In this episode, Ron sits down with Jessica Poli, an LVT turned regional leader who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Together, they unpack what a late diagnosis changes, how ADHD shows up in real leadership work, and why “productivity” is often a misleading label for what’s actually sensory load, executive function friction, and constant context switching. Jessica shares how she rebuilt her calendar around her brain, why clear expectations are not the same as a job description, and how psychological safety plus autonomy can transform a team’s trust and performance.

What you’ll hear in this episode • Jessica’s path from technician to management to regional leadership (and why “no two days are the same” matters) • Late diagnosis insights: hyperfixation, energy crashes, and the hidden cost of mundane tasks • Calendar design for an ADHD brain: slow mornings, meeting prep, buffer time, and strategic blocks • Cognitive load: why exhaustion isn’t always about the work, it’s about working against your nervous system • Leadership masking and the “different versions of me” required in different rooms • A real moment of authenticity: “This sucks… let’s struggle bus together” and what it did for trust • Psychological safety vs psychological autonomy: letting people pause, step away, or hang up mid call without fear • Executive function in clinic life: the checklist system, losing your place, and why “helping” can backfire • Moral and ethical sensitivity as a drain: when you can tolerate a hard job, but not unethical treatment of people • Sensory regulation and focus: silence vs chaos, and why both can be true depending on the moment • Clarity needs: why “expectations” questions get misunderstood and how leadership can miss the nuance • Strengths: hyperfocus, drive, survival mode momentum, and why neurodivergence can be a real advantage • Jessica’s “flavor” of neurodivergence: she’s more approachable than she looks when she’s locked in thought • 2026 intention: balance, reconnection, and supporting colleagues doing big things

Notable quotes • “I can hyperfixate on one project and get it done in a day, but the mundane tasks… I just can’t.” • “Restructuring my calendar in a way that works for my brain has been huge.” • “This isn’t fun… let’s struggle bus together. I don’t know everything. You don’t know everything.” • “I might not see the red flag today, but I hold onto it until the next one.” • “I’m more approachable than I seem. Sometimes I’m just lost in thought.”

Key takeaways

1. A late diagnosis often turns “personality flaws” into patterns you can actually design around.
2. The calendar isn’t a time tool, it’s a nervous system tool. Buffers are not indulgent, they’re functional.
3. Psychological safety helps people speak up. Psychological autonomy lets them pause, reset, and protect capacity.
4. Clear expectations are not the job description. Leaders need to articulate the “how” and “what good looks like.”
5. Sensory needs can flip depending on the task. Silence and chaos can both be regulation, context matters.
6. When ethics are violated, it’s not just stress, it’s identity strain. That’s a different kind of burnout.

Resources mentioned • Ron’s workbook: What’s Left Unattended https://www.syn-apt.me/playbook

Connect with Jessica • Find Jessica on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/polijessicalvt/

Welcome back to Left Unattended! I am your host, Ron Sosa. In this solo episode, I guide you through the transformative practice of self-questioning. You might notice something different today—it's just me. For the first few episodes, I had the incredible opportunity to have conversations with guests about their stories and struggles. While I love those conversations, I realized some of the best discussions are the ones I have with myself.

Together we’ll unpack:

• The power of self-questioning: I explore how asking myself the right questions leads to profound insights.
• Avoidance and discomfort: We’ll dig deep into what we're avoiding and why.
• Patterns in life: I identify recurring problems and explore what they might be offering us.
• Failure and risk: We talk about understanding what’s worth doing even if we might fail.
• Open-ended questions: I discuss living with questions that don’t have immediate answers but invite ongoing exploration.

This episode serves as an invitation for you to spend time with the uncomfortable questions you’ve been avoiding. By modeling this process, I hope to inspire you to ask the real questions and find your own path to self-discovery. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!

Unveiling the Realities of Neurodivergence with Tabitha Kucera

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate. In this episode, I talk with Tabitha Kucera, an elite Fear Free and low-stress handling certified registered veterinary technician, veterinary technician specialist in behavior, certified cat behavior consultant, and a Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner. As the founder of Chirps and Chatter and an animal behavior technician at the Gentle Vet in Ohio, Tabitha brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

Together, we unpack:

- Tabitha's background, from growing up in East Cleveland surrounded by stray animals to becoming a leader in veterinary behavior.

- The complexities and challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the veterinary field.

- The importance of understanding clients' backgrounds and contexts to improve compliance and animal care.

