Welcome to episode #70 We’re thrilled to be joined by Kristian Mikhel today. Kristian is a co-founder of Paper and Pain, a creative collective for good, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, and an accessibility designer. He's been sharing his experience living and working with ADHD, advocating for equal digital rights and inclusive experiences, and helping products that benefit humans and communities.Welcome to the show Kristian!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Diagnosed in 2023, but has struggled with concentration, focused work, and motivation since junior school.Initially, he wasn’t aware of the condition.His level of acceptance was a lot lower when he was growing upIt was thought to be a kids-only condition.What challenges did you face? Trying to calm myself down, feeling agitated and nervous constantly for no good reason, leaving tasks incomplete, and getting bored.Family wouldn’t understandSitting in one place for an hour was really difficultWould want to split a task up.Initially, he thought his inability to complete tasks was depression.A feeling of rolling in the fog before diagnosis.Defense mechanismAgainst feeling ofNot being “motivated enough.”What changes have come post-diagnosis?Just knowing that you’ve got ADHD and having a diagnosis that explains that it’s not you, it’s your disability, helps a lotIt’s like putting on glasses and now your vision is better.When you know what your dealing with, it’s sometimes as good as half the solution.Feeling well supported.What challenges do you still face now?The feeling of guilt for not being productive enough, constantly trying to find new things to keep me excited, access to medication (hello, Australian healthcare)The rushing mentioned below can be tough to manage.It’s like driving really fast and then braking hard over and over again.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I don’t think I would call them “strengths”, but I’ve learned to complete things very fast to avoid getting bored, so sometimes, I would finish a massive project in a few hours and have the rest of the time to myself (well, I end up filling it with other projects, so that’s barely a win).Self-awareness of attention spanNeed to get a task done in 20 minutes otherwise, he’s going to get bored.The analogy of a match being lit needs to get stuff done before the match burns out.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? PhDFocus on improving communication about air qualitybuilding a design agencyHelp out non-profits and well-being orgs with designwriting articlesPublish where?host a podcast (Paper and Pain)write a newsletter (The Accessibility Apprentice)Questions:How do you balance PhD with the other commitments?Understanding that there is life beyond work and commitmentsLogistically:Still trying to work it outTrying not to stick too rigidly to a routine.LooselyA few hours of fun in the morningCoffeeMake breakfastWatch TVWhile in a cheerful moodSolving the biggest problemsLiterature reviewsLater onFocus timersWhere did the name Paper & Pain come from?Why air quality comms - particular interest in that problem?JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? Is there such a thing as an off-time? Wants to prioritise these things that make life beautifulWorking outGetting out of the houseReading Usually has 5-6 books simultaneous1-2 are research pieces.Light fiction: 100-year Swedish man who jumped out the windowClassicsHemmingway, TolstoyFukow? Foucault? (spelling?)HobbiesTrying new things - ask him about the most exciting thing he has tried.I recently moved to Tassie, a lot of nature and walking I read a lot (and sometimes, I even finish the books I pick up), watch good movies, cookI’m an incredibly social creature if I don’t get to spend time with other people, my condition gets worse very fastJC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Paradoxical strategy: try not to focus on productivity because otherwise, it ends up being a checkbox mentalityInstead, focus on areas of interest (e.g. enjoys literature review)Ignore tasks that don’t add value - ruthlessly removeThe best I could come up with, I minimize distractions by spending some time setting up my workstation, muting all notifications, and setting timersWorkouts and a good diet help, but maybe don’t work out during work hours?What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?I don’t like making plans in advance, especially when they’re too detailed: breaking big tasks into subtasks causes you to lose track of the work. Too much meta work. You end up chasing the to-do list instead of enjoying itUsing AI to optimize calendar/to-do list: removesCounting hours: results matter more than time spentI can’t meditate (too boring), although deep breathing exercises help a lotI don’t build my life around a productivity app: everything gets abandoned really fast, the best productivity app is a Moleskin notebook and a penBREAKJN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Anti-routineChanges things upSometimes voluntarilySometimes involuntarily (e.g. sleeps in)Challenges the Zuck, Steve Jobs idea of taking away decision fatigueThese folks probably have enough diversity in other areas of their lives.As much coffee as I can fit in one cupI spend time cooking breakfast, it’s a neat ritual, and it’s something to look forward toI used to eat things quickly and move on, now I take my time, and read a nice book instead of reading the news or swiping through socialsTries to reduce screen timeBe intentional with when it happens.News is excluded.JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? I’m terrible at that, I tried everything: from minimizing distractions 30 minutes before bed to working out late in the evening to falling asleep exhausted, but nothing worksI don’t think I switch offA lot of anxietyDistracts with passive entertainmentScreensWhy not watch a show in the evening?Intends to go to bed early and wake up earlyRarely gets both right.JN: Where can people connect with you or find ...

