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

Ever realize your ‘normal’ isn’t everyone else’s normal?After being diagnosed with ADHD in college, Pip Scott-Allen later discovered he was autistic too. Looking back, a lot of the things he thought were “just quirks” suddenly started making sense, from only drinking out of red cups to avoiding certain clothing textures and carefully balancing food while eating. In this episode, Pip shares what it’s like unpacking a late autism diagnosis after years of masking through leadership and team-building work, and how understanding his sensory needs and communication style has changed the way he approaches work, relationships, and self-acceptance.Guest BioPip Scott-Allen is a leadership facilitator, speaker, and founder of Premier Team Building Australia. With a background in outdoor education, tourism, and leadership development, Pip helps organizations improve communication, culture, and collaboration through hands-on workshops and team experiences.Episode Highlights00:04:08 — Realizing his “quirks” were sensory needsPip shares the everyday habits his wife noticed long before his autism diagnosis, from refusing to wear full-length pants to carefully balancing food while eating. What he assumed was just personality or preference turned out to be sensory and autistic traits.00:06:30 — The red cup rule and other “normal” behaviorsFor years, Pip would only drink from red cups and use certain cutlery because other options felt wrong in his hands. The conversation explores how many autistic people assume their internal rules are universal until someone points out otherwise.00:09:20 — Understanding why masking became exhaustingBefore diagnosis, Pip assumed constant exhaustion was just part of life. Looking back, he realized how much energy went into forcing himself through uncomfortable sensory and social situations every day.00:17:11 — Becoming more honest about sensory triggersAfter his diagnosis, Pip stopped forcing himself to tolerate foods and situations that made him deeply uncomfortable. Being more open about textures, safe foods, and sensory needs gave him more energy and reduced self-judgment.00:27:00 — Why autistic communication is often misunderstoodPip explains how many neurodivergent people communicate through direct curiosity, while neurotypical people often interpret hidden meanings or emotional undertones. A simple question like “Why are you tying your shoes like that?” can unintentionally sound critical even when it’s genuine curiosity.00:34:08 — Advice for leaders supporting neurodivergent teamsPip encourages leaders to listen carefully to what people actually say rather than assuming intent. He also explains why flexibility, clear communication, and understanding sensory needs help neurodivergent employees perform at their best.Connect with Pip:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-scott-allen-facilitator-of-awesome-8458a069/Email: [email protected]: https://premierteambuilding.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierTeamBuildingAus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premier_team_building/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“It’s like being a car on a side street trying to enter a highway… and you just can’t get in.”Elaine Lee shares what it’s like struggling to enter conversations, missing social cues, and feeling out of sync in both work and relationships. After being diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia later in life, she began to understand why communication had always felt so difficult.In this episode, we explore misreading emotions, defaulting to problem-solving instead of connection, and how misunderstanding intent can damage relationships. Elaine also shares how she’s building Evro, a tool designed to help people better understand communication patterns.If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t “read the room” or struggled to jump into conversations, this episode will feel very familiar.Elaine Lee is a product strategist and CEO of Evro, a communication-focused AI tool designed to help people better understand conversations and social dynamics. She has over 15 years of experience across fintech, health tech, and AI platforms.Episode Highlights00:05:00 — Struggling to read social cues at workElaine explains how not being able to detect boredom, disengagement, or passive-aggressive behavior made navigating meetings difficult. This impacted her effectiveness as a leader and made sensitive situations harder to manage.00:06:30 — Why joining conversations feels impossibleShe describes group conversations as trying to merge onto a busy highway without a gap. By the time she finds space to speak, the topic has already moved on, leading to frustration in both social and professional settings.00:08:30 — Missing emotional cues in real timeIn a tense meeting, a colleague became visibly upset and raised their voice, but Elaine didn’t recognize it in the moment. She continued trying to solve the problem logically, only realizing later what had happened.00:13:00 — Reframing relationships after diagnosisAfter her diagnosis, Elaine began to understand that communication struggles weren’t due to lack of care or effort. This helped her and her partner meet in the middle and reduce long-standing misunderstandings.00:15:30 — Reinterpreting her childhood with compassionLooking back at her mother’s behavior through an autism lens shifted her perspective. What once felt like absence or lack of love became something she could understand with more empathy.00:22:00 — Building Evro to bridge communication gapsElaine explains how Evro analyzes conversations to highlight patterns people might miss. The goal is to reduce misinterpretation and help people communicate more effectively across different styles.Connect with Elaine:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-lee-a0716918/Website: https://www.evro.ai/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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.io

“I’ve only ever worked full-time for two years… and by the end of it, I was an absolute zombie and I couldn’t function.”Caitlin Hughes spent years trying to meet traditional expectations around work and productivity. But pushing herself into full-time work led to burnout, exhaustion, and losing the ability to function. In this episode, she shares how discovering her autism, ADHD, and giftedness changed the way she approaches work, energy, and self-expectations.From late diagnosis and grief to redefining consistency, building a part-time work model, and designing work around her brain, this conversation explores what sustainable productivity actually looks like for neurodivergent people.Caitlin Hughes is a multi-exceptional autistic, ADHD, and gifted accredited mental health social worker, founder of Cathartic Collaborations, and a PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology. Her work focuses on autistic mental health and neuro-affirming practice, combining lived experience, clinical work, and research to support neurodivergent individuals.Episode Highlights00:02:00 — Discovering neurodivergence through client workCaitlin shares how working closely with autistic and ADHD clients led her to recognize similar patterns in herself. A training video became a turning point, helping her connect her childhood experiences to autism for the first time.00:04:00 — The grief and self-compassion after late diagnosisReceiving a diagnosis in her thirties brought both clarity and grief. Understanding her neurodivergence helped her replace self-judgment with compassion and reframe past struggles.00:08:30 — Realizing she could only sustain part-time workAfter pushing through full-time work and burning out, Caitlin recognized her limits. Accepting a reduced work capacity allowed her to show up more consistently and sustainably.00:10:00 — Managing energy instead of just managing timeShe explains how productivity is not just about hours worked but the type of work and level of social interaction involved. Balancing client work with deep, independent research helps her regulate energy.00:16:00 — Redefining consistency in a neurodivergent wayInstead of rigid routines, Caitlin defines consistency as checking in with her capacity each day. This flexible approach prevents burnout and supports long-term progress.00:33:30 — Designing work around your brain, not the other way aroundShe emphasizes the importance of building work structures that align with individual needs rather than forcing yourself into traditional systems. For her, sustainability is more important than productivity metrics.Connect with Caitlin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinhughes299/Website: https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au/Podcast: https://www.catharticcollaborations.com.au/podcastConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“I think I’ve always felt a bit like an alien… even in preschool I remember watching other kids like curious creatures.”Avalon McWha spent much of her childhood feeling different without knowing why. Behaviours like stimming or walking on tiptoes were explained away as “just a ballet moment,” and it wasn’t until later in life that she discovered she was autistic and ADHD.If you’ve ever felt like an outsider growing up, struggled with masking, or are navigating a late autism or ADHD diagnosis, this conversation explores what changes once you finally understand your brain. Avalon McWha is an ADHD advocate, autism consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and founder of Pebbl Tech. She works to improve autism diagnosis services and create more sensory-friendly environments in healthcare. Avalon is also developing Pebbl, a wearable assistive device designed to support executive functioning through simple voice reminders.Episode Highlights00:01:48 — Feeling like an alien in early childhood Avalon recalls observing other children even in preschool and feeling like she was fundamentally different. Without understanding why, she experienced social interactions almost like watching a different species operate.00:03:35 — When autism traits were mistaken for something else Growing up doing ballet meant that behaviours like stimming or walking on tiptoes were interpreted as dance habits rather than autistic traits. These misinterpretations helped hide the signs of autism for years.00:09:30 — Burnout from masking in the workplace While early design roles allowed her to work independently, startup environments demanded constant meetings and social interaction. The cognitive load of masking eventually led to severe burnout and moments of going nearly nonverbal.00:12:53 — Processing a late autism diagnosis After receiving her diagnosis, Avalon went through a long period of reinterpreting past experiences and confronting internalized ableism. Realizing autism wasn’t inherently negative helped reshape her understanding of herself.00:18:09 — Advocating for better autism diagnosis systems In her role at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Avalon works alongside clinicians to ensure autistic perspectives are included in the diagnostic process. Her focus is helping professionals remember that behind every diagnostic score is a real person.00:20:23 — Building Pebbl to reduce cognitive load Avalon explains how her own struggles with executive functioning led her to develop Pebbl, a wearable device designed to simplify reminders without adding more mental effort or screen time.Connect with Avalon:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/avalon-mcwha-2a3876baWebsite: https://pebbl.tech/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“My work’s my special interest… it’s just the way it works.”In this follow-up conversation, Gold returns to talk about autistic routines, sensory-friendly travel, evolving productivity habits, and what changes as you get older and learn to pace yourself.From choosing quieter hotels to letting go of perfectionism and learning to say no, this episode explores the small, practical adjustments that can make work and life more sustainable for autistic adults.If you’ve ever struggled with sensory overload while traveling, found it hard to switch off from work, or are learning to balance productivity with self-acceptance, this conversation offers grounded, real-world insights.Kyriakos Gold is the founder of Just Gold Agency and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent inclusion. Through storytelling, community impact initiatives and social entrepreneurship, he helps create workplaces and environments where autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people don’t need to mask to belong. Kyriakos is also a leader in Autistic Pride Day and has driven multiple projects empowering neurodivergent voices globally.Episode Highlights00:01:05 — When your work becomes your special interest Gold shares how his work naturally became his primary special interest. Rather than forcing separation, he has learned to work with this tendency while still building in breaks and enjoyable rituals like food and travel.00:03:35 — What makes a hotel sensory-friendly He explains that “sensory friendly” often comes down to lighting, acoustics, materials, and spatial design. Small environmental details like noise bleed and harsh lighting can dramatically affect comfort.00:17:00 — Letting go of all-or-nothing productivity Earlier in his career, he would work extreme hours to complete every task before resting. Over time, he shifted toward weekly planning and allowing unfinished work without self-punishment.00:20:30 — Learning to say no and trust body signals Gold describes becoming more selective about commitments and listening to physical fatigue cues. This shift has made work and life significantly more sustainable.00:22:00 — Navigating social situations without drinking He shares practical scripts for declining loud pub environments and suggesting quieter alternatives. Framing the request around environment rather than diagnosis often works well.00:26:09 — Trying new things without forcing yourself to keep them In his closing reflection, Gold encourages experimenting with new strategies slowly and safely. The goal is not to copy what others do, but to build a life that genuinely fits.Connect with Kyriakos Gold:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyriakosgold/Website: https://justgold.net/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“I always felt a bit like an alien… I was different to everyone else and wasn’t really sure why.”Before her ADHD and autism diagnoses, Hannah Baden Hop kept hearing the same advice: just focus. But in the classroom, that instruction never made sense. In this episode, she shares what school was really like as a neurodivergent student, how understanding her brain changed her confidence, and why visual learning and interest-driven focus made such a difference.If you’ve ever struggled to pay attention in traditional classrooms, felt “different” growing up, or are supporting neurodivergent learners, this conversation explores what actually helps and why one-size-fits-all learning often misses visual thinkers.Hannah Badenhop has worked across multiple roles at Autism South Australia, where she champions neuro-inclusive practice through community engagement and resource development. As a neurodivergent professional herself, she contributes to initiatives such as Neuro Inclusive Recruiting and the Autistic Guide to Adulthood, helping ensure autistic voices shape the supports designed for them.00:02:46 — Feeling like an outsider in class Hannah describes growing up feeling “like an alien” compared to her peers. Without understanding why she struggled socially and academically, the disconnect was both confusing and isolating. 00:02:55 — When “just focus” didn’t make sense Teachers often told her to simply pay attention, but she couldn’t understand why focusing felt so difficult. The advice created pressure without addressing how her brain actually worked. 00:04:30 — Grades changed when she followed her interests Earlier schooling was difficult when subjects didn’t engage her attention. But once she could hyperfocus on business and graphic design, she achieved top marks, showing how interest-driven focus shaped her learning. 00:07:06 — Why visual learning works better Hannah explains that diagrams, visuals, and varied communication styles help her stay engaged. Lecture-only teaching made it much harder to absorb information effectively. 00:15:16 — Using hyperfocus strategically at work She now watches for moments when her brain “locks in” and uses them to complete high-impact work quickly. Building momentum with quick wins helps on lower-energy days. 00:28:40 — Self-acceptance is a journey Hannah reflects on initially feeling hesitant to disclose her neurodivergence. Over time, connecting with other autistic people helped her grow more confident and accepting of how her brain works. Connect with Hannah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativemarketingdesigner/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“…you internalized that you’re doing something wrong because you don’t feel or act the way other people do.”In this candid conversation, Reuben Schwartz shares what autistic burnout actually felt like behind the scenes, from years of sleep deprivation as a parent to the quiet habit of constantly judging himself for being different.If you’ve ever felt pressure to be “normal,” struggled with burnout, or wrestled with the realities of autistic parenting, this episode explores what changes after diagnosis, why pacing matters more than pushing through, and how self-understanding can reduce the constant inner pressure.Ruben is a startup consultant based in Sydney. He’s on his 13th different career, currently writing Choose Your Own Adventure books for startup founders, while wearing many other hats. After 45 often confusing years, including the last five raising a young child, he was diagnosed as autistic last year and is still working through what that means.Episode Highlights00:01:22 — Four years of severe sleep deprivation Reuben describes how his daughter’s sleep issues led to years of chronic exhaustion while he was still working full time. The prolonged sleep deprivation began affecting his health, decision-making, and overall functioning.00:09:13 — When parenting exhaustion becomes physical He shares how extreme fatigue pushed his body to its limits, including hallucinations and loss of control. The experience reshaped his understanding of what true exhaustion can do to a person.00:29:14 — Stopping the self-judgment spiral After his autism diagnosis, Reuben began recognizing how often he had been harshly judging himself for his natural responses and needs. Accepting how his brain works helped him stop trying to “correct” himself constantly.00:45:00 — Trying to be “normal” for years He reflects on how many life choices in his twenties were driven by copying what others were doing. Only later did he realize he had been chasing normality rather than what he actually wanted. 00:46:23 — Pacing energy to be a better parent Understanding autistic burnout helped him recognize his limits around sensory and emotional load. By pacing his time more intentionally, he can now show up more patiently with his daughter. 00:47:00 — Learning to be less hard on himself Reuben explains how diagnosis helped him reframe his constant self-criticism. Instead of viewing his needs as moral failures, he now sees them as physical and neurological realities. Subscribe for more honest conversations about autism, ADHD, burnout, and neurodivergent life.Connect with Reuben Schwartz:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenschwarz/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“I used to really get annoyed with myself for not being able to just be up and ready and start the day. Now I know my brain works differently, and I’ve stopped punishing myself for it.”In this episode, Tania Gerard shares how ADHD self-awareness changed the way she treats herself, works, and lives. She talks openly about slower mornings, letting go of “normal,” hyperfocus, burnout, and the relief that comes from finally understanding how your brain actually works.If you’ve struggled with ADHD, late diagnosis, self-judgment, burnout, or feeling like you’re constantly failing invisible expectations, this conversation explores what shifts when awareness turns into self-acceptance, and why working with your brain matters more than fixing it.Tania Gerard is an Accessible Marketing Consultant, Keynote Speaker and Founder of Tania Gerard Digital UK, one of the UK’s first consultancies focused on accessible marketing and neurodiversity. She works with companies to improve accessibility, inclusion and digital communication for diverse audiences.Episode Highlights00:05:26 — Learning to stop punishing herself Tania explains how self-awareness helped her recognize she was constantly blaming herself for not coping like others. Accepting how her brain works allowed her to prepare for environments instead of judging herself afterward.00:08:33 — Hyperfocus as a strength and a cost She describes hyperfocus as both a superpower and a risk. Getting days of work done in hours often comes at the expense of bodily needs and rest.00:12:00 — What accessible marketing really means Tania breaks down accessible marketing as making content easier for everyone to understand and act on. It’s not about compliance, but reducing friction for real human brains.00:18:00 — Burnout, rest, and “potato days” She shares how ignoring rest eventually forces it upon you. Planned rest becomes essential fuel, not a reward for productivity.00:23:22 — Visual systems to support an ADHD brain Tania explains how sticky notes, color, and visual cues help her manage overwhelm and follow through. External systems reduce cognitive load when memory and focus fluctuate.00:37:13 — Accepting slower mornings and letting go of “normal” She reflects on how ADHD self-awareness changed her mornings. Waking up slower became an act of self-respect instead of something to fix.Connect with Tania: Website: https://www.taniagerard.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-gerard-neurodiversity/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taniagerard.coConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“I don't feel like I can do all the things that I used to do, and I'm still me. So this is very confusing.”Eliana Bravos shares what neurodivergent burnout actually felt like, how it disrupted her sense of self, and why pushing harder only made things worse.If you’ve experienced ADHD burnout, chronic overwhelm, identity loss, or the fear that you “can’t do what you used to anymore,” this episode explores what burnout really is, why it happens, and how community, self-accommodation, and nervous-system-aware work designEliana Bravos is the co-founder of ND Connect, a community platform helping neurodivergent adults form meaningful, supportive relationships. A social impact entrepreneur with an Honors Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, she has supported over 1,000 leaders in building more accessible cultures and has facilitated non-hierarchical peer programs for neurodivergent people since 2018.Episode Highlights00:07:00 — When something inside you breaks Eliana describes pushing her body past its limits for so long that it felt like something inside her broke. She explains the confusion of still being “herself,” but no longer being able to do what she used to.00:04:08 — Finding hope through a neurodivergent mentor Meeting a mentor with ADHD changed how Eliana saw her future. Seeing someone thriving on their own terms made happiness feel possible again.00:09:24 — Why working from home changed everything She explains how overstimulation in school and offices made focus nearly impossible. Having control over her environment finally allowed her to concentrate and conserve energy.00:23:04 — Outsourcing what you’re bad at Eliana shares why being a non-solo founder is essential for her. Letting others handle operations and admin frees her to work in her strengths.00:25:58 — Creating communication boundaries She talks about scheduling email time, setting expectations, and preferring calls over long message threads. Clear communication norms reduce overwhelm.00:34:17 — Struggling with sleep hygiene Eliana explains why nighttime routines are hard and how she often falls asleep to shows. Sleep remains a major work in progress.Connect with Eliana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliana-bravos/Website: https://www.ndconnect.app/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elianahyperfixates/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eliana_focusConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/

