In episode 290 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Sandra Crespo, executive coach, speaker, and mental health professional specializing in neurodiversity and leadership. Sandra works with organizations to build environments where “neurospicy” talent can thrive, combining insights from mental health, systems thinking, and leadership development. She is the creator of the S.P.I.C.Y. Framework, a strengths-based approach that helps organizations turn neurodiversity into a real advantage rather than a checkbox.

We explore why traditional workplace systems often fail neurodivergent professionals, how ADHD shows up in high-performing environments, and what leaders need to understand to build teams that are both effective and sustainable. Sandra shares a refreshing perspective on leadership that moves beyond performance and productivity toward clarity, access, and human-centered design.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why traditional leadership models overlook neurodiversity
• How ADHD can be a strength in creative and high-pressure environments
• What workplace systems unintentionally create friction for different brains
• How leaders can design teams and communication for clarity and effectiveness

Tune in for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leadership, neurodiversity, and building workplaces that truly work for everyone.

You can connect with Sandra here: https://www.theneurospicysw.com/

Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.