A highly sensitive person has sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), a neurobiological trait affecting 30% of the population. HSPs process information more deeply, notice subtle environmental cues, and have stronger emotional responses. This trait appears across 100+ species and represents an evolved survival strategy of "pause to check" before acting. It's not a disorder or mental health condition—it's a normal human variation with measurable advantages in supportive environments.

Take our Sensitivity Assessment to discover where you fall on the sensitivity spectrum. Common signs include being easily overwhelmed by noise or crowds, noticing details others miss, needing downtime to recharge, having strong emotional responses to art or music, and being deeply affected by others' moods. The assessment provides immediate insights into your unique processing style.

No. While 70% of HSPs are introverts, 30% are extroverts. High sensitivity relates to how deeply you process information and respond to stimuli, while introversion relates to how you recharge your energy. You can be a highly sensitive extrovert who loves people but still needs breaks from overstimulating environments.

Absolutely. Research shows HSPs possess natural leadership advantages including emotional intelligence, ethical awareness, and systems thinking—exactly the skills the World Economic Forum identifies as critical for future leadership. In supportive environments, sensitive leaders don't just perform well, they outperform their peers through deeper processing and stakeholder awareness.

HSPs thrive in roles that leverage their natural strengths: deep thinking, empathy, creativity, and attention to detail. This includes leadership positions, counseling, design, research, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. The key isn't avoiding challenging environments—it's understanding your wiring and creating conditions for success. Download our free Career Guide for the Uniquely Wired for detailed exploration.

Success involves three key areas: understanding your nervous system triggers, communicating your needs professionally, and designing your environment for optimal performance. This includes setting boundaries around overstimulation, advocating for quiet spaces or flexible schedules, and using your depth of processing as a strategic advantage rather than apologizing for it.

Imposter syndrome in HSPs often stems from trying to lead like someone else rather than leveraging your natural wiring. Traditional leadership models reward quick decisions and high stimulation tolerance, making HSPs feel inadequate. When you learn to lead from your authentic strengths—emotional intelligence, systems awareness, and ethical clarity—confidence naturally emerges. When you learn to lead from alignment, imposter syndrome can be transformed into a healthy self-awareness of gaps.

My coaching combines 15 years of corporate leadership experience with deep understanding of HSP neurology. I use evidence-based tools like the Birkman Method® to map your unique operating system, then help you design leadership approaches that work with, not against, your wiring. I’m a depth coach (ICF certified), and a Highly Sensitive Person Coach (IACTM certified). Unlike general coaching, every technique is specifically calibrated for sensitive nervous systems.

ALIGN is my proprietary 5-step framework for HSP leadership development. It is an evidence-based methodology that incorporates the latest research, practices and tools from neuroscience, psychology, change management and behavioral theory, including Internal Family Systems (Schwartz), The Neuroleadership Institute (Rock), Flow Psychology and Mindfulness (Csikszentmihalyi), Sensory Processing Sensitivity research (Aron), The Birkman Method (Birkman), Systems Theory (Meadows), and more.

Through nervous system education, boundary-setting frameworks, and environmental design strategies. We’ll identify your optimal arrousal levels, develop early warning systems for overstimulation, and create sustainable practices for regulation. The goal isn’t to eliminate sensitivity—it’s to leverage it strategically while protecting your energy.

A 6-week group coaching program designed specifically for sensitive professionals seeking to move from self-doubt to self-mastery. The program combines live sessions with practical frameworks, valid and reliable psychometric assessments, and peer learning in an HSP-optimized environment (breaks, pacing, safety, etc). Learn more about the Highly Sensitive Leader program.

Individual coaching packages have a range depending on length and depth. Pricing can be found the Services page. The Highly Sensitive Leader group program offers three tiers, depending on your investment level. Schedule a Chemistry Call to learn more and we’ll find a path that fits.

Clients have reported increased self-awareness, self-acceptance and understanding, in as little as one session. Coaching is transformational. Generally, clients report increased confidence in decision-making, clearer professional boundaries, reduced overwhelm, and a stronger sense of purpose within 30-60 days. Long-term outcomes include sustainable leadership practices, career clarity, and the ability to create psychologically safe environments within their teams.

Group coaching works well for HSPs who want community validation and peer learning. Our groups are specifically designed for sensitive nervous systems with HSP-optimized pacing and participation options. If you prefer more privacy, individual coaching might be a better fit. Book a free Chemistry Call to explore your options.

Yes. Research shows autism, ADHD, synesthesia, and other neuroconditions often co-occur with high sensitivity. My approach addresses the whole person, not just individual diagnoses. The ALIGN framework adapts to different neurological processing styles while honoring each person's unique combination of traits.

Yes! I love working with teams and we can tailor an approach that meets you where you are in your L&D or culture change journey. I run the Birkman Method® High Performing Teams program, organize and facilitate leadership and team retreats, and provide companies ready to leverage neurodiversity as a competitive advantage advisory services. This work focuses on creating psychologically safe environments where all brains can contribute optimally. Contact me to get started.

Birkman’s High Performing Teams program is designed for sustainable change, which usually unfolds over 6-12 months, depending on organization size and current culture. We focus on the three pillars of high performing teams: Purpose, Role Clarity, and Psychological Safety. Coaching and consulting are combined to offer your organization a complete 360 engagement. We’ll demonstrate the business value of neurodiverse-inclusive leadership early, while building internal champions who can sustain the transformation.

Organizations investing in neurodiversity-aware leadership typically see measurable improvements in employee engagement scores, reduced turnover (especially among high performers), increased innovation metrics, and better decision-making quality under uncertainty. While specific ROI varies by context, my approach focuses on retaining and maximizing your most perceptive talent—often your highest contributors who are at risk of burnout without proper environmental design and support.