Calm on the outside. Spiraling on the inside.Dilpreet Buxi shares what it was like to grow up masking anxiety, living with a constantly racing mind, and slowly realizing his nervous system works differently.If you struggle with chronic stress, masking, emotional dysregulation, or feeling “fine” while everything feels too much inside, this episode explores why stress begins in the body, how autistic and ADHD nervous systems process stress differently, and what actually helps.Dilpreet Buxi is the CEO and Co-founder of Philia Labs, a Melbourne-based company using wearable technology and biomedical engineering to make stress measurable and manageable. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Monash University, his work focuses on supporting autistic people, people with anxiety, and their caregivers through objective stress measurement and early intervention.Episode Highlights:00:03:05 — Masking anxiety behind calm He describes learning to appear calm while feeling deeply stressed inside. The disconnect between outer presentation and inner reality shaped how he understood himself.00:07:27 — Realizing he may be neurodivergent After pivoting his company toward supporting autistic people, he began recognizing the same patterns in his own life. Reading about nervous system differences forced uncomfortable self-reflection.00:13:00 — Choosing to pivot or shut down After hearing caregiver stories, the team faced a choice: pivot or wind down the company. The decision became personal when his co-founder connected the mission to his autistic brother.00:19:00 — Acute vs chronic stress He explains the difference between moment-to-moment stress and stress that reshapes the body over months. Chronic stress quietly drives fatigue, sleep problems, and emotional dysregulation.00:24:16 — You can’t outthink stress Stress regulation starts in the body, not the mind. Movement, breathing, and vagus-nerve-stimulating practices matter more than positive thinking.00:32:23 — Winding down for real sleep Evening yoga, meditation, gratitude, and keeping the phone out of reach help his nervous system switch into rest mode. Better sleep becomes the foundation for everything else.Connect with Dilpreet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilpreet-buxi/Website: https://solutions.philialabs.com.au/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

Time isn’t your greatest resource. Focused curiosity is.In this episode, Sridhar Dhanapalan shares how being late-diagnosed with autism and ADHD reshaped his approach to focus, motivation, emotional regulation, and productivity at work. We talk about “focused curiosity” as a core resource, hyperfocus as both a gift and risk, the role of purpose-driven alignment, and practical strategies like focus modes, yoga rituals, and Gmail Priority Inbox to reduce overwhelm and protect deep work.Sridhar Dhanapalan is an Enterprise Agile Coach at IBM Consulting and a mindset coach who helps teams and individuals align purpose, values, and execution. He brings a “thinking-first” approach to productivity and leadership, with lived experience as a neurodivergent parent and late-diagnosed autistic + ADHD adult.Episode Highlights:00:01:00 — Late diagnosis as an opportunity for growth Sridhar shares that he was diagnosed with autism under 12 months ago, and ADHD about 10 months ago. Instead of treating it as a setback, he frames it as a curiosity-driven opportunity to grow and better support his neurodivergent children. 00:04:00 — Screeners missed ADHD… but the full assessment didn’t He explains how ADHD screeners showed “nothing,” even though something clearly felt missing. He took a chance on a full ADHD assessment anyway, and it revealed ADHD, which clarified patterns he’d struggled to explain for years. 00:06:00 — “Time isn’t our greatest resource. Focused curiosity is.” Sridhar challenges the common idea that time is the most valuable resource. For him, the key is turning curiosity into a laser: compartmentalizing attention and focusing curiosity is what unlocked sustained growth and confidence. 00:09:00 — Hyperfocus: superpower AND kryptonite He describes hyperfocus as incredibly productive, but dangerous without strict boundaries. When he doesn’t put time limits around it, he burns out, stays up too late, crashes, and loses momentum the next day. 00:11:00 — Emotional regulation is the foundation for clear thinking Sridhar explains why calming the nervous system matters: emotions fire first, and critical thinking only works well once the mind is regulated. Yoga, breathing, and mindfulness become practical tools for keeping the “fast brain” from hijacking decision-making. 00:18:00 — Productivity begins with “thinking first” and purpose He argues most productivity advice focuses too much on implementation (“do, do, do”). His approach starts with purpose and alignment first, so decisions become simpler and focus becomes easier to protect. 00:24:00 — Automating focus: do-not-disturb + yoga rituals Sridhar shares how he uses focus mode and automation to reduce friction. For example, his phone automatically switches to do-not-disturb during yoga so he can create space mentally without distractions.00:26:00 — Email overwhelm solution: Gmail Priority Inbox He recommends Priority Inbox as a surprisingly powerful tool that most people ignore. Training the inbox helps him focus on what matters and mentally categorize everything else as “other,” reducing overload.00:29:00 — Motivation hack: use “towards” AND “away from” Sridhar explains motivation as both purpose-driven movement toward a goal and awareness of the pain of staying stuck. The key is defining the “towards” first so “away from” doesn’t turn into anxious chaos and avoidance.00:41:00 — Final message: create space + be kind to yourself He closes with a grounded summary: build space in your mind, focus your curiosity (especially inward), practice self-compassion, and remember everyone experiences the world through different internal “maps.”Connect with Sridhar:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sridhard/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

