Leqture Speakers
Martha Barnard Rae
Availability
Time zone
Timezone: Australia/Perth
Martha Barnard Rae
Martha Barnard-Rae is a copywriter, TEDx and keynote speaker, and neurodivergent business owner. She is the founder of Word Candy and a sore loser of board games. Martha moonlights as a feminist scholar and co-host of The One That Works For You podcast. Martha is a sought-after presenter on topics like values-based business ownership, neurodiversity, branding and clear communication, bias in the workplace, and growing thought leadership across industries. Audiences love her fun, thoughtful delivery and interactive style. A former English teacher, Martha is adept at distilling complicated ideas in a clear, concise way. Setting boundaries is her superpower. Her love language is on-the-nose TikToks.
All Leqtures by this speaker
In this session, Martha—who has both ADHD and autism—shares her personal experiences and highlights the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, especially women, who are often underdiagnosed and overlooked. She emphasizes the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance. Traits like impulsivity or strong will can impact work both positively and negatively, depending on the context. Martha advocates for workplace accommodations such as quiet spaces, flexible schedules, and clear communication. Her insights underline the value neurodivergent individuals bring through their unique perspectives and creativity, and the need for more inclusive, supportive work environments.
Neurodivergence in the Workplace
In this session, Martha Neurodiversity highlights the value of recognizing and supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. She explains that signs like trouble with focus, organization, or social cues may suggest neurodivergence—but they don’t define a person’s ability or worth. Martha emphasizes that neurodivergent people, who make up around 15% of the population, bring unique strengths and perspectives. She urges employers to challenge biases, avoid stereotypes, and promote inclusion through understanding and open communication. Creating a more inclusive workplace not only supports neurodivergent employees but also drives innovation, productivity, and overall success.
Thriving as a Neurodivergent Employee
In this session, Martha shares practical advice for neurodivergent employees, especially those with ADHD. She stresses the value of self-awareness—understanding how your brain works and identifying your strengths and needs. This helps with advocating for yourself and focusing on tasks that bring enjoyment or flow. Martha explains masking—hiding neurodivergent traits to fit in—and how it can lead to burnout. She shares her own experience and highlights the importance of being honest about your struggles. To work more effectively, Martha suggests using task systems, asking for help, taking breaks, and designing your day around interests instead of willpower. She encourages experimentation, clear communication, and setting boundaries. Finally, she reminds us that burnout is real, and sometimes planning a job change is necessary. Stay flexible, as your needs may shift over time.