GUEST
Dr. Annemarie Lombard
Founder | CEO, Sensory Intelligence Consulting
APPEARED IN 1 EPISODE
Biography
Dr. Annemarie Lombard is an occupational therapist, researcher, author, and founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting. With over 30 years of clinical and organisational experience alongside neurodivergent individuals, Dr. Lombard began her career supporting children with learning differences across Namibia, South Africa, and the United States, including clinical work at a sensory integration clinic in Los Angeles in the 1990s. Holding a PhD in occupational therapy, Dr. Lombard developed the Sensory Intelligence framework and authored the book Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ. Her work translates clinical sensory processing research into mainstream workplace design, examining how individual sensory thresholds (from sensory-sensitive to sensory-seeking) directly affect stress levels, communication styles, emotional regulation, and productivity. Through this framework, she developed tools such as the "Sensory Tree" model, which categorises individuals as sensory avoiders (roots), sensory seekers (leaves), and neutrals (trunks) to help teams navigate interpersonal dynamics and environmental needs. Dr. Lombard is a passionate advocate for human-centred workplace architecture, distinguishing between sensory-informed design (mindful lighting, air quality, and ergonomics) and sensory-inclusive design (tailored quiet spaces, flexible seating, and customisable visual/auditory environments). She urges corporate leaders to move away from presenteeism and rigid return-to-office mandates, advocating instead for flexible hybrid work arrangements and outcome-based management that prioritise employee well-being, reduce burnout, and foster genuine human connection.