Welcome to episode #69. We’re thrilled to be joined by Christa Seals today. Christa is a serial entrepreneur from her teen years and has extensive military experience, Christa has always positioned herself as a leader and mentor, consulting high-caliber executives, managing special agent HQs, and scaling her businesses. With her specialized understanding of human nature, team performance, and how high-producing talent operates, Christa is in the unique position to provide team building, performance enhancement, and skill development for high achievers within a demanding industry.Welcome to the show Christa!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Her deep interest in her curiosityBringing biology books on camping.Deep focus while playing violin (so immersed in it that she’d end up with a bruise on her chin)When I was younger I felt like it was there but it didn’t manifest until I had multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI).The last one really triggered it the worst and caused me to go through a multi-month clinical treatment.Shifting between periods of hyperfocus and then having a lot of trouble focusing.What challenges did you face? Speech, memory, and dealing with common situations, I was easily overwhelmed, and easily triggered.Some days able to concentrate well at work, other times unable to get anything done for days straightDidn’t tell anyone about the TBI or health issues.Didn’t want them to be an identifier.A leader with similar issues opened up which helped Christa feel less alone.The identity of being a small female in the militaryFeeling the need to prove herself.What changes have come post-diagnosis? AcceptanceI have slowed down immensely in comparison to when I was at the peak of my military career. I have started self-examining myself before most if not all situations so I can best prepare. What challenges do you still face now? Impulsivity, I naturally get easily excited about new things but that causes me to be impulsive (i.e. TEDx). I also have a lot of hobbies that I find hard to balance.How can you give yourself grace while being in a disciplined environment like the military?Military is pretty standardized, and not compatible with neurodivergence.Some leaders like the creative leadership of a neurodivergent individual.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now? My creative lens. It took me a while to realize that I see the world differently and that’s truly a gift to share with the world. I have helped clients, friends, and family look at things completely different than what they approach problems with and that helps them overcome and find solutions.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Writing book Business CoachingDentists, Professors, AI developersProvide structure, help set goalsSOPsPaper => Digitalworking on my TEDx talk. Being audacious: have balls of steelNecessary to create changeHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Depends on how much off timeI have. I love squeezing in coffee dates, or a quick trip to a beautiful view. If I have a bit more time then I love travelling, taking my family to find hidden gems in new places. Exploring: finding the views that no one really knows the locationProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Listen to ASMR: helpful for productivity at work and household choresWhat does ASMR stand for again? - autonomous sensory meridian responseNot sure, but it’s often used as an ambient soundtrack to relaxReminds her of grandmother humming the rosary.NowPainting sounds of the brushRummaging through bags: makeup bags, craft bags.Location cued productivity:Working from home doesn’t helpThinks about housework/home improvement projects at homeSelf study/reflectionExamines consciencePrayer/meditationBrain dumping ideasDon’t work through lunch - useful recharge time.What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Chronodiscrimination: not everyone wakes up at 5 am and jumps out of bedShe does much better if she wakes up without an alarm - peak productivityBREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?It has evolved several times after testing my own productiveness in different scenarios. Has had to adjust with parenthood.I used to start by making coffee and sitting on my balcony while I read for 20 minutes, and then it transitioned to going to the gym first thing in the morning. But that changed after I had my son. Now that my son is 3, I take him to school so I am most productive by taking a shower, getting dressed, getting ready down to my shoes, and then waking up my son to get ready so I’m not overwhelmed trying to get both of us ready at the same timeWakes up with the sunI also allow my body to sleep in if I need to, but then I kick off the same way. Shower to get productiveGets into the outfit for the energy levelSweatpants are to relaxEmotional support drinkSomething warm before meetingsEnergy drink if need to start focusing immediatelyConsciously sits down for lunchAs soon as done with food, gets set for the next thingStart slow and then ramp upHow is your sleep?Self-experimentation:Things that didn’t work wellYoga before bedHot teaExercise before bedThings that workedBrain dump creative thoughts so can sleep - better than trying to suppress the thoughtsASMRReminds her of grandma praying with rosary beads in a low voice - Other experiences:Coworkers typingPainting soundsMakeup bag rummagingWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christaseals I answer all my DMs Website: https://www.christaseals.com/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Early birds are not superior to night owls/third birdsSelf-study as much as you can - use yourself toMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp...

