top of page

The Forged by Difference Leadership Program

Lead with rhythm. Inspire through difference.
Build the leadership skills today’s multi-generational workforce responds to.

meeting4.png

Why This Program? Why Now?

The way we lead has to evolve—because the people we lead have.

Millennials and Gen-Z now make up the majority of the workforce. These two generations are the most neurodiverse in history. They think, communicate, and engage differently than previous generations—expecting empathy, purpose, adaptability, and psychological safety from leaders.

​

The rise of those with  autism, ADHD, and other neurodiversities in the talent pool means today’s teams are more cognitively diverse than ever before. Leaders must learn to read subtle signals, communicate with clarity, and adapt their rhythms to lead across difference.

​

Forged by Difference is a breakthrough leadership development program inspired by neurodivergent insights and built for today’s cross-generational leadership challenges.

Why Neurodivergent Insight Matters

Neurodivergent minds—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more—perceive the world through unique rhythms of communication, sensitivity, and pattern recognition. Their lived experiences reveal strategies that work in today’s generationally diverse, fast-changing world.

Your Participation Fuels a Greater Mission

Forged by Difference isn’t just about transforming your leadership—it's also about creating inclusive futures. Program fees support the 501(c)(3) Autism Village Foundation, helping to build vocational pathways, workplace inclusion initiatives, and real opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
Your growth helps fuel theirs.

financial services.png

Who Is It For?

C-Level & Senior Executives
Gain strategic clarity and emotional intelligence tools to model rhythm-based leadership and create systems that resonate with younger teams.

​

Mid-Level Leaders (Directors, Department Heads)
Master inclusive team dynamics, adaptable communication, and cross-functional decision rhythms that unlock agility and trust.

​

New & Emerging People Leaders
Build your foundation with daily leadership habits, emotional awareness, and the ability to lead diverse Gen Z teams with confidence.

What You'll Take Away

  • Sharpened Leadership Rhythms: Practical frameworks for trust, clarity, and inclusion

  • Personalized 30-Day Rhythm Plan: Daily, team, and self-leadership actions

  • Emotional Intelligence Tools: Decode hidden signals and lead with empathy

  • Post-Program Coaching: One-on-one follow-up call to embed rhythm

  • Greater Purpose: Program fees support the Autism Village Foundation’s mission to build inclusive futures for neurodivergent talent

networking2.png

What Is Forged by Difference?

Forged by Difference is a hands-on, rhythm-based leadership training experience
that helps leaders to:

  • Strengthen emotional intelligence

  • Communicate with integrity and clarity

  • Build inclusive, resilient teams

  • Lead Millennial and Gen-Z talent more effectively
     

Built around the Seven Pillars of Leadership, each session includes:

  • Interactive workshop modules (3, 5, or 7 options)

  • Personalized 30-day leadership rhythm plan

  • Emotional intelligence tools

  • Optional post-program coaching

  • Optional retreat experience at The Historic Flowing Springs Inn

How It Works

Choose the rhythms your team needs most.

​

Each of the Seven Leadership Modules is built around one of the Seven Pillars of Leadership:
(Teambuilding/Trust, Adaptability, Vision, Courage, Persistence, Integrity, Inspiration)

 

All modules are inspired by breakthrough books and insights from neurodivergent thinkers. They include personal stories from Topher & Kirby's journey, practical tools you'll use afterwards, interactive discussion, and tangible takeaways you can implement immediately.

 

Program Formats

​

  • Half-Day: Select 3 Modules

  • Full-Day: Select 5 Modules

  • Two-Day Retreat: Experience all 7 Modules

​

For full details on the seven modules, please download the program brochure:

Destination Retreat Available,
The Historic Flowing Springs Inn

For teams ready to go deeper, Forged by Difference is available as a full-day or two-day immersive retreat at the beautifully restored Historic Flowing Springs Inn in Chester County, PA.

Extend your leadership journey with:

​

  • Cocktail Hour Team-Building Mixer

  • Chef-Curated Leadership Dinner (each course matches a leadership rhythm!)

  • Evening reflection and team connection

About Your Facilitator

Topher is a Gen-X executive, keynote speaker, and autism advocate. As the founder of the Autism Village Foundation and father of an adult son, Kirby, who has autism, Topher brings a uniquely human-centered perspective to leadership that bridges Boomers to Gen-Xers.

​

From decades of leading teams to raising a neurodivergent child, Topher has learned to see the world—and leadership—differently. He now helps others do the same by applying the insights of neurodiversity to the modern workplace.

​

“The way my son experiences the world has reshaped how I lead. Forged by Difference is the program I wish I’d had 20 years ago.”

bottom of page