Unleashing Perceptive Leadership: 7 Hidden Strengths of Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Professionals with Rachel Radway
Ever wondered if the very things that make you feel “too much” at work are actually what your team needs most? What if being highly sensitive or neurodivergent isn’t just something to manage, but a legitimate edge—one that could actually shape the future of leadership? In today’s conversation, you’ll hear a take on empathy, burnout, and workplace inclusion that might flip how you see yourself (and your coworkers) on its head. But there’s one perspective Rachel shares—about a hidden risk most sensitive leaders never see coming—that left me rethinking what real leadership looks like. Curious? Let’s get into it…
Does this sound familiar? You keep hearing that the only way to thrive as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent leader is to just “toughen up” and push through—so you try to fit into that mold, but end up feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and on the edge of burnout. It’s frustrating, right? You’re told your sensitivity holds you back, but all that’s doing is making you question your worth and lose touch with your real strengths. What if embracing your unique wiring is actually the secret to authentic, impactful leadership (and way less burnout)?
In this episode, you will be able to:
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Discover strategies that turn high sensitivity into a leadership superpower for more authentic and effective influence.
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Unlock the unique advantages neurodivergent leaders bring that boost innovation and team success in unexpected ways.
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Learn how to recognize early signs and create habits that prevent burnout before it takes hold in neurodivergent professionals.
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Embrace neurodiversity to build a workplace culture that values different minds and drives inclusive collaboration.
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Harness the power of empathy to transform leadership style and deepen connections that inspire lasting team loyalty.
My special guest is Rachel Radway
Rachel Radway is a certified leadership coach, mentor, speaker, and author with 25+ years’ experience in corporate leadership roles in startups, national nonprofits, and global enterprises. Rachel helps high-achieving, highly perceptive and neurodivergent clients learn to lead with confidence, clarity and authenticity—and without burning out. Her book, Perceptive, has received endorsements and rave reviews from leaders from diverse backgrounds across industries.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:13 - Rachel Radway’s Background and Purpose of Her Book "Perceptive"
00:07:33 - The Meaning Behind the Book Title "Perceptive" and Reframing Sensitivity
00:11:34 - Recognizing High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence in Yourself and Others
00:14:41 - Understanding High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence
00:17:00 - Navigating Disclosure and Accommodations in the Workplace
00:20:31 - Leveraging Neurodivergent Strengths in Leadership and Teams
00:24:00 - Creativity, Pattern Recognition, and Inclusion in the Workforce
00:27:05 - The Impact of Global Culture on Sensitivity and Inclusion
00:29:07 - Understanding Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership
00:31:35 - The Challenges of Burnout for Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Leaders
00:37:26 - Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Neurodivergent and Highly Sensitive Individuals
00:40:47 - Embracing Neurodiversity and Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace
00:42:13 - Leveraging Perceptiveness as a Leadership Superpower
00:43:06 - Unlocking Blue Ocean Strategies Through Perceptive Leadership
00:44:04 - Exclusive Insights: Leaders Unlocking Perceptive Superpowers
00:44:48 - Amplifying Impact: Sharing and Supporting Leadership Growth
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Listen to the episode featuring Minette Norman to learn more about inclusion at work and psychological safety.
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Take the online high sensitivity assessment at sensitivityresearch.com to determine if you are highly sensitive.
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Purchase and read Rachel Radway’s book, Perceptive, for insights on turning sensitivity into a leadership advantage.
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Access the exclusive Patreon interview for additional behind-the-scenes content with Rachel Radway.Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going.
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Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
