Understanding Neurodiversity & How It Impacts Individuals & Teams

March 6, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Neurodiversity, a dimension of diversity, refers to the natural variation in our brain's wiring. This can lead to different ways of thinking, processing information, learning, and behaving. Understanding neurodiversity is key to overcoming bias and negative perceptions that these differences are impairments or deficits. While some of these differences may pose challenges, others can significantly boost abilities, introducing specialized skills to the workplace.

In this session, we will explain what neurodiversity is and the different ways it can affect how we think, learn, communicate and work. We will look at different neurological conditions and discuss how they might impact individuals in the workplace. We will identify practical strategies to support neurodiverse employees, to foster a safe and supportive work environment. We will share how understanding these different ways of processing information can lead to more successful internal and external communication and allow teams to build on the strengths of colleagues and business developers. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of – and appreciation for – how neurodiversity can enrich teams and organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of neurodiversity and why it matters
• Identify strategies to support neurodiverse employees
• Explore strategies to improve communications across different thinking and processing styles

Speakers

Jina Etienne

Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, CDE® (Certified Diversity Executive), is CEO of Etienne Consulting, LLC, a DEI consultancy practice specializing in helping clients to identify, develop, and execute on learning programs and strategies initiatives to align business priorities, organizational goals and strategic vision through the lens of fearless inclusion, which is the freedom to be yourself and creating space for others to do the same. She practices and teaches fearless inclusion to empower organizations and teams to cultivate a culture of belongingness where people engage differently, individual thinking has changed and connectivity boosts engagement, productivity and performance.

She facilitates programs on leadership development, conscious communications, inclusive leadership, cultural awareness and inclusivity that are centered on self-awareness and authenticity as the foundation for cultivating inclusion and fostering belonging. Jina is a storyteller and draws from her unique background and mix of work experiences to offer examples and share insights designed to increase awareness, appreciation for and understanding of the benefits of inclusivity in diverse organizations. That experience is drawn from her 34+ year career as an entrepreneur, business advisor and consultant, and C-Suite leader.

Jina is a content partner with the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, Transformation Alliance Partner (TAP) with the Center for Accounting Transformation (CAT), an author and trainer with Becker Professional Education and Thought Leader with the Business Learning Institute (BLI).

In her spare time, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku, loves chocolate, and appreciates a really good cup of coffee. She is a die-hard fan of Arsenal FC (#COYG), a Peloton enthusiast (#FearlesslyMe on the LB) and loves Formula 1. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, two sons, and Doug, their American bulldog.

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