In this session, Penn State alum and executive coach Julia Mullins will discuss neurodiversity and how it is all around us, making workplaces and communities stronger. We will cover the basics of neurodiversity, from the earliest mentions in a grad school thesis in the late 1990s to today’s vernacular, and how this inclusive term covers more than you might think. We will clarify some terminology frequently used when referring to neurodiversity, and share statistics related to some of the more commonly diagnosed conditions under the neurodiversity umbrella.

We’ll talk through available resources, and address career planning, and job search strategies. This information will be relevant both to those identifying as neurodivergent, and those looking to be more inclusive leaders by understanding how a neurodivergent team member may show up, or how you can support them. To continue the conversation on resources and ways to navigate career conversations, we will also spend time talking about how to embrace your brain and the wonderful things it can do.

Join this session for the encouragement and empowerment to advocate for yourself regarding accommodations at work, with peers or leaders, and beyond.

Bio: Julia Mullins focuses on developing and supporting corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, and has an affinity for building neuroinclusive workplaces. She's led top talent development programs for large companies like T-Mobile US, and consulted with leaders across industries and the federal government with Deloitte. Julia is an ICF-credentialed Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and earned a certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from American University. She also holds an MBA from Penn State, a certificate in Neuroscience for Business from MIT Sloan, and completed ADHD-specific training at ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA).

Julia is also certified in a number of psychometric assessments including Hogan Assessments suite for individuals and teams. Julia loves supporting people during leadership transitions – whether you are new to a role, or looking to make a transition in the coming months – and finds joy in connecting with ADHDers and other neurodivergent leaders while helping them thrive in a neurotypical world.

Julia has logged hundreds of coaching hours across industries including telecommunications, cybersecurity, legal, finance, human resources, and more. Julia is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), and Children & Adults with ADHD (CHADD).