- How Tabitha's journey through different roles in vet med has helped her develop a unique approach to behavior consulting and organizational consulting with shelters and clinics.

- The impact of language and labels in shaping our understanding of neurodivergence and why Tabitha prefers not to use the term neurodivergent.

- The role of music and nature as therapeutic tools for managing mental health and maintaining balance.

- Practical tips for embracing one's neurodivergence, finding personal fulfillment, and navigating the highs and lows of both the veterinary profession and life.

Tabitha leaves us with the reminder that most people are good, and it's essential to find what works for you individually, leaning into your unique strengths and experiences.

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate and in this episode, I talk with Debra Hamilton of Hamilton Law and Mediation. Debra Hamilton is an attorney, mediator, and conflict consultant with specialized expertise in animal-related disputes. Her unique professional background combines legal expertise in animal law matters, advanced mediation, and conflict resolution skills, with a deep understanding of the human-animal bond.

Together, we unpack:

• Debra's journey: How her neurodivergence influenced her shift from litigation to mediation and her niche in animal-related conflicts.
• Challenges in learning: The strategies Debra used to navigate her educational and professional life, including her discovery of the limitations of traditional litigation for her neurodivergent needs.
• Mediation vs. Litigation: Why mediation serves both Deb and her clients better, focusing on collaboration and understanding rather than adversarial approaches.
• Human-animal bond: How animals play a crucial role in Debra's life and work, providing grounding and perspective.
• Communication tools: The importance of curious questions and non-verbal cues in mediation, particularly in high-emotion situations.
• The impact of conflict: The importance of understanding and mitigating the stress on animals and their owners during disputes.
• Personal stories and pivotal moments: Debra shares memorable cases and personal experiences that shaped her career and approach to conflict resolution.

Debra leaves us with one truth she wishes people understood: “I am thoughtful in my responses and passionate about my work. If my response isn’t what you anticipated, ask me a curious question. It helps me explain better and serve you more effectively.”

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate, and today I’m joined by Dr. Alex Harrison.

Alex is a profoundly deaf veterinarian, consultant, and founder of an equity-focused consultancy dedicated to building veterinary workplaces where everyone belongs. He is the 2025 Australian Veterinary Association President’s Award recipient, recognized for shifting the Overton window of what the profession sees as possible in equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Together, we dive into:

• Alex’s journey as Australia’s first profoundly deaf veterinary graduate and what it meant to practice without disability representation or support 25 years ago.
• How burnout and cognitive load impact marginalized professionals, especially when masking or “passing” becomes a full-time job.
• Why intersectionality matters and how collaboration across disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and queer identity creates stronger advocacy.
• The power and danger of the hidden curriculum in veterinary training and workplaces, and why unlearning outdated norms is essential for retention.
• How strengths-based design outperforms deficit-based thinking and outdated expectations of “omnicompetent clinicians.”
• The need for systems-level change instead of individualized “self-care fixes,” especially when mental health struggles stem from structural issues.
• Why diagnosis delays, especially for neurodivergent women, are reshaping the mental health narrative in the profession.
• How curiosity, cultural humility, and repair can transform leadership and create psychologically safe veterinary teams.

Alex leaves us with one truth he wants the world to understand: We cannot solve these challenges in silos. Unlearning, humility, and cross-pollination across identities and across countries are how we move the profession forward.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-harrison-263b69107/
• Equity consulting: www.vetquity.com.au

If this conversation resonated with you, let’s go deeper together:

• Join the Left Unattended Newsletter: weekly insights on neuroinclusive leadership and thriving as your full self → https://www.syn-apt.me/newsletter
• Work with Me 1:1 or in Groups: learn more about coaching → coaching.syn-apt.me
• Connect with Me on LinkedIn: join the conversation on neuroinclusive leadership → www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-sosa-cvpm-ccfp-pgd-cld-53453797

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate and in this episode I talk with Diann Wingert, host of the ADHD-ish podcast, psychotherapist-turned-coach, practicing Buddhist, rescue-dog lover, and self-proclaimed “Speaker of Uncomfortable Truths.”

Diann brings decades of clinical experience and a fierce passion for helping neurodivergent people build lives of purpose, profit, and peace. She’s obsessed with helping folks (especially neurodivergent women and entrepreneurs) translate strengths into sustainable careers — while learning to tolerate the shame, interruptions, and complexity that too often come along for the ride.

