Hello fellow techies!!
In this week’s episode of Tech Unfiltered, I had the pleasure of chatting with Andy Morrell, Principal Software Engineer, former Microsoft MVP, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in tech. Andy shared his personal journey of discovering ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has both helped and challenged him in the workplace.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation
💡 The Power of Hyperfocus
Andy explained how ADHD allows him to dive deep into complex problems, like building real-time chat analysis tools for Twitch that handle thousands of messages per second. But he also talked about the struggle of getting started and staying motivated.
⏳ Deadlines and Productivity Hacks
One of Andy’s best workarounds for ADHD challenges is setting shorter self-imposed deadlines to trick his brain into starting sooner. He also emphasised the importance of managing notifications, taking regular breaks, and scheduling mental resets to stay on track.
💬 Creating a Neurodiverse-Friendly Workplace
Communication matters. Andy encourages teams to be mindful when reaching out to colleagues. Instead of vague messages like "Can we chat?" provide clear context. He also shared that being open about neurodiversity at work helps create a more supportive and inclusive environment.
🛠 Soft Skills Matter
Beyond just writing great code, Andy highlighted how communication and adaptability are just as important as technical expertise. As he put it, "You're a great programmer. You're not quite a developer."
🎙 Listen Now
Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or want to support your colleagues better, this episode is full of insights on working smarter, embracing differences, and making tech more inclusive.
If you’d like to catch up with the episode on YouTube, listen here:
What are your thoughts on creating more inclusive workplaces for neurodiverse professionals? Reply to this email or drop me a comment on LinkedIn.
Until next time,
Jade Wilson
Host, Tech Unfiltered
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