In episode 182, Coffey talks with Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell about their research on recruiting and integrating autistic employees into roles requiring social interaction, particularly focusing on Goldman Sachs’ successful initiative to expand the practice beyond traditional technical positions. They discuss the concept of “double empathy problem” where both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals struggle to understand each other’s perspectives and communication styles; the challenges autistic individuals face with traditional job postings and interview processes; the importance of skills-based assessments over traditional interviews; the role of coaches in bridging communication gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent employees; the development and quality of workplace social networks for autistic employees; the benefits of universal design in HR systems to accommodate diverse ways of working; how successful integration of neurodivergent employees can improve overall organizational communication and management practices.

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Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell

Nikki Drader-Mazza is a PhD Candidate in Management at the University of North Texas. Dr. Virginie Lopez-Kidwell is the Director of the Doctorate in Business Administration and an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas. Together, Nikki and Ginny study workplace neurodiversity, having focused primarily on the hiring and socialization of neuro-minorities.

Contact

Nikki Drader-Mazza and Dr. Ginny Lopez-Kidwell can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnykidwell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-drader-a3173a78/ https://www.facebook.com/nicole.drader https://www.instagram.com/nikkidrader/