Culture by Neurodesign: Meet Lisa: my journey from science to inclusive leadership

In this opening series of Culture by Neurodesign, Dr Lisa Colledge invites listeners to explore her remarkable transformation from a scientist in biochemistry and molecular biology to a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and cognitive diversity in the business world. Through six episodes, Lisa reflects on her scientific background, her personal experiences with neurodivergence, and the lessons that shaped her approach to leadership, innovation, and cultural change.

Across this theme, Lisa’s personal story unfolds, beginning with her early career in scientific research, where her analytical mindset first took shape. She then reveals how her son's autism diagnosis profoundly changed her perspective, leading her to champion the inclusion of different thinking styles in the workplace.

Listeners will gain insights into Lisa’s evolving understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), how cognitive inclusion became central to her leadership philosophy, and how she de-risks and drives organizational transformations.

The series offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, strategic insights, and practical frameworks, illustrating how embracing diverse perspectives can create lasting impact in both people and business metrics. Each episode builds upon the last, culminating in a reflection on what it’s like to work with Lisa as a leader, problem-solver, and innovator.

If you'd like to read about additional insights and personal reflections that complement the themes of this podcast theme, please take a look at my curated reading list: Meet Lisa: insights on cognitively inclusive leadership.