The AC Podcast 268: Why Creating Neurodiverse, Inclusive Workplaces is Good Business with Professor Ludmila Praslova
In this episode, Kate Jenkinson talks to Professor Ludmila Praslova, organizational psychologist and author of the acclaimed book The Canary Code. Ludmila shares insights from her research and lived experiences, unpacking the book's central metaphor of the 'canary in the coal mine' — as a powerful lens for understanding workplace dynamics. She explains how neurodivergent individuals, often more attuned to dysfunction, can serve as early warning signals for toxic environments: arguing these sensitivities are not weaknesses but offer organizations a vital opportunity to detect and address systemic issues before they escalate.
With refreshing frankness, Ludmila explores neurodiversity in organizational settings, from poor hiring and evaluation practices to the pitfalls of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts and the value of considering intersectionality. She discusses and demonstrates the importance of 'inclusion from the margins,' providing real examples of forward-thinking companies that have successfully implemented neuroinclusive practices. Ludmila shares the role of feedback mechanisms, flexibility, and fair evaluation, and champions job crafting, role modelling and inclusive leadership.
Ludmila invites listeners to reimagine workplaces, where transparency, curiosity and fairness create environments where every mind and every business can thrive.
You will learn:
· Why sensitivity is not fragility but a signal that can aid organizations in creating high performing teams
· Why traditional performance management, such as bell curves, do not work.
· Why designing workplaces for those most marginalised results in healthier, more equitable and more effective systems for everyone
'You don't just bring in more of the same by adding neurodivergent people to the team. You bring in different pieces that create a much richer overall talent set.'
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