What if your biggest “flaws” were actually invisible load you’ve carried for years?Sam Perkins is the CEO of Cellular Agriculture Australia. He’s a proudly neurodivergent leader with 15+ years across academia, humanitarian work, and industry, and a PhD in aeronautical engineering. Sam now helps shape the future of food through policy, ecosystem building, and innovation.In this episode, Sam shares what changed after being late-diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism and how it reshaped his work, identity, and communication.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by “simple tasks,” struggled with memory, found networking exhausting, or questioned your productivity, this episode gives a brutally honest look at neurodivergent leadership, ADHD working styles, and practical self-advocacy that improves real life (not just motivation).Episode Highlight:00:01:58 — The dyslexia diagnosis that finally made sense Sam explains how a book conversation exposed a gap: he was deeply engaged while reading, but couldn’t recall what he’d just absorbed. That moment led him to the Cambridge Disability Center and a dyslexia diagnosis that “validated what we already knew.”00:04:00 — ADHD and autism: “Someone read my life back to me” After reading Chloe Hayden’s Different, Not Less, Sam recognized his lived experience in her ADHD traits. His formal journey led to an ADHD diagnosis in Oct 2023, followed by therapy and an autism diagnosis in 2024.00:05:30 — The most powerful part wasn’t the label, it was the validation He describes the process as overwhelmingly positive, with self-reflection as the main benefit. It helped him acknowledge the hidden cognitive and emotional load he’d been carrying for years.00:09:45 — How he compensated in uni: rewriting entire textbooks Sam shares a brutally practical workaround: handwriting content word-for-word to slow down processing and improve recall. It worked well when time was flexible, but became a major barrier under exam time limits.00:11:10 — The turning point: leaving Formula One to chase purpose His PhD path originally aimed at Formula One, a childhood dream. But after discovering Buddhism and Eastern philosophy, he questioned the meaning of making cars go faster and pivoted toward purpose and impact.00:14:43 — Autistic networking: the “role” hack that makes it possible Sam says unstructured networking is close to his nightmare. But if he has a clear role (facilitator, presenter), he’s comfortable and effective, proving structure can flip social difficulty into competence.00:19:30 — Meditation for ADHD: it’s not sitting still, it’s training your mind He reframes meditation as “working on your mind,” not forcing stillness. He also notes stimulants helped him access calm more easily, and describes psychedelics as another pathway toward that stereotypical meditative clarity.00:27:40 — Productivity without hustle: time boundaries and knowing your cliff Sam doesn’t obsess over productivity hacks, but he’s strict on time: work hours are work hours. He thrives in an early deep-work block (7am to 1/2pm), then drops “off a cliff,” so he structures life to protect that rhythm.00:37:04 — 70,000 unread emails: why email fails neurodivergent brains Emails are overwhelming because they demand sustained attention on mostly irrelevant written info. Sam explains he rarely reads top-to-bottom, needs clear signposting, and prefers Slack/WhatsApp because channels provide context and reduce cognitive load.Connect with Sam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-perkins-612b4143/Website: https://www.cellularagricultureaustralia.org/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

Growing up neurodivergent can leave you believing you’re stupid or lazy — even when the real issue is the way school is structured.In this episode we interviewed Dr. Neil Alexander-Passe about the lived experience of dyslexia, school-based trauma, and how neurodivergent people make sense of education systems that weren’t designed for them. They discuss identity, learning differences, productivity, and what it means to find ways of working that actually fit.Dr. Neil Alexander-Passe is a psychologist, researcher, and author who has dyslexia himself and has spent over 20 years specialising in the emotional and mental-health experiences of people with learning differences. He has published 18 books (in English and Italian) and 13 peer-reviewed papers on dyslexia and neurodiversity, exploring links with trauma, creativity, success, parenting, and mental health. He completed his PhD in 2018, researching dyslexia, traumatic schooling, and post-school success, and currently works as an exam access assessor while continuing his research and writing.Episode Highlights01:44 – Late dyslexia diagnosis and growing up feeling “stupid”Neil describes being diagnosed with dyslexia at 12 and how years of misunderstanding at school led him to internalise the belief that he was “stupid,” shaping his self-concept well into adulthood.02:40 – Changing schools and not fitting traditional learningHe reflects on moving schools repeatedly and realising later that the issue wasn’t effort or intelligence, but a mismatch between dyslexia and rote, traditional teaching methods.04:13 – Discovering strengths through artNeil shares how art college became the first place where learning made sense, allowing him to build confidence and a career after years of academic failure.05:00 – Returning to education as an adult with the right supportsAs an adult learner, he explains how time, reduced pressure, and practical accommodations transformed his ability to succeed academically.11:21 – ADHD traits and having multiple careersNeil talks about being assessed for ADHD and how having multiple roles and projects suits his neurotype far better than the idea of a single “job for life.”22:30 – Writing at night and layered editingHe describes his non-traditional writing process, including working late at night and using layered editing across digital and paper formats to support focus and clarity.39:02 – Growing up neurodivergent: shame, strengths, and finding your keysIn his closing reflection, Neil explains how neurodivergent children can grow up feeling “stupid or lazy,” and why finding individual strengths — rather than focusing on deficits — is key to long-term wellbeing.Connect with Dr. Neil:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-neil-alexander-passe-0b10b22/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

What happens when a dyslexic engineer enters venture capital, climate tech, and leadership? In Ep 126, James Stewart shares how neurodiversity shaped his education, career, parenting, and his work at Always Carbon.James Stewart is a UK chartered mechanical engineer (Cambridge), MBA holder, angel investor, venture partner at Loyal VC, and CEO/co-founder of Always Carbon, a company focused on carbon removal using biochar.Episode Highlights:00:02:04 — Diagnosed dyslexic at six James shares he was diagnosed with dyslexia early, and how it shaped both his educational and professional life. His relationship with dyslexia has changed significantly in recent years, especially in how he now views it as something to build with rather than “fix.”00:03:30 — Swimming saved his confidence A teacher threatened to stop him from going swimming because he struggled in school. That moment helped his parents realize something deeper was happening, and it became the turning point that led to assessment and support.00:07:30 — Cambridge wasn’t neurodiverse-friendly He describes Cambridge in the 2000s as not welcoming for neurodiverse students, despite the prestige. But he credits support systems and learning how to study in ways that worked for his brain as what carried him through.00:10:00 — Neurodiversity drives progress James argues neurodiverse thinkers bring huge value by challenging the status quo and solving problems differently. He frames it as a feature of human evolution: society advances because some people are wired to think outside the “normal” system.00:11:12 — Visual thinking in engineering He strongly agrees dyslexic thinkers often excel in spatial reasoning and 3D thinking, which fits engineering naturally. His approach is visual: diagrams and mind maps beat long documents because they surface structure and meaning faster.00:15:00 — Always Carbon and biochar explained James breaks down biochar simply: plants pull CO2 from the air, and converting plant waste into stable carbon can lock it away for hundreds to thousands of years. The key insight: the same material also improves agriculture through water retention, microbiome support, and fertilizer effectiveness.00:21:11 — Water is everything (and we forget it) Jeremy brings up water utilities and James goes deep into appreciation for reliable clean water. He points out many people don’t realize how fragile water systems can be globally until they experience unsafe supply firsthand.00:27:00 — A venture fund for dyslexic founders James shares he’s investigating launching a VC fund specifically investing in dyslexic and neurodiverse founders. The emotional core here: late diagnosis often comes with trauma, and he’s not willing to accept that as “normal.”00:30:24 — Parenting changes your priorities As a founder dad, he became more ruthless about what deserves his time: if it’s not worth missing time with his child, it’s not worth doing. He also shares a practical scheduling tactic: clustering “unbreakable meetings” on specific days to stay flexible for parenting responsibilities.00:48:30 — Networking is a benevolent act James closes with a powerful lens shift: networking isn’t selfish when your motives are good. It becomes a way to connect people to opportunities they couldn’t reach alone, making networking a form of service.Connect with James:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-stewart-a38626/Website: https://www.alwayscarbon.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

What does ADHD actually feel like in your body and mind?Shira Levine was diagnosed in the 1980s — and describes the moment medication helped her feel grounded for the first time.Shira is a Silicon Valley–trained marketing and customer engagement strategist with decades of experience in retention, loyalty, and community-driven growth. Diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager in the 1980s, she brings a rare long-term perspective on neurodiversity, work, creativity, and self-acceptance.Episode Highlights:00:06:30 — What ADHD feels like in the body Shira describes living with ADHD as walking on pavement covered by a thin layer of water — never fully grounded. Medication didn’t “fix” her, but helped her finally feel present and connected to the world.00:17:20 — Productivity, dragons, and scope creep She explains how neurodivergent people often solve problems that aren’t theirs to solve. Learning when to say no became essential to doing meaningful work.00:18:45 — Ruthless prioritization without shame Shira reframes prioritization not as discipline, but as protection against overwhelm. Seeing too much can be a strength — if boundaries exist.00:29:00 — Why she rejects minimalism Minimalism and rigid productivity systems never worked for her ADHD brain. She gives explicit permission to reject trends that create more shame than clarity.00:30:30 — Fidgets, movement, and regulation From shells to paper clips, Shira explains how keeping her hands busy helps her stay present. Regulation, not stillness, is the goal.00:33:00 — Designing tools for real ADHD lives She describes the need for multidimensional timers that match how neurodivergent people actually multitask. ADHD isn’t a failure of focus — it’s a different operating system.00:35:30 — Night routines and protecting sleep Putting her phone on another floor and reading fiction nightly helped Shira become a “gold medal sleeper.” Structure supports rest, not restriction.00:38:00 — A simple mental exercise for racing thoughts Listing seven things seen and seven things done becomes a grounding practice when sleep feels impossible. Focus follows structure.00:40:30 — Self-acceptance, obsession, and dialing it down Shira reflects on learning to work with ADHD rather than against it. Obsession and intensity aren’t flaws — the work is knowing when to modulate them.Connect with Shira:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supershiralevineWebsite: https://fanchismo.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

What if nothing was ever wrong with you or your child, just misunderstood?In this episode, Laetitia Andrac shares how late autism and ADHD diagnosis reshaped her identity, parenting, and mission to build truly inclusive systems for neurodivergent children.Laetitia Andrac is a five-time founder, bestselling author, and CEO of Understanding Zoe, an AI-powered platform helping parents, educators, and therapists better support neurodivergent children. Late diagnosed autistic and ADHD, she brings lived experience to systems-level change in education, healthcare, and leadership.Episode Highlights00:00:41 — Discovering neurodivergence through motherhood Laetitia explains how concerns raised about her daughter’s development triggered a deeper exploration of autism and ADHD in her family. What started as advocacy for her child became self-discovery.00:03:00 — Late autism diagnosis and reclaiming identity After initially dismissing autism, Laetitia describes the moment everything clicked. The diagnosis brought relief, validation, and self-compassion.00:06:11 — Childhood exclusion and autistic burnout She shares early experiences of rejection sensitivity, boredom at school, and later autistic burnout in high-pressure consulting roles. These patterns only made sense in hindsight.00:08:42 — From lived experience to systemic change Understanding Zoe was born from the desire to prevent children from growing up confused and unsupported. The goal is shared understanding, not constant parental advocacy.00:09:14 — Why diagnosis should never feel like being “broken” Laetitia emphasizes choosing neurodiversity-affirming clinicians. Diagnosis should explain, not pathologize.00:14:00 — When unmasking is not safe Unmasking is personal, but environments are not always ready. She describes shutdowns caused by neurotypical networking expectations.00:17:56 — Hyperfocus as a real strength Her ability to solve complex problems quickly powered her consulting career. Without recovery time, however, it also led to collapse.00:22:38 — How Understanding Zoe reduces parental load The platform centralizes assessments, therapy notes, and insights so educators and carers can support children consistently.00:29:17 — Productivity through agile, not pressure Letitia explains why agile ways of working suit neurodivergent brains better than rigid schedules.Connect with Laetitia:Websites:https://understandingzoe.com/https://www.essentialshift.co/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/understandingzoehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/essential-shift/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understanding.zoehttps://www.instagram.com/essential.shiftConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

“I’ve masked so much. I’m a chameleon. I didn’t even know who I was anymore.”In this episode, Aisling Smith explains how unmasking, self-knowledge, and better workplace design can transform both careers and confidence.Aisling Smith is an award-winning neurodiversity trainer, international speaker, and inclusion consultant. Late diagnosed autistic and ADHD, she works with organizations worldwide to create neuro-inclusive workplaces and empower neurodivergent employees to thrive without masking.Episode Highlights00:02:27 — Discovering neurodivergence through motherhood Aisling shares how her son’s autism diagnosis led her to recognize her own ADHD and autism. What began as advocacy for her child became a profound personal awakening.00:07:37 — Masking and losing your sense of self She describes lifelong masking as becoming a “chameleon” and believing this was normal. The realization reframed decades of exhaustion and emotional strain.00:10:57 — When labels become tools, not limits Aisling explains how labels only limit us if we inherit society’s biases. Reclaiming them as self-knowledge creates freedom rather than restriction.00:16:29 — Leaving corporate training to work authentically After diagnosis, she realized she could no longer train leadership through a neurotypical lens. This moment sparked her shift into neurodiversity inclusion work.00:22:00 — Why neurodivergent employees burn out Workplaces are designed for 80% of people, leaving others to mask and suffer. Burnout is not failure, but a predictable outcome of poor systems.00:25:30 — The ‘volcanic’ moment at work Meltdowns are never about one incident. Aisling explains how small ignored stressors build until the final breaking point.00:27:30 — Empowerment beats accommodation True inclusion isn’t about special treatment. It’s about empowering everyone to work in ways that suit their nervous system and strengths.00:33:30 — Productivity doesn’t have one solution She challenges productivity dogma, arguing that tools work temporarily and must adapt to seasons, energy, and regulation.00:47:45 — Rebuilding identity with affirmations Aisling describes dismantling years of internalized criticism by intentionally rewriting self-belief and identity.00:50:18 — Routines change with life seasons From 5am routines to single motherhood, she explains why flexibility matters more than discipline when building sustainable habits.Subscribe for more conversations on focus, identity, and meaningful work. Listen to the full episode and follow Aisling Smith on LinkedIn for neurodiversity insights and training resources.Connect with Aisling:Website: https://aisling-smith.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aisling-smith-vance-neurodiversityConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/

“I’m very good at starting things, then halfway through I ask: why am I doing this?”In this episode, Travis Alexander shares an honest conversation about career confusion, productivity struggles, and the long road to self-understanding after late diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Together, we explore why work can feel harder without clear purpose, how masking shows up in careers and productivity, and what actually helps when motivation keeps collapsing halfway through.Travis Alexander is a science and engineering master’s graduate who has worked across startups, corporate medical technology, and creative projects. Diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD later in life, he is now a neurodivergent advocate and author of Stairway to the Spectrum, where he reflects on identity, work, and self-awareness. Outside of work, Travis enjoys breakdancing, running, and spending time with his wife.Episode Highlights: 00:02:02 – Diagnosed with dyslexia, but answers didn’t last Travis shares how his first diagnosis explained some struggles, but didn’t stop problems from resurfacing in work, relationships, and decision-making.00:03:00 – Autism and ADHD discovered much later A decade after dyslexia, Travis realizes autism and ADHD were still unrecognized, helping explain long-standing confusion and burnout.00:09:15 – Self-awareness after late diagnosis Rather than “fixing” productivity, diagnosis gave Travis clarity, closure, and a way to understand past mistakes without self-blame.00:14:30 – Fifteen to twenty jobs and still searching Travis reflects on job-hopping across industries and why finding the right career fit has been so difficult but necessary.00:21:06 – Productivity collapses without a clear ‘why’ He explains why he often starts strong, loses motivation halfway, and how reconnecting to purpose is what actually sustains productivity.00:23:19 – Masking at work and following instructions A candid look at workplace conflict, masking through compliance, and why “just do it this way” can be deeply exhausting for neurodivergent people.Connect with Travis:Website: https://www.travisalexander.com.au/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

Burnout is your body telling you: stop. I’m going to make you stop.In this episode, Dr Tom Nicholson breaks down how productivity, overperformance, and even “success” can quietly become coping mechanisms that lead to burnout. Drawing from lived experience, academia, and clinical work, he explores how neurodivergent people can use their strengths without masking themselves into exhaustion.Dr Tom Nicholson is an assistant professor of mental health nursing, public speaker, and trainer specializing in neurodivergence and inclusion. He combines lived experience with clinical and academic expertise to help individuals and organizations rethink productivity, burnout, and sustainable ways of working.Episode Highlights 00:02:12 – Diagnosed with ADHD at five and labeled “the problem child” Dr Tom describes being diagnosed in the mid-1990s and quickly framed as disruptive rather than supported. Despite doing well academically, he internalized the message that effort and compliance mattered more than wellbeing, laying the groundwork for overworking later in life.00:03:37 – Discovering autism later in adulthood He explains diagnostic overshadowing and how ADHD became the explanation for every difficulty he had. Autism was missed entirely, even as he became a specialist himself, showing how easily burnout risks can be overlooked when people appear “high functioning.”00:06:08 – Reframing school trauma and constant effort With a later autism lens, Dr Tom revisits his school experiences and recognizes how much energy went into coping, masking, and adapting. This reframing helps explain why productivity and overperformance often feel compulsory rather than optional.00:17:30 – Productivity works in bursts, not all day Dr Tom explains that his productivity comes in intense, focused bursts followed by long recovery periods. Expecting steady, all-day output ignores how many neurodivergent brains actually function and pushes people into boom-and-bust cycles.00:25:23 – Early fatherhood collides with productivity culture He speaks candidly about sleep deprivation, routine collapse, and identity shifts during the first year of parenting. Hustle culture and productivity myths make this period far harder, especially for neurodivergent parents with high sensory and rest needs.00:32:36 – When productivity advice turns into self-punishment Dr Tom reflects on consuming large amounts of self-help and productivity content. Instead of helping, it reinforced the belief that he was never doing enough, turning tools into weapons for self-criticism rather than support.00:39:30 – Burnout as a forced stop After pushing through a PhD, lockdown, and a newborn, his body shut everything down. He describes burnout not as weakness, but as the body enforcing boundaries when the mind refuses to listen.00:44:59 – The question behind overworking The episode closes with a powerful reflection: much productivity is driven by old narratives and the need to prove something. Dr. Tom invites listeners to ask whether their drive comes from genuine values or from trying to outrun past judgments.Connect with Dr. Tom:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-nicholson-089727131Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtomnicholsonConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

Understanding your neurodivergent brain isn’t about following one-size-fits-all solutions. In this episode, Yush Sztalkoper shares how experimentation, personalization, and a holistic approach helped her support herself and her neurodivergent children. From biohacking and genetics to AI tools that actually make daily life easier, this conversation explores what happens when you focus less on forcing outcomes and more on building systems that work for YOUR wiring.Yush is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, coach, and parent of a twice-exceptional child. She integrates positive intelligence, parenting experience, and individualized strategies to help neurodivergent people build sustainable emotional capacity, productivity, and regulation.Subscribe for more neurodivergent lived experiences, honest conversations, and strategies that actually help.Episode Highlights00:02:59 — Understanding biohacking for neurodivergent needs Yush explains that biohacking isn’t about supplements, but about understanding how your brain and body respond to lifestyle, environment, and support systems. She describes it as trial-and-error rooted in data rather than “one magic solution”.00:04:00 — One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work Many neurodivergent people try generic strategies and feel like they “failed” when nothing changes. Yush reframes this as insufficient solutions, not personal failure, and emphasizes individualized experimentation.00:09:30 — Dopamine and impulsivity explained Instead of treating impulsivity as a behavior issue, Yush and her naturopath looked at neurotransmitter pathways. Understanding dopamine differences helped them address impulsivity at the root, not just on the surface.00:10:30 — Small discoveries can drive big change A vitamin deficiency played a surprising role in her son’s impulsivity. By combining nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior support, they saw measurable changes in daily life.00:12:23 — Epigenetics as empowerment Yush shares how genetics and lifestyle interact, and how understanding these systems helps people make empowered choices without feeling destined to struggle. She reframes genetics as information, not limitation.00:19:21 — Using AI to maximize neurodivergent strengths AI becomes a cognitive amplifier, helping her process information faster, spot patterns, and make decisions with less overwhelm. She uses multiple tools depending on the task.00:22:30 — Parenting support through AI and gamification Yush uses AI creatively in parenting, turning overwhelming routines like cleaning into engaging, playful tasks. This shifts regulation and reduces stress at home.00:28:00 — Spotting blind spots with AI AI isn’t just practical; it helps her identify missing perspectives and stay curious about what she might be overlooking. This helps her adapt more quickly to challenges.00:33:52 — Harmful productivity advice Pushing through, forcing productivity, or “just powering through” can damage capacity and emotional regulation. Yush argues that protecting the nervous system matters more than finishing a task.00:41:55 — Executive function sprints in real life Her mornings are intense sensory and logistical routines requiring planning, flexibility, and capacity. She shows how executive functioning plays a central role in daily parenting.Connect with Yush:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yushsztalkoper/Website: https://www.neurosparkplus.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

ADHD and high achievement don’t cancel each other out.  Gabriele Marini shares how his neurodevelopmental evaluation suggested he was “too smart” for ADHD, which led him to reflect on what ADHD really looks like in adults who appear successful from the outside. He opens up about the pressure to perform, the confusion around symptoms, and how finally understanding his brain allowed him to replace doubt with clarity and self-acceptance. Gabriele Marini is a PhD researcher and lecturer living in Australia. He studies computational linguistics and brings a unique perspective on ADHD through his academic journey, lived experience, and immigrant background.Subscribe for more neurodivergent experiences, lived stories, and honest conversations.🔍 Episode Highlights 00:02:40 — “Why can’t I just sit down and do it?” Gabrielle describes sitting at his desk for hours, rereading the same paragraph and blaming himself for not being able to focus. He explains how trying harder didn’t help and how he punished himself by staying there all day instead of living his life.00:04:30 — “If I’m lazy… how did I move to another country?” He shares how someone close to him challenged the idea that he was “lazy,” pointing out that moving internationally to pursue a PhD isn’t something a lazy person does. It helped him understand that his struggles weren’t moral failings, but neurodivergent challenges.00:06:30 — “Your IQ is too high for ADHD.” During a neurodevelopmental evaluation, he was dismissed because his IQ was above average, even though he was anxious, exhausted and struggling daily. This shaped his view of how professionals often misunderstand ADHD in high-achieving adults.00:07:00 — Sleepless nights, anxiety and invisible suffering Gabrielle explains that his academic success didn’t mean things were easy. It came at the cost of sleeplessness, stress and physical and emotional exhaustion, which people around him rarely saw.00:17:30 — ADHD as a different way of being He reframed ADHD not as something broken, but as a different way of experiencing the world. Instead of forcing himself to be methodical, he started leaning into his strengths and natural abilities.00:19:30 — Twin comparisons and identity pain Growing up with a twin led to constant comparison, judgement and feeling “less than.” Those early comparisons deeply influenced his internal identity and self-esteem.00:32:00 — Listening to his body and avoiding burnout Gabrielle reflects on learning to slow down, notice what his body is telling him and allow himself rest. He explains how pushing through exhaustion led to burnout and why pacing himself is now essential.00:36:30 — Revenge bedtime procrastination and protecting rest He talks about staying awake late at night as a way to reclaim time and autonomy, even when it harms sleep. He is learning to protect rest, recognizing how much his nervous system actually needs it.Connect with Gabriele :Website: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/831603-gabriele-mariniInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gabryxx7/?hl=enConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/@focusbear

