Episode 81: Jacob Kness

Welcome to episode #81! We’re thrilled to be joined by Jacob Kness today.Jacob Kness is a social entrepreneur and project manager dedicated to improving autism employment opportunities. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s after experiencing a childhood stroke, Jacob has spent years navigating the intersection of neurodiversity and the workplace.Through his work at Asperger’s Victoria, he supports autistic job seekers by equipping them with skills, confidence, and opportunities for sustainable employment. In addition, his social enterprise Doughnuts provides hands-on employment experience, helping autistic individuals build real-world work skills.In this episode, we discuss autism and ADHD in the workplace, balancing structure with flexibility, and how to create sustainable career opportunities for neurodivergent professionals.Welcome to the show, Jacob!QuestionsJN: You were diagnosed quite early—what was that journey like?Had a stroke at five, which led to multiple diagnoses (autism, ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette’s)Struggled with acceptance, fought against diagnosis in early yearsLearned to reframe ADHD as a strength rather than a limitationJN: How did autism and ADHD impact your school experience?Faced behavioral challenges, moved through multiple schoolsADHD-driven impulsivity made structure difficult, but autism provided a counterbalanceA teacher with personal experience in neurodiversity made a huge impactJN: What led you to entrepreneurship?Left school at year 9, became a baker, then transitioned into social entrepreneurshipWanted to create the support system he wished he had growing upBuilt Doughnuts as a way to provide structured employment for autistic individualsJN: What do you do at Asperger’s Victoria?Manages employment support programs for autistic job seekersTeaches skills like resume writing, interview prep, and workplace adaptationWorks with major employers (e.g., ANZ Bank) to create neurodivergent-friendly hiring pipelinesJN: How do you balance structure and flexibility in work?Uses structured routines but allows flexibility for hyperfocus burstsAdapts productivity strategies depending on whether autism or ADHD traits are more dominant that dayBelieves in structured work environments but rejects the idea of rigid work-life balanceJN: How do you prevent burnout while managing multiple projects?Focuses on projects of significance—work that aligns with personal valuesUses exercise and self-discipline to maintain mental and physical resilienceFinds fulfillment in building businesses that create lasting changeJN: What productivity strategies work best for you?Uses CliftonStrengths to understand and lean into natural talentsLimits distractions and builds work environments that encourage focusSchedules gaming and downtime intentionally to avoid getting sucked into hyperfixationsJN: What does your morning routine look like?Wakes up early, goes to the gym (a non-negotiable part of his routine)Uses mornings for deep work or creative writing before distractions kick inPrioritizes movement and proactive tasks to start the day strongJN: How do you wind down at night?Limits entertainment time to two hours to avoid excessive screen timeUses deep breathing, journaling, and relaxation techniques when possibleFocuses on structured relaxation rather than mindless scrollingJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-alan-kness/Email: [email protected]’s Victoria Website: https://aspergersvic.org.au/employmentDoughnuts Business: Visit at Acuna Park MarketJN: Final words for the audience?"Stop fighting change. Embrace discomfort and lean into self-acceptance.""Small steps lead to transformation. My first step was the gym—it changed everything."More 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/