Welcome to episode #68. We’re thrilled to be joined by Steve Grace today. Steve Grace is the CEO & Founder of The Nudge Group, empowering high-growth companies to thrive on a global stage with a unique fusion of recruitment expertise and powerful storytelling designed to expand your reach and impact worldwide. He is also the Founder of Nudge Productions creating high-quality content to tell stories through every medium from creating & managing podcasts in both video & audio, newsletters production & management, photography, and documentary/filmmaking.And lastly, he is the publisher of both Balance the Grind & Startup Life: Unscripted and host of both the Give it a Nudge and Daily Grind podcasts.Welcome to the show Steve!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?  I could talk for hours about this, how it affected me mentally, etc and how it affects my work, why I do what I do, etcWhen did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About 13-14 years oldStarted with a diagnosis of an extreme form of dyslexia.What challenges did you face?Ridicule, stress, being differentAccomplished siblingsWhat is it like now?Love it, I will tell you whyStill finds it difficult to read. Took a while to readHad to learn the shape of every word.Finds it difficult to read handwriting.Found recruitment because it was all speaking (a lot easier than writing).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?every single one I canDifficult to separate the neurotypical strengths from the idiosyncraticShort and sweet communicationWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on? Recruitment businessProduction CompanyPodcasts: Give It A Nudge: features startupsDaily Grind: hacks to improve diet, exercise, career, sustainabilityWebsiteBalance the grind: work-life balanceFilm makingFilming war games for military startupsThe Pillars: private clubFounders and family offices get together and build stuffThe goal is to build 20 Canvas and 5 AtlassiansCasual club: can wear a t-shirt; avoiding being stuffy. BYO kilt.How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?With my business Balance the Grind balance, is important to meWork-life balance looks different to different people.Teenagers occasionally want to spend time with him (at the ATM)Sport/exercise:Exercise 6 days per weekKeystone habitI did a half ironman last yearI love the ocean, live at Tamarama, learning to surf very late in lifeMediaTravel (going away on a boat) What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? Get up early (how early - callback on sleep question) - sleep makes a difference to clarityRead for 30 minutes (though sometimes gets lured in by phone)High performance coffee - “before you speak”Green juice (reviewing them for Balance the Grind)Breaks up the day with movement (e.g. walk to next meeting for 1hr and make phone calls)Don’t spend more than 45 minutes on one taskDrinking water - gives him a lot of energyPlanning which I hate,Some standard old-school ones like doing what I hate firstLo-Fi Beats I am tryingBreathworkTurn email off + keep phone awayEmail yourself notesUse Siri to email 4 different notebooksCandidate interview notesClient requirementsThe Daily Grind: research guests beforehandIdeas bookAccountability MeetingMonday morning check-in with teamNot in trouble but feel embarrassed/fulfilled if you do it Measurement:Woop bandCGMWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Focusing on one thing - everything is connected“Don’t make lists”COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Get up at 5.30 am (earlier in Summer than Winter)Solar-powered human (moved from UK to AU for the sun)Drink half a bottle of waterJuiceCoffeeWake up teenagers (x2)Read for 15-30 mins (print them out in A4)Shower, shave, contactsGym (3x weights, 1x run, 1x swim)Protein shakeWork - no meetings before 11 amHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Goes home around 6 pmCheck emailsWork until 7ishDinnerWork until 9 pmScrolling/bad TV/moviesGo to bed at 11 pmFalls asleep quicklyCan’t sleep past 7 hoursWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://thenudgegroup.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegrace/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegraceg/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Lofi musicReframe any limiting beliefsMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #67 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff today. Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals. Passionate about distilling complex research into visually accessible formats, she translates research into visual pixels which you can find on her website, Instagram, and digital workbooks. Beyond her visual endeavors, she co-hosts the "Divergent Conversations" podcast and spearheads a vibrant learning community tailored for neurodivergent adults.Welcome to the show Dr. Neff!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? 3 years ago (2021)Started exploring for oldest childWas surprising / Wasn’t covered in trainingAutism discovery came first, then ADHD.What challenges did you face? FeelingLike observer in lifeCan’t be contentStruggling to be present (because of dissociation from sensory overload).A lot of this is because of the sensory overloadSpecific sensory challengesThe rate of work: 15 patients per day.In a room with 5 people simultaneouslyMental dialogPreparing conversationsMetaphorsAutistic burnoutLong COVIDExplained 4-5 long depression episodesWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?Many of the challenges above, but lean into the underlying values that are driving itE.g. going to a bustling, overstimulating party can be manageable if connecting to the family aspect behind it.More accepting of how they can show up (e.g. if it’s a crowded area, accepting that they may be less present).What challenges do you still face now?Executive functioningOrganizationMissing detailsSchedulingSensoryRestructured workClosed private practiceMore space for flow statesAutistic burnout/managing energy levelsWhat neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus/monotropismSpecial interests - “Aspie” quiz showed interest What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Working on several booksSelf-care for autistic peopleAutistic burnoutND affirming therapyCross neurotype interactionsCreated 25+ workbooksOn Examples:RSDInteroceptionCreate graphics based on conceptsConverting them into video coursesCommunitySocial media postsHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Doesn’t relax wellChandra Rhymes? With kidsActively looking for habitsSelf-diagnosed workaholismProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Learning things her way - standard learning styles didn’t workLeaning into rhythmsDifferent buckets of work for different energy levelsBucket A: writing/creativityHigh energyFulfillingBucket B: adminLow energy/low brainpowerBackground shows to boost dopamineInterest-based nervous system - Dr DodsonAs opposed to the importance of based nervous systemPassion/meaning/play/novelty/urgency/challengeOperationalizing itLet herself chase her interestsStructured spontaneityWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?