Classroom 5.0 – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What happens when two former clinical psychologists and late diagnosed neurodivergent women sit down to discuss burnout, masking, and sustainable leadership? This honest conversation explores the real challenges neurodivergent entrepreneurs and professionals face, and the radical self-trust required to build work that doesn't break you.

In this milestone 50th episode, I sit down with Dr Hayley D. Quinn, a proud Autistic ADHD (AuDHD) woman, former Clinical Psychologist, anti-burnout business coach, podcast host (Welcome to Self), and author of the soon-to-be-released book From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion.

Topics covered: 
✓ Burnout, what it is and how to distinguish it from exhaustion  
✓ The chameleon effect: masking and its long-term costs
✓ Why "working harder" doesn't solve burnout (and what does)
✓ Dehumanisation in helping professions
✓ Threat, drive & soothing systems (Compassion-Focused Therapy)
✓ AI, uncertainty & neurodivergent leadership
✓ Self-trust as business strategy

And a big announcement - this episode also marks the last for Classroom 5.0, at least for now. Thank you for being a part of this community, and shaping the evolution of these conversations into a fresh new podcast in 2026, Jagged Brilliance: AI, Neurodivergence and the Future of Leadership. Subscribe here for launch details, coming soon! 

📖 Full episode show notes with links to connect with Hayley and pre-order her book, available at:
https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/50

Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, is transforming the landscape of digital media and workplace culture. Guided by her own late diagnosis and idenitification as an Autistic PDA woman, she's pioneering a new standard for workplaces that empower neurodivergent individuals to succeed on their terms.

In episode 49 of Classroom 5.0, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cherie, to hear first hand how she's implementing everyday leadership practices and workplace policies that reflect her deep understanding of what it takes for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

While traditional narratives frame PDA as an anxiety-driven response to everyday demands, Cherie, like me, challenges this reductionist view. Instead, she describes PDA as a complexity of her neurobiological wiring that fuels her creativity, autonomy, and fierce sense of justice.

I found myself wiping away tears and roaring with laughter as Cherie shared personal and professional anecdotes that vividly captured the fierce determination, creative problem-solving, and sharp humor that embody the strengths of PDA, and highlight her unstoppable drive as a leader fostering inclusive impact and innovation.

Learn more about Cherie, watch the full interview on YouTube, and explore the resources discussed by visiting the episode page here: https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/49

If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, or take a minute to rate and review on your favouritie podcasting platform!

Conversation Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

02:27 Understanding Neurodiversity and Late Diagnosis

05:20 Unmasking and Leadership

08:07 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace

11:21 The Dance of Authenticity and Boundaries

13:31 Masking vs. Compensation Strategies

16:39 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

27:06 Embracing PDA Leadership

30:32 Radical Inclusion in the Workplace

37:48 Creativity and Flow in Neurodivergent Teams

44:16 Impact Mindset and Legacy

Connect with Mariane:

IG : ‪@marianepower‬

LinkedIn @marianepower

www.marianepower.com.au

In Episode 40 of Classroom 5.0, we delve into the impact of human-centered leadership and purpose-driven business with Seth Pathiyil, Head of Hunter Energy Hubs at AGL Energy Ltd. With over three decades of experience across five industries and four countries, Seth shares how his values-aligned approach is transforming AGL's clean energy initiatives and fostering inclusive impact.

Seth's upbringing in Kerala, India, profoundly influenced his leadership style, instilling values of integrity, respect, and well-being. These principles guide his efforts at AGL, where he leads the creation of low-carbon industrial energy hubs powered by renewable energy and chairs the Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Key Takeaways:

• How Seth's childhood in Kerala shaped his leadership philosophy.
• Insights into AGL's clean energy transition projects.
• The importance of collaboration and conscious business practices for sustainable development.
• Essential future leadership skills like analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
• The impact of Gen Z on the workforce and the integration of different generations.

Seth's inspiring journey offers valuable insights into leadership, clean energy, and the future of work, and helps us to see how prioritizing people and purpose can drive remarkable business performance and ensure we create a sustainable future.

For links to today's shownotes, including resources shared, visit www.marianepower.com.au/blog/40

And to learn more about how you can unleash the potential in your people by leveraging the neurodiversity that exists within your workplace, learn more about The NeuroIMPACT Network here

If you loved this episode, please help us to create more just like it by sharing, rating and reviewing on tyour favourite podcast platform.

Ever struggled with tough conversations, unsure how to approach them without causing harm? You're not alone. In this week's episode, Mariane Power sits down with Dr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity Psy Consulting, to explore the art of navigating hard conversations. With over 20 years in psychology and leadership development, Dr. Scott shares insights on science-backed communication strategies and soul-filled connections that break through unconscious bias and help us build more inclusive communities, schools and workplaces.

In this episode, Dr. Scott delves into:

• Self-awareness and addressing unconscious biases
• The role of curiosity in challenging biases
• Mental health equity in sustainable DEI initiatives
• Importance of diverse role models
• Employee well-being in the age of AI
• Transcendent leadership for fostering inclusivity

To learn more about The neuroIMPACT Network, visit www.marianepower.com.au

To learn more about The Posify Group, visit www.theposifygroup.com.au

For show notes and resources and links to Dr Cree Scott's work, visit https://www.marianepower.com.au/blog/39

Connect with Dr Cree Scott directly via her website https://www.serenitypsyhealth.com/about

Liked this episode? Here's how to rate and review on Apple Podcasts!

Your ratings and reviews help us support more people, just like you, to imagine and create inclusive impact that benefits our future. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to share what you loved most about this and other episodes!

Thanks for tuning into another episode, and for your interest in Inclusive Impact.

Em Gulliver, founder of smart tag solution 'Meggi', takes us behind the scenes of what it's really like to navigate the triple minority threat of being young, female and neurodivergent in today's tech industry. From her early days at IBM to thriving as a sought after software developer and founder, Em has learned first hand how to play to her unique strengths for success.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The initiatives and programs working to increase diversity and representation of more women in tech

• Why flexibility and support for working mothers is crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment

• The benefits Technology and STEM careers can offer in providing flexibility for individuals with caregiving responsibilities

• How understanding and accommodating the needs of neurodivergent individuals can support your efforts in creating an inclusive workplace

For links to today's resources and shownotes, visit the episode page here

To learn more about Messy Magic, an ADHD coaching program for women, see here

To learn more about how The Posify Group are creating a future-fit workforce, see here

Liked this episode? Here's how to rate and review on Apple Podcasts!

Your ratings and reviews help us support more people, just like you, to imagine and create inclusive impact that benefits our future. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to share what you loved most about this and other episodes!

Thanks for tuning into another episode, and for your interest in Inclusive Impact.

Last year, over 1.5 million Australian children experienced difficulties attending school. That number reflects 39% of families with school aged children. Their lack of attendance is not because they're 'naughty'. Not because they're 'defiant'. And not because of poor parenting. But because they can't.

If we're to design a future of learning that's inclusive of all, this nation wide challenge requires nation wide participation, and must involve diverse voices representative of all industries, perspectives and backgrounds.

In this special episode of Classroom 5.0, we're sharing the recording of our online training from earlier this year on this topic. It aims to help you understand the 'what' and 'why' of school attendance difficulties, and offers practical, actionable steps that parents, teachers and HR professionals can take to provide collaborative, community based support for children and families affected.

Head to the episode webpage here to download the full webinar and presentation slides, and for links to today's resources.

In this episode, you'll discover - 1. The key issues facing families navigating difficulties with school attendance, 2. Clinical and research backed insights behind what's driving school attendance difficulties, and why some individuals are more vulnerable than others, 3. Current solutions and supports currently available for families, and how we can learn from other countries 4. Practical things you can say and do to support children and families experiencing 'School Can't', or school attendance difficulties

This training is in support of, but separate to, the incredible work and efforts of 'School Can't Australia', who can be contacted directly here

EPISODE WEBPAGE

To gain access to resources discussed in today's episode, and to download the free recording of the training and accompnaying slides, visit here .

In this unique, unfiltered episode of Classroom 5.0, podcast host Mariane Power and Will Wheeler, Neurodiversity Consultant at Untapped and co-founder of the Neurodiversity Academy, dive into the challenges and advantages of living and leading with ADHD.

This episode deviates from our usual podcast format with no edits or post-production—just real, raw dialogue between two neurodivergent minds, offering you a sneak peek into the unpolished conversations and glorious thought-bubble deviations that reflect the true dynamics of neurodivergent thinking.

Through sharing lived experience stories and real world case studies from their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Mariane and Will offer a deep dive into the realities of advocating for, creating and sustaining inclusive environments for learning, work and leadership.

LINKS FOR THE SHOW:

For a full list of resources and links to today's shownotes, see the episode webpage here

Connect with Will via LinkedIn here

Join Messy Magic, an online program supporting women with ADHD here

To discover how The Posify Group can support your school or workplace in achieving its diversity and inclusion learning and development goals, visit www.theposifygroup.com.au

Liked this episode? Remember to Rate, Review and Follow on Apple Podcasts here

This helps us support more people, just like you, to imagine and create inclusive impact that benefits our future! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to share what you loved most about this and other episodes!

Where corporate boardrooms were once considered the place for Executives to buckle down and armour up, my guest today, Karen Oldaker, shares what's driving the shifting desire and demand for authentic, vulnerable leadership.

