Dave Schultz on Neurodivergence, Career Change, and Finding What Gives Life Color

Episode 175 of **heCast** features Dave Schultz in an honest conversation about mental wellness, neurodivergence, career reinvention, creativity, fatherhood, and finding purpose through unexpected change. Dave is a father of three who spent 16 years as a music teacher before leaving education and beginning a new career in information technology. Over the past 13 years, he has built a successful career in IT and received national honours for his work. His journey is a reminder that changing direction does not mean leaving your previous experiences behind. Dave joins Mike Chisholm to discuss growing up near Detroit, his years as a music educator, and the difficult transition that followed when program cuts forced him to reconsider his future. He shares how he moved into IT, adapted to an entirely different career, and discovered that the creativity and problem-solving skills developed through music still had an important place in his life. The conversation also explores Dave’s experience receiving ADHD and autism diagnoses later in life. He explains how gaining a better understanding of himself has helped him navigate work, family life, communication, and the challenges of everyday living. Mike and Dave talk about the strengths that can come with neurodivergence, the importance of creating a judgment-free home, and why parents should focus on giving their children useful tools rather than treating them as problems that need to be fixed. Dave also introduces Deep Strike Tabletop, a Twitch-based Warhammer project he created with his brother-in-law. The project brings together gaming, storytelling, creativity, community, and the freedom to have fun without taking everything too seriously. This episode is for anyone navigating a career change, learning more about their own mind, supporting a neurodivergent family member, or trying to make more room for creativity and purpose in their life. **About Dave Schultz:** Dave Schultz is a father of three, former music educator, and IT professional. After teaching music for 16 years, he transitioned into technology and has spent the past 13 years working in IT-related roles. He has received national honours in his current position and is also involved with Deep Strike Tabletop, a creative Warhammer project built around gaming, community, and fun. **Learn more about Dave Schultz:** Facebook Listen to **heCast**, the official podcast of **HeChangedIt**. Download the HeChangedIt app for more tools, content, and support on your mental wellness journey.