Episode 80: Rawi Nanakul

Welcome to episode #80! We’re thrilled to be joined by Rawi Nanakul today.Rawi Nanakul is the founder of Tech Atypically, a newsletter and coaching service dedicated to helping neurodivergent professionals in the tech industry. With a background in ADHD research, product management, and kickboxing, Rawi’s career spans multiple industries, reflecting his deep curiosity and adaptability.Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Rawi has navigated the challenges of career shifts, emotional regulation, and balancing multiple roles. He now helps tech professionals thrive by integrating ADHD-friendly strategies into their work and personal lives.In this episode, we discuss ADHD in relationships, workplace challenges, emotional regulation, and how to build a sustainable career while embracing neurodivergence.Welcome to the show, Rawi!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Discovered ADHD during marriage therapy—therapist noticed common ADHD strugglesInitially skeptical due to his research background but sought an assessmentDiagnosis changed his perspective on past struggles and relationshipsJN: How did ADHD impact your personal relationships?Struggled with forgetfulness and follow-through, leading to resentment in his marriageBiggest improvement came from learning to communicate emotions and needsRecognized the fear of being vulnerable and how it affected relationshipsJN: How did ADHD affect your career path?Quit things when they got hard, leading to feelings of shameHad at least nine different careers, constantly shifting interestsRealized that his curiosity and adaptability were strengths, not failuresJN: How did you reframe your career journey?Identified his core values: curiosity and inclusionRecognized that each career move was intentional and aligned with his valuesShifted perspective from “falling behind” to “climbing multiple mountains”JN: What are the three career paths you're currently balancing?Tech Industry: Works as a project manager in a large fintech company, specializing in operationsADHD Coaching: Helps neurodivergent professionals succeed at work and in lifeWhiskey Business: Co-founder of Common Ritual, a whiskey company supporting underrepresented distilleriesJN: How do you manage emotional regulation in high-stakes work environments?Recognizes that emotional regulation is key to focus and decision-makingUses self-awareness to understand why he reacts a certain wayFinds that naming emotions helps create distance and reduce impulsive responsesJN: What productivity strategies work best for you?Breaks work into structured sprints with clear prioritiesUses coaching techniques to make difficult tasks emotionally "cheaper"Implements meeting strategies to avoid burnout (e.g., scheduling buffer time)JN: What does your morning routine look like?Reads first thing in the morning to avoid screen distractionsGoes for a run, using the time to process thoughts and plan the dayUses daily affirmations to set a positive mindsetJN: How do you wind down at night?Follows a sleep strategy: no caffeine (10 hrs before), no alcohol (3 hrs before), no screens (1 hr before)Uses medication and a CPAP machine to improve sleep qualityAims to minimize screen time but admits it’s a work in progressJN: Where can people connect with you?Coaching website: https://www.techatypically.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rawi-nanakul/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tech.atypically/Newsletter: https://adhdpm.substack.com/JN: Final words for the audience?ADHD is both a gift and a disability—both realities should be acknowledgedAvoid the “superpower” narrative that dismisses those who struggle moreEmbrace your strengths, but don’t ignore the challenges neurodivergence bringsMore 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: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/