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What if neurodiversity isn’t a barrier to success, but a set of strengths that can shine in the right environment? In this episode, Julie sits down with Shea Belsky, an autistic leader, advocate, and tech professional, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about what neurodiversity really means, why accessibility is equity, and how workplaces and communities can better support neurodivergent individuals.

Shea shares his “superpower” (attention to detail and tenacity), but also makes an important point: strengths only show up when people have the right support systems. Julie and Shea talk about the difference between mentorship vs sponsorship, why sponsorship is often the game-changer for career growth, and how companies can scale inclusive practices without making it feel complicated or performative.

They also unpack the reality of unemployment and underemployment for neurodivergent people, what accessibility looks like beyond ramps and captions, and the simple mindset shift that can change everything: listen better, drop assumptions, and treat each person as an individual.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “neurodiversity” includes (and why it’s an umbrella, not one experience)
• Why neurodivergence can be innate or acquired (including cognitive changes after illness)
• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and why sponsors change careers
• What accessibility actually means and why it matters in daily life and work
• How to support neurodivergent people in your workplace and your community
• Why “if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person” is the truth
• How to challenge stereotypes in your own corner of the world

Connect with Shea
Shea’s best place to connect is LinkedIn (search “Shea Belsky”, he says there’s only one!). Julie also links his website and contact info in the show notes.

Julie’s Closing Reminder
If this episode helped you, leave a review and share it, because conversations like this create real change. And as always… go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

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