In this episode of Secrets of the C-Suite, we’re joined by Pippa Parfait, strategist, business coach, and founder of The Disobedient Business Co—a business built for humans who don’t fit neatly into traditional models of work or leadership.

Pippa shares her winding, unconventional career journey, from leaving formal education at 16 to senior leadership roles in the public sector, before “noping out” of bureaucracy and retraining as a coach. She reflects on following the energy, recognizing when it’s time to leave a role, and how years of performing what leadership was “supposed” to look like eventually led her to build something radically different.

We talk candidly about neurodivergence, including Pippa’s later-in-life ADHD and autism diagnoses, how those realizations reshaped her understanding of her career, and why so many neurodivergent leaders and business owners are drawn to nontraditional paths. Pippa also shares thoughtful, practical guidance for leaders managing neurodivergent teams—centered on listening, flexibility, and meaningful accommodations.

The conversation also explores what it’s really like to run a business with family, the importance of boundaries and grace, and why having “a person” you can think out loud with can be transformational for leaders navigating complexity and change.

Honest, funny, and deeply insightful, this episode is an invitation to question the status quo, trust the breadcrumbs, and build work that actually fits who you are.

You can reach Pippa at pippa@disobedientbusiness.com, on Instagram @disobedientbusinessco, or on www.disobedientbusiness.com.

** Enjoyed this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating to help others discover the podcast. We’re so grateful to each and every listener!

——— Connect with Your Hosts ———

Email Juliet: JulietClothier@gmail.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.JulietClothier.com

Email Susan: Susan@SusanASutherland.com
Follow her on socials: LinkedIn / Instagram
Her website is www.SusanASutherland.com

Secrets of the C-Suite is both a podcast AND a leadership consultancy. Learn more about our offerings.