Transformative Leadership Conversations with Winnie da Silva Making Learning Neurodivergent-Friendly with Amy Shilliday
“People with ADHD aren’t asking for sympathy. They’re saying: here are my pain points and here’s what I need in order to be successful.” - Amy Shilliday
What if the very traits we often label as “challenges” are actually hidden superpowers? And what would it look like if leaders truly understood how to support neurodivergent employees - not just to cope, but to thrive?
In this episode of Transformative Leadership Conversations, I sit down with Amy Shilliday, a learning experience designer, neurodiversity advocate, and founder of Shilliday Vaughan Consulting. With over 25 years in corporate learning and development, Amy has seen firsthand how small shifts in the way we design learning and lead teams can completely change the game - not just for those with ADHD or other neurodivergent profiles, but for everyone.
You’ll hear us discuss:
- Why ADHD and other neurodivergent traits are less about deficits and more about different operating systems
- How “universal design for learning” can transform training and onboarding for every employee, not just some
- Practical ways leaders can coach team members with ADHD without micromanaging or labeling
- The power of disclosure - when, how, and why someone might choose to share their diagnosis at work or in an interview
- What leaders with ADHD themselves can do to embrace their strengths, manage their energy, and lead authentically
- Why self-care isn’t optional and how burnout shows up differently for neurodivergent professionals
Resources
Amy Shilliday on the Web | LinkedIn
Edge Foundation (Sir Richard Branson)
Feel Good Productivity (Ali Abdaal) - An excellent way for anyone, especially ND folks, to set realistic goals
When All Minds Thrive (Saskia Schepers) - Helps leaders realize the benefits of and support methods for ND employees
Winnie da Silva on LinkedIn | On the Web | Substack | YouTube | Email - winnie@winnifred.org