Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Welcome to episode #29 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dave Thompson today.Dave Thompson is a self-advocate with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder. He has worked as an innovator, consultant, trainer, and strategist within the Neurodiversity Employment space since 2010. Welcome to the show Dave!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?Diagnosed from 5 y.o.Disability lens - special education, deficit model - standard in New YorkNew lens: potential - some things come easyPublic speaking: Jim Carey impressions/playsEmpathetic: natural tour guideSee things differently: backward/upside downBuilding furniture without instructionsChallengesTying shoesDrivingDistractionNoiseNeurodistinct vs neurodivergentIndividuals can’t be neurodiverseEveryone is on the neurodiversity spectrumNeurodistinct coined by Tim Goldstein - neurodivergent implies normality vs What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Goal to help people have a better experience than he did early onStarted with job coaching helping individualsNow fixing the workplace via Potentia WorkforceHelping big companies become more neuro-inclusive (EY, Microsoft, IBM)Researched what worked well in Trailblazers and help other companies (Chevron, AIG) followTrain teams on how to include neuro-distinct individualsSTARS program Support new hires, managers, and teamsEmpower programMeasure how neuro-inclusive a company isEngagementWhat can companies do?HiringSending out interview questions in advanceStrengths-based interviewsDon’t copy-paste job descriptions - avoid having too many requirements and make it specific“Must be a strong communicator” is a terrible requirementOngoing workEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs)Peer supportMentorshipSharing tactics/toolsAdvocacy“No conversations about us without us”How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Family man: wife and daughterUnplug completely - do the opposite of the workGet out in natureWalk dogsMusicUpright bassDoesn’t sight read musicWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Realization that routine is important  came laterWakes up at 5:Walks dogGreets familyStarts work at 7 amWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Noise-canceling headphones + Brown noise/low-frequency binaural beatsSometimes heavy metal Working from homeRight lighting environmentUnchanging environmentTwo monitorsStanding desksFidget toysCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?CandyNever unplugHow do you switch off at night?Walk with wifeWatch TVGo to sleepWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Neurodistinct social media (TikTok, Reddit)Assistive tech: TrelloPaperWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Potentia WorkforceInstagramLinkedInDave Thompson on LinkedInPotentiaWorkforce: NDTC - neuro-distinct talent Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?You’re not the (whole) problem Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #28 We’re thrilled to be joined by Alisdair Gurling today.Alisdair is a PhD candidate at Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab where he investigates personalized assistive technology to help neurodivergent students. Outside his research, Alisdair works as a learning designer for Nextia designing assistive technology for people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other conditions. A man of many talents, he also does freelance web design.Welcome to the show Alisdair!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?Feels luckyTo be diagnosed at this timeIn the past it would have been tougherIn-depth discoveryFamily was proactiveSiblings had learning difficulties.How to best adapt the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent.Was the only kid with a laptop.One of the first kids in the UK to be able to speak their exam (speech to text)Good timing.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Research into strategies for personalizing assistive technology for neurodivergent people Extending consciousness into technology: singularityDigital prostheticsAlternate learning strategiesbrute forcingSpend 4hrs readingLeapfrog the problemSpeech-to-text instead of handwritingListen to audiobooks instead of readingSpeechifyJoey uses @VoiceEmphasizing: Literate vs literaryLearning designJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?ReadingInitially struggled to readBeing able to read (at 8-10) was startlingMainly listens to audiobooksWide varietyPhilosophyPublic speakingGood for advocating for himself.JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?No tech that interfaces with the outside worldGo to Yoga studio (body doubling) - 1hrNice and calmingClassPassEncourages trying itFind a studio that fits the vibe.JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Body double with colleaguesTries a bunch of different strategiesBut make sure it’s worth the jump (e.g. the learning curve).LeapfroggingNotion - locks in thoughts.Speech-to-text (otter).AllowsSearchability (later)Presence (in the moment)Purpose-built AI notetaking devices (Not used yet)Text-to-speech.Understand what’s pulling you out of your workServices that sync your music with your heart rate - https://endel.io/And solve each problem until you get well-focused.Brain FMCOMMERCIAL 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)?Consuming so much newsFollowing news in three countries (UK, US, AU).Often negative, problems without solutions.Future CrunchJN: How do you switch off at night?Morning routine + evening routine are tightly linked - one big blockMix it upAfter dinnerGoes for a walkHelps to unpack ideas.Seals the dayNo more external inputJust introspectionJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, academic theories, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Mediterranean dietSpeechifyEndol - procedural musicInternal vs external locus of control (internal is better)Don’t use ADHD diagnosis as a limiting beliefUse novelty seeking wiselySpectrum vs binaryMixture of Purpose is best for motivationSkill/masteryCuriosityCommunityObligationJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://www.alisdairgurling.com/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Avoid absolutes - sit in the nuanceJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #27 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ben Tobin today. <Read out bio>. Welcome to the show Ben!Ben Tobin is an ADHD and career coach. He spent 20 years working in tech and now uses his experience of working with ADHD as both an employee and a leader to help others succeed in their own lives and careers.