“Normal” SchedulingE.g. content calendarHard to figure out what to do for the next 6 months - can’t predict what BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Morning ritualCup of coffee every daySit in sunlight15-30 minutesWhich projects to move on todayHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Tactics for Free association/shamanic/cognitive shufflingFree assocShamanic ritualCognitive shuffling - intentionally shuffle thoughts (e.g. combining garden, find all the words starting with each letter of garden)It prevents rumination and mimics the early stages of sleep.Play solitaire in bedWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/Free resources on the blog: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blogNewsletter: https://newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/resource-vaultLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-anna-neff/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Start paying attention to your rhythms - “Detective of your own experience”Work with them, not against themMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #66 We’re thrilled to be joined by Rebecca Arnold today. REBECCA ARNOLD, JD, CPCC, PCC, is a professional, certified coach and the founder of Root Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a holistic leadership coaching firm for ambitious professionals. She has worked with 100+ leaders in the fields of education, medicine, law, academia, and social-impact organizations. She is an attorney by training and has collaborated with organizations from Google and Harvard to Top 100 law firms and K-12 school districts. She’s known as a “straight-talkin’, big-hearted” coach. Her book, The Rooted Renegade: Transform Within, Disrupt the Status Quo & Unleash Your Legacy, shares the path to holistic success for mission-driven leaders. It’s a #1 Amazon bestseller and Kirkus Reviews called it, “A wide-ranging and impressively holistic approach to achieving personal and professional success.” Welcome to the show, Rebecca!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About age 42- which I’m finding is more and more common among my peers (women with ADHD). I have been treated for anxiety and depression for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I had a child with ADHD that I recognized the symptoms in myself and was able to get a diagnosis. This seems like a common experience for parents of children with ADHD because there’s so much more awareness now than when we were children.What challenges did you face? Getting started and focused has always been difficult for me, but I did very well in school because of what I now realize were maladaptive coping mechanisms. I procrastinated and stayed up all night finishing assignments in high school, college, and law school.This led to me getting to the point of hallucinating in the middle of the night working on finals in law school because I’d stayed up for multiple nights in a row.When I had kids and started work again, the tasks built up more and more and I could no longer rely on procrastination. I ended up burning out because of massive anxiety overload and sleep deprivation.I’ve since learned that the effects of anxiety mimic ADHD medications, so of course many of us who are undertreated for ADHD use anxiety to self-medicate. Many of us also have anxiety as a separate diagnosis, so I do want to make that clear. In a world that doesn’t understand or value neurodiversity as it should, anxiety seems to be an obvious byproduct.The anxiety-fueled productivity masked what was going on underneath.It was tough to sleep. Combined with adrenal disease, it was really challenging - led to burnout of 8 months.Writing the book, especially editing required support from othersCan edit things forever.Hard to cut through the pressure of doing things aloneWhat is it like now?I have medication that works- yay!And I’ve learned so many hacks that help me work with my ADHDHacks wax and wane over timeAccountability buddiesI’m really choosy about the type of work I do because I know that if it plays to my strengths and talents, I’m fire and if not, it’s torture. I’m also very intentional about ways to generate motivation (connecting a task to my purpose, considering who the work is for and its impact, allowing myself to get excited and follow my energy- instead of treating my to-do list like my boss).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I’m great at coming up with new ideas for my coaching business Many people post-pandemic have ADHD-like challenges with focus, procrastination, and productivity, so I’m able to share with my neurotypical clients strategies that support me (and they work for them too)I can get a lot done when I’m motivated, so I capitalize on that. Deep empathyCan be a distraction as well as a superpower.Tangentiality means she can join dots and see patterns easily.Creating own rules (came from being socialized as a woman, pressure to be perfect). Rebelled against perfection.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?I’m focused on spreading the word about my book, The Rooted Renegade because it’s packed with practical tools and strategies that I know will support people.The impetus for the book was videos that Rebecca was releasing during pandemicMessages for videos translated to bookFramework for holistic successCalming emotionsExistential peace - align work with purpose, habits with goalsRelational peace: positive relationships with self and others (instead of sucking us dry)50+ toolsTalk to the book while writing itDoing deep work with my executive and leadership clients.Running my business in ways that fulfill me like being aligned with my purpose, hiring people who are values-aligned, and building time and space into my schedule for deeper work, connection, rest, family, and play. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? (5 minutes - T+25)Productivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Examples: creating energy/focus-aligned to-do lists, doing focused work at particular times of day, working in noisy environments for tasks that require focus or that I’m avoiding, having accountability partners who cheer me on and ask how my projects are going, batching tasks I’m avoiding, work blocking, getting enough sleep and eating well, strategic breaks, lovingly telling on myself, and so much more!Accountability partners Time of day: 9am-12 best time to GSD2pm energy dipChanging environments - Going to coffee shopsCoffitivity - streaming coffee shop noise (link to come)Movement breaks:Take the dog for walkGet coffeeGoals posted on wallVision BoardBeing able to see goals helps with object permanenceSuck SandwichWork on something funWork on something really hard/suckyWork on something funFocus/energy - aligned todo-lists. E.g. Checking in on how the focus is and then picking the lists that are aligned with the level of focus.What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?I resist project plans, spreadsheets, task lists, and things that feel overly constrictive. Instead, I create these in ways that serve how my brain works (stickie notes/drawings/color)I don’t like having a set schedule- I crave novelty, so I mix up my schedule all the time.“Do the most important thing first”- nope. It’s hard for me to figure out what’s most important and if I hate that task, I can’t start with it or it affects my entire morning. Instead, I use what I call the “suck sandwich”- I do a task I enjoy for a short time, then work on the task I’m dreading for a bit, and finish with something I enjoy.BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?I don’t have a morning routine, other than showering, dressed, having coffee, getting kids out the door to school, and then getting to work. Sometimes I run before I work. Sometimes I walk. Sometimes I get right to it. Depends on the day. Routine changes all the time to combat routine fatigue.Start with...

