Neurodiversity at Work with Tara May: Building Success Through Inclusion
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Unlocking the extraordinary potential of neurodiversity in the workplace takes center stage in this eye-opening conversation with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech. As both a seasoned digital transformation expert and mother to an autistic son, Tara brings a uniquely powerful perspective to her leadership of North America's largest employer of autistic adults.
From its humble beginnings at a kitchen table to a thriving tech company with over 100 employees and $6-7 million in annual revenue, Aspiritech's journey demonstrates how embracing neurodiversity creates both business excellence and meaningful social impact. What began as two parents' quest to help their autistic son find suitable employment has evolved into a revolutionary model where 93% of team members and 80% of executives are on the autism spectrum.
Tara dismantles common misconceptions about hiring neurodiverse talent, revealing that accommodations are typically straightforward and cost-effective. More compelling are the advantages: autistic individuals solve problems 40% faster on average than neurotypical people, bringing exceptional productivity, loyalty, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities to the workplace. Through services spanning quality assurance, web development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and creative design, Aspiritech delivers exceptional value to major clients while creating life-changing career opportunities.
The impact extends far beyond employment. When a 15-year-old touring Aspiritech declared it his "dream company" and could finally see what was possible for his future, it exemplified the transformative power of representation. Through extensive collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, and international partners across multiple continents, Aspiritech is addressing the estimated 80% unemployment or underemployment rate among autistic adults.
Tara leaves us with a profound insight about inclusion: it begins with extending kindness and grace to ourselves, embracing our own complexities and imperfections. Only then can we truly extend that same acceptance to others. Connect with Aspiritech at www.aspiritech.org or find Tara on LinkedIn to join this powerful movement transforming workplaces and lives through the celebration of neurodiversity.
Connect with Tara May
www.aspiritech.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranmay/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspiritech/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taramaytesimu/
https://www.facebook.com/aspiritech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taratesimu/
https://www.instagram.com/aspiritech/
Stay tuned for the next episode of Ready Set Collaborate with Wanda Pearson. Subscribe - Follow and Like Ready Set Collaborate with Wanda Pearson
Chapters
1. Neurodiversity at Work with Tara May: Building Success Through Inclusion (00:00:00)
2. Introduction to Ready Set Collaborate (00:00:08)
3. Meet Tara May and Aspiritech (00:00:41)
4. Personal Journey and Mission Evolution (00:04:14)
5. Supporting Autistic Adults in the Workplace (00:08:33)
6. Breaking Down Misconceptions About Neurodiversity (00:12:41)
7. Challenges and Future Vision (00:16:46)
8. Inclusion, Collaboration and Closing Thoughts (00:21:24)
9. Episode Wrap-up and Subscribe Reminder (00:29:44)
91 episodes