259: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential with Dr. Matthew Zakreski

Manage Smarter

Dr. Matthew Zakreski is a clinical psychologist, professional speaker, and consultant who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals. He is known for his energetic and engaging speaking style, which has made him a sought-after speaker at various conferences and events. Dr. Zakreski maintains a private practice at the Neurodiversity Collective, where he provides therapy and support to neurodivergent clients. His work focuses on helping individuals navigate a world that often isn't built for their unique needs, offering practical strategies and insights to improve their quality of life.

Insights from this #podcast include:

*Understanding Neurodiversity: Neurodivergent individuals have different brain structures and

functions, which can include conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

Recognizing and accommodating these differences can unlock unique strengths and

talents within your team.

*Tailoring Work Environments: Amplify the environments where neurodivergent employees can

thrive by aligning their roles with their strengths. For example, someone who

excels in relational sales might struggle in quick turnaround sales but can

excel in long-term relationship building.

*Neurodivergent Hiring Practices: Companies should adopt neurodivergent-affirming hiring

practices by focusing on interests and skills rather than traditional job

descriptions. This approach can attract and retain top talent who may not fit

conventional molds but bring invaluable perspectives.

*Managing Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome often stems from feeling different. To combat this, neurodivergent individuals should focus on accepting compliments and rewarding

themselves for achievements to maintain confidence and motivation.

*Context, Not Excuse: Neurodivergence should be seen as context for behavior, not an excuse for poor performance. Managers should explore ways to support neurodivergent employees

in meeting deadlines and achieving goals through tailored strategies and support systems.

#managers #neurodiversity #autism #autistic #ADHD #hiring #HR #human resources #psychology #employees #management #dyslexia #matthewzakreski #neurodiversitycollective #managesmarter

“You build a square hole for the square peg and let them do what they're going to do. Neurodivergent people are allergic to bullshit, right? We can smell a fraud from a mile away.”

– Matthew Zakreski

Connect with Matthew Zakreski

www.theneurodiversitycollective.com

www.drmattzakreski.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358

https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski/

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