Welcome to the Focus and Chill podcast, episode 65. Today, Jeremy Nagel and Joey Corea talked about niching down for work, and clear to neutral.QuestionsNiching down - freeplane/ZohoWriting a book for specific people (Tim Ferris approach)If those people don’t like it, it’s a failureUser stories and personas - make them real not Be an apprentice/journeyman firstClear to neutralClosing tabs at end of dayTab limit: 5 tabsSave in Pocket instead?How do you order them?Setting an internal proposition?Low information dietHow do you consume content?Fractal reading?Read content around the author (interviews with author)“Leave future self breadcrumbs”Write plan for the next day the night beforeClearing deskResetting donations/subscriptions (pause credit cards)Hemingway starting in middle of sentenceZone 2 cardioADHD meds/stimulantscaffeineMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear10 News First: Melbourne Inventions Helping Those With DisabilitiesConnect with Jeremy:Jeremy’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #64. We’re thrilled to be joined by Damien Diecke today. Damien is the founder of the School of Attraction and The Dangerous Man. He is the author of the award-winning book Sincere Seduction. He's been a coach and professional speaker in over 25 countries. He was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 10 and struggled until he started his company at the age of 25, which he’s still running today 15 years on. Damien has developed unique working styles to enable him to be productive. Many of his clients have ADD and he’s here today to share these working styles and how his work can help those with ADHD and ADD.  Welcome to the show Damien!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?Other people realised long before I did - as a kid you don’t thnk about these things as much - except I never had friends in primary school which hurt a lot. I never ‘felt’ neurodivergent until I was an adult - even though I had been medicated as a kidDiagnosed at 10What challenges did you face? Couldn’t keep focussed on university, dropped out of a double degreeCouldn’t complete anything that I started - DJ work, courses, study, business ideas etc. When people knew I had ADHD they told me certain things I couldn’t do - I learned to be obsessed with finding a way to turn the ADHD into a strength, a way to use it to my advantage - this obsession has served me well I think.Feeling misunderstoodOften had only one friendStruggled with homeworkWondered what trouble he was going to get intoWhich knocked the love of learning out of himUniversity was tough because the pressure to achieve was no longer there.What is it like now?I suppose it’s a part of who I am - I live a life where it’s completely integrated and accounted for - I just live a little differently but don’t feel it’s a negative in any wayI had to learn to adapt because most useful drugs are off the table for me - hormone disregulation issues. I default to logic when things get emotionally hardLoves learning againStill loses interest in things that are repetitive (e.g. some board games).Schoolofattraction was the only thing that he was able to see throughThe difference was that he was able to get a lot of praise (because everyone wants to get better at dating).Consistent progress: 5 minutes per day.What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Definitely hyper-focus… I can get amazing amounts of work done in short periods of time when I get into hyper-focus area. Knowing strengths:Great at designing and building websites. Not great at writing sales emailsNow delegates work that he finds hard to hyperfocus onI also hyper focus on electronic toys (drones) - Why is this useful? I buy and sell toys on a profit - so it’s a side-hustle I can only pursue because I’m hyper focussed on the toys and the marketplace they live in - I see the trends and take advantage of playing with new electronic toys for a while. Because I had to learn to be hyper-structured - it’s useful in a business context - at least a lot of the time.What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Two parts:School of AttractionDating coachingGoal is to be confident but not manipulative (not pickup artist style)Men’s retreatsPersonal development work separate from dating coachingHard to sell spirituality/self development - easier to sell dating coaching (but actually dating goes better if you do self development)Helps to dissolve illusion that a partner will solve self esteem issuesDealing with inner demonsAdvertising and PR mostly - I have spent too long focussing on what I’m good at and not other parts of the business that need attention. So my hyperfocus righ tnow is on designing ads, landing pages, and writing copy - thank god for AI it helps a lot with ideas. How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? I fly FPV racing drones, watching movies, photographyFPV (first person view)Exercise (helps with hormone dysregulation).Goes to a gymGoes with his partner but only because they’re partneredDoes weights (but doesn’t do much for mental health)Lot’s of readingAvoiding alcohol (since 21)Bars / clubsSpending time with partnerNoveltyCars / buggiesRecommends that people find hobbies that force you to be part of a communityProductivity tips  What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? I’m hyper-structuredStart work at the same timeMy whole day is the same every dayOn Sundays plans out entire week down to 30 minute levelLong term goalsI have to block entire days dedicated to hyper-focus tasks otherwise I can’t even consider starting them. I have to bounce my thoughts off other people to really process themVerbally processing - doesn’t need feedbackWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Pomodoro technique  - better to stay in hyperfocusBut needs breaks during creativity crashesTaking walks every hour or twoBREAK What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? I eat the same thing every day until I get bored of it - adding