Autistic entrepreneurship: a different path to work

In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey speaks with Autistic social entrepreneur, researcher and systems innovator Dr Sharon Zivkovic about why entrepreneurship can be an employment pathway for Autistic people.

Together, they explore the barriers Autistic people often face in traditional employment, including workplace culture, sensory challenges and recruitment processes, and discuss how self-employment and social entrepreneurship can offer greater autonomy, flexibility and wellbeing.

Dr Sharon Zivkovic shares insights into Autistic strengths such as deep interests, systems thinking, pattern recognition and innovative problem-solving, explaining why these qualities can make Autistic people exceptional entrepreneurs and changemakers.

The conversation also examines how Autistic thinking differs from neurotypical approaches, why society needs Autistic innovation, and how strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming supports could help more Autistic people thrive.

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