What if healing didn’t come from discipline, masking or “doing better,” but from kindness? In this episode, Kyriakos Gold shares his story of unmasking after an autistic diagnosis and the life-changing shift from self-criticism to self-kindness. Instead of trying to live according to what research, experts or society prescribe, Kyriakos talks honestly about rebuilding life around what actually works for your brain.About the GuestKyriakos Gold is the founder of Just Gold Agency and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent inclusion. Through storytelling, community impact initiatives and social entrepreneurship, he helps create workplaces and environments where autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people don’t need to mask to belong. Kyriakos is also a leader in Autistic Pride Day and has driven multiple projects empowering neurodivergent voices globally.🔍 Episode Highlights (with accurate timestamps)00:01:40 – Late diagnosis & a new autistic lens Kyriakos talks about getting an autism diagnosis in midlife and feeling like he’s “five years old in autistic years.” He explains how autism became the main lens he sees the world through, more stable than culture, nationality or environment.00:08:31 – The unmasking process: freeing and traumatic When he began unmasking, it wasn’t a gentle shift but a feeling of falling off a cliff emotionally. He describes mentally revisiting old memories, reinterpreting past interactions, and how liberating honesty came with fights, broken relationships and a complete rebuild of his ecosystem.00:12:30 – From guilt and shame to being unapologetically autistic Kyriakos shares how years of not knowing he was autistic led to constant self-criticism: every barrier felt like a personal failure. Moving toward being “unapologetically autistic” meant dropping shame and guilt without using autism as an excuse, and learning where he’d genuinely been unkind so he could repair it.00:15:00 – Dyspraxia, “laziness” and redefining effort He describes growing up in Greece, being expected to work on farms and constantly being called lazy when his body simply wouldn’t cooperate. Later he realized this was likely dyspraxia: his brain was willing, but his body sometimes felt like it was stuck in a high gear, making basic movement feel impossibly heavy.00:20:00 – “Mickey Mouse way”: what works for your brain, not experts Instead of obsessing over doing things the “proper” way, he builds what he calls the “Mickey Mouse way”: systems that actually work for him, even if they aren’t textbook-perfect. He’ll learn the official method later, then blend it with his own adaptations, always prioritising what his brain and body can realistically handle.00:23:30 – Designing a sensory-safe, dopamine-friendly environment From AI-generated art on the walls to smells, light, fresh air and a clean bedroom, Kyriakos shows how his home is intentionally built to support his autistic and dyspraxic needs. When his room is ordered and the sensory input feels right, getting moving and functioning becomes significantly easier.00:33:23 – Sleep, coffee and realising he’s rarely truly rested Kyriakos explains that while he can fall asleep fast, his brain often works all night, replaying work scenarios or arguments. Coffee helps him function, but too much stimulation worsens sleep, so he uses music, temperature and routine to try to coax his nervous system into deeper rest.00:36:30 – Kindness as regulation: not everything has to happen today He talks about the “kindness” he mentioned earlier as the courage to slow down: taking breaks, extending his morning routine, and accepting that not every task must be done immediately. When he gives himself that space, his day moves slower, his sleep improves, and he’s less like a “cranky baby” running on empty.00:41:30 – How to connect: LinkedIn, Just Gold & Autistic Pride Day To close, Kyriakos shares how people can reach out personally, work with Just Gold, or join / support the Autistic Pride Day campaign, including free resources and opportunities for organisations to get involved.Connect with Kyriakos Gold:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyriakosgold/Website: https://justgold.net/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Ever wonder why building habits feels easy one week and impossible the next?In this episode, Australia’s Chief Habits Officer Claire Jackson joins Jeremy and Joey to break down why willpower doesn’t work for neurodivergent brains or neurotypical brains—and how habits stick when they’re built around energy, compassion and real dopamine needs, not perfection.Claire opens up about her ADHD journey, motherhood, energy management, and practical rituals that made her home and work life calmer and more meaningful. From morning non-negotiables to dopamine-positive environments and the three-task rule, this episode blends science, lived experience, and real-world habit design.If you’ve ever tried to “just be more disciplined,” this conversation will feel like a breath of relief.🔍 Episode Highlights• [00:04:12] Why willpower doesn’t work for ADHD or neurotypical brains Habits collapse when they rely on self-control alone. Claire explains how dopamine, executive function and emotional load determine whether habits stick.• [00:09:00] Energy-based productivity instead of hustle or perfection Learn how to plan your day based on your internal “battery” instead of guilt, deadlines or pressure.• [00:14:30] Creating dopamine-positive environments Bright colours, sensory cues and physical spaces that feed your need for stimulation before unhealthy impulses kick in.• [00:27:37] The “three non-negotiables” habit rule A practical method for reducing overwhelm: three tasks count, everything else is optional.• [00:15:49] Rest as a productivity strategy — not a reward Why protecting the nervous system matters more for progress than grinding harder.• [00:12:55] Building identity-anchored habits Real change sticks when habits reinforce: “I matter, and this action proves it.”• [00:17:33] Compassion over perfection Success isn’t “never missing a habit” — it’s knowing what to return to when life gets messy.• [00:18:58] Designing a life that feels good for you Claire shares how she now builds routines, parenting systems and work rhythms based on values, energy and lived experience.Connect with Claire:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-jackson-5635592bWebsite: https://thehabitlab.com.au/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Ever have difficulty deciding which task to do first?Dive in as hosts Jeremy Nagel and Joey Corea unpack how to prioritise without overthinking. They explore practical frameworks like RICE, RICE, UICEs and FUICE experiment with ways to reduce uncertainty, debate urgency versus importance, and share how AI, accountability, and small experiments can help you focus on what actually matters.Whether you’re managing a product roadmap or your personal backlog, this episode offers clear, usable tools for getting unstuck — minus the productivity fluff.Key Ideas & Takeaways :1. Why Prioritisation Systems MatterJeremy opens the discussion by reflecting on how work and side projects often get lost in endless to-do lists. He explains why RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) is valuable — it forces you to quantify what feels vague. Joey agrees that structure helps prevent “fake productivity,” but warns that rigid scoring systems can become procrastination in disguise.2. RICE Explained & Its LimitsJeremy walks through each RICE element — Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort — noting it was originally built for product teams.He highlights its biggest flaw for personal work: “Reach” isn’t always meaningful for individual priorities. Joey adds that RICE works best when there’s data (e.g., users reached, tasks completed), but breaks down when you’re making creative or exploratory decisions.3. Introducing UIs (Urgency–Impact–Confidence / Effort)Jeremy shares his personal adaptation: swap “Reach” for “Urgency.”He keeps the multiplicative model but applies logarithmic effort tiers (2 min, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.) to simplify scoring.Joey likes the tweak but asks whether urgency might bias people toward reactive work — the kind that feels satisfying but doesn’t move long-term goals forward.4. Urgency vs ImportanceBoth hosts explore Eisenhower’s “urgent vs important” distinction.Jeremy says urgency is okay if you’re honest about why something matters now. Joey pushes back — too much urgency creates cognitive noise. They agree that systems must leave space for non-urgent creative work, otherwise everything becomes firefighting.5. Reducing Uncertainty with Small ExperimentsJeremy notes that many “low confidence” tasks stay stuck on the list forever. His fix: run tiny experiments first to gather evidence before scoring.Joey calls this “agile for real life” — you iterate instead of agonising. The point: reduce uncertainty, not eliminate it.6. Adding the ‘Fun’ or Enjoyment Factor (FUI)Joey introduces the idea of adding Fun, Urgency, and Impact to his own prioritisation sheet. He argues enjoyment fuels follow-through, so why not make it explicit? Jeremy agrees intrinsic motivation matters but notes that “fun” is often self-sorting — you’ll naturally do enjoyable tasks first anyway.7. Managing Reading Lists & Content IntakeJoey confesses his massive backlog of saved articles and newsletters.He suggests a scoring system: relevance + excitement – time cost.Jeremy shares his “three-month purge” rule — if he hasn’t read it in that window, it goes. They both mention using Pocket, Notion, and mind-maps to curate rather than hoard.8. Using AI & LLMs WiselyJeremy warns about overreliance on LLMs. They can amplify bias or atrophy skills if you stop verifying outputs.Joey agrees but sees promise in pair-programming and summarisation workflows.They discuss junior roles disappearing due to AI’s speed, and how creative generalists who can judge and adapt outputs will gain value.9. Accountability & Commitment ContractsJeremy explains how he uses financial penalties or “anti-charity” pledges to enforce deadlines.Joey jokes that fear of embarrassment works just as well.They debate the crowding-out problem — too much external punishment can kill intrinsic motivation — and conclude that human accountability still beats automation.10. Joey’s Prioritisation Mind MapJoey walks listeners through his visual map connecting long-term goals to daily habits.Jeremy appreciates how it translates fuzzy ambitions into nodes and branches.Both agree visuals help reveal “hidden dependencies” that linear lists can’t show.11. Satisficing vs Maximising DecisionsJeremy defines “satisficing” — choosing something that’s good enough to move forward.Joey adds that it’s key for ADHD or perfectionist brains: stop optimising everything and pick a workable next step.This segues into how digital gardens or evolving notes can be better than “final” outputs.12. Digital Gardening & Reflective WorkflowsThey close by talking about revisiting past ideas instead of starting fresh each time.Joey compares it to tending a garden — ideas grow if you give them attention.Jeremy says that’s the real goal of systems: to create reuse, not just completion.Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #112! We’re thrilled to be joined by Lou Zoanetti today.Lou Zoanetti is the CEO and Founder of Brightworks, an early careers consultancy helping organizations attract, develop, and retain emerging talent. With over 15 years in HR and graduate recruitment, Lou bridges the gap between Gen Z professionals and the world of work. In this episode, she opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, parenting, productivity, and the systems that keep her grounded.JN: What led you to explore ADHD for yourself? – Her son’s autism diagnosis made her re-evaluate her own patterns. – Learned about inattentive ADHD and verbal hyperactivity. – Realized many long-standing habits matched ADHD traits.JN: How did it feel receiving the diagnosis? – A mix of validation and sadness for her younger self. – Recognized how much effort it took to “hack” her way through school and uni. – Relief at finally understanding her lifelong struggles.JN: What coping systems did you use in school and work? – Constant scaffolding: last-minute sprints, deadlines as motivation. – Found focus in structured work environments with performance goals. – Realized later that she was masking exhaustion under discipline.JN: What has changed since the diagnosis? – Started ADHD coaching and therapy to manage energy and boundaries. – Reframed “productivity” to include rest and flexibility. – Learning to delegate and let go of rigid work hours.JN: What strengths does ADHD give you? – High energy, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. – Excellent memory for people, faces, and details—helps with business growth. – Hyperfocus drives rapid learning and strong client relationships.JN: Tell us about Brightworks and your work. – Early careers consultancy supporting corporate grad and intern programs. – Focus on Gen Z readiness, inclusivity, and bridging education-to-employment gaps. – Works mainly with large organizations, designing onboarding and development strategies.JN: How is AI changing early career hiring? – Sees AI reshaping roles and candidate evaluation. – Cover letters are making a comeback as “proof of humanity.” – Encourages grads to use AI wisely, not replace their voice with it.JN: What’s your personal downtime like? – Walks, cooking, podcasts, and spending time with her kids. – Finds it difficult to “sit still” but values active relaxation. – Enjoys Finska with the family when the weather allows.JN: What productivity strategies help you most? – Batching meetings, calendar management, and “deep work” days. – Uses CaveDay for focus and Forest App to block phone use. – Three-folder email system: To-Do, Waiting On, Read. – Uses ClickUp for project tracking and deletes tasks that no longer matter.JN: How do you balance neurodivergence with leadership? – Open communication and trust within her team. – Mutual accountability without guilt or over-accommodation. – Partner relationship built on practical division of strengths.JN: Any common productivity advice that doesn’t work for you? – “Eat the frog” doesn’t resonate—prefers breaking large tasks into milestones. – Big blank tasks trigger procrastination; structure brings calm. – Uses 10-minute Forest timers to kickstart focus sessions.JN: What’s your morning and sleep routine like? – Early riser; loves the quiet 7:30–9 a.m. work block. – Prioritizes 9 hours of sleep; starts winding down by 8:30 p.m. – Recognizes cognitive fatigue and the need for deliberate rest.JN: Final reflections? – Grateful for awareness and community. – Encourages others to stop masking, take stock, and live authentically.Connect with Lou:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louzoanetti/Website: https://brightworks.net.au/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #111! We’re thrilled to be joined by Yush Sztalkoper. Yush Sztalkoper is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, coach and founder of Neuros Spark Plus. She works with parents of twice-exceptional children and with organizations to build neuro-inclusive cultures. Yush uses a positive intelligence approach to reshape self-sabotaging habits, reduce burnout and create support systems that fit neurodivergent brains.Q&A JN: How did your journey into neurodiversity start? – Began with concerns for her son at age four and a half, which led to investigation and support. – Her son is twice-exceptional - bright with learning differences. – Her child’s profile sparked reflection and ultimately her own ADHD diagnosis about a year ago. – Diagnosis brought clarity and permission to seek different supports.JN: What changed after your diagnosis? – Greater self-awareness and reduced guilt about needing supports. – Shift from deficit thinking to strength-based perspective. – Left corporate role two months after diagnosis to pursue more fitting work.JN: How did culture and immigrant background shape your masking? – Asian immigrant upbringing encouraged fitting in and masking differences. – Masking led to long-term adaptation and people-pleasing strategies. – Parenting revealed those patterns and forced new choices.JN: What is Positive Intelligence and how does it help? – A mindset method that identifies saboteurs and activates “sage” responses. – Uses Activate and Empathy sages to ask “What is needed now?” and to give self-compassion. – Helps shift victim thinking to opportunity-focused thinking for parenting and work.JN: How do ADHD traits show up for you and your son? – Time blindness, hyperfocus, intense interests, and masking differences. – Rejection sensitivity and people-pleasing were major personal drivers. – Hyperfocus can be an asset when channeled correctly.JN: Why move from corporate to entrepreneur? – Corporate expectations blocked expression of core strengths. – Needed autonomy, flexibility and roles that let creativity and novelty thrive. – Now builds services and community that scale human-centered support.JC: How are you scaling your work? – Local monthly in-person sessions for parents - created a nonprofit community hub. – Neuros Spark Plus grew to offer coaching, small cohort programs and organizational consulting. – Partnership model - Collab X - to amplify experts and scale impact beyond local reach.JN: What does neuro-inclusive work look like in organizations? – Help leaders co-create supports and build environments where masking is unnecessary. – Teach self-advocacy skills so workers can express needs and leaders can listen. – Focus on holistic supports across life stages, not siloed programs.JC: How do you approach productivity for neurodivergent clients? – Start with mindset - use Positive Intelligence to ask “What is needed now?” – Laser focus on one actionable task rather than a long, stress-inducing to-do list. – Build breaks, self-empathy and flexibility into routines to avoid burnout.JN: Final ask or message? – Lean into strengths and build systems that fit your brain. – Early support prevents prolonged struggle - advocate for neuro-inclusion and shared community resources.Connect with Yush:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yushsztalkoper/Website: https://www.neurosparkplus.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #110! We’re thrilled to be joined by Reuben SchwartzIn this episode, startup consultant Reuben Schwartz shares his late autism diagnosis journey, revealing how it reshaped his approach to parenting, burnout, and productivity. From building and selling a startup to navigating fatherhood and sensory overload, Reuben gets real about what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent professional in a world built for neurotypicals. Perfect for anyone exploring ADHD, autism, neurodiversity, and sustainable productivity.Q&AJN: What was it like learning you were autistic after 45 years? – Other people suspected before he did – Diagnosis brought clarity and made sense of lifelong confusion – Helped him understand why social interactions and routines mattered so much – Learning to accept differences instead of judging right or wrongJN: How does being “high moralistic, low masking” affect you? – Sees ethical questions everywhere, even daily choices – Feels there’s one “correct” way to do things – Now accepts that others think differently, improving relationships – Aware now of signals he used to missJC: How has autism shaped your relationships and parenting? – Struggles with emotional understanding and flexibility – Finds parenting extremely demanding and draining – Needs solitude to recharge, leading to burnout after becoming a father – Realized he once followed societal expectations (“become a normal horse”) instead of knowing himselfJN: You’ve had 13 careers and built a startup. What have you learned from that? – Obsessiveness can be both a gift and a trap – Works best with structure or collaborators who balance his intensity – Many “failures” taught him more than successes – Now values accepting his limits and building support systemsJC: How do you manage burnout and productivity now? – Uses GTD (Getting Things Done) system religiously – Writes down everything to clear mental load – Avoids email and messages in the morning – Uses color-coded planning and strict scheduling – Takes regular breaks (with Focus Bear app reminders) – Wears a fedora to manage sensory sensitivity to lightJN: What doesn’t work for you? – “Do it until it’s done” startup mentality – Eisenhower Matrix felt too abstract – Sleep deprivation immediately destroys focus and composureJC: Tell us about your current projects. – Consulting for startups and mentoring founders – Writing new children’s books – Researching misinformation and how to rebuild empathy in digital spaces – Exploring ways to reduce online certainty and polarizationJN: Final message for neurodivergent listeners? – Self-knowledge matters more than fitting in – Your brain works differently, not worse – Build systems that suit you rather than forcing someone else’s modelConnect with Reuben:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenschwarz/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #109! We’re thrilled to be joined by Warwick Donaldson.Warwick Donaldson is the founder and managing director of CapXcentric, a startup consultancy helping founders raise capital with clarity and confidence. After discovering his ADHD in his early thirties, Warwick learned that what once looked like chaos was actually a different kind of focus. Now clean, sober, and running his own business, he’s building a life that works with his brain instead of against it.JN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical? – Diagnosis came only a few years ago after a social worker date casually asked if he had ADHD – Spent months reflecting, researching, and taking online ADHD assessments – Finally found an affordable psychiatrist who confirmed the diagnosis – Realized his lifelong intensity and impulsivity now made senseJN: How did the diagnosis change your life? – Radically improved clarity and self-understanding – Medication (Vyvanse) helped reduce impulsivity and emotional volatility – Therapy helped unpack years of negative self-beliefs from being “the difficult kid” – Gained tools for self-compassion and communicationJC: What traits stood out as signs of ADHD? – Impulsivity, addictive behaviors, and intense hyperfocus – Addicted to stimulation: partying, smoking, and long techno nights – Difficulty with emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity – Persistent drive and energy — a blessing and curseJN: How did this affect your career path? – Worked in finance, startups, and tech; 13 years across multiple roles – Never lasted long in one job — realized novelty drives motivation – Now runs his own startup consultancy, designed around his ADHD rhythm – Focuses on early-stage founders and capital raises where variety and chaos thriveJC: What changed after you started working for yourself? – Finally able to drop the mask and be authentic – Created “CapXcentric” as a brand that reflects his true personality – Most of his clients also have ADHD, creating mutual understanding and trust – Learnt to stop pretending to fit conventional corporate moldsJN: How do you manage focus and prevent burnout now? – No alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes for over two years – Strict work boundaries: 8 AM to 6 PM only, no weekends – Regular walks, gardening, and phone-free mornings – Clear routines and environmental design (no phones in the bedroom, pill boxes next to coffee)JC: How did sobriety change your life? – Forced him to face unresolved issues without escape – Deepened family and partner relationships – Helped rediscover interests outside work – Built real hobbies — gardening, cooking, reconnecting with natureJN: How do you balance your work in a “hustle culture” industry? – Rejects constant-availability culture in startups – Sets firm client boundaries and communicates expectations clearly – Believes productivity comes from structure, not endless hours – “People will adapt faster than you think when you stop replying at midnight.”JC: What’s your advice for others with ADHD? – “Lean into who you are instead of fighting it.” – Design your life around your wiring, not society’s expectations – Self-acceptance is a practice, not a finish line – The earlier you start, the easier life becomesConnect with Warwick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warwickdonaldson/Website: https://www.capxcentric.com/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/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/@focusbear