a new decision every morning would create cognitive fatigue that would make starting with work harderI avoid dopamine activities prior to starting workReduce decision fatigueHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? My sleep is often rough - not sure if that’s about neurodivergence - or my hormone dysregulation - maybe those are related, who knows? I read at night in bed, takes about an hour to get to sleepDoesn’t watch TVBecause my brain is always firing on overdrive, waking up in mornings is almost never an issue even with just a few hours sleepWhere can people connect with you or find your work? schoolofattraction.comyoutube/schoolofattraction School of attraction podcastDo you have any final words or asks for our audience? I think it’s hard to give overall advice to neurodivergents because all forms of neurodivergence are spectra, and more than that the symptoms between identical diagnoses tend to be vastly different as well - everyone is a bit unique. In many ways I still don’t consier myself neurodivergent because that feels like a way of seeing myself that would just hold me back - this is probably not the ideal advice for everyone, but for me, it was important to my success.    Actually I think that it’s good advice for EVERYONE NT and ND - Create a life where you can capitalise...

Welcome to episode #63. We’re thrilled to be joined by Errin Anderson today. Errin Anderson is a dedicated ADHD Clarity Coach, empowering professionals with ADHD through his 90-day program. Offering personalized strategies and motivational support, he helps individuals overcome challenges, focusing on their strengths. His empathetic, focused approach aims to transform personal and professional lives, understanding the unique hurdles faced by those with ADHD. Welcome to the show Errin!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? I always thought I was different, but it was not till I was going through a rough patch that I started to think about ADHD since other family members got diagnosed, Officially diagnosed when I was 32.Relatively late diagnosisDiagnosis gave a reason to the things going on with himWhat challenges did you face? Always mind a friend and work colleague who always said Errin you're like a Duracell Bunny on Drugs, running at 100 mph, I could not focus a lot of the time, unless I had a deadline to meet; mind from Uni, I was writing my essay at midnight when it was due to be handed in at lunchtimeNoise is always in my head, thoughts going 1000mphBrain is always busyWhat is it like now?Learned just to be me Mediation has really given me the quiet mindThrough coaching developed lots of tools and techniques that work for me to maintain focus and not lose EVERYTHING (mobile, wallet, keys) I am happy, not that I've never been happy but the longest I've felt in the happy emotional state.More emotional granularity (understanding the nuances between emotions)Having visual reminders like calendar reminders to help him manage time.What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Being creativeGetting lost in CanvaBeing my true self and getting that mask drop Thinking outside the box, is there a way i can get around, over or under this challengeBeing able to listen to others and understand what really going onActive listeningNot filling in the spaceInstead allow thinking time.Was able to build it with small habitsAllows fidgets and sensory toysFidget ringWalking can help What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Busy (always busy!)Background is working in non profit spaceReally focusing the now on setting up my coaching business working with professionals ND, providing them with the safe and time to reflect and develop actions, within a safe nonjudgemental place, oh and love the random moments we have in coaching when our brain takes us down that rabbit hole and allowing people to explore the space. Without feeling pressured into focus on what was the first thing we spoke aboutCharitiesUntangling some admin messes (e.g. financials)How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?When not working with Charities across Scotland or working on my coaching, i spend time with the family. 2 children (9 and 13), and the wife (who just gets it)Getting awayYoungest has ADHD traitsTime out in the garden - well when it’s actually sunny in Scotland and not rainingWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? To Do list - but small GOALS,One product split into 5/10 steps to reach the goal, use online software to help me plan, has been a life saver. Used to write to-do list which was huge, and i would lose it so spent most the time trying to mind what was on the last one and redoing the listUseMotion.comRemarkable notepadWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?FOCUS and have QUIET, sounds like hell to me, i need noise to keep my brain busy on two things at one. Trying to just focus with nothing else going on it, make my brain feel like we need to run a marathon - Well that will never happen physically. MusicWhat he listens to dependsWhen hyperfocused, doesn’t matter what the music isWhen he’s trying to get into something, lyrics get distractingSubtitles makes him feel like he’s multi-taskingReading and listening at the same timeCOMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you manage communication with neurotypical folk?Before i would just close down and disengage, now its all about the relationship ive developed with them. Of course at the start i will apologies all the time, as my brain switches off or im listen but doing something else at the same timeWhy should i conform to neurotypical, they need to take me as i am, maybe they should change or we can meet half way? What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Morning routine what's that!Initial i would wake up get ready and get to work no matter the time, can mind being in the office at 6am as i was up which just burned me outNow - always up around 1.5/2 hours before i need to leave, give