Different Brains

As a coach in organisational culture transformation, I see the effort modern African companies are making to appreciate the value of diversity. But there’s a tendency to look for the easily visible signs of difference - ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or mobility - rather than the true diversity that lies within people.

The concept - and fact - of Neurodiversity is often seen as a challenge, yet history proves it can be a remarkable asset. Some of the world’s most influential business leaders, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Richard Branson, exhibit traits linked to autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Had they grown up today, they might have been diagnosed and labelled, yet their cognitive differences fuelled their success.

Gates reflects on his childhood, acknowledging how his difficulties with social cues, obsession with projects and disorganisation might have been classified as autism. Yet, he insists he wouldn’t change a thing. His ability to focus intensely allowed him to build Microsoft. Musk, similarly, jokes about his lack of empathy but credits it with his intense drive for innovation. Branson and Dyson consider their dyslexia a superpower, shaping how they communicated during their entrepreneurial journeys.

Despite this, society still tends to view Neurodiversity through a deficit lens. Children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia often receive minimal support beyond exam accommodations or medication. Many struggle to find fulfilling careers. The statistics are stark. Globally, only 30% of autistic adults hold full-time jobs, while over 60% rely on family for financial support. Dyslexic children face school exclusions, and neurodivergent individuals are overrepresented in the prison system. Education systems remain rigid, often failing to nurture these unique thinkers. In Finland, a young autistic hacker was encouraged to develop his coding skills, while in the UK, the same individual was ostracised.

Indeed, the future should belong to those who think differently. As automation replaces conventional roles, society will increasingly rely on thinkers, disruptors, and pattern-seekers - traits found in neurodiverse individuals. Professor Simon Baron-Cohen reminds us that neurodivergent minds have driven human innovation from the invention of the wheel to the modern microchip.

Dr Daniel Abel’s work on brain diversity reinforces that different brain types require unique stimuli to thrive. Some individuals flourish in structured, analytical environments, while others thrive in creative, exploratory settings. Recognising and accommodating these differences is crucial for unlocking potential. We enhance learning, productivity, and well-being by tailoring stimuli to match these diverse cognitive styles. Neurodiverse people don’t need pity; they need opportunity. When given the right environment, they don’t just succeed; they can redefine what success looks like.

So, why not use his site, www.brainhealthassessment.com, to learn more about your brain type and the stimulus it needs?