Jessica Michaels

About Jessica Michaels

What is the Corporate NeuroDivide? It is this: the markers of professionalism include things like eye contact, outgoing energy, quick thinking extroversion, snappy dress sense, and a great handshake. The issue? These are very common traits for people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other \"neurodivergent\" conditions. There are 2 sides: those that are professional and those that are neurodivergent. The result is that thousands of working professionals are misunderstood, mislabeled, and looked at as less-than just because the way they work looks different from the majority. Business professionals, often in the name of inclusivity, have created a world where differences are punished instead of valued. Some of the most creative minds in the world wouldn\'t make it past a first-round interview today. Would your company be better with minds like Dr. Temple Grandin, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Simone Biles, Carl Sagan, Walt Disney, Charles Schwab, or Ted Turner? Too bad - they\'d fail the screening call. The NeuroDivide is just too big. My goal is to bring the two sides of the NeuroDivide together. Neurodivergent brains aren\'t less capable of getting a job done, less creative, or less intelligent. We must overcome our outdated definition of what professional looks like, sounds like, and acts like. Companies must put their money where their mouth is when it comes to inclusivity. Neurodivergent managers and leaders should be supported and encouraged. All employees must learn to let go of preconcieved ideas around communication and actions. As a late-diagnosed #ActuallyAutistic and #ADHD leader and trainer myself, I am able to use my lived experience and adult education expertise to inform and inspire your employees. I work individually with managers and leaders as a coach; I train small teams and groups, and I speak at a variety of events. If you think humor has no place in these discussions, please look elsewhere.

Experience

1. Leadership Development Partner

   Adobe

   Jun 2020 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Helping leaders grow to make employees thrive. I design and facilitate large and small-scale training for Adobe\'s leadership population. Adobe is on a quest to equip all managers and leaders with the skills they need to raise the bar. Through virtual sessions, on-demand learning, coaching, and a host of tools and resources, I am able to leverage my skills and passion to make a difference.