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Tristan Lavender on Leading Philips' Neurodiversity Network
Manage episode 483580980 series 3474034
What happens when a global company with 70,000 employees embraces neurodiversity as a driver of innovation? Tristan Lavender, founder and chair of Philips Neurodiversity Network, takes us behind the scenes of building one of the company's largest employee resource groups from the ground up.
Diagnosed with autism in his early twenties, Lavender's journey from struggling young professional to neurodiversity advocate offers a compelling framework for creating psychological safety in the workplace. With over 1,200 members, the Philips Neurodiversity Network has become a powerful voice for change, attracting not just neurodivergent employees but also allies eager to support their colleagues.
"This isn't just about identity labels," Lavender explains. "It's about understanding each person's unique brain and creating environments where everyone can do their best work." The conversation explores how accommodations like quiet workspaces benefit both autistic employees and introverts without clinical diagnoses, illustrating how inclusion practices often improve workplace experiences for everyone.
Particularly fascinating is the network's approach to navigating conflicting needs among neurodivergent team members. When one employee needs cameras off during meetings while another relies on lip-reading, how do teams find balance? Lavender offers practical strategies for fostering open conversations that lead to creative compromises.
The episode also examines Philips' "global-local" strategy for neurodiversity inclusion, acknowledging that needs vary significantly across cultures and regions. While global initiatives create consistency, local chapters ensure cultural relevance in different markets.
Whether you're a neurodivergent professional seeking community, a manager looking to support diverse thinking styles, or an organization beginning your neurodiversity journey, this conversation provides valuable insights for transforming neurodiversity from a challenge into a competitive advantage. Connect with us to learn how different perspectives drive innovation and create workplaces where every brain can flourish.
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Tristan and Philips Network (00:00:00)
2. Personal journey with autism diagnosis (00:03:26)
3. Global neurodiversity network's reach (00:08:00)
4. Identity, inclusion and accommodation discussions (00:10:06)
5. Neurodiversity network's activities and impact (00:15:06)
6. Navigating conflicting neurodivergent needs (00:19:22)
7. Collaboration with other organizations (00:26:14)
8. Closing remarks and thanks (00:27:23)
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