Why companies resist neurodiversity

What if your different wiring isn't something to overcome—it's the foundation for building a business that actually works for you?

For years, many neurodivergent professionals have spent enormous energy trying to decode unspoken workplace expectations, masking their natural tendencies, and wondering why traditional employment feels so exhausting. But what happens when we embrace the brains we've got instead of trying to mind-read what's expected of us, and start building businesses that work WITH our wiring instead of against it?

In this milestone 50th episode of Thinkydoers, Sara sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman—creator of five startups with three exits, founder of Help a Reporter Out (now Source of Sources), and co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting. Peter shares his journey from spending decades believing something was wrong with him to building multiple successful companies powered by his ADHD brain.

Whether you're a shy introvert wondering how to gain visibility, a neurodivergent professional considering entrepreneurship, or a leader trying to understand how to build truly neuroinclusive workplaces, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about "fitting in."

Episode Highlights:

• How accidentally falling into PR and media led Peter to discover that the only way he could truly thrive was by making his own rules.
• Why decades of being told you’re “disruptive” can feel like a burden—and how unlearning that narrative helped Peter see his neurodivergent brain as an asset, not a liability.
• Media visibility for introverts: why letting press coverage do the talking can be a game-changer when self-promotion feels impossible.
• What every company should understand about neurodiversity—and why resistance to change is holding workplaces back.
• Don’t hide your different brain: Peter’s powerful message about embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn’t have to define your whole identity, but it shouldn’t be your secret either.

Key Concepts Explored:

• Accidental career in PR and media: How starting out in an AOL chatroom led Peter to discover that he thrives when he creates his own rules.
• Entrepreneurship as a fit for neurodivergent brains: Why traditional employment can feel restrictive and self-employment allows your wiring to become an asset.
• The “broken” narrative: Unlearning decades of being told you’re disruptive and embracing neurodivergence as a benefit rather than a liability.
• Media visibility for introverts: How earned media and press coverage can do the talking for you when self-promotion feels impossible.
• Building neuroinclusive workplaces: Why companies resist change and what they can gain by embracing employees who think differently.
• Don’t hide your different brain: Embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn’t have to be your entire identity, but it shouldn’t be your secret either.
• Creating your own sandbox: Designing your environment and work to meet your unique strengths and needs.

Common Questions Answered:

• How can I turn neurodivergence into an asset in my career or business?
• Why do traditional workplaces often feel limiting or frustrating for neurodivergent people?
• How can media visibility help introverts or high-expertise thinkers get noticed without self-promotion?
• What does it take to create a neuroinclusive workplace that supports different ways of thinking?
• How do I embrace my “different brain” without shame or feeling like it defines me?

Notable Quotes:

"If you didn’t know what to do, fake it and figure it out" – Peter Shankman [00:04:00]

"The majority of us have been told our whole lives that we’re broken. It took me 20 years to realize I could make my brain work for me." – Peter Shankman [00:06:00]

"Media visibility does the talking for you. You don’t have to say you’re great—let the world see it through others." – Peter Shankman [00:07:00]

"Companies don’t realize the benefit of allowing people who think differently to lead—they resist change, but that’s where growth happens." – Peter Shankman [00:08:00]

"Don’t hide your different brain. You don’t have to make it the centerpiece of everything you do, but don’t hide it either." – Peter Shankman [00:11:00]

"You can embrace your gifts and think differently, and that alone can make your life and work richer." – Peter Shankman [00:11:00]

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Introduction: Celebrating the 50th episode and welcome to Peter Shankman

[00:01:00] Guest Introduction: Peter’s background as a five-time entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting

[00:03:00] Early Career: How AOL and accidental opportunities shaped Peter’s path

[00:04:00] Entrepreneurship Journey: Discovering he could only thrive by making his own rules

[00:05:00] Neurodivergence as an Asset: Turning ADHD and different wiring into a career advantage

[00:07:00] Media Visibility for Introverts: How press coverage can do the talking for you

[00:08:00] Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces: What companies should know about embracing different thinkers

[00:09:00] Overcoming Resistance: Helping leaders accept neurodiverse approaches and change

[00:11:00] Don’t Hide Your Different Brain: Embracing neurodiversity without shame

[00:12:00] Connect with Peter: Where to find him online, including shankman.com, Instagram, Threads, and Faster Than Normal podcast

Guest Information:

Peter Shankman is a five-time entrepreneur, author, and founder of multiple companies, including HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and Source of Sources (SOS), platforms that connect journalists with sources worldwide. He is also the co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting, helping companies attract, hire, and retain neurodivergent employees while creating neuroinclusive workplaces.

Peter has delivered thousands of keynotes on customer experience, entrepreneurship, and neurodiversity. Known for his practical advice and “sandbox” approach, he empowers entrepreneurs, introverts, and strategically wired thinkers to embrace their unique strengths, gain visibility through media, and design careers and workplaces that fit their brains.

He is also the host of the podcast Faster Than Normal, where he explores how ADHD and other different wiring can be harnessed as an advantage in life and business.

Connect with Peter:

Websites: shankman.com, sourceofsources.com, helpareporter.com

Podcast: Faster Than Normal – fasterthannormal.com

Social: @petershankman on Instagram and Threads

Email: peter@shankman.com

Sara’s Links and Resources:

• Pick up Sara's book, "You Are a Strategist" findrc.co/td_yaas
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara: hello@redcurrantco.com
• Sara's website: saralobkovich.com
• Thinkydoers Homepage: saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers.