How to hire a team that protects your energy

We break down what it really means to hire people who protect a neurodivergent founder’s energy. We share the frameworks Cherie uses to spot friction early, set boundaries and build a team culture that supports performance and wellbeing. Key Takeaways: Hiring the right team means hiring people who protect your energy, not just fill a role.Energy raisers reduce friction, support momentum, and make leadership feel lighter.Energy drainers create conflict and unnecessary mental load for founders.A quarterly team energy audit helps founders spot green, amber, and red dynamics early.Strong hiring decisions should measure friction removed, not just work produced.The best hires bring solutions, systems thinking, and lower executive function strain.Do not get seduced by charm or a polished CV while hiring.Brilliant jerks and chronic conflict cost more energy than their output is worth.This episode was proudly sponsored by Graham Psychology. Receive an ongoing discount of 20% off all appointment types [therapy and assessments]. Listeners can book directly via the website and enter ’THECLIMBPODCAST’ into the booking notes or call or email and mention the podcast. Mentioned in this episode: The Instagram carousel Cherie shares Disc profiles Patrick Lencioni definition of charmersShelley Johnson from Boldside Hosted by Cherie Clonan [@cherie_thedigitalpicnic] and co-hosted and produced by Steph Clifford [@stephssocials] Follow us on Instagram @theclimbpod_Check out our agency @thedigitalpicnic > we teach digital marketing, and we can manage yours, too.