2026 DNS Leadership Wall

Bianca Scheffler, Director and Head of AI, KPMG

"In an age of Artificial Intelligence, our greatest asset is the unique, non-linear creativity of the human mind. My goal is a world where 'Digital Trust' includes the psychological safety for every neurotype to thrive, ensuring that the technology of tomorrow is built by the full spectrum of human intelligence."

Dr. Nicola Hodson, Chair, IBM UK and Ireland

“I firmly believe that all perspectives and ideas can lead to innovation and business value. Everybody’s contribution counts – and it is important to foster a culture in all workspaces that makes space for people to thrive.”

Claire Toller, CTO, OneTech, Legal & General

"I want to show that neurodiversity isn’t a blocker to career progression; in fact, it can make you stand out."

Eve De Rosa, Dean of the University Faculty, Cornell University

"I want a future where every mind is recognized for its possibilities and where progress is driven by honoring the full range of human cognition and creating systems that allow all minds to thrive."

Dr. Maureen Dunne, Author, Keynote Speaker, & Founder, Davos Neurodiversity Summit

"The next leap forward won’t come from thinking faster—or from AI—but from people thinking together."

Nathan Friedman, Co-President, Understood.org

“Our future will not be built by people who think the same. It will be built by people who think clearly, differently, and together.”

Martin McKay, CEO, Everway

"When people start behaving differently without being told — that’s when you know the system is actually rewiring."

Don Smith, Director, Alvarez and Marsal

“Empathetic leadership challenges our idea of “normal” and requires us to rethink what strength, value, and professionalism look like, particularly in the age of AI. Empathetic leadership offers humanity an alternative to a purely transactional future - one of curiosity, possibility, and hope.”

John Dongo, WEF Global Shaper

"The future will be driven by today's young leaders."

Jonathan Mok, Community Manager, Dream Impact

"The change I want to see in the world is a focus on strength and a focus on possibilities for people from different walks of life."

Maxwell Palance, Public Speaker, Stanford Neurodiversity Project

"Some of the hardest parts of my life became the reason I found my purpose."

Shirley Woods-Gallagher, Executive Director of Leadership & Governance, New Bridge Multi Academy Trust

"The change I want to see in the world is neuroinclusion at work fully embraced everywhere. These are such long over due conversations at work."

Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo, President, Joliet Junior College

"Supporting neurodiversity isn't about charity. Neurodiversity is a strategic asset -- a worthwhile investment for any organization, including our college."

Hari Srinivasan, PhD Candidate Neuroscience @Vanderbilt

"Inclusion isn't about who gets a seat at the table -- it's about redefining who builds the table and how."

Dawn Erlandson, Vice Chair of Minnesota State Board of Trustees

"Our brilliant brains — full of creativity, passion, innovation, and empathy — will be celebrated rather than lamented."

J Grange, ADHD Ambassador, United Kingdom

"Strength lies in difference and not in similarity."

Mark Fister, Former Chief Technologist, Auticon, CTO, Haystack

"My life purpose is to end othering in the workplace, resulting in more non-judgmental, psychologically safe spaces."

Silvan Ruthenberg, Partner, Neosity

"As humanity enters a transformational age, we must co-create universal systems that embrace neurodiversity, uphold plurality, and advance innovation."

Edward Yee, Rhodes Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30, Head of Growth and Strategy, FAR.AI

"If you want to go far, go together."

Nadine Schönwald, Head of Digital Sales, The Adecco Group

"Inclusion is an ongoing journey, and it is perfectly fine if you are just beginning."

Lisa Smyth, VP, Everway

"Every mind is unique. We don't all think, work, or communicate in the same way."

Kim Shah, Finance Professional and President of ION Canada

“I envision a world where humanity rises to a new consciousness, embracing empathy, compassion, curiosity, connection, and deep awareness in our existence.”

Dave Friedman, Founder, Autonomy Works

“I imagine a world where everyone understands and appreciates the value that neurodiverse thinking and neurodiverse individuals bring to every conversation and decision.”

