Dace Burdikova, Creative Director at INVNT explores how neurodiversity and personality differences shape creativity, and argues that embracing our unique perspectives can transform collaboration and leadership in the workplace!

Throughout my career, I’ve always been fascinated by the way people think, communicate, and collaborate. Creativity isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, yet many workplaces still operate as though it is. Understanding neurodiversity and personality differences has been a key part of my journey, shaping how I approach leadership, teamwork, and even the way we design experiences at INVNT.

A Personal Journey into Personality Types

Many years ago, I was asked to take part in a management programme centered around the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. At the time, I wasn’t a senior leader, nor was I managing a team, but this investment in my development proved invaluable. It opened my eyes to the different ways people process information, make decisions, and interact with the world.

Since then, I’ve explored other frameworks, including Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson, a book that categorises people into four colour-based personality types. While these models aren’t perfect, they highlight an important truth: teams are made up of diverse thinkers, and understanding those differences allows us to communicate and collaborate more effectively.

Some people are highly analytical, some are emotionally driven, and others are big-picture thinkers. The best teams are those that recognise and harness these differences rather than trying to force everyone into the same mould.

Neurodiversity in Creative Teams

Beyond personality differences, neurodiversity plays a crucial role in shaping creative environments. Many neurodivergent individuals-whether autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise - bring unique strengths to the table. They may excel in pattern recognition, hyperfocus, or thinking outside the box. However, traditional work environments often fail to accommodate these differences, leading to missed opportunities for innovation.

At INVNT, we strive to create inclusive creative processes that embrace a variety of perspectives. Whether it’s adjusting how meetings are run, providing different work environments, or rethinking how feedback is given, small changes can make a big difference. A truly innovative team values diverse ways of thinking rather than expecting everyone to conform.

Designing Events and Experiences for Diverse Audiences

This principle extends beyond internal teams - it should also shape how we design experiences for audiences. In the corporate events space, there’s often an assumption that everyone will engage with content in the same way. But just as teams are made up of different personalities and neurotypes, so are audiences.

Recently, I worked on developing a concept for a networking event for a corporate client where we reimagined the experience with neurodivergent attendees in mind. Instead of a single, high-energy networking space, we designed multiple environments - some vibrant and interactive, others quieter and more reflective - to cater to different social preferences. This approach not only made the event more inclusive but also created more meaningful engagement opportunities for all attendees.

The Future of Creativity is Human

At the heart of all this is a simple truth: we are only human. The more we understand how people think, work, and interact differently, the stronger our teams become. Creativity flourishes when we stop forcing rigid structures and start embracing diverse perspectives.

INVNT is built on the idea of challenging conventions and delivering dynamic, people-first brand storytelling. Whether through live events, immersive experiences, or digital campaigns, we believe that the best creative work happens when we design with global humanity in mind.

As we look to the future, the industry must continue evolving. Investing in training, fostering inclusive workspaces, and designing experiences that reflect the full spectrum of human diversity isn’t just the right thing to do- it’s the key to unlocking the next wave of creativity and innovation.