Axelle Ahanhanzo - Founder LAUDACE, DEI Changemaker

Axelle Ahanhanzo is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) changemaker, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that empower underrepresented voices. As the founder of LAUDACE, she leverages her lived experiences as a neurodivergent Black woman to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change. 

Let’s start with your story. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I’m a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) changemaker and a social impact entrepreneur. I started my company, LAUDACE, back in 2023. LAUDACE stands for “the audacity” in French, which reflects a sense of boundless courage. After working in corporate roles, I made a shift to focus on DEI. It was the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 that sparked a turning point in my career, where I decided to dedicate myself to creating inclusive spaces.

How did your experiences in corporate spaces lead you to become a DEI changemaker and eventually start your own company?

Well, it came after I burned out. Over the eight years in corporate, I experienced sexual assault, retaliation, racism, ableism, misogynoir—the culmination of which led to a deep burnout. During my recovery, I realized I was neurodivergent, diagnosed with ADHD and later autism. That self-discovery reshaped how I saw myself and my strengths. I realized my drive for social justice and challenging the status quo wasn’t a flaw, but a strength. Learning that ADHD-ers are 300% more likely to start businesses also empowered me. It confirmed that my journey into DEI was my true calling.

What an incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. How did you actually go about starting your company from scratch?

It started with a mentor I met during my recovery—a woman who had been doing DEI work for over ten years. She helped me brainstorm what I wanted to create. A big part of the process was accepting my neurodivergence and tapping into my entrepreneurial instincts. I took a test called the Kolbe Index, which confirmed that I thrive by trusting my gut and acting decisively. By early 2023, after a workshop experience that left me feeling empowered and ready, I decided to officially quit my job and launch LAUDACE. That decision to speak about my ambitions openly with others also played a huge role in the launch.

Wow! From burnout to building your own business, that’s an amazing turnaround. So, after you started LAUDACE, how did you begin growing your business?

I see it like planting seeds. The first year was all about networking. I joined multiple communities, including a gender equality hub for entrepreneurs. It was the first time I was surrounded by people from all backgrounds who genuinely wanted to help me grow. The entrepreneurial community is so generous with support. People would pass my name around, and that amplification of my voice made a huge difference. I made sure my message was clear and bold right from the start. I shared my story about being a Black woman who’s neurodivergent and how that shaped my vision for a more inclusive world.

What an inspiring strategy—planting seeds in multiple places. Did you encounter any key milestones in the early stages?

Absolutely. By June 2023, just a few months after I started my business, I was already a top 10 TEDx finalist for Amsterdam Women. That was a major moment for me. Fast forward to today, in just over a year, I’ve grown LAUDACE into a six-figure business. It’s been an incredible journey, and while it happened fast, the support from the community and the confidence I’ve built through my own experience have been key.

What are some takeaways you can give for young professionals who would also like to start their own business?

If you’re not telling the world what you’re going to do, you’re limiting yourself. Planning, working out your ideas, and testing them are important steps, but if you keep everything hidden, it’ll only go so far. You need to put yourself and your business idea out there. It’s vital for growth and for your project to come alive.

People need to know about your work because those initial buyers or supporters will help spread the word. They’ll connect you with others, share your business, and might even introduce you to resources like an accelerator program. That ripple effect can be huge. So, my first piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to tell people what you’re working on. Share it with the world.

Push through your fears. When you confront what scares you, your skills develop rapidly. It’s like activating neuroplasticity—your brain starts learning that the things you were afraid of aren’t so scary when you face them regularly.

That’s a powerful piece of advice. What else would you recommend for people just starting out?

Another key piece of advice is to push through your fears. This past year and a half has shown me that when you confront what scares you, your skills develop rapidly. It’s like activating neuroplasticity—your brain starts learning that the things you were afraid of aren’t so scary when you face them regularly. You go from feeling unskilled to mastering it because of that consistent exposure. Sometimes I say, “Fake it until you become it,” and it really works.

I’d also recommend checking out a concept from The Tools by psychiatrist Phil Stutz. He talks about how nothing grows in your comfort zone. You have to leave that comfort and pass through discomfort or even pain to reach endless possibilities. Fear shouldn’t be something that blocks you—it can actually drive you forward if you let it. Transform that fear into something powerful.

You’ve been a TEDx Talent Night top 10 finalist. What valuable lessons did you learn from that experience?

One of the biggest lessons was learning to appreciate the journey, even when the outcome wasn’t what I expected. I was so driven to win that I didn’t appreciate how far I’d come. It was only a month into launching my business when I made it to the top 10 finalists. At the time, I was really hard on myself because I didn’t win, but looking back, I realized that being a finalist was a huge accomplishment. It gave me a sort of “street cred” and opened doors for me.

It also taught me a lot about vulnerability. Sharing your story, especially as a Black woman or someone who’s neurodivergent, can be challenging because you feel like you have to be perfect. But that experience helped me understand that being vulnerable and sharing my journey—mistakes and all—is what connects with people. My vulnerability became my strength. It’s something I now use in public speaking, and it allows me to touch people on a deeper level.

It sounds like vulnerability plays a key role in your approach to business and communication.

Absolutely. Storytelling is such a powerful tool. Everyone has their unique way of telling their story, and for me, it’s a mix of vulnerability and strength. I’ve learned that this vulnerability not only empowers me but also helps others feel seen and understood. Many people go through similar challenges in silence, so when I share my story, it gives them permission to embrace their own.

For example, I talk about neurodivergence a lot, and it’s a topic that many people don’t openly discuss. But when they hear me speak about it, they feel more comfortable acknowledging their own experiences, even if it’s just to themselves.

Speaking of neurodivergence, could you clarify the concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence for us?

Definitely. Neurodiversity refers to the range of different brain types and cognitive styles in society—everyone’s brain is unique. It’s essentially the diversity of all brains. Neurodivergence, on the other hand, describes people who diverge from what is considered “normal” or “neurotypical.” So, neurodivergent people have brain functions or behaviors that stand out from the expected norms in society. This could be people with ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, or even conditions like Parkinson’s or being left-handed. There are more than 40 conditions under the neurodivergence umbrella.

What are some challenges neurodivergent people face in the workplace, and how can they turn those differences into strengths?

Neurodivergent people face a lot of challenges at work, from how they communicate to how they process information. Even something as simple as office lighting or smells can affect their ability to perform. The key is for workplaces to create environments that are inclusive and adaptive. But neurodivergent individuals can also use their differences as strengths. For example, someone with ADHD might struggle with routine tasks but excel in creativity or problem-solving.

The challenge is often finding that balance between fitting into workplace norms and leveraging those unique traits to stand out. When workplaces embrace those differences, it can be a game-changer for both the individual and the company.

How do you balance career success with mental health, especially as a neurodivergent individual?

It’s all about rest and self-awareness. Recognize when your energy is depleted and don’t be afraid to step back. Rest is productivity, yet many workplaces overlook that. Prioritize breaks, listen to your body, and make sure you’re not ignoring those inner signals that something’s off. If you don’t, burnout is inevitable.

What signs should you look out for to prevent burnout?

Watch for emotional disconnection, stress, and physical signs. If work that once excited you now feels draining, or if you’re pushing yourself but not seeing recognition, take note. Your body will warn you—loss of sleep, weight, or energy—but often we ignore these signs. Early intervention and setting boundaries are key to avoiding full burnout.

How are neurodivergence and creativity connected?

Neurodivergent minds, like those with ADHD, often generate endless ideas. The challenge is focusing and executing them. Creativity flows naturally, but without structure, ideas can go to waste. Surround yourself with support systems, get organized, and plan effectively. With the right tools, neurodivergent creativity can be a powerhouse of innovation.

What are some of the challenges you face when balancing a fast-paced entrepreneurial career and neurodivergence?

One of the biggest challenges is the speed at which things happen. I often feel like a Ferrari with bicycle brakes—moving so fast but needing to slow down intentionally. Being neurodivergent adds complexity, as I sometimes feel like I’m just keeping my head above water or like I’m in a tumble dryer. Entrepreneurship is demanding, and nothing prepares you for it except doing it. So, I’ve learned that while I can achieve a lot, it’s essential to prioritize space for rest and recharging to avoid burnout.

“Sharing your story, especially as a Black woman or someone who’s neurodivergent, can be challenging because you feel like you have to be perfect. But that experience helped me understand that being vulnerable and sharing my journey—mistakes and all—is what connects with people. My vulnerability became my strength. It’s something I now use in public speaking, and it allows me to touch people on a deeper level.”

— Axelle Ahanhanzo

What is intersectionality, and how does it play a role in your work?

Intersectionality is the idea that our identities are made up of many different factors, like gender, race, class, and neurodivergence, which interact in unique ways depending on the context. For example, I’m a Black woman, a millennial, neurodivergent, and a third-culture kid. These parts of my identity don’t exist in isolation—they overlap, giving me both privileges and disadvantages depending on the environment.

In my work, I use intersectionality to show that people face complex challenges that aren’t just related to one identity. It’s important to recognize this to create more understanding and allyship in communities, companies, and governments.

How can young professionals apply intersectionality when making career choices?

It starts with self-awareness. You need to understand yourself and your identities—how they influence your experiences and how they are perceived in the workplace. For instance, a neurodivergent man and a neurodivergent woman will have different experiences due to factors like gender and societal expectations.

Self-awareness helps you understand what barriers you may face and what your strengths are. If you don’t take time to reflect on these things, it’s easy to feel lost or stuck in your career. So, the more you know about yourself, the better you can navigate your career choices.

How can young professionals promote inclusion and challenge unfair treatment in the workplace?

Promoting inclusion starts with educating yourself and developing emotional intelligence. You need to be aware of your own biases and open to learning about others’ experiences. That could mean reading, asking questions, or having open-minded conversations with people who are different from you.

Allyship is also about taking action. That can look like standing up for someone who has experienced a microaggression, or even something small like showing compassion to a colleague who is struggling. The key is to do something, because silence allows unfair treatment to continue.

What advice would you give to young professionals who want to drive positive change in their careers?

The worst thing you can do is nothing. Even if you don’t know where to start, taking small steps makes a big difference. It could be something as simple as showing kindness, being an ally, or advocating for change in your workplace. You don’t have to change the world overnight, but doing something every day will lead to positive change. Having heart, developing empathy, and acting on that empathy will drive you forward.