Welcome to episode #108! Today we’re joined by Nuria Melchor FernándezIn this episode of Focus and Chill, Jeremy sits down with Nuria Melchor Fernández, an advocate passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, and complex trauma. Nuria opens up about her journey through love addiction recovery, 12-step programs, and navigating multiple diagnoses in Spain. She shares powerful insights into the overlap between neurodivergence and trauma, the challenges of accessing proper support, and the healing potential of community, grounding techniques, and trauma-informed therapies.How did Nuria first realize she might have ADHD and autism?- Through her recovery journey in 12-step programs, where peers noticed ADHD traits. Later, similarities with a friend led her to explore autism and discover her own diagnosisWhy does Nuria believe labels like “autism” or “ADHD” can be helpful?- Labels foster self-compassion and help people connect with peers who share similar experiences, instead of internalizing negative labels like “lazy” or “weird”What is the difference between complex trauma and single-event trauma?- Single trauma often stems from one event (e.g., an accident), while complex trauma comes from repeated, long-term experiences like neglect, bullying, or domestic violenceHow do complex trauma and neurodivergence intersect?- Trauma can intensify difficulties with focus, anxiety, and relationships, and it’s often difficult to separate from neurodivergent traits—especially when trauma starts earlyWhat therapies and tools does Nuria recommend for healing?- Internal Family Systems (IFS), grounding exercises (5-4-3-2-1 method), EMDR, tapping, art therapy, and community-based mutual aid groupsWhat’s the role of community in healing?- Finding peers with similar experiences provides validation, resources, and a sense of belonging—something many neurodivergent people struggle to findConnect with Nuria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuriamelchorfernandez/?locale=en_USBlog: https://nuriamelchorfernandez.bearblog.dev/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/

Welcome to Episode #124! We’re joined today by Ani Moller. Ani Moller is a leadership and life coach who works with neurodivergent professionals — especially those with ADHD, autism, or experiencing burnout. Drawing from their experience as a senior executive and program manager, Ani combines business strategy, trauma-informed practice, and lived experience of multiple burnouts and a stroke. They support senior leaders, creatives, and purpose-driven teams through one-on-one coaching, group programs, and workplace strategy. Ani identifies as non-binary and integrates evidence-based tools like Positive Intelligence, energy management, and nervous system regulation to help clients leadauthentically without compromising well-being.Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise youweren’t neurotypical?– Realized during the pandemic, after reading traits of autistic women on TikTok– Diagnosed with ADHD about six months later– Felt deep relief and self-understanding post-diagnosisWhat challenges did you face?– Multiple burnouts and physical health struggles– Difficulties with volatile friendships and social challenges– Anxiety misdiagnosis due to internalized hyperactivityWhat changes have come post diagnosis?– Gained clarity and validation– Complex PTSD diagnosis reframed much of the struggle– EMDR therapy helped reduce triggering memoriesWhat challenges do you still face now?– Severe fatigue from stroke– Overstimulation in professional environments– Ongoing executive dysfunction around finishing tasksWhat neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?– Strong visualization (hyperphantasia)– Deep empathy and energy-awareness– Coaching skills strengthened by lived neurodivergent experienceWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?– One-on-one ADHD and leadership coaching– Positive Intelligence programs for neurodivergent professionals– Overwhelmed to Organized – a group program blending productivity and compassionHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?– Spending time in nature and with friends– Indoor gardening and plants– Gym, calm hobbies, movies, and travel (as energy allows)Productivity tips — What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?– Brutal prioritization, guided by values (fun and emotional connection)– Accepting inbox/task list never finished– Energy accounting to track what restores vs drains energyWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?– “Eat the Frog” (hardest task first) — tiring tasks are harder than complex ones– Generic advice like waking up early — needs sleep consistency instead– Inbox as task list — doesn’t align with executive function needsWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?– Wakes around 7, allows three hours before first client– Gentle routine: movement for fibromyalgia, breakfast, nature time– Adjusts workouts to energy levels and menstrual cycleHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?– Struggles with disrupted sleep due to perimenopause and neurodivergence– Strict routine: lights dimmed red with Philips Hue, phone apps blocked after 8 PM– Journaling and reading to wind downDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?– “Treat rest as productive. Rest isn’t laziness — it’s fuel for better leadership and life.”Connect with Ani:Website: Ani Moller - https://www.animoller.com/TikTok: Ani: AuDHD Coach (@professionalaudie) | TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@professionalaudie? LinkedIn: Ani Møller Coaching | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/animoller/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/

