What does it really mean to navigate life and career as an autistic professional in today’s world? In this episode, we sit down with Shea Belsky, autistic self-advocate, tech lead at HubSpot, and host of the Autistic Techie podcast, to hear his journey from childhood therapies and IEPs to leading teams in major tech companies. Shea opens up about masking, relationships, advocacy in the workplace, and how embracing neurodiversity can transform both careers and lives.

Shea Belsky shares his inspiring journey as an autistic self-advocate and accomplished professional in the tech industry. From childhood therapies and parental support to navigating internships at IBM and Google, Shea explains how he learned to identify his triggers, regulate his energy, and advocate for himself in demanding environments. He opens up about masking and its emotional toll, the critical role his parents played in his independence, and the supportive partnership he built with his wife. Professionally, Shea discusses his leadership experience as CTO at Mentra, his return to HubSpot, and how he uses his podcast Autistic Techie to amplify neurodivergent voices. His message throughout is clear: kindness, honesty, and communication are the cornerstones of thriving—both personally and professionally.

About The Guest:

Shea Belsky is an autistic self-advocate, technology leader, and podcast host. Currently a Tech Lead at HubSpot, his career path has taken him through companies like IBM, Google, and Wayfair, as well as serving as CTO at Mentra, a neurodiversity employment network. In addition to his professional work, Shea hosts the Autistic Techie podcast, where he explores what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent person in the tech world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-awareness is key—know your triggers, energy limits, and communication style.
2. Self-advocacy works best when you’re clear about what you need and why.
3. Supportive families and partners can be life-changing in building independence.
4. Masking may sometimes feel necessary, but it often comes with emotional costs.
5. Open, honest communication strengthens both personal and professional relationships.

(00:18) Shea’s background and career journey

(01:52) Growing up autistic: sensory and social challenges

(03:35) Managing energy through spoon theory & social battery

(05:06) Therapies, independence, and parental support

(07:10) Meeting his wife and navigating relationships

(09:41) Thoughts on Love on the Spectrum and autistic relationships

(13:36) Career path: IBM, Google, Wayfair, HubSpot, and Mentra

(20:23) How to disclose autism to a manager effectively

(26:14) Leading a neurodivergent team at Mentra

(30:31) Job seeking, anxiety, and masking

(36:22) Sensory regulation and workplace strategies

(39:50) Launching the Autistic Techie podcast

(44:35) Advocacy, awareness, and stereotypes about autism

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Shea Belsky on LinkedIn: Shea’s LinkedIn

Listen to Shea’s podcast: Autistic Techie

Call to Action:

Ready to learn how self-advocacy and openness can transform the way neurodivergent professionals thrive in life and work?

Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights from Shea Belsky.