1 in 4 Builders are Neurodivergent. Lean Might Be Built for Them! – Hosted by the Chiles Bros (Episode 93)

1 in 4 Builders are Neurodivergent. Lean Might Be Built for Them!

In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, 1 in 4 Builders are Neurodivergent. Lean Might Be Built for Them!, the “Chiles Bros” (Mike Chiles and Brian Chiles with JE Dunn Construction) take the mic (with host Adam Hoots producing in the background) and sit down with returning guest Heather Ormonde, founder of Pursue Perfection Consulting, to talk about two things construction desperately needs more of:

1. respect for people, and
2. a better understanding of how humans are wired.

Heather shares the real rollercoaster of launching her own business—the freedom, the fear, the “wear-all-the-hats” reality—and then drops the bigger truth: her journey into neurodivergence, ADHD, and what that has revealed about the construction workforce. The crew unpacks what neurodivergent means, why construction attracts neurodivergent talent, and how Lean tools (like 5S, visual management, and standard work) can be more than “efficiency”—they can be support systems that reduce overload and help teams thrive.

They also go deep on what it takes to build strong Communities of Practice (COPs), why owner involvement matters, and why leadership isn’t about being the “Lean expert”—it’s about being curious, building trust, and creating conditions where people can succeed. This one is part personal story, part jobsite leadership lesson, and part rally cry: stop labeling people AND start designing better work.

Disclaimer: This conversation is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnoses, or medication recommendations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Neurodiversity = Strength + Variation: Neurodivergent brains aren’t broken, they’re wired differently, often bringing creativity, pattern recognition, and problem-solving under pressure.
• Lean Supports Executive Function: 5S, visual systems, standard work, and simple communication reduce cognitive load and make work more accessible for everyone.
• Respect for People is Practical: Learn names, learn stories, ask about preferred communication styles, and design environments that help teams perform at their best.
• COPs Need Bench Strength: Communities grow when leaders don’t try to be experts—break roles down, rotate event champions, and build rhythm with simple tools.
• Curiosity Builds Trust: Start with questions, find common ground, and focus on shared purpose—especially in complex environments like government work.

EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased):

• “You’re not broken—you’re wired differently.”
• “Lean helped me accommodate how my brain works.”
• “Respect for people starts with how you communicate and what you assume.”
• “People don’t need to be Lean experts to lead a COP—they need passion and support.”
• “Make it visual. Make it simple. That’s how you get everybody on the same page.”

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Pursue Perfection Consulting — Heather Ormonde’s coaching and consulting work (Lean + people systems)
• LCI Communities of Practice — The Lean Construction Institute’s COP network and support resources.
• Genius Spark (Rex Miller) Strengths-based teaming concepts and facilitation approach.
• Gallup CliftonStrengths — Strength framework referenced in discussion of talent and teaming.
• Temple Grandin — Example of neurodivergent strengths driving industry transformation. Ted Lasso — “Be curious, not judgmental” leadership reference used in the conversation.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Mike Chiles | LinkedIn — Co-host and builder bringing practical Lean conversation to the field; Project Director with JE Dunn Construction.
• Brian Chiles | LinkedIn — Co-host and builder bringing practical Lean conversation to the field; Lean Specialist with JE Dunn Construction.
• Heather Ormonde | LinkedIn — Founder of Pursue Perfection Consulting; Lean practitioner and advocate for neurodiversity awareness in construction.
• Adam Hoots | LinkedIn — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:

The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

Related Podcasts:

The Chiles Bros: One Lean Geek. One Old Dawg. (Episode 92)