The stars they follow
aren't the ones
we used to chase.
Leading new generations means learning
new rhythms.
Forged by Difference
What if the key to leading Millennials and Gen Z isn’t in a book
but in the minds of people who think completely differently?
Forged by Difference is a breakthrough leadership experience —
born from a father’s journey with his two Gen-Z sons - one who has autism,
shaped by the rhythms of neurodivergent minds, and built to help today’s leaders
to connect, adapt, and inspire across generational lines.
Millennials and Gen Z work differently. They don’t grind, they don’t want to be told, and they don’t follow leaders who don’t listen. This program shows you how to lead them
by learning from those who’ve always moved to a different beat.
​
Read the blog. Explore the keynote. Check out the workshop.
Discover the hidden leadership strengths revealed by neurodivergent thinkers
under pressure, through complexity, and in moments of change.
This isn’t soft skills. It’s the rhythm of results — redefined for a new generation.
The Forged By Difference Blog & Content
The Forged by Difference blog series explores the unexpected leadership lessons revealed by neurodivergent minds — insights drawn from autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and beyond.
In a world where Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the workplace, these perspectives offer powerful tools for the kind of leadership they respond to—empathetic, adaptive, purpose-driven, and deeply human.
Each post connects real stories, breakthrough thinking, and the rhythms required for high-performance leadership with today’s evolving workforce. These essays are just the beginning—they form the foundation for the practical tools in the workshop and the forthcoming Forged by Difference book, coming soon.
​
Want to follow the journey, get exclusive previews, and be the first to know when the book launches?
​
👉 See the Blog and Sign up at the bottom of the page here!
The Forged By Difference Keynote
The Forged by Difference keynote is a powerful 45-minute experience that redefines what it means to lead in a multigenerational, neurodiverse world.
Rooted in Topher's journey as an autism dad and executive leader, the talk blends personal stories, breakthrough leadership practices, and moments of humor and heart to challenge outdated models — and invite leaders into a new rhythm.
As Millennials and Gen Z make up more of our workforce, this keynote reveals the leadership signals they truly respond to — empathy, clarity, adaptability, and inclusion shaped by seven seminal autism books and Topher's lived experiences as a special needs dad. You’ll leave with tools to lead better — and a new rhythm for building trust across generations.
Looking to book an unforgettable keynote for your next event?
The Forged By Difference Leadership Workshop
The Forged by Difference leadership workshop is a hands-on, high-impact experience designed to help today’s leaders build trust and navigate the expectations of Millennial and Gen Z teams.
Grounded in lived neurodivergent insights and breakthrough autism literature, this half- or full-day program delivers real-world tools for purpose-driven leadership.
​
Participants explore learning modules—each inspired by a different neurodivergent author—and aligned with the Seven Pillars of Great Leadership: vision, integrity, courage, inspiration, persistence, adaptability, and the ability to build and lead teams.
Leaders leave with practical tools they can apply immediately — making this experience both transformational and deeply usable.
​
Ready to lead the new workforce with greater clarity, trust, and adaptability? Bring this breakthrough program to your organization!​
On a Personal Note
I’ve known my wife, Jana, since we were thirteen. Together, we’ve weathered the challenges of her challenging health journey and raising our son Kirby, who was diagnosed with autism at eighteen months. Through it all, we’ve committed to making the world kinder — especially for those who don’t fit the mold.
Kirby’s resilience and radically different way of seeing the world has reshaped how I parent, how I lead, and how I help others grow. He’s taught me that leadership isn’t about control — it’s about rhythm, empathy, and adapting with grace. These lessons are more urgent than ever as Millennials and Gen Z challenge us to lead with more clarity, purpose, and humanity.
Forged by Difference exists because of what Kirby continues to teach me every day: that the best leadership often comes from those who think—and lead—differently. I’d be honored to share that journey with you.