Welcome to episode #107! Today we’re joined by Jonathan Mok.Jonathan was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2019 at the age of 37, a turning point that reshaped his life. Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, speaking at events such as the Davos Neurodiversity Summit, TEDx CUHK, and the UN World Autism Awareness Day with the Institute of Neurodiversity. His work helps organizations buildmore inclusive workplaces and communities, while also inspiring individuals to embrace their identity and strengths.In this episode, Jonathan shares his personal journey, from challenges in his early school years to finding resilience through self-understanding. He discusses workplace accommodations, strategies that support his productivity, and how neurodivergent individuals can thrive when theirvoices are heard.Q&ACan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that youweren’t neurotypical?– Realized signs of autism as a child (strictly upholding Boy Scout rules, reporting classmates)– Faced misunderstandings and was often considered a “difficult student”– Diagnosis at 37 allowed him to reframe his identity and find communityWhat challenges did you face?– Struggled in school with subjects taught in abstract ways (math, chemistry)– Often misunderstood by teachers and peers– Burnout at work due to difficulty sustaining attention to detailWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?– Greater self-understanding and acceptance– Access to accommodations in the workplace– Recognition of strengths like persistence, honesty, and public speakingWhat challenges do you still face now?– Misconceptions from others (“you don’t look autistic”)– Workplace pushback on certain accommodations– Balancing impulsivity with appropriateness in social contextsWhat neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?– Public speaking and advocacy on global stages– Ability to remember details and uphold fairness– Strong initiative and resilienceWhat “work” projects are you concentrating on?– Community engagement at Dream Impact, a social enterprise in Hong Kong– Delivering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for companies and NGOs– Volunteering with organizations like Sensational Foundation and Fair Trade Hong KongHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?– Passion for classical music, ballet, and opera– Visiting museums and exploring art history– Enjoying stories about how artists reflect their timesProductivity tips — What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?– Using AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to help prioritize tasks and manage overwhelm– Taking regular breaks and practicing mindfulness during lunch– Setting boundaries around work hours to prevent burnoutWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?– Hustle culture: “just work harder”– Vague task assignments without clear priorities– Ignoring the need for rest and recoveryWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?– Wakes at 7 AM, eats breakfast, and prepares for work with a predictable routine– Learned to make mornings more structured after past struggles with stress– Packs and checks essentials the night before to avoid forgetfulnessHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?– Night routine includes prayer, light exercise, and avoiding screens before bed– Typically falls asleep within 10 minutes unless affected by caffeine– Uses music and reflection to transition from work to restConnect with Jonathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankhmok9999/?originalSubdomain=hkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahonm/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] 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/

Welcome to episode #106! We’re thrilled to be joined by Christina Keeble.Christina Keeble is an autistic and ADHD educational consultant, speaker, and COO of the National PEAK Center—an allied health practice grounded in neuro-affirming principles. She’s also a dedicated parent of two PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) children, and brings a unique blend of lived experience, advocacy, and professional expertise to the conversation.In this episode, Christina shares her powerful journey of discovering her neurodivergence after her children’s diagnoses, and how that reshaped her approach to parenting, self-care, and work. From navigating school refusal to burnout recovery and creating sustainable work rhythms, Christina offers truth bombs and strategies for both neurodivergent individuals and the professionals who support them.⏱️ Timeline:00:00:00 – Intro + Guest Bio00:02:00 – Discovering She’s Autistic & ADHD00:04:30 – PDA Parenting Journey Begins00:06:00 – Diagnosis, Medication & Mental Health00:08:00 – What Is PDA? (Demand Avoidance Explained)00:10:00 – Reparenting, Trauma & Letting Go of Norms00:13:00 – Breaking the Parent Blame Cycle00:16:00 – Productivity & Harnessing Hyperfocus00:19:00 – What Christina Actually Does for Work00:22:00 – Neurodivergent Coaching & Workplace Inclusion00:28:00 – Why Fake Deadlines Work00:31:00 – Timer Tricks That Don’t Work00:34:00 – Tools That Might Work for PDA Brains00:37:00 – Chronic Illness, Burnout & Pacing00:42:00 – Final Advice for Neurodivergent Parents00:44:30 – Where to Find Christina Online📱 Follow Christina:Website: https://christinakeeble.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-keeble/?originalSubdomain=auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinakeebleconsulting/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinakeebleconsulting/Connect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

🎧 Welcome to Episode #105 of the Focus and Chill Podcast!Jeremy and Joey are back—breaking down what it really takes to stay productive, sane, and playful as neurodivergent adults navigating life, work, and boring responsibilities like taxes and job hunting.They dive into DUMB goals (a cheeky reframe of SMART goals), how automation can help with hard tasks, and why optimizing systems too much can actually hold you back.👤 Your Hosts:Jeremy – AuDHD founder of Focus Bear, software developer, and master of routinesJoey – Creative productivity coach, psychology nerd, and LLM tinkerer with big heart energy🧠 In This Episode, We Cover:What are DUMB Goals and why they might suit neurodivergent brains betterThe “optimization trap” and how to escape itJoey’s automated job application system using LLMs + doc generatorsJeremy’s spreadsheet-based second brain for managing email burnoutTactics for doing hard, boring tasks like tax returnsReplacing Evernote: digital tools that actually workRethinking email, task systems, and communication overloadWhy delight, play, and imperfection matter in long-term motivation🕒 Episode Timeline 00:00:00 – Intro + What We’re Covering00:02:00 – DUMB Goals vs SMART Goals00:05:00 – The Optimization Trap (Pros & Cons)00:08:00 – Automating Job Applications with LLMs00:14:00 – Grant Scoring & Task Prioritization00:16:00 – Jeremy’s Low-Dopamine Email Management System00:21:00 – Rethinking Email, Labels, and Replies00:24:00 – Layers of Communication (Email, Slack, Calls)00:25:00 – How DUMB Goals Fit Creative Projects00:27:00 – Resistance Training, Momentum & Reigniting Joy00:28:00 – Coloring Books, Cold Outreach, and Tax Returns00:31:00 – Second Brains, Note Apps & Evernote Replacements00:34:00 – OneNote vs Evernote + Final ReflectionsConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1#ADHD #Neurodivergent #Productivity #DUMBGoals #Automation #FocusBear #MentalHealth #LLMHacks #CreativeDiscipline #SecondBrain #NoteTakingTools

🎧 Welcome to Episode #104 of the Focus and Chill Podcast!In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mike Knapp to explore the intersection of burnout, late autism diagnosis, and what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent professional in tech.👤 About the Guest:Mike Knapp is a serial entrepreneur, tech innovator, and former Google product lead. From co-founding the custom shoe company Shoes of Prey to building AI tools and launching Google’s Task Mate, Mike’s career is a masterclass in innovation. After facing debilitating burnout and being diagnosed with autism at 43, Mike now speaks openly about neurodivergence, self-awareness, and building sustainable success.💡 In This Episode, We Cover:- What burnout really looked like (and why it was misdiagnosed for years)- How discovering autism in adulthood reshaped Mike’s life- Challenges of masking and working in fast-paced tech environments- Morning & evening routines that actually work for neurodivergent brains- Balancing fatherhood, mental health, and meaningful work- Why compassion—for yourself and others—is essential for neurodivergent wellbeing 00:00:00 – Intro + Guest Bio00:02:58 – Burnout Before Diagnosis00:03:30 – Realizing He’s Autistic at 4300:05:00 – Physical + Emotional Cost of Masking00:08:30 – Autistic Work Styles vs. Norms00:09:59 – Recovery & Shifting Expectations00:11:11 – Rejoining the Workforce (Differently)00:13:00 – New AI Job + Purpose-Driven Work00:16:03 – Tinkering with Tools, LLMs, and Side Projects00:18:00 – Teamwork, Improv & Learning from Burnout00:21:30 – Rewriting Internal Narratives & Delegation00:27:31 – Routines with a Toddler + Parenthood00:30:00 – Cooking Hacks, ADHD Evenings & Sleep Challenges00:33:00 – CPAP, Sleep Apnea & Neurodivergent Sleep00:33:47 – Final Thoughts: Compassion for All BrainsConnect with Mike Knapp:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpknappWebsite: mikeknapp.xyz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_F-0WWGvJ188KI6CXiVKWwEmail: [email protected] with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/More from Focus Bear:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

Welcome to episode #103! We’re thrilled to be joined by Yenn Purkis today.Yenn Purkis is an autistic, asexual, and non-binary advocate, author, and speaker with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. They’ve written 18 published books and contributed to many more. Known for their honest storytelling and passion for neurodivergent visibility, Yenn has delivered two TEDx talks and currently serves as Deputy CEO of the Disability Leadership Institute. Based in Canberra, Australia, Yenn shares their life with their beloved tortoiseshell cat, Sunflower, and is a self-proclaimed Star Trek “Borg” superfan. They are fiercely committed to authenticity, community, and using their voice to make space for others.Welcome to the show, Yenn!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? – Diagnosed with autism in prison at age 20 in 1994 – Initially rejected the label, masking heavily for survival – Took 10 years to fully embrace the diagnosisJN: What challenges did you face? – Internalized stigma made acceptance hard – Preferred to say “I’ve been in prison” over “I’m autistic” – Struggled with self-worth and masking in extreme environmentsJN: What changes have come post-diagnosis? – Found mentorship and community through advocate Polly Samuel – Began to embrace autistic pride and write books – Diagnosis opened the door to advocacy and self-acceptanceJN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now? – Working 9 jobs across advocacy, writing, and public speaking – Finds joy and stimulation in juggling multiple roles – Uses structure, discipline, and passion to stay productiveJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? – Deputy CEO at Disability Leadership Institute – Working with Rebus Theatre, La Trobe University, University of Wollongong – Running the “Autism and Adulthood” course at My Life, My DecisionsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? – Watching TV (Borg obsession, Star Trek, Breaking Bad, reality police shows) – Blogging, writing memes, cuddling with Sunflower the cat – Catching up with friends and writing personal essaysJC: Productivity tips – What do you do to optimise productivity? – Writes with structure: headings/subheadings first – Doesn’t wait for inspiration—focuses on discipline – Uses proactive mindset: “If I don’t want to do it, I do it first” – Doesn’t procrastinate—teaches herself to actJC: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you? – Self-taught; hasn’t relied on traditional productivity models – Emphasizes doing over theorizingJN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? – Wakes up to cat Sunflower demanding breakfast – One coffee, big breakfast, then TV buffer before work – Loves Star Trek (especially Borg) and quirky sci-fi routinesJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? – No fixed bedtime; varies with schedule – Often calls parents, watches TV, does light work in the evening – Takes medication at night to manage healthJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work? –LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yenn-purkis-469219b9–Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yennpurkisbooks–Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yennpurkis5–Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yennpurkis5–Email: [email protected] –Books: https://yennpurkis.com/books/–TEDx talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSC1P49jOecJC: Final words or asks for the audience? – Reach out and connect – Keep questioning assumptions – Follow what brings you joy—even if it’s 9 jobs and a Borg duckMore 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/

Welcome to episode #67 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff today. Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals. Passionate about distilling complex research into visually accessible formats, she translates research into visual pixels which you can find on her website, Instagram, and digital workbooks. Beyond her visual endeavors, she co-hosts the "Divergent Conversations" podcast and spearheads a vibrant learning community tailored for neurodivergent adults.Welcome to the show Dr. Neff!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? 3 years ago (2021)Started exploring for oldest childWas surprising / Wasn’t covered in trainingAutism discovery came first, then ADHD.What challenges did you face? FeelingLike observer in lifeCan’t be contentStruggling to be present (because of dissociation from sensory overload).A lot of this is because of the sensory overloadSpecific sensory challengesThe rate of work: 15 patients per day.In a room with 5 people simultaneouslyMental dialogPreparing conversationsMetaphorsAutistic burnoutLong COVIDExplained 4-5 long depression episodesWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?Many of the challenges above, but lean into the underlying values that are driving itE.g. going to a bustling, overstimulating party can be manageable if connecting to the family aspect behind it.More accepting of how they can show up (e.g. if it’s a crowded area, accepting that they may be less present).What challenges do you still face now?Executive functioningOrganizationMissing detailsSchedulingSensoryRestructured workClosed private practiceMore space for flow statesAutistic burnout/managing energy levelsWhat neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus/monotropismSpecial interests - “Aspie” quiz showed interest What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Working on several booksSelf-care for autistic peopleAutistic burnoutND affirming therapyCross neurotype interactionsCreated 25+ workbooksOn Examples:RSDInteroceptionCreate graphics based on conceptsConverting them into video coursesCommunitySocial media postsHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Doesn’t relax wellChandra Rhymes? With kidsActively looking for habitsSelf-diagnosed workaholismProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Learning things her way - standard learning styles didn’t workLeaning into rhythmsDifferent buckets of work for different energy levelsBucket A: writing/creativityHigh energyFulfillingBucket B: adminLow energy/low brainpowerBackground shows to boost dopamineInterest-based nervous system - Dr DodsonAs opposed to the importance of based nervous systemPassion/meaning/play/novelty/urgency/challengeOperationalizing itLet herself chase her interestsStructured spontaneityWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?“Normal” SchedulingE.g. content calendarHard to figure out what to do for the next 6 months - can’t predict what BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Morning ritualCup of coffee every daySit in sunlight15-30 minutesWhich projects to move on todayHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Tactics for Free association/shamanic/cognitive shufflingFree assocShamanic ritualCognitive shuffling - intentionally shuffle thoughts (e.g. combining garden, find all the words starting with each letter of garden)It prevents rumination and mimics the early stages of sleep.Play solitaire in bedWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/Free resources on the blog: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blogNewsletter: https://newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/resource-vaultLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-anna-neff/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Start paying attention to your rhythms - “Detective of your own experience”Work with them, not against themMore 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/