myself time to have everything ready, and spent some time on stuff i need to do, if going into the office, jump on the bus and listen to a podcast whilst reading the news to see whats happening in the world. How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Sleeps an interesting thing, probably spent that last 2 years really struggling with sleep, you would be lucky if i was getting 5 hours a night and being topped up on drugs to get me to wind down, by evening i was done but my heads was WIDE awake and wanted to do everything  Now as im having time for me and allowing space to winddown at night, and having lights that change with the sunlight helps my body feel like it needs to sleep and can now sleep a full night, well unless the kids are up .Where can people connect with you or find your work?You can get me on SocialsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/philanthropeakcoaching/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PhilanthroPeakCoaching TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@philanthropeakcoaching?_t=8iqQJxoyHDM&_r=1Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/errin-anderson/Best place - via my website https://philanthropeak.co.uk/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be you, learn about yourself and take the pressure off, sometimes just having that conversation with someone who gets can change everything. Lets those grey clouds and fog lift away. More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube:

Welcome to episode #62 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ellen Busch today. Ellen Busch, diagnosed with dyslexia in childhood, defied expectations. Her parents nurtured her beyond academic confines, teaching her to navigate the ocean, excel in team sports, and embrace adventure. Despite self-esteem struggles, she became a skilled skier and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Battling low self-esteem and trauma, Ellen persevered, escaping abuse and seeking healing. Through coaching, therapy, and training, she reclaimed her power, now thriving and fearlessly pursuing her dreams. Welcome to the show Ellen!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?Initially diagnosed as ambidextrous.What challenges did you face? Dyslexia associated with an intellectual disability.People had low expectations of her - teacher told her parents that she would only ever be able to be a wife/motherHer parents didn’t accept the administrator’s diagnosis. Her dad’s mantra was “Prove em wrong Ellen!”Took successes outside of the classroom and brought them into the classroom.Physical challenges like abseiling, scuba diving, boatingWas able to apply the adventures to assignmentsGoing to college / uni was betterAcademic staff were supportiveProbably because she was so open and transparentManaged to get through tough subjectsWhat is it like now?Agrees that the struggle gave her the gritShe could outwork everyone elseAt an early ageE.g. Reading nautical charts with her Dad.What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Understanding visual learningThinks in picturesUsing visual aids whenever possibleE.g. Anatomy colouring book - associating the colour with the name.Long-term memory is goodGood pattern recognitionWhat projects are you concentrating on?Book: disEmpoweredShares her story about getting through hostile education system and leaning into her strengthsLots of podcastTraining to become a coach (to help other dyslexic people and parents of dyslexic children)Heroes’ journey approachRefuse the challengeTake on the challengeSucceedTake the lessons back to your tribeHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Come back to the idea of outworking people. Does she find it difficult to switch offWhen younger, it was roughBecause don’t have the emotional development on how to cope.Would have frustrated outbursts.Do athletic, physical things and then would fall asleep.Foundational practicesMeditationJournallingBreathworkVisualisationReboot practice - 45 mins to turn off the brainYogaWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Optimising productivityTake breaks - not a robot!“Spot drills”Micro-workouts (10 minutes): 50 air squats/burpees/push-presses/WODDoes 3 of those per day. Aiming for 4“Sitting is the new smoking”Break up tasks - write for 15 minutes and then empty the dishwasherSetting boundaries: this is what I need to do for myselfUnhelpful adviceMultitasking: doing 3-5 things at a time doesn’t work. Do one thing at a time.COMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you manage communication with neurotypical folk?Setting expectations (like she did with the professors at college)Active listeningUnderstanding different perspectivesAsking for clarificationReflecting back5 mountain planFrom Commander Mark Devine (retired Navy Seal)What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Set alarm clock 30 mins early - give herself time to wake up (not New York style wake up, gulp coffee and leap out the door anymore!)Large glass of waterBox breathingGratitude journalling - typically 3 minutes Yoga and stretchingMicro goals approach: start small with the habits - 3 things I’m grateful for and then build out from hereHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?PM ritual:Journaling (what went well/what didn’t go well - what did I learn? In a non judgemental way)Breathwork (box breathing)Meditation (insight timer)Sleep!Where can people connect with you or find your work?Book: Amazonellenbusch.comFacebookLinkedInInstagramDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you are dyslexic/ND, please know that you are not brokenYou have amazing abilities - focus on what you’re good at - explore thatMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/ Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear10 News First: Melbourne Inventions Helping Those With DisabilitiesConnect with Jeremy:Jeremy’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/ 

