Welcome to episode #45 We’re thrilled to be joined by Richard Wray today. A genuine pioneer in new media, Richard has over 25 years of experience in sales, market analysis, project management, and customer relations. He helps organizations and individuals achieve success in multiple areas. His passion is exploring the intersection of innovation and intelligence, and how artificial intelligence can transform businesses and livesWelcome to the show Richard!QuestionsJN: Can 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?ADHD leads to unpredictability: at times killing it - amazing creativity - at other times struggling with basic skillsCareer has facilitated novelty - jumped into the deep end with a lot of jobsE.g. interactive TV football project for Sky TV - but didn’t know much about football. Learned quickly!Creating artificial pressurePomodoro techniqueExternal accountability - tell other people about the goal especially people who might give negative feedbackGet dogs to motivate you to get outsideJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Producing AI/entrepreneurship podcastsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Running (but not ultras)DogsMoviesJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Prepare for interviews with US guests at 7 amBreakfastMedsGroomingWrite scriptDays when don’t have interviewsA bit different each day Morning routine: only do things that must be done in the morning (e.g. shave)ExerciseJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Using AI:Pixel Rich: AI version of Richard. E.g. episode “Chat GPT for work-life balance”Ask ChatGPT for a schedule for your weekPomodoro techniqueWrite a to-do list for that day (only what is achievable in one day) and make it visibleMarkerboard next to coffee machine: wife can put chores on that listTime blockingCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Alcohol (work-related socialising + pain from injuries)JN: How do you switch off at night?Be with people - have funWhite noise/pink noise drown out external noisesJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Sleep headbands with speakers for white noiseSensory toys (but don’t annoy other people)CoachingJoin local support groupsJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://aiadvantage.show/https://evolvepreneur.app/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be prepared for mourning “What if I’d been diagnosed earlier?”Joey’s creativity course

Lauren Petrullo, a former Disney Innovation Catalyst turned social commerce specialist, shares her journey navigating ADHD and neurodiversity. Diagnosed at a young age, she discusses the challenges of balancing academics, sports, and medication. She offers insights into her entrepreneurial ventures, including her inclusive beauty brand, and the importance of personal coping strategies. Lauren also humorously addresses screen time management and her passion for language learning, showcasing her vibrant, multifaceted life.

