Classroom 5.0 From Burnout to Breakthrough: Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential, with Mike Knapp
Series 5 of Classroom 5.0, NeuroPEAK, is unpacking the stories of the unique strengths and struggles of navigating Neurodiversity in leadership.
My guest today is Mike Knapp, an ex-Google innovator and founder of Shoes of Prey who takes us through his journey of discovering his neurodivergent identity after facing burnout. After years of pushing through periods of ill-health in high-demand environments, Mike discovered that the source of his exhaustion wasn’t the work—but how the work was structured for his neurodivergent brain.
This realisation was a turning point, and in our conversation, Mike reveals how understanding his ADHD and Autism unlocked a deeper potential. It's allowed him to not only reshape his career but also rethink how creativity and innovation can truly flourish when supported by environments that understand neurodiversity.
What if we all embraced our unique wiring instead of trying to fit into rigid moulds? How would your life change if you had a work structure that truly supported how your brain works?
As Mike shares, it’s time we started seeing neurodivergence as a strength, not a challenge to overcome. The world needs more workplaces that foster the kind of creativity only neurodivergent minds can deliver.
Are you ready to unlock your own leading-edge potential? If you’re curious about how neurodiversity can fuel innovation in fast-paced industries, this episode is a must-listen!
You'll learn how to:
- Embrace your uniqueness
- Build flexible work and life environments
- Harness the power of neurodivergence for innovation
What’s one way you could shape your environment today to work better for your brain? Loved this episode? Please share it with a friend, and leave a review to help it reach others!
For resources, click here for the podcast episode page
Connect with Mariane: • Get Mariane's new free ADHD Motivation guidebook, Master Your Mind and Find Your Mojo, to finally take action on those big goals you're chasing. • Watch the episodes on YouTube • Follow Mariane on Instagram • Follow Mariane on LinkedIn • Explore how Mariane can support your Neurodiversity Journey here