407: How to design workspaces where every brain thrives - with Nikki Drader-Mazza

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When leaders talk about workplace design, they often focus on the physical space. But the environments that shape how people think, collaborate, and perform are just as much about processes, expectations, and unspoken norms. If we want every brain to thrive at work, we have to examine the systems that quietly determine who gets supported — and who’s left to adapt.

My special guest today is Nikki Drader-Mazza, and she’s simplifying how to design workspaces where every brain thrives. This conversation challenges how we think about neurodiversity, inclusion, and what it actually takes to build workplaces that work for more people — not just the non-neurodiverse majority.

Here’s how.

My special guest today is Nikki Drader-Mazza and she’s simplifying how to design workspaces where every brain thrives.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
*What we really mean by neurodiversity and the newer term “neurodistinct” — and why the language we use matters more than we might think.
*Why “workspace design” isn’t just about the physical office, and which parts of the work ecosystem most influence whether every brain can thrive.
*Why it’s critical to examine the assumptions baked into systems designed for the non-neurodistinct population — and the risk of leaving those systems unchallenged.
*Why stigma around accommodations still exists, and how leaders can begin to dismantle it in meaningful ways.
*…and ultimately, the first assumption or system leaders and HR teams should take a hard look at when designing workplaces where every brain can thrive.

Q: Are you ready to learn how to design a workspace where every brain thrives? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
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Mary Baird, PHR - the CEO of The Simplifiers has one goal in mind… to help you SIMPLIFY your life.

With over 20+ years experience in running a small business, she coaches creative people on how to do less to accomplish more, prioritize your time wisely, and ultimately, to simplify.

Mary is the host of The Simplifiers Podcast, where she interviews very smart people from all over the world who take topics in work and in life and SIMPLIFIES them.

An international public speaker who’s been published in FORBES Magazine, Huffington Post and featured as one of the “Top 25 Young Event Pros to Watch” by Special Events Magazine, Mary is also on a mission to share the gospel of what a Texas breakfast taco is all about. Her forthcoming book, The Simplifiers Guide to Better Employee Experience is set to release Spring 2026!
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Thank you to our sponsors: the Town of Addison
This episode is sponsored by the Town of Addison economic development department, reminding you that the town of Addison is a great place to work with over 200 restaurants and more than 70,000 employees in just 4 square miles. For more information visit: addisoned.com. And also, thank you to the Town of Addison for bringing me in as the keynote speaker at their January 2026 HR Summit for Addison-based HR executives.