Welcome to episode #43 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew McDonald today!Andrew goes by the moniker, The Neurodivergent Copywriter. He helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs to build successful marketing outreach campaigns that honor who they are, allowing them to reach their true potential. Andrew is neurodivergent himself. He understands how challenging typical marketing strategies can be for neurodivergent individuals. So, he offers guidance in avoiding high-stress, sleazy, hard-sale strategies. Instead, Andrew focuses on building strong customer and client communities around businesses run by neurodivergent individuals, ensuring these businesses thrive and remain sustainable.Welcome to the show Andrew!QuestionsJN: Can 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?Always felt like he didn’t fit inBut only identified in the last few years.Has had CPTSD for decadesOCD has been a lifelongRSDAnxiety and depressionIntrovertedDoesn’t mind being around people.But not his happy placeWent against the common advice of building a businessUntil stumbling on a neurodivergent entrepreneur summitAble to find what was congruent withSkill setPersonalitySome things that didn’t workFake it until you make itCold prospectingE.g. not being a fan of cold emailsBecause of rejection sensitivity - there’s a lot of rejection in cold emails.Took a different route. Used the content / inbound marketing approach.Coping mechanismsCoping with stressTaking strategic breaks (a day or a couple of days)MeditationAwareness of mental stateSelf-compassionGot there through experimentationJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Works with ND entrepreneursBecause he had a tough journey himself with unhelpful neurotypical advice: “Reach 6 figures in 6 months working from home in your pajamas”Helps ND entrepreneurs build communities that know like and trust them - they’ll be better qualified, stick around for longer, and refer youSustainable salesGradual growth allows time to build up business systemsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?SportSports addict. Watching sports every dayRugby league: St HelensBroncos fanBasketballSoccerBoxingEnjoys sports but finds it tougher as we get older.But the rest of the family isn’t into itMoviesParticularly old stuffLearning languagesSpanishSpeaks Italian and FrenchJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Wakes up around 10 amEspresso (coffee)Start work immediately (frees up the evening)Breakfast after 30 minutesThen back to workJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Espressos (multiple)Strategic breaksTaking day(s) off.An hour lunch break.Owe them to people you’re working with - to give them your 100% battery.MeditationCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Alcohol was causing issues - close to alcoholismNow has been sober for five yearsSinclair MethodTake naltrexone an hour or two before you drinkBlocks the reward pathwaysBreaks the vicious cycle of alcoholBecomes like drinking any other liquidEnd up drinking less over timeVicious cycle: drinking to feel better but then the effects of drinking lead to feeling worseJN: How do you switch off at night?Listening to old radio comedies.Classical musicJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Bluetak = an awesome fidget toy“The subtle art of not giving a f*ck” by Mark MansonPete Best (5th Beatle) vs Mustaine (Metallica / Megadeth)JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?andrewmcdonald.bizFree guide andrewmcdonald.biz/bookSocial mediaLinkedInUses moderately - otherwise becomes a trigger.JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you find the typical strategies you’ve been taught don’t work (and you’ve given them a good shot), the problem might not be you, it might be the strategies. There are multiple ways to be successful. It’s important to enjoy the process.Joey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #42 Our guest today is Shane Thrapp. He is the founder of Creating Order From Chaos and an ADHD coach and business consultant. He works to empower people with ADHD to find their authentic selves and collaborates with companies on neurodivergent inclusivity and accommodations. He also works as the Operations Director at the nonprofit Men’s ADHD Support Group, as a driving force furthering their mission of supporting men with ADHD. Welcome to the show Shane!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with ADHD? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Felt different as a childGrew up on a farm but wasn’t into farming activities. Loved to readSocializing hardSmarter than other kidsFamily very harshSon got diagnosed with ADHD when Shane was 30Researched it a lot to support his sonSaw a lot of puzzle piecesDifficulty getting diagnosedFirst psychiatrist said ADHD is not possible in adultsSecond psychiatrist diagnosed him with bipolarThird psychiatrist actually did an assessment but also noticed autistic trendsAuDHDDealing with lack of order hard, e.g. if someone touches his deskLearned body language by watching Oprah/onlineLearned to mask - took it too far2018 burned outDeveloped fibromyalgiaCouldn’t do corporate contracts anymoreWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Found it hard to keep a jobKept proposing process optimizations - bosses didn’t like itDiscovered that contract project management was the perfect role for him3-8 months long contractsTurning chaos into order (easy to do it for other people)Fitted in long breaksTurned self-improvement into a projectDiscovering valuesADHD/Autism became a special interestRead all the things (neurobiology)RSS feeds for ADHDAfter burnout in 2018 started “Creating Order From Chaos”: ADHD coaching and business consultingADHD coaching for people from 25 to 55Help them build rituals and routinesHelp them find values and accommodationsAccountabilityBusinesses: help them figure out where processes are broken and what accommodations would help the team membersSpeakingEducate people on ADHD and autismMen’s ADHD support groupFacebook group exploded after COVID2022 formed non profitWeekly Calls - peer supportHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Video games: RPGsDungeons and DragonsWorld building - book seriesBoard gameReadingPlay with kidsWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Alarm app have to unlock by solving Math problemThen scan barcode on mirror - take medsMeditation + journalingAlexa9.30am check tasks + calendarWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Checking tasks + calendar morning and eveningScheduling in restDealing with too many tabsCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Marijuana: not great for ADHDHow do you switch off at night?Brain dump - write thoughts outAlexa reminder:Check the calendar and tasksWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Support group - real peopleTherapyMechanical multitasking: clean while listening to a podcastFigure out learning stylesWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Creatingorderfromchaos.comhttps://www.mensadhdsupportgroup.org/Creatingorderfromchaos on socialsDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Group coaching availableJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #40 Our guest today is Dan Macqueen.On June 21, 2014, Dan's reality was shattered by a devastating brain hemorrhage. With no map to guide him on the grueling path to recovery, Dan had to rely on his grit, perseverance, and resilience to relearn everything he once knew: how to walk, talk and even smile.Dan has survived two emergency brain surgeries, weeks in a coma, and months in a rehab hospital. What he found out along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind! Driven by a positive mindset, Dan battled through excruciating rehab exercises to rebuild his life and return to a job he loved. Welcome to the show Dan!QuestionsTell us about what happened in 2014Was in London studyingReally bad headaches that kept getting worseWent to the hospital and they sent him away saying they thought it was vertigoA few days later, completely lost vision for several minutesAgain they sent him away - asking him to get his eyes testedThe optometrist stopped the test halfway and asked him to go straight to the hospitalEmergency brain surgery - hemorrhageMonths of rehab to re-learn walking and talking - incredibly painfulReturned to work 2.5 days per week but then had a second brain injuryAnother round of grueling rehab - had to do it at home as funding didn’t allow in-hospital rehabStill has double vision but otherwise has been able to regain autonomy and movementWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?After rehab, worked at Hootsuite in implementation team (customer success) helping EMEA clientsNow motivational speaker: 4 days per weekHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Swim in poolBrunch What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Get up early and work out Cold showerMeditate for 20 minutesBreakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?MomentumDo the most difficult task first thing (timebox)Building blocks: half do things so it’s easier to pick it up again - Fatigue managementSleepFika - coffee breakMeditateTimers and alarmsGet mindset right: adversity is coCOMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you switch off at night?Clean kitchenTea and magnesiumIn bed at 10 pmLights out at 10.30 pmSleep quality:Dark roomQuietRead fiction before sleeping What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Fiction“In the blood”“Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy”“Get it done” by Joe Rogan to help clean kitchen“The war of art”Rich Rolls podcastWoopNeil Pettris: “You are awesome”Where can people connect with you or find your work?macqueendan.commacqueendan on socials (Instagram)Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond to it that mattersJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #39QuestionsHyperbolic discountingThe brain doesn’t pay attention to rewardsAvoiding motivation crowding out/”punished by rewards”Low-information dietA tendency to temptation bundleLots of consumption3 months, holding offBenefitsMore mindfulnessE.g. runningWeening off the crutchExploring perspectives of how to make the task more enjoyableCreativity - think about ways to tweak away from the initial design or to make it funCaptivate - intrinsic interest.Challenge - faster, betterCompeteLots of ideasChallengesMissing high-quality long-form contentRegular self-reviewsJoeyDaily journaling:Event logQuantified self:SleepExerciseEnd of week reflection:3-4hrsReflect on what happened during weekDeliberate Monthly reviewAnalyse weekly reviewsFind themesQuarterly reviewSimilarAnnual reviewStitch photos together into a music videoMonday NostalgiaChoose a random video to re-watchPassword protect your journals so you can be candidJezAccountability groupGoogle slideFeeling rushedSqueezing outPlanningIntentionality / changing courseWants to do more reviewIncrease 10m => 13mJoey’s creativity course

