Why Neuroinclusive Hiring Is Crucial -- and How to Excel at It with Jhillika Kumar, CEO @ Mentra

In this episode of Offer Accepted, Shannon Ogborn sits down with Jhillika Kumar, CEO and Founder of Mentra. Kumar shares her personal journey — inspired by her brother's experiences as a non-speaking autistic individual — which led her to create Mentra, a platform aimed at building the world's largest neurodiverse employment network.

Kumar discusses the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workforce, emphasizing the need for a shift in how talent is evaluated. She advocates for a more inclusive approach, focusing on non-traditional measures of talent such as past projects, work samples, and certifications. Kumar also highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals, especially with the advent of hybrid and remote work.

The conversation also delves into the benefits of neuro-inclusive hiring practices. Kumar cites studies showing increased productivity and lower turnover rates among neurodivergent employees when placed in the right environments. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering neuro-inclusion in the workplace.