Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guests Lauren Yee and Maddy Gabor as they explore neurodivergence in the workplace. Together, they discuss how play, curiosity, and clear communication can transform team dynamics and create inclusive spaces for everyone to thrive.

Lauren Yee and Maddy Gabor are co-founders of Betterment Works, a playful professional development company on a mission to strengthen businesses and teams by helping people feel, connect, and do better at work.

Lauren is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership.

Maddy is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play. As a neurodivergent executive, she is well-versed in the struggles of focus, productivity, time management, and leadership; and her facilitation and content are informed by that experience. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions more empowering, engaging, and compassionate workplaces for all. Using play and analytics as the tools and her values as the compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.

An expert in the practical applications of learning through play, Maddy facilitates playful professional development and consults on organizational betterment projects.

Website: www.bettermentworks.com

Lauren Email: Lauren@bettermentworks.com

Maddy Email: Maddy@bettermentworks.com

Sarah shares a quick update on the upcoming schedule for the podcast, as well as some big, exciting changes we have in store for the show in 2025!

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guest Vanessa McNeal as they explore the role of emotions in personal and professional growth, sharing insights on how expressing feelings can unlock greater fulfillment and productivity.

Vanessa McNeal is a nationally acclaimed Speaker, Life Coach, and Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker. With a Master's Degree in Social Work, Vanessa is a leading voice on topics of well-being, leadership development, and fostering a culture of belonging and care in the workplace and beyond. Her impactful presentations have resonated with audiences ranging from women’s empowerment events and university lecture halls to prestigious military institutions such as the National Guard and Air Force. Vanessa's mission is to inspire and ignite positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential. Vanessa's dedication and influence have earned her numerous accolades, including the Inspiring Women of Iowa Award and the Statement Maker Award, highlighting her as a transformative force in the field of personal and professional development.

Website: www.vanessamcneal.com

Email: info@vanessamcneal.com

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guest Susan Arduengo for an exploration of workplace investigations. Susan shares insights from her experience, including the importance of transparency, unbiased listening, and creating a safe and supportive environment for employees.

Susan Arduengo is a California licensed attorney and an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder who conducts impartial, thorough, high quality workplace investigations throughout California. Susan has investigated a broad range of allegations in private and public sector workplaces including for non-profits and higher education. Susan has also conducted investigations into allegations against elected officials and sworn personnel including Firefighters’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act (FBOR) and Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (POBR) matters. Susan is also experienced in conducting investigations in unionized workplaces. Before focusing on investigations, Susan practiced as an employment litigator and she litigated matters involving wage disputes, allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and class action litigation in both state and federal courts. A native Floridian, Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. While in law school, Susan clerked for the United States Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida and the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. From there, Susan began her law career in Chicago, Illinois before relocating to California.

Email: susan@arduengoinvestigations.com

Website: www.arduengoinvestigations.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-arduengo-81092412

Harvard’s Implicit Association Tests (IAT): implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/index.jsp

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and Dr. Teresa Peterson as they celebrate the release of the Don't Feed the Elephants! Workbook by exploring fresh insights and perspectives on the challenges of starting tough conversations. Topics range from overcoming avoidance to crafting impactful opening statements that set the tone for honest dialogue.

Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development for Sarah Noll Wilson, Inc. In her daily work, she serves as Sarah’s key content collaborator. Teresa enjoys facilitating, researching, and is passionate about applying best practices for learning to make our experiences meaningful, engaging, and accessible for all types of learners. Teresa holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and brings over twenty years of experience teaching, facilitating, and leading to our team. Our clients love Teresa’s grounded energy, depth of thought, and ability to listen deeply.

Email: teresa@sarahnollwilson.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-peterson-EdD

Don’t Feed the Elephants! Workbook: www.theleadercampus.com

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guest Tiana Sanchez as they examine the role of consistency and integrity in leadership, with real talk on how organizations can truly uphold commitments to diversity and inclusion.