Join Jesse J. Anderson, a writer and ADHD advocate, as he shares his humorous journey of self-discovery living with undiagnosed ADHD. He reflects on the challenges of motivation and the struggle to find a diagnosis later in life. Jesse discusses balancing a full-time job while pursuing personal projects and highlights the therapeutic benefits of video gaming as an escape. He also shares strategies for overcoming bedtime challenges and navigating the complexities of hyperfocus, offering relatable insights for neurodivergent individuals.

Certified yoga therapist Deborah Charnes shares her journey with neurodiversity, ADHD challenges, and how she uses yoga and breathwork. From corporate PR to author and therapist, she discusses her morning routine, travel experiences, and holistic self-care practices. Topics include coping mechanisms, ethical concerns in boxing, dietary changes, and the importance of breaks for productivity.

Welcome to episode #36 We’re thrilled to be joined by Stephen J Morris today. Stephen J Morris is the founder and CEO of Renowned Leadership, committed to empowering leaders to become exceptional and achieve their professional goals. With more than 20 years of experience including 16 years of military leadership in the United States Army in leadership roles, he has identified 5 fundamental pillars of leadership that are the foundation of all production episodes. In addition, the company offers a range of solutions; including 1 on 1 coaching, mentoring programs, and online courses designed to create high-performing and energized teams. Welcome to the show Stephen!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?5th/6th-grade teachers started complaining about hyperactivity8th grade teachers asked mum to put him on medication8th grade biology teacher, Mrs Cunningham taught him tips and tricks to use his brain as a superpowerTactic: move to a differentFormally diagnosed at age 24 in the armyWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Bringing esprit de corps to the corporate worldGoal - everyone in the organization feels engaged. You don’t hate Monday, work is fulfilling, love your team1 on 1 coachingHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Work is his passion (110hrs)Fishing Exercise: gym, runSpartan racesGoal: Boston MarathonWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Gratitude journal - frames mind for the dayExercise: Run/gymMeditation: 30 minutesPrayer timeBreakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Now can focus for longer periodsPomodoro techniqueMind more disciplined now due to military trainingBreaks: play with the puppy or go fishingUse alarms to snap out of hyperfocusCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Time blindness (e.g. video games) - combat with alarmsHow do you switch off at night?Evening journal: defrag (get rid of all the junk files) for 10 minutesWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:Miracle MorningAtomic HabitsDr Carolyn Leaf - neuroplasticity researcherSensory toy: spinning ringPhilosophies: breaks (drink enough water)Where can people connect with you or find your work?renownedleadership.com (book a call button)Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be kind to yourselfJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #35 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ainslee Hooper today.Ainslee is the driving force behind Ainslee Hooper Consulting, which helps public-facing organizations strengthen their disability inclusion. With a background in Anthropology and a unique approach to holistic inclusion, Ainslee is not just a researcher but a transformative advocate. She's earned accolades, including the 2020 Geelong Employment Award. Ainslee is a passionate advocate and a valued member of several advisory committees. When she's not advancing the cause of inclusion, she's doing the strength sport of a strong woman.Welcome to the show Ainslee!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?Close family got diagnosed + friends got diagnosed and shared experiences “But I’m neurotypical and I do that too”Liked rules of COVID lockdownAnxiety around networking eventsNutritionist - list of what I don’t eat longer than what I eat. Referral to a psychologist and then a psychiatristWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Disability inclusion consultingAccess and inclusion plansInternal and external stakeholdersWheelchair user gives empathyCustomer experience journey mapAnthropology is a special interestLinguistic, biological, cultural, archaeologicalElicit stories from stakeholdersWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?2005-2011 Bachelor of Arts: super focused and organizedDifferent days of the week are devoted to different activities:Monday = Professional Development (LinkedIn strategy)Tuesday = Client engagementWednesday = Content CreationThursday = Project work dayFriday = Admin and podcastsWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Trello for project management, ZapierAtomic Habits by James ClearPhilosophies: lean into special interests at workWhere can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn WebsiteJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you think you’re neurodivergent and can afford it, get assessedJoey’s creativity course