBM and Polaroid. Both had brilliant people. Both valued culture. But only one turned its culture into a capability—and survived. Lisa unp…

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Episode 28: Work get-togethers: connection, not conformity 24:09

8M ago24:09

24:09

Work get-togethers are meant to be fun and engaging, right? But the fact is that they’re only fun for a vocal minority of your organization—and an exhausting ordeal for others. In this episode, I explore how team social events usually default to an extrovert-friendly mold, leaving introverts, neurodivergent team members, and those facing personal c…

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Episode 27: Empathy, innovation, and the future of work: a discussion with Robert Annis 36:11

8M ago36:11

36:11

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College is joined by neurodivergent business psychologist Robert Annis for a candid and insightful conversation on neurodivergence, leadership, and the future of work. They discuss the strengths and struggles that come with neurodivergent experiences, the generational shifts in talent entering the …

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Episode 26: Step 3: action – the power of microinclusive leadership 19:15

8M ago19:15

19:15

In Episode 26 of Culture by Neurodesign, we take the next step in my signature program, Neuro-Inspired: 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. After defining your vision in Step 2, it’s time to start taking action—starting with you. As a leader, your team mirrors your behaviors. This episode focuses on two small but transformative leadership…

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Episode 25: The middle way – practical strategies for empowering your teams. Discussion with Jaime Gennaro – part 2 31:00

9M ago31:00

31:00

How do you create meaningful change in your team when leadership isn’t fully on board? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Jaime Gennaro and I explore The Middle Way—a practical, under-the-radar approach to empowering your team, building influence, and driving change without fighting for top-down approval. If you’ve ever felt stuck between w…

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Episode 24: Pride in neurodiversity: a special Podcasthon episode with Tjerk Feitsma 42:59

9M ago42:59

42:59

In this special Podcasthon episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College sits down with Tjerk Feitsma, Director of The Neurodiversity Foundation, to discuss the transformative power of neurodiversity. Tjerk shares his journey from late diagnosis to becoming a leading advocate, The Foundation’s global impact, and the significance of Neurodivers…

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Episode 23: Why do some leaders resist growth? Discussion with Jaime Gennaro, Part 1 17:02

9M ago17:02

17:02

Why do some leaders resist growth—even when it’s clearly beneficial for their teams and organizations? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I sit down with my partner and leadership coach Jaime Gennaro of Practica Consulting. We explore why some leaders struggle to embrace change, how ego and outdated management styles play a role, and why ge…

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Episode 22: Vision before action: step 2 of my signature program 13:07

9M ago13:07

13:07

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, we continue exploring my signature program, Neuro-Inspired: 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture. Today, we focus on step 2: defining your vision for a future-proof team. Rushing to solutions without a clear vision will only slow your progress and limit your impact. That’s why we take this time to …

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Episode 21: Organizational resilience: 90% of companies lack the core capabilities 21:17

10M ago21:17

21:17

The world is more unpredictable than ever, yet 90% of organizations admit they lack the core capabilities needed for resilience. Leaders recognize the risks—technological disruption, regulatory shifts, economic instability—but most still focus on short-term damage control rather than long-term adaptability. In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign…

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Episode 20: Quiet strengths: engaging introvert talent - a discussion with Richard Etienne 34:56

10M ago34:56

34:56

How can teams tap into the quiet potential of introverts, and create environments where they thrive? In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa College sits down with Richard Etienne, founder of The Introvert Space, to discuss the power of the often hidden strengths of introverts, and how teams and orgaizations can shape their culture to ma…

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Episode 19: Reviving our evolutionary superpower: why teams need cognitive balance 16:58

10M ago16:58

16:58

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explains the research behind the Theory of Complimentary Cognition, and how evolution formed humanity's unique ability to adapt to change through collaboration and cognitive diversity. Lisa breaks down why our workplaces often miss out on the benefits on offer from this evolutionary superp…

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Episode 18: Build resilient teams: engagement, talent, and innovation redefined 20:42

10M ago20:42

20:42

What if one strategic shift could simultaneously boost engagement, attract top talent, and drive innovation? In this episode, I introduce Step 1 of my signature 12-step program—a practical, research-backed approach to embedding cognitive inclusion and unlocking your team’s full potential. You’ll learn: ✅ Why traditional diversity, equity and inclus…

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Episode 17: From berry bushes to breakthroughs: ADHD and innovation 16:19

10M ago16:19

16:19

In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge explores how cognitive diversity fuels organizational innovation and resilience. Drawing on new scientific research, Lisa illustrates how traits commonly associated with ADHD—although often misunderstood—can be powerful assets in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. Learn why a mix of c…

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Episode 16: From constraints to creativity: dyslexia and innovation 23:19

11M ago23:19

23:19

Dr Lisa Colledge continues her focus on innovation by exploring the cognitive strengths associated with dyslexia. Drawing on research by Helen Taylor and Martin David Vestergaard to reframe dyslexic skills as team strengths rather than challenges, Lisa highlights how dyslexic traits—such as strong holistic perception, and a rich memory for the cont…

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Episode 15: Autism, allism, and innovation: a case study with Prof. Laurent Mottron 21:11

11M ago21:11

21:11

Dr. Lisa Colledge shares a case study from Professor Laurent Mottron, whose lab thrived by combining diverse cognitive styles. Highlighting autistic team member Michelle Dawson’s contributions, the story shows how traits like attention to detail and analytical rigor, paired with allistic strengths, drove impactful outcomes. Learn why a cognitively …

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Episode 14: Innovation through the lens of the six working geniuses 25:01

11M ago25:01

25:01

Discover how cognitive diversity fuels the innovation cycle in this episode of Culture by Neurodesign. Dr. Lisa Colledge connects Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses to the innovation process, explaining the innate behaviors behind each genius and showcasing real-world examples. Learn how addressing gaps in these traits through a cognitively in…

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Episode 13: The innovation cycle: from creativity to execution 21:11

11M ago21:11

21:11

Dr. Lisa Colledge debunks the myth that innovation can’t be systematized by distinguishing between creativity and innovation and introducing frameworks like the explore-exploit model and Patrick Lencioni’s six working geniuses. She explains how leaders can create systemic conditions that foster a balance of cognitive styles and an inclusive culture…

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Episode 12: Avoiding the Polaroid pitfall: a culture of healthy dissent 26:35

12M ago26:35

26:35

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the balance between cultural fit and cognitive diversity, featuring case studies from Originals and Polaroid’s downfall. Learn how fostering cognitive inclusion drives innovation, resilience, and adaptability, with actionable insights to future-proof your team. I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build futu…

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Episode 11: DEI and the straight white male: what can I contribute? 24:12

12M ago24:12

24:12

Dr. Lisa Colledge explores barriers to engaging with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially for straight white men, and reframes DEI as a strategy for innovation, retention, and talent. She introduces cognitive inclusion—embracing diverse thinking—and offers practical tools to help leaders confidently advance inclusion for all. I’m Dr L…

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Episode 10: DEI in the media spotlight: are you feeling the pressure? 22:45

12M ago22:45

22:45

Dr. Lisa Colledge examines the challenges and opportunities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s turbulent media landscape. From corporate missteps to lessons in authenticity, she explores the pressures leaders face when addressing sensitive inclusion topics. Drawing on real-world examples like Salesforce's Mark Benioff and candid L…