Building Inclusive Workplaces for All: Taking a Universal Design Approach

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Session Description

Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder and CEO of Ultranauts, shares how his company has reimagined the workplace using a universal design approach to foster inclusion for all employees. Ultranauts, a consulting firm specializing in data quality and process improvement, has developed scalable, systemic solutions that remove barriers and empower teams, regardless of disability disclosure. With 75% of Ultranauts’ workforce identifying as neurodivergent or autistic, the company has set a new standard for high-performing, inclusive teams.

This session challenges organizations to move beyond traditional DEI initiatives and reactive accommodations. Instead, Rajesh will present integrated, company-wide practices that proactively support diverse needs. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies from Universal Workplace™, Design for Neurodiversity™, and Inclusive Agile™, proven methodologies that enhance employee experience, boost productivity, and increase retention.

Key Takeaways

  • Implement a universal design approach that benefits all employees, not just those who disclose a disability.
  • Apply inclusive workplace practices to remove barriers without relying on individual accommodations.
  • Use data-driven management frameworks like TeamX and Neuroinclusion Diagnostic™ to enhance team performance.
  • Drive measurable business success by increasing retention, well-being, and performance through systemic inclusion.
  • Integrate systemic inclusion strategies into hiring, onboarding, and management processes to create a more equitable workplace.

About Your Presenter(s)

Rajesh Anandan
Co-Founder and CEO, Ultranauts

Rajesh Anandan is an impact entrepreneur and growth architect. He is the co-founder and CEO of Ultranauts, an award winning engineering firm with employees in 30 states across the U.S., 75% of whom are neurodivergent. Named a FastCompany World Changing Idea, MIT SOLVE Challenge Winner and Interbrand Breakthrough Brand, Ultranauts is reimagining how a company hires talent, manages teams and develops careers. Based on a decade of operational research, Ultranauts recently launched a suite of AI products and services to help other companies build high performing, cognitively diverse teams - CoachX, Biodex and Team-X.ai

Rajesh is also the founder of Unicef Kid Power which launched the world's first Wearable-for-Good product and Streaming-for-Good service and was named one of TIME's 25 Best Inventions. He began his career at Microsoft as a program manager, and then joined Bain & Company where he focused on business incubation and growth strategy for technology, media, financial services, healthcare and retail clients. For the past two decades, he has focused on social impact, including setting up and running Unicef Ventures, an incubator for self-sustaining tech-for-good ventures, mentoring and advising impact entrepreneurs and investors, and lecturing on social entrepreneurship at MIT.

Rajesh has a BSc and MEng in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from MIT with concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Systems Dynamics and Economics.

Posted in Conference Sessions.