Autistic self-advocate and tech leader Shea Belsky (Tech Lead @ HubSpot; ex-CTO & co-founder at Mentra; host of Autistic Techie) joins Thick No More to flip old labels into real strengths. We go back to his early years and diagnosis, talk sensory needs and self-advocacy, and get practical about what leaders miss—and how simple changes create belonging and better work.
In this episode:
“Born This Way” and owning identity
Early diagnosis vs. today’s language and pop-culture stereotypes
School, sensory triggers, and finding environments that work
From Cornell to tech leadership: disclosure, boundaries, and growth
The business case for inclusion (and the cost of getting it wrong)
ERGs, remote/hybrid work, and universal design that helps everyone
Advice for leaders (what to do Monday morning)
Advice for “hiders” at work: asking for what you need, safely
If this resonated, share it with a friend—and remember: labels are just words. We’re here to change the narrative.
Website: shaebelsky.com
Email: hello@shaebelsky.com
Podcast: Autistic Techie (available on all major platforms)
LinkedIn: Shea Belsky (search by name)
Connect with Shea