From Failure to Framework: Why Truth and Neurodiversity Are the Ultimate Game Changers
A Conversation with Valeriya Hjertenaes on the "Diversity is THE Game Changer" Podcast
I have been on over 500 episodes, produced content across the globe, and spoken to people from every walk of life. But every once in a while, you sit down across from someone (virtually or otherwise) whose spirit just radiates a frequency of safety, warmth, and genuine curiosity.
That is exactly what happened when I sat down with Valeriya Hjertenaes for her incredible podcast, Diversity is THE Game Changer.
Valeriya isn’t just a host; she is a space-holder for "mental uniqueness." She calls herself an angel, and frankly, I felt that energy. We stripped away the corporate masks and the curated facades to talk about the only currency that matters in this digital age: Truth.
If you are looking for a conversation that moves from the wreckage of the past into the architecture of the future, you need to watch this episode.
The Host Who Changes the Game
Before I get into what we discussed, I want to give flowers to Valeriya. In a world of deep fakes and shallow opinions, she is fighting for radical authenticity.
I highly encourage you to connect with her immediately on LinkedIn and subscribe to her channel.
She asked me questions that didn’t just scratch the surface—they went straight to the soul. Here are a few moments from our talk that I’m still reflecting on.
1. Wreckage is Raw Material
Valeriya asked me about my childhood—specifically, how the "Kingdom of Little Joshua" and the trauma I endured shaped the man I am today.
My Truth: I grew up with privilege on the surface, but abuse, abandonment, and trauma behind closed doors. For years, I lived a lie. I disassociated. I became a monster to protect myself. But the greatest sin wasn't the drugs or the lifestyle; it was the lying.
"Our trauma isn’t just 'baggage.' It is the raw material for our construction. When I finally surrendered and decided to tell the truth... that is when the healing began."
2. Neurodiversity: The Future of Work
Valeriya and I share a bond over being neurodivergent in a system designed for neurotypical conformity. She asked a brilliant question: "What does the future design for people with neurodiversity look like?"
The Reality: The systems are killing us, but we are the ones who will save the world.
I believe organizations need to stop trying to force square pegs into round holes. Neurodivergent minds have the gift of hyperfocus and unique pattern recognition. The future of work isn't about "accommodating" us; it's about building Omnimedia structures where we can stay in our lane of genius.
When you live in your purpose, you don't have time to be hateful. You don't have time to be biased. You are too busy creating.
3. The Wish: 500 Media Empowerment Centers
Valeriya ended the show with her "Aladdin's Lamp"—a moment where she grants her guest one wish.
My wish is clear, and it is the mission I am on right now: To build 500 Media Empowerment Centers worldwide.
I want to put these in inner cities and underserved communities globally. I want to give the youth, the formerly incarcerated, and the overlooked the tools to monetize their stories and their intellectual property.
We are entering a creator economy. If we can give people the tools to turn their truth into revenue, we break the cycles of poverty and slavery. That is the goal.
Final Thoughts
Valeriya, thank you. Thank you for seeing me, for holding space for my story, and for being an advocate for the underserved. You are a true "Game Changer."
To my readers: Go follow Valeriya. Watch the episode. And remember—your story is your currency. Stop hiding it.
Live your truth,
Joshua T. Berglan
The World’s Mayor
