#49 Driven to Disrupt: How Autistic PDA Strengths Shape Inclusive Impact and Unlock Innovation, with Cherie Clonan

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Classroom 5.0

Mariane Power

50 episodes

1 month ago

Welcome to Classroom 5.0, a podcast helping you to design a future of learning, work and leadership that's both personally meaningful, and creates impact for a better world. Join host, CEO of The Posify Group Mariane Power in conversations that support Inclusive Impact. Expect topics and interviews that deep dive into what it takes to build a truly diverse and equitable world, and learn science backed skills and strategies that are helping our different kind of difference makers thrive.

All content for Classroom 5.0 is the property of Mariane Power and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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#49 Driven to Disrupt: How Autistic PDA Strengths Shape Inclusive Impact and Unlock Innovation, with Cherie Clonan

Classroom 5.0

50 minutes

1 year ago

#49 Driven to Disrupt: How Autistic PDA Strengths Shape Inclusive Impact and Unlock Innovation, with Cherie Clonan

Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, is transforming the landscape of digital media and workplace culture. Guided by her own late diagnosis and idenitification as an Autistic PDA woman, she's pioneering a new standard for workplaces that empower neurodivergent individuals to succeed on their terms.

In episode 49 of Classroom 5.0, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cherie, to hear first hand how she's implementing everyday leadership practices and workplace policies that reflect her deep understanding of what it takes for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

While traditional narratives frame PDA as an anxiety-driven response to everyday demands, Cherie, like me, challenges this reductionist view. Instead, she describes PDA as a complexity of her neurobiological wiring that fuels her creativity, autonomy, and fierce sense of justice.

I found myself wiping away tears and roaring with laughter as Cherie shared personal and professional anecdotes that vividly captured the fierce determination, creative problem-solving, and sharp humor that embody the strengths of PDA, and highlight her unstoppable drive as a leader fostering inclusive impact and innovation.

Learn more about Cherie, watch the full interview on YouTube, and explore the resources discussed by visiting the episode page here: https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/49

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Conversation Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

02:27 Understanding Neurodiversity and Late Diagnosis

05:20 Unmasking and Leadership

08:07 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace

11:21 The Dance of Authenticity and Boundaries

13:31 Masking vs. Compensation Strategies

16:39 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

27:06 Embracing PDA Leadership

30:32 Radical Inclusion in the Workplace

37:48 Creativity and Flow in Neurodivergent Teams

44:16 Impact Mindset and Legacy

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower