Trust Before Earned: How to Build High-Performing Teams Around Different Brains w/ Brian Slattery Ep.21

In this episode, Aga Gajownik sits down with Brian Slattery, founder of Teamwork Unlocked and former Head of Culture Club at Google, to explore what really happens inside teamwork when different brains, strengths and cognitive styles collide.

From late ADHD diagnosis and leadership quirks to building escape-room-powered leadership programmes, Brian shares a refreshingly honest look at how trust, psychological safety and better conversations can transform the way teams collaborate.

You'll hear:

• How ADHD shows up in leadership and why late diagnosis often brings both clarity and chaos
• Why trust should be given, not earned, and the speech Brian teaches leaders to transform culture
• The nine team profiles he sees in action inside escape rooms, and why Mavericks and Challengers are disappearing
• Why innovation stalls in risk-averse cultures and how permafrost forms in middle management
• Practical, tiny habits that help leaders support cognitive diversity without adding workload
• The art of celebrating failure and why "birthday culture" does absolutely nothing for motivation

Whether you're a senior leader, HR professional or a manager trying to build more brain-friendly teams, this conversation is a masterclass in understanding people, creating trust and designing systems that let every brain contribute.

This is Season 2 of the Innotainment Podcast, now continuing as Brain Friendly Systems with Aga Gajownik.

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Brian Slattery - Founder, Teamwork Unlocked
• Teamwork Unlocked
• VIA Character Strengths Survey
• Aga Gajownik - Certified ADHD Practitioner and founder of Innovation Integration
• Innotainment podcast⁠ - ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain