Different Minds, Stronger Teams: Inside Our Global Neurodiversity Event

At Delivery Hero, we say our greatest strength is our people, but what does it really look like when we design work for different kinds of brains, not just different job titles?

That’s exactly what we explored in our recent global webinar, “Neurodivergence at Work:  Breaking myths, unlocking potential.” 

The event was hosted by Rowan Dever, Senior Manager in talabat’s People Experience team, the session brought together academic insight, personal storytelling, and real-world company practices to answer one big question: how do we make sure neurodivergent talents thrive?

Neurodiversity: A buzzword, or a biological fact?

Professor Tim Vogus, Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., Professor of Management at Vanderbilt University, delivered the opening keynote. Tim is recognized for his research on making workplaces more inclusive of neurodiversity, and teaches classes on Leading Teams and Organizations and Neurodiversity and Work.

Tim kicked things off by grounding us in the basics. Neurodiversity, he explained, is simply the natural variation in how human brains work,  and should not be seen as a problem to “fix.”

Instead, the neurodiversity movement adds something powerful: the idea that this variation is valuable, and that there is no single “normal” brain.

He walked us through common forms of neurodivergence like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. These are often framed in terms of challenges at work, but Tim spotlighted their strengths too. From deep focus and honesty, to creativity, hyperfocus, and authenticity.

In other words: if you want innovative teams, different ways of thinking  are essential!

Busting myths, or getting neurodiversity all wrong?

Tim then took on some of the biggest myths about neurodivergence.

Behaviours like avoiding eye contact or fidgeting? Often they’re about sensory processing, not disinterest.

The idea that neurodivergent people “lack empathy”? Tim reframed this as a “double empathy problem”,  misunderstandings go both ways, between neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

And the belief that supporting neurodivergent colleagues is “too hard” or “too expensive”? Many helpful adjustments are low-cost, and a more flexible, clear workplace benefits everyone.

One of his most powerful suggestions was to shift from hiring for “cultural fit” to “cultural contribution.” Instead of asking, “Do they fit our mold?” ask, “What unique value does this person add, and how can that help us evolve?” 

Tools like personal “user manuals”, simple documents where people share how they work best, help make those differences explicit and actionable.

Why is ambiguity kryptonite for neurodivergent minds?

The conversation became personal when Nida Nawaz, Manager Core People Operations, at talabat, shared her experience with ADHD. Diagnosed in adulthood, Nida described it as finally getting “a user manual” for her brain after years of being misjudged as lazy or irresponsible.

She highlighted two things they wish every manager knew about ADHD:

• Motivation is interest-driven. People with ADHD often “run on dopamine,” which means they’re at their best solving problems and doing creative work, not drowning in repetitive admin.
• Ambiguity is our kryptonite. Vague expectations, fuzzy timelines, and unclear outcomes can be genuinely disabling. Clear goals, written follow-ups, and concrete next steps aren’t micromanagement; they’re inclusion.

Nida also reminded everyone that therapy, breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting reminders, and having an accountability partner can be vital, and that asking for help should be seen as strength, not weakness.

Are you someone who cares about inclusion?

For us at Delivery Hero and our brands like talabat, events like this aren’t one-off moments. They’re part of how we’re building a culture where diversity of minds is seen as a strength, not an exception to manage around.

If you’re someone who cares about inclusion, who thinks differently (diagnosed or not!), or who wants to be part of teams that value curiosity over conformity, we’d love to meet you.

Explore careers at Delivery Hero and help us keep breaking myths , and unlocking potential!