Karen is a Senior Executive, specialising in driving Societal Change and Social Impact both from an employee health and community lens. With over 2 decades of experience in large Corporates her focus is on creating mentally healthy workplaces, starting with psychological safety and Inclusion as the foundation. Karen is leading Medibank's 10-year social impact initiative to tackle Loneliness; one of the most misunderstood health issues of our time.

Today, she shares an intimate glimpse into her childhood, reflecting on how her personal relationships have fuelled her commitment to creating change for good.

04:05 Karen's personal story, and how it's shaped her passion for mental health and well-being 10:25 Vulnerability, courage and compassion in leadership 14:16 Breaking the silence at work around women's health, menopause and neurodiversity 21:59 The We Are Lonely Podcast, exploring highlights and stories from Season 2 For links to resources in today's conversation, head to the episode webpage here Learn more about Messy Magic, an ADHD coaching program supporting late diagnosed women here And to learn more about how The Posify Group are supporting the next gen with the skills and mindsets they need to be 'future fit', visit the website here

'I think I might be ADHD. What do you suggest I do first?' This is by far the most common question I'm asked. And with increased awareness and story sharing by those, like me, receiving a late diagnosis, I'm not surprised. In fact - I'm thrilled! This is a topic close to my heart. In sharing both my clinical insights and lived experience, I hope this solo episode helps to bust some myths and misconceptions circulating about ADHD, and offer you science-backed insights to inform your conversations and self-discovery journeys.

Key Timestamps:

01:23 Recap of previous episode, and listener feedback and questions - where to start and who to see if you think you have ADHD

04:05 Myth busting around the claims of over-diagnosis of ADHD in adults - what the Australian numbers really tell us.

09:14 ADHD defined, and what research reveals about the real world costs of undiagnosed and unsupported ADHD

13:01 Understanding the different types of ADHD

26:00 The role of ADHD coaching in supporting desired behaviour change

37:28 Supporting individuals with ADHD in the workplace

LINKS FOR THE SHOW:

See the episode webpage with links to resources discussed in this conversation here

Connect with Mariane via LinkedIn here, and via her website here

Join Messy Magic, an online program supporting women with ADHD here

To discover how The Posify Group can support your school or workplace in achieving its diversity and inclusion learning and development goals, visit www.theposifygroup.com.au

Liked this episode? Remember to Rate, Review and Follow on Apple Podcasts here

This helps us support more people, just like you, to imagine and create inclusive impact that benefits our future! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to share what you loved most about this and other episodes!

And if you haven't already done so, be sure to visit my homepage here and sign up to my weekly newsletter, where I share bonus updates, behind the scenes action and hand-picked recommended readings for every episode here on Classroom 5.0.

With a balanced look at both mitigating psychological hazards and cultivating peak performance, this episode revisits highlights from guests in this series, and takes a look at research that builds both the wellbeing and business case for investing in identity development and boosting belonging in our communities and workplace cultures.

Key Takeaways

• 08:17 Safeguarding our psyche at work - the essentials of psychosocial safety and how it shields us from risks that threaten our mental well-being.
• 15:34 How our group affiliations shape our sense of self and our interactions with the world.
• 25:18 Revisiting Imposter Syndrome and how it relates to our identity with Alison Shamir
• 28:04 Understanding the changing expectations of today's workforce and what the research says about what top talent are seeking in their professional lives
• 29:32 Charlotte Connell shares insights on how the push for sustainability is intertwined with our need to belong and find our place.
• 32:06 Navigating the complex world of labels and the influence they hold .
• 33:03 Why founders must invest in their own development to lead with authenticity and vision.
• 36:50 The business case for building belonging, from financial gains to enhanced performance.
• 38:15 The critical role of schools in nurturing identity development and fostering inclusion.
• 41:58 How a strong sense of self can amplify our ability to create positive change.
• 44:13 The challenges and rewards of incorporating our traumas into our identity narrative, and exploring post-traumatic growth - a revisit of conversations with Zach Mercurio.
• 53:23 Practical steps for cultivating environments where everyone feels they truly belong

Episode webpage with links to resources discussed in this episode coming tomorrow!

LINKS FOR THE SHOW:

See the episode webpage with links to resources discussed in this conversation here

Connect with Mariane via LinkedIn here, and via her website here

Join Messy Magic, an online program supporting women with ADHD here

To discover how The Posify Group can support your school or workplace in achieving its diversity and inclusion learning and development goals, visit www.theposifygroup.com.au

Liked this episode? Remember to Rate, Review and Follow on Apple Podcasts here

This helps us support more people, just like you, to imagine and create inclusive impact that benefits our future! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to share what you loved most about this and other episodes!

And if you haven't already done so, be sure to visit my homepage here and sign up to my weekly newsletter, where I share bonus updates, behind the scenes action and hand-picked recommended readings for every episode here on Classroom 5.0.