Today, Gena interviews Kirstie Heap, a business empowerment coach and neurodiversity advocate, to discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent professionals, particularly in demanding fields like IT. Kirstie shares her personal journey from HR and operations management to coaching, emphasising the importance of psychological safety and proactive support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. KEY TAKEAWAYS Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges in the workplace, including stress, burnout, and feelings of exclusion. Organisations need to adopt a proactive approach to support these employees by fostering psychological safety and understanding their specific needs. Creating an environment where employees feel safe to express their needs and challenges is crucial for recovery from stress and preventing burnout. This includes allowing for flexible work arrangements and encouraging open communication. Many neurodivergent individuals engage in masking, which involves suppressing their natural traits to fit societal expectations. This can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a disconnection from their true identity, ultimately impacting their well-being and productivity. Engaging in creative activities, whether through storytelling or other forms of expression, can help individuals manage stress and release tension. This is particularly important for neurodivergent individuals, who may benefit from alternative ways of processing their experiences. BEST MOMENTS "Neurodivergent individuals are statistically more likely to experience stress, burnout, and workplace exclusion." "I want to challenge those misconceptions that exist around neurodivergent conditions." "Without psychological safety, people hide their needs. With it, people recover and grow." "Many neurodivergent professionals do not need more motivation. They need clarity." "You're not broken. You may be working in a system that doesn't yet recognise your strengths or support your needs." GUEST BIO Kirsty Heap is a business empowerment coach, keynote speaker, and neurodiversity advocate with a background in HR and operations management. She helps individuals gain clarity and focus on their business and personal goals. She works predominantly with sole traders, business owners, and leaders, many of whom are neurodivergent or feel overwhelmed and stuck. As a proud neurodivergent professional, she's passionate about supporting other neurodivergent individuals to thrive in business and life. She also deliver neurodiversity training within organisations. She's also the author of Silent Snow – a beautifully illustrated children's book created to help dyslexic and neurodivergent parents connect with their children through imaginative, pressure–free storytelling. HOST BIO Gena Frangina, a seasoned software engineer with over a decade of industry experience, is your trusted host on the "IT Stress Relief" Podcast. Her unique background includes a profound passion for psychology, culminating in the attainment of a Business Psychology MSc. Gena's diverse skill set extends to accreditation as a Hypnotherapist, under the tutelage of Paul McKenna and his renowned team, as well as expertise in wellness coaching. This extensive blend of technical acumen and psychological insight positions Gena as an exceptional host in the IT world. She not only understands the intricacies of the field but also excels in guiding IT professionals towards holistic well-being. Tune in to Gena's podcast for enlightening interviews with IT specialists, and gain access to a wealth of knowledge. https://genafrangina.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/gena.frangina IG: @gena.frangina This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/