Episode 107: Jonathan Mok

Welcome to episode #107! Today we’re joined by Jonathan Mok.

Jonathan was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2019 at the age of 37, a turning point that reshaped his life. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, speaking at events such as the Davos Neurodiversity Summit, TEDx CUHK, and the UN World Autism Awareness Day with the Institute of Neurodiversity. His work helps organizations build
more inclusive workplaces and communities, while also inspiring individuals to embrace their identity and strengths.

In this episode, Jonathan shares his personal journey, from challenges in his early school years to finding resilience through self-understanding. He discusses workplace accommodations, strategies that support his productivity, and how neurodivergent individuals can thrive when their
voices are heard.

Q&A
Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you
weren’t neurotypical?
– Realized signs of autism as a child (strictly upholding Boy Scout rules, reporting classmates)
– Faced misunderstandings and was often considered a “difficult student”
– Diagnosis at 37 allowed him to reframe his identity and find community

What challenges did you face?
– Struggled in school with subjects taught in abstract ways (math, chemistry)
– Often misunderstood by teachers and peers
– Burnout at work due to difficulty sustaining attention to detail

What changes have come post-diagnosis?
– Greater self-understanding and acceptance
– Access to accommodations in the workplace
– Recognition of strengths like persistence, honesty, and public speaking

What challenges do you still face now?
– Misconceptions from others (“you don’t look autistic”)
– Workplace pushback on certain accommodations
– Balancing impulsivity with appropriateness in social contexts

What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?
– Public speaking and advocacy on global stages
– Ability to remember details and uphold fairness
– Strong initiative and resilience

What “work” projects are you concentrating on?
– Community engagement at Dream Impact, a social enterprise in Hong Kong
– Delivering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for companies and NGOs
– Volunteering with organizations like Sensational Foundation and Fair Trade Hong Kong

How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
– Passion for classical music, ballet, and opera
– Visiting museums and exploring art history
– Enjoying stories about how artists reflect their times

Productivity tips — What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?
– Using AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to help prioritize tasks and manage overwhelm
– Taking regular breaks and practicing mindfulness during lunch
– Setting boundaries around work hours to prevent burnout

What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
– Hustle culture: “just work harder”
– Vague task assignments without clear priorities
– Ignoring the need for rest and recovery

What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
– Wakes at 7 AM, eats breakfast, and prepares for work with a predictable routine
– Learned to make mornings more structured after past struggles with stress
– Packs and checks essentials the night before to avoid forgetfulness

How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
– Night routine includes prayer, light exercise, and avoiding screens before bed
– Typically falls asleep within 10 minutes unless affected by caffeine
– Uses music and reflection to transition from work to rest

Connect with Jonathan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankhmok9999/?originalSubdomain=hk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahonm/

Connect with Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy
Email: jeremy@focusbear.io

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