Tiana Sanchez, CEO and Founder of TSI, LLC, a Woman-Owned Small Business, brings over a decade of expertise as a Corporate Trainer and Business Consultant to leaders in the public and private sectors. With a #1 best-selling authorship and a globally recognized podcast, Tiana has earned acclaim for her insights, including a KTLA Morning News feature on workplace empathy. As an Award-Winning Executive Coach, she utilizes her diverse management background in Retail, Food and Beverage, and Finance to elevate people development. Leading Tiana Sanchez International, named "Best Executive Coaching" Program by HR.Com, Tiana specializes in delivering world-class leadership programs, keynotes, and seminars. Her tailored Diversity Audits and Pulse Surveys empower organizations with equitable practices, showcased through partnerships with renowned entities like Sempra, Metropolitan Water District, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and various government agencies. Tiana's impactful workshops at esteemed educational institutions underscore her commitment to elevating organizational effectiveness. Armed with a Psychology and Business Management background, Tiana is a sought-after speaker, contributing author, and dedicated advocate for sustainable leadership development.

Website: www.tianasanchez.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tianasanchez

Instagram: www.instagram.com/likearealbosslady

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TianaSanchez

The New C-Suite: Civil Leadership in Action: https://a.co/d/7KLVQGU

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guest Shanté Gordon as they explore the importance of proactive resourcing, community, and living with authenticity to prevent and navigate burnout.

Shanté Gordon, a dynamic DEI Strategist, Executive Coach, and Trauma-Sensitive Wellness Facilitator & Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), boasts a rich, multi-disciplinary career spanning decades. Armed with an Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences degree from Northwestern University, she began in supply chain management, where she uncovered workplace disparities around gender, race, and privilege. Transitioning to marketing, Shanté climbed the ranks in iconic music labels, online retailers, and fitness brands, until burnout prompted a recalibration towards a more balanced life. This shift led her to wellness, a journey that now profoundly informs her DEI strategy. As a DEI strategist at The Norfus Firm, Shanté adeptly merges mindfulness and trauma sensitivity with change management expertise, crafting tailored solutions for organizations ranging from small arts non-profits to major healthcare companies and most industries in between. Her unique approach centers on aligning organizational values with culture while maintaining a people-centric and data-driven focus. Beyond titles and industries, Shanté's true passion lies in connecting the dots within others' narratives. Whether coaching individuals or steering organizations, she finds joy in unlocking their potential and guiding them towards their goals. Shanté is a catalyst for transformation, committed to making workplaces environments where everyone can thrive.

The Norfus Firm Website: www.thenorfusfirm.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shantesgordon

Join Sarah Noll Wilson and guests Amy Myers and Luke Mohlenhoff for a candid conversation on how ADHD and anxiety impact their daily lives, relationships, and work, offering insights on navigating neurodivergence with compassion and support.

Amy Myers brings over two decades of program management expertise to her role as our Chief of Staff. Her passion for connecting with clients while working together to “cross the Ts and dot the Is” makes her partnership personally rewarding on many levels (she loves a good Excel tracking sheet!). Amy’s background includes work in public education, government, and non-profit arts organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Grinnell College, inspiring her lifelong interest in others’ stories and experiences. Fun Fact: In her free time, Amy lives vicariously through PBS baking shows and America’s Test Kitchen. She enjoys trying new dishes, but believes recipes are “only a suggestion.” Her husband and cat beg to differ. #oliveoilbrowniefail

Luke Mohlenhoff is a Senior Vice President at West Bank and manages the Residential Construction and Land Development team. Luke has been with West Bank since 2011 and has over two decades of experience in the banking industry. He has specialized in residential construction and land development banking since 2007. Luke actively contributes to professional organizations, as an 11 year board member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, a 10 year board member of the Westbancorporation Foundation and more recently, as a two year board member of CREW Iowa (Commercial Real Estate Women). His motivation to pursue a career in construction and development banking comes from the contributions that this specialization has in transforming the Des Moines metropolitan area. He has a particular passion for affordable housing initiatives and making housing more affordable for all, regardless of income level. A graduate of Albion College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English, he also earned an Elementary Teaching Certificate from Eastern Michigan University. He was born in Connecticut and has lived in multiple states, but considers Jackson, Michigan his home town. He has lived in Des Moines for the past 22 years with his wife, Amy Myers, and their cats, Teddy Bear Roosevelt and Chloe “Chloe-Bear” Warwick. Luke is an avid golfer and his current golf handicap is mid-range irons.

Amy Email: amy@sarahnollwilson.com