Welcome to episode #61 We’re thrilled to be joined by Katriona Lee today. Kat is the Co-Founder of Kaya, Australia's first strategy-as-a-service platform built for entrepreneurs. Kat forged a successful career in corporate as a neurodivergent professional, leaning heavily into fitness and habit stacking as key tools for emotional regulation.Welcome to the show Kat!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Early Signs and Challenges:Early childhood observations by parents indicated unusual developmental patterns, such as speaking and swimming before walking. This hinted at a different learning and communication style.During the teenage years, emotional regulation and social comprehension were significant struggles, leading to disproportionate reactions to routine disruptions or misunderstandings in communication.Professional life highlighted these challenges, particularly in understanding and managing social interactions and conversations.Diagnosis and Personal Struggles:Following difficulties in emotional control and understanding social cues, a diagnosis was made, including depression and being on the autism spectrum (previously referred to as Asperger's).The diagnosis brought mixed feelings about intelligence and self-worth, leading to extensive personal research and a reluctance to share this information with social circles for fear of judgment and loss of opportunities.Current Situation and Embracing Neurodiversity:Transitioning from a corporate environment to running a personal business has allowed greater freedom to be authentic and redefine leadership and business practices.Recognizes and values neurodiverse strengths such as exceptional memory and pattern recognition, which enhance capabilities in strategy consulting and anticipating risks.Uses unique cognitive abilities to develop innovative solutions and technologies, addressing pain points effectively.2. What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Kat Developed a one-stop "anti-consulting" platform to provide integrated, accessible business solutions for underserved entrepreneurs, fostering growth and authenticity without traditionalbarriers.Kat addresses the challenges of managing diverse business functions like IT, marketing, and sales through two main strategies:Partnerships: She partners with experts who respect her unique approach, enabling effective collaboration.Technology and Automation: Kat automates repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency and minimize errors, supporting her business's growth.3. How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Kat enjoys outdoor sports like hiking, running, and tennis.She takes regular breaks in nature to manage hyper-focus and safeguard her health.Social and leisure activities, such as discussing movies with friends, help balance her life.4. What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Productivity Through Fitness: Kat uses her cardio sessions to brainstorm solutions to business challenges, assigning specific tasks to intervals in her running sets.Idea Generation During Exercise: She finds physical activity away from the computer leads to actionable business ideas by the end of her gym sessions.Reflective Processing: Kat reflects on conversations and business issues during non-work times, which aids in deeper processing and future planning.5. COMMERCIAL BREAK6. How do you manage communication with neurotypical folk?Positive Self-Talk: Utilizes self-encouragement to tackle natural negative thoughts.Preparation and Visualization: Plan mental exercises to visualize interactions, assessing likely conversations and challenging personalities.Daily Mental Rehearsals: Incorporates daily mental walkthroughs of her schedule to anticipate professional interactions and enhance communication skills.Empathetic Connections: Builds relationships with neurodivergent partners and team members, leveraging shared understanding.Communicating Needs: Proactively informs colleagues of her needs during remote conversations to manage expectations and maintain focus.Requesting Breaks: Transparently requests short breaks during conversations to manage energy and focus, which is well-received by colleagues.7. What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Consistent Wake-Up: Uses alarms set at 15-minute increments to ensure she doesn't oversleep, providing a safety net for starting the day right.Hydration and Supplements: Begins with a big drink of water and takes daily supplements.Mandatory Exercise: Engages in a structured workout (minimum 40 minutes) which includes a warm-up, high-intensity or weight training, and cool-down. Requires coffee before exercising.Cold Water Exposure: Incorporates cold showers to boost focus and energize for the day ahead.Routine Importance: Follows a strict routine daily to maintain structure and focus; disruptions lead to agitation throughout the day.8. How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Chronic Sleep Issues: Historically poor sleeper since childhood, with extreme sleep deprivation during teenage years (1-2 hours per night).Current Sleep Patterns: Experiences 3-4 hours of sleep on good days and less on bad days.Coping Mechanisms: Has tried various methods to improve sleep, including medications, magnesium soaks, yoga, and guided meditation.Structured Night Routine: Recently emphasized a more structured evening routine, including:·    Breaking the day with consistent activities.·    Turning off lights in a specific sequence.·    Arrange pillows in the same way each night to create comfort through routine.Improvement Efforts: Although still struggling, there has been slight improvement, managing to get about 3-4 hours of sleep regularly in the last three months. Continues to refine the process for better results. 9. Where can people connect with you or find your work?Primary Platform: LinkedIn is the best way to connect.LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/katrionaleeWebsite teamkaya.com.au (Company)Content Offered: Publishes a news...