Miren-Edurne De Frutos, Investment Professional, JPMorganChase

“As AI standardises decision-making, cognitive diversity becomes our most critical strategic asset, strengthening resilience, accelerating innovation, and delivering long-term alpha."

Onyinye Udokporo, Neurodiversity Consultant

"The world must transition from asking people to fit broken systems to rebuilding systems that fit real people. That is how we create a world where every mind can thrive."

Troy Doucet, Founder, AI Law

"Assume that everyone has an invisible disability.   It helps you give others the benefit of the doubt and become a kinder person.  A little change in each of us makes a big difference for all of us."

Rob Edwards, CEO, NEA

"The change I want to see is a shift from fitting neurodivergent entrepreneurs into broken systems to redesigning those systems around how people actually think and work. My vision is an entrepreneurial ecosystem designed for human difference, where neurodivergent founders can thrive on their own terms.”

Magnus Hedemark, Founder, Groktopus

“In our infinite differences lies infinite strength.”

Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, HOK

“The time has come for us to address the needs of neurodivergents in the workplace and design spaces that are inclusive for all.  By incorporating best practices for sensory processing, cognitive well-being and neuroinclusion, we can create environments where all can thrive.”

Tracy Powell-Rudy, VP Corporate Engagement, Integrate Advisors

“The future of work is neurodivergent -- and I’m lucky to help build it alongside brilliant colleagues, talented candidates and forward-thinking companies.”

Assil Omar, VP, People Experience, AbbVie

"At AbbVie, we believe in the power of all. We aspire to build a future where accessibility and belonging are not just values we champion, but lived realities experienced by all."

Uday Kiran Bolusani, Investment Professional

“What we call emotional intelligence is usually emotional intuition; real emotional intelligence begins when we suspend judgment, risk vulnerability, and believe people when they tell us who they are.”

Lee Brown, Head of Data Risk, Lloyd's Banking Group

"My vision is a society that recognises neurodivergent people for their talent, not their challenges—removing structural barriers so that children like my son Louis can achieve their potential in education, and in the workplace.”

Tristan Lavender, Founder & Chair, Philips Neurodiversity Network

“Neuroinclusive leadership means moving beyond one-size-fits-all models and recognizing that every person brings different strengths, needs, and challenges. When people feel seen, valued, and supported for who they are, organizations become places where all minds can thrive – including those who still struggle today because they don’t fit the mold.”

Tara Cunningham, Cofounder, Yes! Access

“I dream of a world where access is built into systems and structures from the start, so disabled and neurodivergent people can participate fully, with dignity assumed and belonging unquestioned.”

Wesley Faulkner, Cohost, Radical Respect Podcast

“Inclusion isn’t a program—it’s a system design problem. When work works for neurodivergent people, it works better for everyone.”

Maxwell Simpson, CEO, Steps Community

"The more I work alongside the neurodivergent community, the more convinced I am that they are valuable additions to any business."

Dayana Zhumabayeva, Co-Founder, @HiADHD

"I want to see a world where neurodiversity is properly diagnosed, recognized, and accommodated in every corner of the world, regardless of geography or income."

Nathan Chung, Cybersecurity Expert

"Neurodivergent people are everywhere—partners, parents, children, family, and friends—yet too often invisible, forced to hide who we are. I dream of a day when systems stop asking us to hide, and instead let us shine like the brilliant stars we are, we are glorious."

Natalie Montecino, WEF Global Shaper, Executive Director, Climate Democracy Initiative

"I want to see a world that understands resilient futures are not designed by sameness, but by diversity of thought, experience, and leadership working in concert."

Carly Ott, SVP, Bank of America

"In the future, I'd like to see a return to civil dialogue and progress towards acceptance of all of the different flavors of humanity, including those of us that think and communicate differently."

Kara Ball, Author, Academic Officer, Teacher Created Materials

"I envision a world where learning is designed for possibility, not predicted outcomes. One that values neurodiverse ways of thinking and gives every learner space to explore, create, and imagine what's possible."

