Building inclusive workplaces: how to unlock the value of neurodiversity
A panel discussion with
By championing neuro-inclusion you can make a bigger impact for your people and your business.
As a senior leader, you're leading the way for success and innovation in your company. When companies champion neuro-inclusion, employees are more likely to feel confident to be themselves and reach their full potential. Not only does this lead to a greater employee experience, it can also have a positive impact on your business objectives.
In fact, across just one project 4 neurodivergent employees generated a cost saving of $100,000 and 800 hours for EY. That's because neurodivergent individuals think in ways that are truly unique. With different thinking, we can be more innovative.
In this recorded discussion our panelists explore how to create a neuro-inclusive workplace, while driving business advantage through neuro-inclusive practices.
Fill in the form to receive the recording, alongside resources that'll help you take action in your organization.
Please note: The video you'll receive was recorded at a live event which took place at Columbia Business School.
“The business case is really easy - agility, resiliency, innovation. How are you going to see around the corner of not only today's issues, but tomorrow's? It's going to take a high-performance team that's multidimensional. And without the neurodivergent workforce, frankly, we're going to miss a whole bunch of things.”
Hiren Shukla, Global Neurodiversity Leader, EY
Register and discover...
- The strengths of neurodiversity, and how EY have secured $1b+ ROI and saved 3.5m+ hours from solutions created by their neurodivergent talent
- How to create a high-performing culture where neurodivergent employees feel valued and empowered to harness their unique talents
- Why and how neuro-inclusion should and can be implemented into your ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy
- Advice from your peers on how to overcome common challenges, and make an impact now and for the future
Hear from experts including:
Hiren Shukla, Global Neurodiversity Leader, EY
Hiren Shukla has been pioneering neuro-inclusion at EY since 2016. Back then, he pitched the idea of a neurodiversity program to help drive innovation at EY. Today, EY has over 400 full-time neurodivergent employees.
Through their Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence, EY sources, trains and supports neurodivergent professionals in 8 countries. This helps them to create a workplace that can successfully recruit and retain neurodivergent talent. By making sure neurodivergent employees can thrive, they're also benefiting from unique talents that generate key process improvements for their business and for their clients.
Watch now and discover how to build a better working world for your people and your organization.
Cathy Donnelly, CPO, Texthelp
After 25+ year’s experience in Human Resources, Cathy joined Texthelp in 2022 as the company’s first ever Chief People Officer. Before joining Texthelp, Cathy spent almost 10 years as the Senior Director – Talent with Liberty Mutual. Prior to this, Cathy was HR Manager for IKEA UK & Ireland. Cathy's move to Texthelp was inspired by the company's strong purpose and values.
According to our own research, 93% of neurodivergent people would be more likely to apply to, or continue to work for, a company that was supporting neurodivergent employees well. Cathy's vision for Texthelp is one with a best-in-class global employee experience where everyone is supported to fulfill their potential. Her focus is on building a globally inclusive community that recognizes and celebrates diversity, and fosters a high-performing culture.
Watch now and discover how to create a culture where neurodiverse teams can thrive.
Jose Velasco, Program Director and Autism at Work Ambassador, SAP Signavio
Prior to his current role, Jose was global co-lead and head of the SAP Autism at Work Program in the Americas. Through this program, SAP has provided more then 700 opportunities for autistic students and professionals and currently employs 217 autistic employees across 17 countries.
Through his work at SAP Autism at Work, Jose and his team have been featured in more than 1,000 global, national and local publications including the Wall Street Journal, CBS This Morning, NBC, Fox, Inc. Magazine and Forbes among others.
Jose has participated as a panelist at the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, testified before U.S. Congress on the “Global Challenge of Autism” and collaborated on the topic of Corporate Social Innovation at the World Economic Forum. In 2016, Jose launched the Autism at Work Summit. He is also a board member of The Arc, advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As well as board member of the Autism Society of America and an Advocacy Board member for the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University.
Watch now and discover SAP's key learnings since launching their Autism at Work program in 2013.
Rebecca Ponce de Leon, Assistant Professor (Management Division), Columbia Business School
Rebecca has carried out research grounded in the desire to uncover the processes that hinder progress toward diversity and equality in organizations and society more broadly.
She approaches this topic by exploring how social categories, like race and gender, and motivated beliefs, like social dominance ideologies, lead to patterns of bias in perceptions and behavior.
Rebecca has published her work in journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Psychological Science, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and Research in Organizational Behavior. Prior to joining the faculty at Columbia, Rebecca completed her PhD in Management and Organizations from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Rebecca was the moderator for our panel discussion.
Sandi Drucker Wright, Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School
The Tamer Center for Social Enterprise educates leaders to use business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and management tools to address social and environmental challenges
Sandi advises on Tamer Center’s various initiatives that are looking to increase effectiveness or expand reach. She works with industry experts, faculty, community advocates, students, media, and philanthropic groups to build understanding and buy-in, including procuring financial resources.
Hear from Sandi as she opened the discussion and set the tone for an inspiring conversation.
Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development
Abby Jo Sigal has worked to strengthen New York City communities for over 25 years to empower residents. Abby currently leads the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development(NYC Talent).
NYC Talent is responsible for the City’s talent and workforce development system that benefits city residents, employers, and the economy. As the founding CEO of HERE to HERE, Abby led a diverse team committed to aligning key stakeholders to prioritize the career success of NYC students, demonstrate best practice, and drive systems change. She was also the executive director of The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation. Prior to the Mayor’s Office, HERE to HERE and the Dimon Foundation, Abby was the Senior Vice President of Innovation at Enterprise Community Partners, a national housing organization, and provided leadership across the organization for strategy, new product development, knowledge management, and impact investing. Early in her career, Abby oversaw the design and development of the New York City’s Hudson River Park along the West Side and launched its first Summer Youth Program. Abby has extensive experience in community development, public/private partnerships, impact investing, real estate finance, and partnering with community-based organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale in Philosophy and master’s degrees from UC-Berkeley in Business Administration and City & Regional Planning.
As a bonus, watch the recording and view our keynote session which was delivered by Abby.
Who will this session benefit?
C-suite leaders, directors, and senior executives focused on Human Resources and/or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.