Welcome to Episode 7 of the Business Oddcast where we ask the big one: do you disclose your neurodivergence at work — or keep the mask on?

In this episode we unpack masking vs authenticity, why disclosure is as much about other people’s reactions as our own, and how stigma, stereotypes and “superpower” myths muddy the waters. We talk filters (attract your tribe, repel the wrong fits), professionalism vs prejudice, and the personal toll of camouflaging.

We get into some lived experiences around the topics of bullying, building “internal armour,” and the heavy toll of veiling, masking and camouflaging who we are.

Together we’ll explore these topics and the myriad associated complications and ask a few questions about what a truly Neurodiverse economy could look like; more creative, more sustainable, and more inclusive?

We explore a “neurodiverse economy”: why so many ND folks struggle in traditional jobs, how specialism beats generalism, and why self-employment can be a humane energy-management strategy (buffers, boundaries, realistic deadlines, and choosing clients who “get it”). Expect PDA vs deadlines, hyperfocus, and the “10th dentist” theory of divergent thinking.

We get into all of that and much more, all with a smile and acknoweldgement that the struggle is very real.

ISSUES COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• What “masking” looks like in business and life
• Building armour vs. being authentically yourself
• The toll of masking and the fear of unmasking
• Why 80% of NDs are unemployed
• What does a Neurodiverse economy look like and could it change everything
• Stereotypes we need to challenge
• Tips for baby steps toward unmasking
• Finding “your people,” and building a sustainable lifestyle

If you’ve ever wondered whether to hide or reveal your ND identity, this episode is for you. We discuss talk stereotypes, famous ND success stories, AND the baby steps you can take if you’re thinking of unmasking yourself.

Sit back, reflect, and tell us your veil/unveil stories. Share this with someone who needs to meet their people. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Like, share, subscribe—and join the newsletter at businessodcast.com for resources and episode drops.

TIMELINE
00:00:00 - Introduction to Ep07
00:00:27 - Hannah's week - fashion, self-care, chocolate
00:04:27 - Google - Ted Danson "blackface"
00:05:00 - Topic of the Week: To Unveil or Not to Unveil, That is THE Question
00:05:20 - Unmasking in business...
00:07:15 - Being who you are, used as a filter for business
00:07:50 - Bullying - Stu's experience and attitude
00:09:02 - Building the "internal armour"
00:09:36 - Building the mask and trying to pass, or not
00:10:31 - Zebras and Horses...
00:11:15 - Your personal choice to veil or unveil in business
00:11:46 - Introducing the idea: What would a NeuroDiverse economy look like?
00:13:23 - Why 80% of NDs are unemployed
00:14:42 - A NeuroDiverse economy is a more creative economy
00:15:55 - How self-employment can help NDs manage energy & contribute to the economy
00:18:04 - Hannah's AuDHD - loving the rules, but HATING the rules...
00:18:30 - Stereotypes fuelling exclusion, Rainman and Superpowers
00:20:11 - Famous people saying ND being central to their success
00:21:23 - Depressing stats about ND business founders and descrimination
00:22:02 - The personal toll of veiling and the fear of unmasking
00:24:00 - Fearing the reaction to your revelation & finding "your people".
00:25:06 - Baby steps to unmasking
00:26:00 - Attitudes to NDs and the news your "different" and reactions
00:27:09 - Weaponised rudeness and standing up for yourself
00:28:46 - Darwinian evolution and our place in it; Stu's theory
00:31:08 - NDs real value, simple accomodations and adding to the economy
00:34:19 - How the younger generation of NDs are connecting and socialising
00:35:51 - Societal attitudes, "perceived" stigma, then and now
00:37:01 - Benefits of working as self-employed with other NDs
00:38:48 - Why this podcast? Creating a community of self-employed NDs
00:39:57 - It's not about being a millionaire, it's about lifestyle
00:43:20 - The choice; to veil or unveil? Some final thoughts
00:45:21 - Get in touch - sign up for the newsletter & resources
00:46:31 - LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE!
00:48:32 - Homework

RESOURCES
You’re “Too Much”!But... Are You? - The Business Oddcast S01E05 - https://youtu.be/jXRHMtTA-6c

Emergency mental health support for FREE - Bigmoosecharity.co

If this topic resonates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile. https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests

Our range resources and helpful guides can be accessed here: https://businessoddcast.com/help/

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