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?Neurodiverse/neurotypical termsPolitically chargedCan be polarisingPrefers “people with ADHD”, “People with brains like mine”“Neurotypical” people like everyone elseEvolution of the treatment of people that don’t have brains like everyone elsesProsCompanies seeing how people can be more inclusive.Allows community, the labels can help connection - group identity.ConsLabels can create walls/pigeon-holing.Strengths of people with brains that work differently:Different perspectivesDifferent skillsADHD / autism can mean hyperfocus.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?1 on 1 coaching:GoalsStrategies to achieve goals (career, life)Group coaching (ADHD)JN: How do you like to wind down after work? Video gamesBreath of the wild.Long distance cyclingJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Espresso machine (caffeine hound)Plan day (bullet journaling - twice daily reflection)JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Schedule keeps him on trackBalanced with flexibilityAccepting sometimes it’s not the right timeBut tries to be intentional, make it a decisionChoice betweenMoving itDoing itDeleting is not an option - interesting. Might be good to go deeper on. Prob not enough time though 🤔Having a balance keeps him from burning out.COMMERCIAL BREAKJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://bentobin.com/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Building on the planningPlanning for flexibilityNever books appointments back to backKnowing that coming back from vacation will be toughKnowing himself and the way he worksJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #26 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr Bree Gorman today.Bree Gorman is a diversity and inclusion consultant working with organizations to create sustainable, meaningful change. Prior to launching Bree Gorman Consulting, they worked as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Deakin University. Bree’s expertise is in using data to design and inform Diversity and Inclusion strategies. They have lived experience as a minority gender in the sciences and as a genderqueer bisexual.Welcome to the show Bree!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?Children got screened - they did a screening themselvesPh.D. work in 6 monthsPeople-pleasing tendencies - wanted to please parentsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?BusinessConsulting: DEI projectsTraining and education: inclusive leadership educationBusiness is much more preferable than working in a job:Ability to choose projectsscheduleHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Play cricket: flow statePodcasts: couple mundane tasksWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Start with breakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Play games - 20/30 seconds to stay longer in seatRoyal MatchCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to introduce to your life?Exercise via team sportHow do you switch off at night?Wake up early and go to sleep earlyWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Eckhardt Tolle - emotional regulationWhere can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInbreegorman.com.auDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Game suggestionsJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #25 We're thrilled to be joined by Professor Claudia Vickers, an esteemed expert in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. With a strong track record in science excellence and securing competitive funding, she focuses on using microbes to produce valuable substances for industries. Professor Vickers has held influential positions in various organizations and even served as the inaugural director for CSIRO’s synthetic biology group. Her expertise and leadership continue to drive scientific innovation, making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Welcome to the show Claudia!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?Had two children with ADHD and then connected the dotsSuperpowersHyperfocusPattern recognition - connecting the dotsChallengesTime blindnessStrategies Walking treadmillTimers and alarmsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Taking a pause to reflect on where to create impact3 days per week as adjunct professorNow focusing on climate-carbon sequestrationDesigning microbes to pull carbon down:Cellular AgLandTech: feed Carbon Monoxide/Methane to clostridiumEnzymatic breakdown plasticCarbon sequestration (e.g. enhancing Rubisco)Construction materials (bio cement)Other projectsConsulting with startupsSoftware company AI-powered academic writingConstruction company using bio-based materialsWork history:Last 18 months worked for startups (e.g. Eden Brew)Previously led CSIRO’s synbio labAcademic for many years prior to thatHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Reading (paper) books - Sam Neil’s memoirsHanging out with kids (coaching son’s soccer team, daughter’s touch team)What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Getting the kids out the door (lunchboxes, brush teeth)Start workWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Walking treadmillList with prioritiesIntrospection: look at how to improveCommunicate working preferences + expectationsNoise-canceling headphonesCOMMERCIAL 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: magnify estimations by 2xHow do you switch off at night?Need to tire self outIdentifying hyperfixation (e.g. workplace issues) early in the evening - “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Noise-canceling headphonesWalking treadmill (use during meetings)Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInTwitter: claudiaevickersDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Life is special and wonderfulLearn about your own mindUse Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #24 We’re thrilled to be joined by nobody today! Join us while we discuss some interesting topics, from meditation chairs to cleaning and more!QuestionsPower of pause - how to remember to pause when the stakes are highEquipment as a crutch - meditation chairsWriter’s block - Joey’s tips + our own processesManaging emailsUsing PocketCleaningJoey’s post on meditationhttps://thepluckyjester.com/2023/01/26/meditation-has-a-marketing-problem/ 

