#80 Neurodiversity, Networking, & Finding the Zone of Genius

Today, I interview Michael Whitehouse who grew up in Massachusetts and found himself in an interesting family dynamic. His parents divorced when he was seven, so he split his time among 4 homes: his mother's, his father's, his mother's parents', and his father's parents'. Many people thought it to be an unstable situation for him, but Michael says he always loved it. He got to have different experiences at different times and places, and always gained something special from each unique home environment. He felt safe and loved. Today, he says he probably developed ADHD from always moving back and forth among all of these different houses. He says there's a lot that he doesn't remember from his childhood because of "the way [his] neurology works." I loved this part because he just plainly stated the facts, with no apology or hint at any deficiency or disability. As he grew up and established his career, we learn that Michael developed this confident understanding of himself by discovering his talent for sociability. He jokes that he is a "compulsive networker," but also admits it's the literal truth. He loves meeting new people and is always doing it. This came in handy and he has made quite a successful career out of this ability. He connects the right people to each other. Michael believes that our differences are our gifts. He says that people who are struggling with ADHD, depression, OCD, etc. simply need to be shown that these things can be seen from a perspective of power - that they can be harnessed to create unique and fulfilling, successful businesses. These things are useful and don't have to be debilitating. We must lean into the things that make us unique. ______ Michael Whitehouse is The Guy Who Knows a Guy. In 2014, he came to Groton, Connecticut knowing no one at all. A year later, after diving into networking with both feet, he was a major connector in the local community. In 2020, he went global and began connecting entrepreneurs, investors, speakers, and others around the world to people they need to know. He offers his services as a networking concierge, making connections and building strategic alliances around the world. He is the host of the daily Morning Motivation Podcast and the Guy Who Knows a Guy interview podcast. Find Michael here: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/ https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/facebook https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/linkedin https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/tiktok https://amzn.to/3nNtoJY Get Michael's Power5 Networking Tips: https://www.guywhoknowsaguy.com/ ______________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com.Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.