From Masking to Leading: Navigating the World as a Neurodivergent Woman
Manage episode 489272712 series 3614249
What if neurodivergence isn't just something to be accommodated, but a powerful gift that can transform leadership? Rita Ramakrishnan, a person with Autism Spectrum and ADHD, found strengths behind her diagnosis, and she used it to excel in executive leadership.
Amongst the strengths Rita found was her remarkable hunger for knowledge that stemmed with her voracious appetite of curiosity. Rita, unlike others who would make assumptions based off what they feel other people are thinking or feeling through social cues, doesn't make such assumptions and is not shy about asking others the questions she feels need to be asked. Rita is giving back to others, especially women who are neurodivergent by helping them succeed in the workplace by providing them the tools needed to set them up for success.
Currently pursuing a master's degree focused on neurodivergent leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Rita represents the vanguard of a movement that's transforming how we think about cognitive diversity in the workplace. Connect with her at www.iksana.com to discover how embracing neurodivergence as a gift might unlock possibilities you never imagined.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Rita Ramakrishnan (00:00:00)
2. Journey to Neurodivergent Diagnosis (00:05:13)
3. Growing Up Different: Cultural Outsider (00:10:18)
4. The Exhaustion of Masking (00:15:16)
5. Strengths-Based Approach to Neurodivergence (00:21:44)
6. Managing Overwhelm and Self-Regulation (00:25:16)
7. Finding Resources and Closing Thoughts (00:31:54)
41 episodes