Darryl Owens, Producer, A World of Difference PBS

“The idea behind A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity is simple: to amplify a vibrant segment of our population whose voices too often go unheard. By spotlighting the many successes of neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and across our culture, we hope to help ensure that people who think and learn differently are not only recognized, but actively sought out — from the classroom to the boardroom — as essential contributors to our shared future.”

Patricia Wright, PhD, Executive Director, Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance

"I wish to see a world where diversity is accepted as a natural and essential part of the human condition. By embracing our differences, we will build compassionate, inclusive, and creative communities."

Pat Duffy, Retired, UN Staff

"While every nation, every person, every living thing on the earth seeks its survival, the only way to ensure that survival is by learning to coexist with others whose differences challenge us."

Michael Moon, Director, Org Research & Insights, AbbVie

"My vision for the future is a world where we lead with a simple, radical kindness toward one another. I wish for a society that moves beyond mere tolerance to a place where we take the genuine time to listen, learn, and truly understand the unique beauty of the neurodiverse experience."

Wagner H. Souza, Canada Leads Scientific Associate, SARA

“I envision a future where inclusion is not an initiative but a universal culture, and where neurodiversity is embraced as a vital asset catalyzing person-centered solutions that honor individual needs while enabling scalable, equitable transformation”

Kala Allen Omeiza, Author and Founder, I'm Heard, Inc

"I hope others like me will see themselves, feel supported, and believe that everything is possible"

Nancy Doyle, Founder, Genius Within

"Hierarchical, linear thinking suited the heroic leadership models of the 20th century. It’s time to evolve. Neurodivergent leaders bring fresh, complementary ways of thinking — and when we thrive, systems change."

Lawrence Fung, Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project

“I know that someday, the world will embrace neurodiversity—not only for social justice and the excellence that neurodivergence brings, but also for human decency and the collective good.”

Nicola Rose, Filmmaker

“The more you try, the more you learn who you are.”

Tara May, CEO, Aspiritech

"My work for embracing neurodiversity is part of a larger belief I hold in my heart that all people should have a sense of belonging in this world and a place that values them exactly as they are — no more, no less."

Nat Lyckowski, Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader, IBM

“Neuroinclusion unlocks potential not only for neurodivergent individuals, but for the enterprises they strengthen. Every mind offers a unique lens, and when we value all ways of thinking, neuroinclusion stops being an afterthought and becomes the blueprint for our future.”

Jhillika Kumar, CEO/Founder, Mentra

"Einstein said we can’t solve problems with the same thinking that created them. Neurodivergence doesn’t just ensure representation, if embraced it could entirely reshape the economics of progress.”

Elisabeth Wiklander, Musician and Neurodiversity Advocate, London Philharmonic Orchestra

“By including neurodivergent perspectives through appreciative attitudes, we unlock new dimensions of human collaboration. With the daunting challenges humanity is facing, we need contributions of different minds more than ever.”

Carol Adams, Emeritus Professor of Accounting, Durham University

“Neurodiversity is critical to solving the significant sustainable development challenges that face us and future generations. Seeing a way through complexity, seeing the bigger picture, seeking evidence are essential skills that many neurodiverse people have.”

Matthew Carpenter-Arevalo, Fmr Leadership Fellow WEF & Head of Marketing & Communications, Rubicon Carbon

“I would like us all to become more aware that each person’s brain works differently. The more we open ourselves to understanding how neurodiversity manifests itself, we can free ourselves from the need to judge.”

Carla Hannemann, Managing Director, Tax, Alvarez & Marsal

"A neuro-inclusive model begins with the understanding that our diversity is a dimension of humanity that fuels innovation, economic growth, and societal resilience."

Grant Bruno, Professor, University of Alberta

"I want to see a world where Indigenous children and families receive care that honours their cultures, voices, and ways of knowing, not just their diagnoses."

Stephen DeStefani, Senior Bank VP

"Transformational workforce inclusion is not charity or compliance—it is leadership. It is the disciplined work of redesigning systems, processes, and organizational capability to enable contribution, unlock talent as a strategic asset, and drive measurable business value"