Together, we unpack:

• What it felt like to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life and why coming out of the “ADHD closet” can be complicated even inside the ADHD community.
• The tension between masking and authenticity and why we wear different faces for different groups and how taking masks off changes relationships.
• How ADHD shows up as high energy, rapid idea flow, and time blindness along with strengths that are often misread as rudeness or arrogance.
• The workplace blind spots: why systems reward “nine-to-fivers” and punish systems thinkers/visionaries who cut through inefficiency.
• Practical communication tools for neurodivergent folks who don’t want to disclose diagnosis but still need needs met (the “Polaroid/primer” trick).
• Parenting and intergenerational impact and how recognizing neurodivergence in yourself changes how you raise and relate to your children.
• The role of Buddhist practice and equanimity in living with ADHD: acceptance without resignation; owning struggles without shame.

Diann leaves us with one truth she wishes people understood: “I’m not as unbreakable as I look, I’m just got a damn good cover story. We have strengths and we have struggles, and both matter.”

• Podcast: ADHD-ish
• Website: https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertco

Connect with Ron & Keep Exploring

If this conversation resonated with you, let’s go deeper together:

• Join the Left Unattended Newsletter: Get weekly insights on neuroinclusive leadership and thriving as your full self
• Work with Me 1:1 or in Groups: Learn more about coaching
• Connect with Me on Linkedin: Join the conversation on neuroinclusive leadership

Left Unattended Episode 3

Welcome to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate, and in this episode I’m joined by Michael Habicht.

Michael is an artist, creative designer, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for pets and people. He’s the founder of Healthy Paws Herbal Labs and host of The Pet Journey podcast, where he brings humor and honesty to the stories that matter. Diagnosed as neurodivergent at age 61, Michael is reframing decades of life experience through a new lens from surviving childhood sexual abuse to building a magical career in design, events, and entrepreneurship.

Together, we dive into:

• What it’s like to receive a neurodivergent diagnosis later in life and begin reframing decades of experiences.

• How people-pleasing and masking shaped Michael’s relationships and career.

• The power of boundaries and learning to say no after a lifetime of saying yes.

• Why neurodivergent brains often see inefficiencies and broken systems — and how that can be misunderstood.

• The “Da Vinci Method” and what it means to be the eagle among the chicks.

• How art, creativity, and design became both survival tools and sources of brilliance.

• The ongoing process of alignment: choosing when to mask, when to unmask, and how to build environments that allow authenticity.

Michael leaves us with one truth he wishes the world understood: Neurodivergence isn’t brokenness, it can be a gift. The work is finding alignment with who you really are.

• Website: www.HealthyPawsHerbalLabs.com

• Instagram: @iiidesigns

Connect with Ron & Keep Exploring

If this conversation resonated with you, let’s go deeper together:

• Join the Left Unattended Newsletter: Get weekly insights on neuroinclusive leadership and thriving as your full self

• Work with Me 1:1 or in Groups: Learn more about coaching

• Connect with Me on Linkedin: Join the conversation on neuroinclusive leadership

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate, and in this episode I’m joined by Tori Burgos.

Tori began her career as a dog trainer working with dogs with serious behavioral challenges before entering veterinary medicine in 2017. After graduating from tech school in 2021 and passing the VTNE, she pursued her passion for anesthesia and now works in specialty medicine with expertise in surgery, anesthesia, and the high-intensity environment of emergency and ICU care.

Together, we dive into:

• The Toilet Paper Rule: how universal design principles in practice reduce stress, errors, and frustration.
• Why one-size-fits-all breaks don’t work, and how shorter resets can sustain energy and performance.
• The experience of being misunderstood or labeled “difficult” when communication styles differ.
• The career-changing impact of having a manager invest in executive function coaching early on.
• How approaching challenges with curiosity instead of judgment transforms team culture.
• Why efficiency, empathy, and high standards are strengths that come with neurodivergence.

Tori leaves us with one truth she wishes the world understood about her neurodivergence: sometimes the words don’t come out the way I mean them, but the thought is fully there — give me space to process.

If this conversation resonated with you, let’s go deeper together:

• Join the Left Unattended Newsletter: Get weekly insights on neuroinclusive leadership and thriving as your full self
• Work with Me 1:1 or in Groups: Learn more about coaching

Connect with Me on Linkedin: Join the conversation on neuroinclusive leadership