Creating Space for Neurodiverse Talent - E63

Neurodiversity isn’t a disability, but a different wiring of the brain. Distinguished creative leader Merlee Jayme joins Rei for another episode to explore the current state of neurodiversity in the creative sector, examining the complexities and untapped potential it brings to the workplace. In the conversation, Merlee recounts her pivotal moment in her life two years ago, sparked by observing her young nephew with autism, which led her to establish Misfits Camp—a training center for neurodiverse young adults in the Philippines.

2025 ADFEST LOTUS LEGEND Merlee has dedicated her life to pushing creativity forward.

She is the Chairmom® and founder of The Misfits Camp, the first-ever safe space in the world to assess and upskill neurodivergent and deaf creative adults and bridge them to the creative industry.

And just this year, she founded Jayme Headquarters, a social enterprise creative agency that provides actual workplace experience for divergent creatives.

Before this, Merlee was an advertising veteran and a creative leader. She was Dentsu

McGarryBowen Global co-president and led Dentsu International APAC as Chief Creative Officer to greater heights by winning the Adfest Network of the Year 2020 and 2022, Spikes Network of the Year 2021, Cannes Lions Regional Network of the Year 2021, and AD STARS Network of the Year 2021.

Her work pushes Insights and innovation and inspires creative collaboration.

Having received major awards, including the Philippines’ only Cannes Lions Grand Prix, she was one of the eight women in the world’s top 100 Chief Creative Officers according to the 2019 Drum Global Ranking.

The first Filipino to be named Creative of the Year in Southeast Asia by Campaign Asia, she was also recognized with the 4As of the Philippines Lifetime Achievement Awardee in 2023, the Hall of Fame Award by the 4As Creative Guild, The New York Festivals Creative Achievement Award, and the CEO of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators, the Asian Marketing Federation Woman Marketer of the Year 2019, and the Campaign Asia’s Women Leading Change Women’s Advancement Champion for her creative work for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2024.

Merlee is one of CNN’s Leading Women, the author/illustrator of four creative books, the mom of four creative women, and an inspiration for breaking the glass ceiling in this mad men’s world.

Timestamps:

• 0:03 Empowering Neurodiverse Talent Through Creative Training
• 4:44 Exploring Neurodiversity and Its Unique Strengths
• 8:49 Discovering and Nurturing Neurodiverse Talents for Creative Careers
• 15:00 Building a Creative Ecosystem with Misfits Camp and Agency
• 18:18 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Creative Industry

Episode References:

• Merlee Jayme | TikTok
• Merlee Jayme | LinkedIn
• Merlee Jayme | Facebook
• Rei Inamoto | Instagram
• Rei Inamoto | X
• I&CO | Corporate Site

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