Welcome to episode #23 We’re thrilled to be joined by Lizbeth Sanchez today.Lizbeth comes with a diverse background as a Community Coordinator, Communications Specialist, Tutor, Assistant Lead, Private Educator, and Assistant Producer. Through her various roles, she has gained valuable experience in organizing events and resource fairs, providing guidance, creating engaging social media content, conducting surveys, delivering lessons and activities, and overseeing production activities. Lizbeth has also excelled in recruiting volunteers and members, establishing strong partnerships with vendors and non-profit organizations, and ensuring proper recognition for sponsors and donors.Academically, Lizbeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Mass Media from Fresno State University. Her knowledge extends beyond her academic achievements, as she possesses extensive expertise in the fields of education and psychology. Currently, Lizbeth is actively pursuing additional education to enrich her background further.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?Very bored during schoolHid books under the deskGot in trouble in high school - would zone out during boring classesMum afraid to seek diagnosis - didn’t want her to end up in special edTeachers said it couldn’t be ADHD because she read a lotPart of the issue might be the learning stylesNeed more visualNeed more discussionUniversity: Coped without medicationMisdiagnosed with anxietyDiagnosis Assessment paid for by health insurance - $300 out of pocket. $5k without insurance.Environment:Spain better suited - later start, siestaWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?ADHD coaching + education support for primary studentsStudying to be an occupational therapistSocial media, graphic design, website developmentPutting science-backed information out thereExerciseMeditationFish oilHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?HikeTravelPutting content out thereWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?4.30 am Wake upCoffee + medsCheck social media trends5 am Meditate for 30mAffirmation podcast for 3 mins - shame reduction6.30-7.30 Go to the gymWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Low fi music (binaural beats)Planner/Writing stuff down COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Perfectionism with graphic designHow do you switch off at night?8 pm-8.30 pm go to bedPreparationTake melatonin 2hrs beforeMassage chairListen to podcastShower with meditation musicWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Exposure therapyADHD friendly workplacesPodcastsADHD expertsWhat the ADHDWhere can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInInstagramDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Embrace your ADHD - accept who you are

Welcome to episode #22 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew Simpson today. Welcome to the show Andrew!Andrew Simpson is the founder and CEO of Aether Automation Inc., a Zoho expert based in British Columbia, Canada. With a passion for Zoho's efficient systems, he transitioned from being a partner to focusing on development. Andrew has a diverse background, having previously worked as a Marketing Manager at Kingman Industries, where he doubled the company's monthly revenue in six months. He also co-founded 80/20 Media, implementing social media marketing strategies for clients.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?Late teens? It’s breaking up for meTough graduating high schoolMath was toughBecause needed to show the stepsChallengesDropped out of uniStudying long hours toughAudiobooks > readingAllows for more visual stimulationFounderSuits ADHD because so many new thingsWhen processes set in, becomes more challengingJC: Tell us about your work (anything that isn’t a top secret)Mostly sales and marketing: Aether MarketingVery good at programmingLots of calls with clients - better able to focus than if it’s emailsInternal comms: Zoho CliqClients = other Zoho partnersDeluge/node JS developmentJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?YT channelPolitical protestsPolytopiaJohn MaddenJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Get up/shower/teethAccountability buddy call Landmark course 3 years agoWhat am I resisting?Who am I going to be?Walk to the officeFocus Bear office morning routine:Exercises (squats etc.)Plan what to do that dayUse Notion6:30 wake upScroll for 30 minutesJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Brain dump tasks and then prioritize Rank by Value per hourGo into leverage score5 high value / 1 low valueArbitraryValue / estimated timeCalculate the score at the end of the dayAllows analytics over a given period (e.g. over the last year)Helps spot trends:SupplementsEmotionsJC: What is one habit that you have removed from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Swearing: every 3rd wordClient-facing docs: unf*ck your processAn employee suggested that swearing might not be goodJN: How do you switch off at night?Finds sleep difficultSupplementsLunar mind (trypto, serotonin)Takes a fairly consistent time, via alarmWithout them, he would be staying awake until the next day Any more stuff on switching off? Mainly talking about the morning routineSleep Fairly consistent sleep timeMotivated by performance trackingJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Notion: keeping score templateNot necessarily shareableGoal settingGrocery shopping templatePhilosophies: Heidiger - honor your word: Accountability buddyIncreases outputPerformance is derived from the integrityHis word drives his delivery. Doesn’t want to break his wordJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-simpson-aether/Gumroad profileJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Add me on LinkedIn

