20% Smarter

‘An urgent, generous rethinking of talent, belonging, and what it truly means to matter’ Jennifer Wallace, bestselling author of Mattering

A compelling exploration of how neurodivergent traits fuel the kind of creativity, decision-making and innovation that workplaces can’t afford to miss.

About one in five people are neurodivergent – a community that includes those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism. Yet the language historically used to describe them focuses almost entirely on what they can’t do. David Flink has spent three decades helping organisations recognise that thinking differently is not a liability, but a powerful engine for success. Huge companies such as Microsoft, SAP, Google and Salesforce are now benefiting from actively recruiting from this group. If neurodivergent people make up 20% of the population and we’re leaving their strengths untapped, then unlocking that potential makes all of us smarter.

Using stories of industry-changing iconoclasts behind developments such as Siri, Speechify and Google Maps and everyday people redefining success, 20% Smarter introduces a new approach for recognising seven key neurodivergent traits – and the people who embody them:

· Rule-Breakers – intelligent disobedience
· Specialists – deep mastery
· Explorers – big-picture thinking
· Salients – pattern recognition
· Expanders – creative problem-solving
· Bridge Builders – human connection
· Hustlers – relentless drive

Combining science with hard-won insight, 20% Smarter translates a powerful new framework into practical steps for individuals and organisations ready to think better – together.