Transforming Diversity Thinking into Cognitive Power
In the age of AI acceleration and hybrid workforces, one critical truth stands out: businesses that want to lead tomorrow must think beyond traditional DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) frameworks. In Squirrels in My Brain, a provocative and forward-thinking book by Dr. Ravi R. Iyer and co-authors Madeeha Naqvi and Raquel Paz Bergia, we are invited to explore the transformative concept of neuroalignment—a fresh paradigm for building super teams rooted in cognitive diversity rather than just identity politics.
This isn’t just another corporate culture manual—it’s a mind-shifting blueprint that demands leaders rewire how they build and scale teams in an increasingly neurodiverse world.
🧾 About the Book
Breaking away from overused DEI tropes, Squirrels in My Brain introduces the idea that cognitive alignment and neurodiversity—not checkbox diversity—are the true future of innovation. The book draws attention to the 20% of the global workforce that is neurodivergent and how their unique thinking can lead to breakthroughs in creativity, productivity, and systems innovation—if harnessed correctly.
The authors draw from neuroscience, management theory, and real-world examples from companies like Google and SAP to show that teams who learn to think in alignment but not identically can outperform any “uniform culture” model. In essence, the mind—not demographic labels—should be the main focus in future team-building.
📚 Book Details
| Title | Squirrels in My Brain: How to Create Neuroaligned Super Teams |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dr. Ravi R. Iyer, Madeeha Naqvi, Raquel Paz Bergia |
| Publication Date | March 3, 2025 |
| Format | Kindle Edition |
| ASIN | B0DWKSF3VP |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| File Size | 7.3 MB |
| Accessibility | Screen Reader Supported |
🔍 What This Book Offers
🧠 Neuroalignment Explained – Understand how aligning team members cognitively (not behaviorally) leads to better results.
🏢 Beyond Traditional DEI – Learn why focusing on race, gender, or labels limits the potential of modern teams.
🚀 Future-Ready Team Design – Build structures that support AI-human collaboration and embrace neurodiversity.
🌍 Real-World Corporate Case Studies – From Microsoft to SAP, discover how major players are already embracing this approach.
🧩 Acorns of Wisdom Companion Guide – Use this alongside the main book for deeper application and team workshops.
👨⚕️ About Dr. Ravi R. Iyer
Physician, inventor, academic, and entrepreneur—Dr. Iyer is not your typical business author. With four decades of experience across medicine, genetics, wellness, and hospice care, his multidisciplinary vision brings richness to every chapter. A former postdoctoral fellow at Harvard and a leader in healthcare innovation, he now serves as CEO of ActivPower, Inc.
His co-authors, Madeeha Naqvi and Raquel Paz Bergia, contribute expertise in leadership coaching, HR transformation, and inclusive workplace design. Together, they present a united voice for reshaping how human potential is viewed and utilized.
🌟 Why This Book Matters
✅ Thought Leadership – A rare, intelligent DEI reframe grounded in neuroscience and logic.
✅ Practical + Visionary – Combines actionable strategies with aspirational frameworks.
✅ Relevant to All Sectors – Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, education, or HR—this book speaks your language.
✅ Accessible Language – Despite its depth, the book is an easy read with powerful analogies and stories.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re a coach, CEO, or people leader who’s tired of performative DEI and wants a better way forward—this is your guide. Squirrels in My Brain will help you build neuroaligned super teams that don’t just function—they flourish.
🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 – A game-changing read for future-focused organizations and conscious leadership.