Welcome to episode #21 - Joining us today is the incredible Alex Wait! With ADHD as a part of his journey, he's dedicated himself to making a difference in the world through social justice work. Through his company, Epics Productions, Alex helps people share their powerful stories to create change. As the host of The Epics Podcast, he amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring everyone's story is heard. Empowering and humanizing individuals who are often overlooked, let's give a warm welcome to Alex! Hey Alex May the 4th be with you!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?Not diagnosed until 20 (relatively late in life)Went to college but not knowing what to doSpanishWith difficulty came disengagement with contentSyllabus Math?Wasn’t doing great in schoolThe turning point was when he missed the exam entirelyRealised it was a form of hyper fixationFeeling terrible shameAny advice for people in a similar situation to overcome the shame to get help?Took a lot of workBuilding up a stronger opinion of oneselfHis wife is a great ally. They help each other outThey hold each other accountableEveryone has to try a few things and see what tactics /strategy works for themAccept that it might take some trial and errorAccept that no tool is going to be the silver bulletAccept that it won’t work foreverParents offered to pay for therapyTherapist diagnosed with ADHDHelped connect a lot of dotsGave a more sensible lens to understand Created space for successLean into the positive sides of ADHDJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Business:Podcast Epic Podcasts (weekly on Fridays)Social justice focus: bring on diverse guests to encourage shared dialogueUniquely placed because people accept podcasts can still be long formEpic Productions: Helping not-for-profits/causes to produce podcastsRestaurant work (selling margheritas) to pay the bills:Fast-paced?JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Listening to podcasts while bikingLoves Colorado, conducive to outdoor activitiesHanging with kidsThrowing rocks into the waterBuilding LegoStar Wars setsJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Challenges:Tricky with restaurants over the weekend/TV - late nightsDesire to spend more time with kids means not much freedom in the morningWhat worksDon’t buy a second car: take kids to school on an e-bike - builds exercise into the morningPrefer biking over runningGet on the floor with kids: wrestle with them, go to the playgroundPlay with dogCOMMERCIAL BREAKJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?AccountabilityExperiment with different options (Won’t work forever)Using AIChatGPTWriting intros/outros for podcastsUsing lists and spreadsheetsFor everythingOn Google SheetsHaving status barsBecause decentralized, anyone can see it baked into accountabilityMotion: time-blocking softwareToDoistJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Writing bedtime stories for kids using ChatGPT with moral messages (“Don’t throw rocks at your brother”)Star Wars content creation wormholeTool creep - spending too much time setting up new apps/setting up new listsJN: How do you switch off at night?Wearing blue light glasses at night (trying it out)Not consistentUses some medicationListen to an audiobook (good segue into the next)Mainly fiction, things that are familiarHarry PotterLOTRJC: Listening to Audiobooks going to sleep: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Shelf help: books on habit formationPodcasts work better - auditory information consumptionSports-related (escape)Armchair expertJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?@epicspod epicspodcast.comJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Do your best to have grace for yourselfYou’re not going to be great at it initially but you’ll get betterTrust is something you have to practiceWe don’t trust ourselvesFind communityE.g. Facebook groups for Dads with ADHD/Adult Men with ADHDFollow neuro-distinct influencers

Welcome to episode #20 We’re thrilled to be joined by Avigail Gimpel today.Avigail is the author of HyperHealing, The Empowered Parent’s Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Child with ADHD Symptoms (a #1 best seller on Amazon), and HyperHealing, Show Me the Science!  She earned her graduate degree at Touro College graduate school for Special Education. She married Daniel Gimpel in 1998 while teaching in an inclusion classroom. She developed a successful intervention program for her students struggling with ADHD symptoms. She and Daniel emigrated to Israel soon after their marriage.  Avigail earned advanced degrees in teaching children with Dyslexia and cognitive education for children with ADHD symptoms. She built a teacher’s training program which she teaches at Hertzog College. She lectures in schools and to parent groups across Israel. In private practice, she educates parents to become ADHD coaches to their children.QuestionsExperience with neurodiversitySpecial education teacher which exposed her to neurodiverse childrenHad 6 kids all with ADHDSignificant research into the causes of and solutions for ADHD What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Author of two books for parents of children with ADHD/adults with ADHDCoaches parents and groups to help them with ADHD-related challengesHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Scuba diving/rappelling with her kidsWalking/CrossFit/running/weightsLearningWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Morning walk + exerciseWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?mantras/self-talkExercise - intense exercise gives her 2-3 hours of productivityCOMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you switch off at night?No screensTime with familyWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Mad in America - Robert WhitakerFunctional medicineDr. John Radey - exerciseWhy we sleep - Matthew WalkerReset Your Child’s BrainWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://www.hyperhealing.org/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Don’t beat yourself up. Accept yourself and have hope that things can get better.