At MongoDB, we continually work to foster a workplace culture where everyone can be their authentic selves. In fact, “Embrace the Power of Differences” is one of our core company values. Our employees’ diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives help give MongoDB its competitive edge and lead to continuous innovation.
April is Autism Awareness Month, and across industries, organizations are putting an increased focus on neurodiversity in the workplace. Luce and Ronan—members of our Config employee resource group—open up about their experiences as part of the neurodivergent community and how it shapes their work lives.
Read on to learn more about the importance of neurodiversity awareness, building an inclusive culture, and ways we can all be better colleagues and advocates.
Luce: Advocating for developers and neurodiversity
Luce, a Senior Developer Advocate on MongoDB’s Developer Relations team, and someone with ADHD and high-functioning autism, says she’s always had a strong connection to technology. With a deep knowledge of Microsoft and C#, Luce brings both technical expertise and a wealth of personal experience to her role. But her journey to becoming an advocate for neurodiversity was shaped by challenges she faced early in her career.
“I started out as a software developer, and in some ways, the logic of coding suited my neurodiversity,” said Luce. However, she struggled with breaking tasks into manageable steps and understanding the broader impact of a single change. This led to feelings of impostor syndrome, where she often saw herself as a “beginner” despite her technical skills.
What kept Luce moving forward, though, was her passion for learning and her desire to support others. She began sharing her knowledge through blog posts and tutorials, which eventually led to her becoming a Microsoft MVP—a recognition she’s received seven times—and finding a career in developer advocacy.
Luce’s advice to her colleagues? “Find out how your colleagues work best and leverage that. Corporate life can sometimes be too structured, and people should be allowed to work in ways that make them feel comfortable.”
For someone with ADHD like Luce, this often looks like periods of hyperfocus and intense productivity, followed by periods of distraction that appear to be an “inconsistent” working cadence. Part of MongoDB’s hybrid working approach means that employees are owners of their success and trusted to work in a way that’s best for them—here you have the flexibility to decide how you get your work done in a setting that’s most productive for you.
Ronan: A problem-solver at heart
Ronan, a Senior Escalation Engineer on MongoDB’s Technical Services team, has spent his career untangling complex technical issues under pressure. As part of the escalation team, his role involves solving high-stakes, challenging problems that require deep focus and problem-solving skills. But as Ronan reflects, his journey to understanding his neurodivergence wasn’t straightforward.
“For a long time, I didn’t realize what made me different,” said Ronan. “I loved working on complex technical issues, but at the same time, simple tasks would leave me stressed and anxious.” It wasn’t until his niece was diagnosed with autism that Ronan started to recognize similarities between her experience and his own. After pursuing a diagnosis in 2024, he finally understood what had been holding him back for so long.
Ronan has learned that his own autism means he’s a highly detailed thinker who thrives when faced with a problem to solve. However, hyperfocus—while a strength—can be overwhelming, especially when switching between tasks. Ronan admits that large Zoom calls or constant Slack pings can overstimulate him, so he prefers written communication where he can process information at his own pace.
One of Ronan’s biggest lessons learned is that neurodivergence is unique to each individual. “There’s no one-size-fits-all,” he said. “Some people may have sensory needs, communication preferences, or support needs that are very different from mine. It’s important to learn what neurodivergence means for the person in front of you.”
The power of Config: A place for connection
Both Luce and Ronan have found a supportive community in Config, MongoDB’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) for neurodiverse employees and allies. For Luce, being one of the leads of Config is incredibly fulfilling. She’s able to interact with members, understand how neurodiversity impacts them, and offer support in tangible ways. “I set up an always-open Zoom call where members can drop by for ‘body doubling,’ a technique that can help boost productivity,” Luce noted. “It’s so rewarding to see how simple actions can make a big difference for someone.”
Ronan also values the sense of connection that Config has given him.
“It’s helped me find a place where I can share my experiences and learn from others who understand,” he says. “The leadership team is fantastic at organizing events, and I feel like I can finally talk about the challenges that I face as a neurodivergent employee without fear of being judged.”
Embracing neurodivergence: What we can all learn
Luce and Ronan both emphasize the importance of understanding that neurodivergence isn’t the same for everyone. As Ronan puts it, “If you’ve met one neurodivergent person, you’ve met one neurodivergent person.” Whether it’s about communication styles, sensory needs, or work preferences, the key takeaway is this: when we listen, adapt, and support one another, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Ronan’s advice to other neurodivergent employees? “There’s nothing wrong with you. You are not broken.” For Luce, the message is clear: “If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone.” Both of them remind us that support is out there, whether it’s from friends, colleagues, employee resource groups, or the neurodiverse community at large.
At MongoDB, we’re committed to celebrating neurodiversity and creating a workplace where everyone’s unique strengths are recognized. By continuing to build a culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we’re ensuring that everyone—neurodivergent or not—has the opportunity to shine.
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