RECORDING: The Impact of Coaching Programs on the Careers of Neurodiverse Professionals
For a neurodiverse professional finding their footing in the workplace and in life, a little help can go a long way. Sometimes, that help comes in the form of coaching. In this talk, Founder and CEO of the Foundation for Life Guides for Autistics (LGFA) / NeuroGuides, J David Hall, explains the benefits of coaching programs for neurodiverse individuals, and for organizations that want to be a safe haven for their neurodiverse employees.
J. David Hall (He/Him)
J. David Hall (he/him) s the founder and CEO of the Foundation for Life Guides for Autistics (LGFA) / NeuroGuides, a U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2017. His organization provides business coaching and consultations to companies and organizations on neurodiversity, inclusivity, and life coaching for autistic people and other neurodivergent persons worldwide. He’s a Dad to three persons diagnosed on the autism spectrum (ASD) and was formally diagnosed as an autistic person in 2018.
His team of Neuroguides (life and job coaches) works closely with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals in helping them to succeed socially, occupationally, and relationally. David is passionately focused on guiding people to discover their strengths and enjoy meaningful lives.
Known as a relentless optimist and encourager, David is a celebrated writer who speaks at various national events and is a sought-after DEI and neurodiversity trainer and consultant for corporations.
David lives in the South Puget Sound of Washington state, where he writes, reads, cares for birds, hunts mushrooms, and rides his mountain bike.
Recent and upcoming appearances include:
Recent events and upcoming appearances include Leadership training for several Fortune 500 companies, Different Brains, Spectrum Lights Inclusion Summit, Southwest Washington Autism Conference, Bellingham SHRM, Microsoft, Seattle Aspiring Youth/Delphi Programs/Ryther, Stanford University Neurodiversity Summit, The Elijah Winfrey Show, a featured writer on Neuroclastic.com, North Carolina University, Neuroguides Parent Webinars and Podcast interviews, a founding member of the Diversity with Dignity Global Roundtable, corporate leadership training and coaching services with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies and government agencies in neurodiversity and building true inclusive workplace cultures.
Gallup Strengths Attributes: Input, Maximizer, Connectedness, Empathy, and Developer.
Gabby Fricke
An experienced project coordinator and manager with specialties in content and leadership development through various training and workshop settings. Skilled in developing tools and analytics for new system implementation. Knowledgeable on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles including cultural competency, allyship, unconscious bias, intercultural communication, and employee relations. My passions are greatly found in social and racial justice, equity, empowerment, and advocacy.
RECORDING: A Diverse Workforce Requires a Diverse Pipeline: How the PhD Project Is Changing Academia
At the time that I joined a then “Big 8” accounting firm in Detroit, Michigan, there was one Black female partner in an office of close to 1000 professionals (Deloitte & Touche, 1991, Betty Maple); and she was in tax, not audit. It never occurred to me that I would remain at the firm for more than a year or two since I had no indication that someone like me could succeed there. Fortunately, two of my professors planted the seed that I should consider returning for a PhD. And even more important, The PhD Project launched as I started the third year of my PhD program so that I had a network and the support that I needed to complete it. In 1994, I was one of the 175 minority doctoral students in business schools across the country. Today, I am one of the 1346 faculty.
You will walk away from this chat with:
An understanding of why you should pursue the PhD program you’ve been considering
The link between diverse education and diverse professionals
How you can apply to The PhD Project
Richelle Oakley (She/Her)
Dr. Richelle L. Oakley is an Associate Professor of Information Systems (IS) in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at the University of North Georgia. Her research interests include examining the role of technology in helping organizations achieve social goals that benefit society and examining the impact of emerging technology on human behavior. Recently in 2017-2019, Dr. Oakley was part of a team that was awarded approximately $400K in a National Science Foundation 3-year targeted infusion project grant to develop Interdisciplinary Data Analytics Certificate program at Savannah State University (her former institution). She has published her research in top-ranked IS and has presented her research at numerous regional, national, and international IS conferences.
Dr. Oakley is also actively involved in various service activities. She is a faculty mentor for the McNair Scholars program and is working with an undergraduate student on research examining user perceptions of disinformation in social media. For over 8 years, she has worked closely with KPMG’s Ph.D. Project, specifically with the Information Systems Doctoral Student Association (ISDSA). Dr. Oakley also serves as the President of the Southern Association for Information Systems (AIS).
Paquita Davis-Friday (She/Her)
Paquita Y. Davis-Friday is the Senior Associate Dean in the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College and a professor in the Stan Ross Department of Accountancy. She earned her Ph.D. in accounting, MAE, MAcc and BBA from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Before entering the Ph.D. program, she was as an auditor and tax account for Deloitte and was certified in 1992 by the State of Michigan as a public accountant. Paquita currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Pollyanna Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping institutions achieve their diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
RECORDING: Gaining Buy-In As The First Diverse Person On A Team
I have been a Woman in Tech before it was a “thing”. I have a Computer Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and have been in the Retail Technology sector for almost 20 years. When I first started my career back in the year 2000, I was one of 2 women on my team but the ONLY black woman in the company. Being the “first” or the “only” in most anything is a daunting task. During this Chat and Learn session, I want to talk to you about my experience being in this position and how I help others who are in this position today.
You will walk away from this chat with:
Strategies on how to gain buy-in and respect from the majority of your team
The understanding that if you are the first or the only, you can help to create a more inclusive space for the other diverse people who may join the team
Barbara Jones (She/Her)
Barbara Jones is a serial entrepreneur and is currently the Founder/CEO of Freeing Returns (formerly known asLillii RNB), a leading IT consulting firm that helps Fortune 500 companies and government agencies increase their revenue, while improving the retail experience. We provide world-class subject matter experts in the areas of POS, Data Analytics, Fraud Prevention and IT Staffing.