Leading with a
Different Brain
The “Neurostrength” survey: Insights from 1,286 professionals navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, ASD, AUDHD, bipolar, learning differences or other brain differences.
Workplaces weren’t built with every kind of brain in mind - but they should be.
Download the Neurostrength survey, in which 1,286 professionals share how their different brains and their “neurodistinction” shape their careers: their strengths, their struggles, and what truly helps them thrive. 98% of respondents say their different brain has shaped their career, and 91% credit their different brains with special abilities. 75% believe they have “superpowers.” But the impact on their career is not purely positive or negative; 64% say it’s “complex.”
I approached this project as a way to better understand the needs of the audience for my next book, coming in 2027 from Harvard Business Review Press, but I’m making the report available to everyone in hope that it’s helpful. If you would like to see the full study with comments and raw data, please contact me. Material is available under Creative Commons NC 4.0 license.
Inside the report, you’ll discover:
How neurodistinct professionals experience their gifts and their challenges at work
The barriers, often invisible, that prevent organizations from fully leveraging top talent
Data-backed insights into what actually helps employees with different brains thrive (and what doesn’t)
Career attitudes from professionals in over 100 fields!
Qualitative and quantitative insights.
About the Author:
Hello! I’m Morra Aarons-Mele and I’m a coach, leadership trainer, host of The Anxious Achiever podcast, author of the books The Anxious Achiever and Hiding in the Bathroom, and workplace mental health advocate. My mission is to make work better for everyone, especially those who don’t feel like they fit the mold.
Here are the questions I asked:
Are you a business professional with ADHD, anxiety, depression, ASD, AuDHD, bipolar, learning differences or other brain differences?
If the answer is yes, has it had more of a positive or negative effect overall on your career?
Do you think that your different brain gives you abilities in performing specific tasks that have been useful or helpful in your chosen career?
Do you think you have any special “superpowers” your different brain has given you that enhance your performance in your career or give you a competitive edge?
Has your different brain caused challenges in your career trajectory -- as in, has it prevented you from getting (or trying for) certain jobs, from getting promoted or receiving recognition, feeling burnt out, etc.
Thinking about times when your difference got in the way- were there certain work relationships that you feel were made more difficult because of your brain differences?
Thinking about times when your difference got in the way, are there certain tasks that trouble you? (For example, keeping up on email or staying focused in meetings, management of people or pleasing a boss).
What has been the biggest help in managing your career? (Check all that apply)
Do you consider yourself neurodistinct or neurodivergent?
If the answer is yes, explain why you consider yourself neurodistinct, and if you have one or more supporting diagnoses.
Do people at work know that you’re neurodistinct (i.e. have you disclosed?) Choose one
What is your job title? Location? Age? Industry?
Do you work for yourself, or for an organization?
Do you manage others, or are you an individual contributor?
What We Learned:
98% of respondents said their “different brain” has influenced their career.
91% believe their different brain gives them abilities in performing specific tasks that have been useful and helpful in their career.
64% described the impact of their different brain as complex, not purely positive or negative. Those who see their brain as a source of useful abilities are more likely to experience career success.
75% of all respondents believe their brain gives them “superpowers.” (Among those identifying as neurodivergent/neurodistinct, this rises to 80%.) Find out more in the report.
What helps them thrive at work? Flexibility, tools and strategies, and manager support. Get the details by downloading the report!