The Lost Art of Play with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, Neurodiverse Leadership Expert and Founder of Wondiverse
Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, Founder Wondiverse
An Exclusive Interview with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey
In an era where diversity and inclusion are gaining recognition as essential pillars of progress, the spotlight on neurodiversity is brighter than ever.
What exactly is neurodiversity?
At its core, neurodiversity acknowledges and celebrates the natural variation in human cognition and neurological makeup. It encompasses individuals with conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more, reframing these differences as valuable assets rather than deficits.
With an ever-growing population of individuals identifying as neurodivergent, it's crucial to recognise the significance of their perspectives and contributions. In Australia alone, at least 1 in 40 Australians are Autistic and an estimated 30 to 40% of the population identify as neurodivergent. Globally, the numbers are as high as 10-20% 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent.
As we navigate the intricacies of the human mind, understanding and embracing neurodiversity becomes paramount. In a recent interview, we had the privilege of conversing with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, a leading advocate and expert in the field of neurodiverse leadership, exploring the transformative power of neurodiversity and its implications for society, education, and the workplace.
“A leader is someone who is courageous, loves deeply, embraces themselves and others, and is committed to personal and collective growth”
Madeleine, a highly sought-after leader and facilitator of transformational leadership for over 20 years with Landmark Worldwide, has been instrumental to individuals and organisations dramatically expanding the difference they make across every sector and industry, including Members of Federal Parliament, senior educators, Award winning artists and CEOs, Olympians, founders of not for profits and leaders in science.
In 2020, after a personal diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, Madeleine fully immersed herself in the not for profit, social enterprise and disability sector with a commitment to creating a world where neurodivergent individuals work and play together.
She is a thought leader, speaker and facilitator in the sector, forming partnerships and projects with Australia’s leading neurodivergent organisations and a direct partnership with LEGO Australia. Dedicated to expanding the offerings to the neurodivergent community, Madeleine fulfilled her childhood dream of creating an organisation for all and formed Wondiverse.
In today’s conversation Madeleine shares her personal journey of discovering her own neurodivergence and how it led her to become an advocate for neurodivergent people in leadership. She shares about the need for more representation of neurodivergent individuals in leadership positions, the importance of creating a sense of belonging in our work and communities, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, the significance of play and the wonderful work of Wondiverse to create environments that feel like home.
Takeaways from today’s conversation…
Passion for leadership can lead to a mission to make a difference in a specific area
Discovering one's neurodivergent identity can be validating and empowering
Social isolation is a significant issue for autistic individuals
Allowing people to be themselves is crucial for their well-being and success
Neurodivergent individuals face barriers to leadership due to societal expectations There is often a gap between leaders' perception of their leadership skills and employees' perception of their leaders' skills.
Creating a sense of belonging in organizations is crucial for employee engagement and satisfaction.
Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges in the workplace, and organizations need to create inclusive environments for them.
Play, validation, and listening are essential elements of effective leadership.
A leader is someone who is courageous, loves deeply, embraces themselves and others, and is committed to personal and collective growth.
Ignite Your Passion and Amplify the Impact You Have in the World!
Connect with Madeleine on LinkedIn and learn more about Neurodiversity Events, Training and Leadership on their wonderful Wondiverse website and Instagram.
Book a call with Kylee and ask about how the Emerging Leaders Program can help you unleash your potential to transform the way we live, lead and succeed with purpose.
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