Neurodiversity at Work by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby Summary
Overview of Neurodiversity at Work
"Neurodiversity at Work" revolutionizes workplace inclusion by showcasing how companies like Microsoft harness neurological differences for innovation. Winner of the 2022 Business Book Awards, it reveals a startling truth: could the 1-in-5 workers with neurodivergent traits be your organization's untapped competitive advantage?
Similar books to Neurodiversity at Work
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
The Untapped Potential of Differently Wired Minds
Ever wondered why companies like Microsoft and IBM are actively seeking neurodivergent talent? The answer lies in a revolutionary understanding of human cognition. Neurodiversity-the natural variation in how brains function-represents one of business's greatest untapped resources. Conditions once viewed solely as disabilities (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) are increasingly recognized as different operating systems that bring unique strengths to the workplace. Think of it as cognitive biodiversity-just as ecosystems thrive through diverse species, workplaces flourish with diverse thinking styles. The language we use matters tremendously. When we shift from "disorder" to "difference," we open possibilities for recognizing extraordinary talents. Most neurodivergent individuals have "spiky profiles"-dramatic peaks and valleys in abilities across different domains. Someone might struggle with organizational tasks yet possess remarkable pattern recognition skills that neurotypical colleagues miss entirely. These differences aren't contradictions-they're the essence of neurodivergent thinking. As David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways, says about his ADHD: "If someone told me you could be normal or have ADHD, I would take ADHD every time." The reality is stark: only 22% of autistic adults are employed in any capacity, representing a massive waste of talent. The barriers aren't capability but environments and processes designed exclusively for neurotypical minds.
The Business Case for Cognitive Diversity
Breaking Down Recruitment Barriers
Creating Environments Where Everyone Thrives
The Disclosure Dilemma and Management Support
Building Sustainable Inclusion Through Networks
A Future Where Different Minds Drive Innovation
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Neurodiversity at Work Summary in 10 Minutes
Break down key ideas from Neurodiversity at Work into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 6 Insights from Neurodiversity at Work in a Nutshell
Distill Neurodiversity at Work into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - Neurodiversity at Work Lessons Told Through 27-Min Stories
Experience Neurodiversity at Work through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Neurodiversity at Work Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the Neurodiversity at Work summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.