This month on Contributors Corner, the power of neurodiversity at work. It's estimated as much as 30 percent of the U.S. population may be neurodivergent—having things like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and OCD.

Entrepreneur André Brisson, host of "The Impulsive Thinker" podcast, leads this conversation with fellow contributors Kristin Graham, Orlando Hampton, and Jeff Kaas. André discovered his ADHD and Asperger's as an adult. Since then, he's dedicated his life to helping neurodivergent people reach their potential.

"As someone who was recently diagnosed with ADHD, this conversation was profound for me," says BEATS WORKING Host Mark Wright. "It made me realize all those things I thought were wrong with me are simply differences, and just like any other difference, they can be both a strength or a weakness depending on how we use them."

What's exciting is research now recognizes the value of neurodiversity in the workplace. It's actually good for the bottom line, but for it to become an asset, it takes enlightened leaders who recognize and honor it.

So here's to redeeming work for everyone—including those who haven't always fit the mold.

Resources from the episode:

1. Our contributors are on LinkedIn! Connect with André Brisson, Kristin Graham, Orlando Hampton, and Jeff Kaas.
2. Listen to "Working with ADHD," our episode with André Brisson, here.
3. Listen to "Lessons From a Word Nerd. My Journey From Expedia to Amazon and Beyond," our episode with Kristin Graham, here.
4. Listen to "The Power of Authenticity," our episode with Orlando Hampton, here.
5. Listen to "Growing Your Business by Growing Your People," our episode with Jeff Kaas, here.
6. Listen to Brisson's Tactical Breakthroughs podcast here and visit Brisson's Tactical Breakthroughs website to learn more about him and start your ADHD transformational journey.
7. Visit Kristin's Unlock the Brain website to find video lessons to hack a better work experience and listen to her Fewer Things Better podcast here.
8. Get to know more about Kaas Tailored on their website, and learn more about Jeff's consulting company, Truth Bit Pull, and how they guide organizations through their own transformation into sustainable cultures of continuous improvement.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work – the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

Stay up to date with us on Instagram (@beatsworkingshow), LinkedIn (@BEATS WORKING show), or YouTube (@BEATSWORKINGPODCAST).

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Mark Wright at mark@beatsworking.show.

In this episode, we speak with Rais Bhuiyan, who recounts his harrowing experience of being a hate crime survivor post-9/11 and the journey of forgiveness that led to the creation of World Without Hate. We discuss how his extraordinary story inspires empathy, understanding, and the power of forgiveness to overcome hate and violence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Life-Altering Event: Rais Bhuiyan shares the traumatic experience of being shot in the face by a white supremacist ten days after 9/11 and the extensive recovery process that followed.
2. Path to Forgiveness: Despite severe injuries and emotional trauma, Bhuiyan chose the path of forgiveness, even launching a campaign to save his attacker from death row.
3. World Without Hate: Discover how Rais and his wife Jessica founded a nonprofit organization to promote empathy, forgiveness, and kindness, as well as their documentary, "Pain and Peace," which aims to debunk myths and humanize victims and perpetrators of hate crimes.

Guest:

Rais Bhuiyan, founder of World Without Hate, survivor of a hate crime, and advocate for forgiveness and empathy.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Organization: World Without Hate
2. Film: Pain and Peace
3. LinkedIn: Rais Bhuiyan
4. Facebook: Rais Bhuiyan
5. Video: United We Stand Summit at the White House

Quotes:

-"Forgiveness isn't a sign of weakness; it's a powerful tool to reclaim your peace." – Rais Bhuiyan

-"Empathy can build bridges where there was once hate." – Host Mark Wright

Listener Challenge:

This week, try to engage in a conversation with someone from a different background than yours. Share your experiences and reflections with us on social media using #BeatsWorkingShow.

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work – the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

Stay up to date with us on Instagram (@beatsworkingshow), LinkedIn (@BEATS WORKING show), or YouTube (@BEATSWORKINGPODCAST).

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Mark Wright at mark@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING Bites features bite-sized wisdom from past guests of the BEATS WORKING podcast and WORKP2P founder Dan Rogers. Our mission is to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. This episode of BWB was sourced from episode 3, “Jeff Kaas, Growing Your Business by Growing Your People.” Enjoy!

Resources from the episode:

1. Listen to "Jeff Kaas, Growing Your Business by Growing Your People," here.
2. Learn more about Kaas Tailored, their commitment to developing people, and their efforts to make the workplace one of joy and learning.
3. Through his consulting company, Truth Bit Pull, Jeff helps guide organizations through their own transformation into sustainable cultures of continuous improvement. Get in touch with the team here.
4. Want to connect with Jeff directly? Message him on LinkedIn.
5. Dan’s an open book! Get to know him here.
6. Want to connect directly with Dan? Message him on LinkedIn.
7. Learn more about BEATS WORKING and Dan’s mission to redeem work here.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work – the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.

Stay up to date with us on Instagram (@beatsworkingshow), LinkedIn (@BEATS WORKING show), or YouTube (@BEATSWORKINGPODCAST).

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Mark Wright at mark@beatsworking.show.