Welcome to episode #102! We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Amanda Mullen today.Dr. Amanda Mullen is a clinical psychologist, business owner, and keynote speaker passionate about helping people thrive using neurodivergence-friendly strategies. As the founder of Mindwork Psychology, Mindworks Online, and Think Differently, she has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and burnout. Amanda is the creator of Thrive 2025, a year-long online course designed to embed practical tools into daily life, particularly for neurodivergent minds. She’s also a mom, footballer, and matcha enthusiast who believes in living authentically—rubber duck included.Welcome to the show, Amanda!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?Initially trained in outdated deficit models of ADHD and autismDidn’t realize she had ADHD and autistic traits until laterHigh-functioning masking delayed recognition of her own neurodivergenceJN: What challenges did you face?Struggled with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and school disciplineStrong sense of justice led to conflictsHeavy masking to fit in sociallyJN: What changes have come post diagnosis?Diagnosis helped her understand herself and support clients betterReduced stigma in her personal and professional circlesAble to talk openly on stage and implement practical strategiesJN: What challenges do you still face now?Balancing her neurodivergent needs with leadership in a large psychology practiceNo single playbook for neuroaffirming workplacesNavigating trial-and-error in supporting diverse clients and staffJN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus and deep curiosity help in content creation and therapyEmbraces rapid learning and solution-focused approachesEnjoys designing neurodivergent-friendly programsJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Leading Mindwork Psychology with 14 staffLaunched Thrive 2025, a year-long course for ADHDersBuilds micro-learning, multimedia online programsJC: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Passionate about running and footballTook up soccer at 40 to challenge body image stigmaBelieves enjoyment—not performance—is key in sportsJC: Productivity tips – What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Heavy tasks in early morning or late nightUses post-it notes for task clarityAcknowledges task initiation challenges middayJC: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Over-reliance on novelty-based tools/appsSustainable success comes from routines, not quick fixesAdvocates boring consistency over “productivity hacks”JN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Biohacking enthusiast (e.g., Oura ring)Starts day with movement, hydration, sunlight, and no caffeineOutdoor yoga or running as grounding ritualsJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Sleeps deeply, unlike many ADHDersLimits late-night hyperfocus despite temptationMindful of overworking due to past health scares (cancer survivor)JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?Mind Psychology: https://www.mindworxpsychology.com.au/portfolio-items/dr-amanda-mullin-director/Think Differently with Dr. Amanda: https://www.think-differently.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amandamullin/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmandaMullin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-mullin-2442912/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?“Get to know yourself.”There is no one-size-fits-all ADHD solution.Let go of labels and cultivate self-awarenessMore 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/

Welcome to Episode 101! We’re thrilled to be joined by Sharon Collon, ADHD coach, parenting expert, and founder of The Functional Family. Sharon shares her journey of creating practical ADHD strategies for individuals and families by working with—not against—the ADHD brain.JN: Can you tell us about your experience with ADHD?Married into ADHD: fell in love with her husband’s hyperactive ADHD brain.Recognized early signs in her children, leading to family-wide support efforts.Started with therapies, pivoted to whole-family ADHD-focused strategies after burnout.JN: What challenges did you face?Emotional dysregulation across the whole family.Throwing therapies at the problem without seeing real-life results.Overwhelm, financial strain, and lack of holistic support initially.JN: What changes came after studying ADHD formally?Focused on family dynamics, not just child interventions.Created practical, strengths-based strategies tailored to ADHD brains.Shifted toward helping families and adults find what uniquely works for them.JN: What neuroexceptional strengths do you see often?Kindness, love of learning, fairness, and justice are common strengths.Incredible problem-solving abilities and pattern recognition.Ability to disrupt stagnant systems with creativity and new ideas.JC: What projects are you working on now?ADHD Classroom Strategies Course for teachers.Sibling Conflict Programs to foster harmony.A 31-Day Family Connection Challenge.Focus on Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria education.JN: What are your productivity tips for ADHD brains?Light theme days instead of rigid time-blocking.Opening and closing workday rituals to set a rhythm.Weekly "triage" system to prioritize tasks like an ER nurse.JN: What productivity strategies tend to fail?Heavy structure early on often backfires.Ignoring time-awareness challenges leads to procrastination.Rigid routines without flexibility result in abandonment.JN: How has your morning routine evolved?Focus on removing friction points (example: toothbrush at the breakfast table).Environmental changes to support easy habit formation.Finding micro-moments of joy (like cappuccinos and sea walks).JN: How is your sleep, and how do you switch off?Sleep is a major challenge ("three sleep terrorists" + husband’s snoring).Critical to physically lock away her phone at night.Uses magnesium, low lighting, and consistent sleep signals for winding down.JN: Where can people connect with you?Website: https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefunctionalfamily/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfamily/JN: Final Words for the Audience"You don't need to try harder—you need to try differently."Embrace experimentation, celebrate progress, and build strategies that work uniquely for you.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/

Welcome to Episode 100!This special milestone episode is a no-guest conversation between your hosts Joey and Jeremy. After 100 episodes, they reflect on lessons learned about productivity, focus, neurodivergence, energy management, and finding joy in everyday work.JN: What has changed in your routines since starting the podcast?Joey: Shifted to working with ultradian rhythms: 90 minutes focus, 30 minutes break.Jeremy: Focused more on energy management, not time management. Uses longer focus blocks instead of strict Pomodoros.JN: How do you apply Pomodoro alongside ultradian rhythms?Joey: Adjusted breaks for eyesight and movement. Micro-stretches every 30 minutes.Jeremy: Uses Focus Bear to cue breaks when natural pauses happen. Breaks spark creativity.JN: How has your work-life balance evolved?Jeremy: More meetings now, harder to find long focus blocks. Misses the "maker schedule" days.Joey: Importance of "keystone habits" like journaling. When they slip, everything else follows.JN: How do you prioritize when things get overwhelming?Jeremy: Weekly accountability call, paper notes, and identifying the three most important tasks daily.Joey: Returns to fundamental routines (morning and evening journaling) to regain clarity.JN: What are your current capture systems?Jeremy: Paper inbox for short-term, medium-term, and long-term tasks.Joey: Hybrid journaling system—handwriting for stream-of-consciousness, typing for daily logs.JN: How do you use journaling for insight?Joey: Tracks convergence and divergence from personal values.Jeremy: Journals help identify "intrinsic motivation" versus "extrinsic obligation."JN: How do you approach "sunk cost fallacy" and project decisions?Jeremy: Reflects on intrinsic joy versus external obligation. Wants to move toward more internally motivated projects.Joey: Discusses reframing tough situations to reclaim agency.JN: How do you inject creativity into boring tasks?Jeremy: Takes the "scenic route" on tasks (e.g., scripting automation instead of manually updating diagrams) to make work more funJN: What role does environment play in focus and creativity?Joey: Walks in nature for creative thinking.Jeremy: Flights and long train rides without WiFi help with deep reading and focus.JN: How do coworking spaces fit into your workflow?Joey: Home is the cave; coworking spaces offer diffuse, social stimulation.Jeremy: Sees coworking as a "cathedral" space for connection.JN: Final reflections after 100 episodes?Grateful for the journey, lessons learned, and excited for the next 100 episodes!Invite listeners to suggest guests or topics.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/

Welcome to Episode 99!We’re thrilled to have Annie Crow—an autistic & ADHD human rights lawyer, founder of the Neuro Access Network, and keynote speaker on neurodiversity advocacy—join us today. In this episode, Annie shares her personal journey toward embracing her neurodivergence, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s turned that into empowering work for her community.JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?Felt different from an early age (nickname “Princess in the pea”).Highly sensitive to emotional, physical, and sensory stimuli.Developed self-awareness long before formal diagnosis.JN: When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?Formally diagnosed at 28 after years of therapy.Noticed unique traits when starting full-time work.Diagnosis confirmed what she had suspected all along.JN: What challenges did you face?Initial misdiagnosis (anxiety, depression, PTSD).Struggled with misunderstanding and stigma.Difficulty reconciling public stereotypes with her extroverted nature.JN: What changes have come post diagnosis?Embraced her autistic and ADHD identity with pride.Shifted focus to self-advocacy and community support.Transitioned from public service to working for herself.JN: What challenges do you still face now?Overcoming societal stigma around autism vs. ADHD.Navigating the “double empathy” problem in professional settings.Balancing complex emotions and perfectionism.JN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Deep sensitivity and creativity as tools for advocacy.Passion for honest self-expression and challenging norms.Ability to debunk myths about neurodivergence and leadership.JN: What “work” projects are you concentrating on?Leading the Neuro Access Network.Hosting the Princess and the P podcast on neurodiversity.Founding Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia.Keynoting on accessibility and burnout in various sectors.JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Enjoys tech (e.g., Notion), coworking, and stream deck gadgetry.Loves spending time with her family and her “standard poodle” Moose.Finds balance through creative outlets and self-care.JN: What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Developing the “pulse framework” to balance hyperfocus and recovery.Prioritizing flexible, energy-driven work routines.Using tech tools to remove friction and streamline tasks.JN: What unhelpful productivity advice doesn’t work for you?Overly rigid pacing or “one-size-fits-all” time-blocking.Standardized routines that ignore her neurodivergent needs.JN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?No strict early-morning ritual; struggles with being a night owl.Uses a relaxed approach with gradual wake-up and flexible start.Adapts daily plans based on energy levels and recovery needs.JN: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Sleep is a constant struggle; tends to have poor sleep hygiene.Uses her Kindle for fiction-only reading to quiet her mind.Continuously refining her bedtime routine to improve rest.JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniecrowe/Website: https://www.neuroaccess.com.au/contactFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieCroweNeuroAccess/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_anniecrowe/?hl=enJN: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Emphasizes being kind to yourself and embracing your neurodivergence.Encourages joining her network (discount code “Power 2025” available).Advocates for accessible, supportive environments in every aspect of life.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/

Welcome to episode number 98 of the Focus and Chill podcast.We’re thrilled to be joined by Rob Edwards today. Rob is the CEO of the NEA—the Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship Association. The NEA provides a meeting place for all those with an interest in neurodiversity and entrepreneurship, creating a safe and nurturing environment for neurodivergent entrepreneurs to get the help and support they need to start their own businesses—and the ongoing support to keep them running and earning an income.Based in West Yorkshire in the UK, Rob is a neurodivergent entrepreneur himself and has worked with membership groups, academics, and businesses for over 20 years, holding senior roles in academic publishing. Before becoming self-employed in 2014, he advised on marketing, events, business development, and board strategy, and has also been an associate lecturer in creativity and innovation.Great to have you on the show, Rob.JN: When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?Around 4–5 years ago during conversations with other neurodivergent entrepreneurs.Lightbulb moment: “What they’re describing is exactly what I go through.”Inspired by his son’s autism diagnosis and family’s subsequent diagnoses (ADHD, autism).JN: What challenges did you face?Overwhelm, inability to finish projects, self-doubt.Mistook executive dysfunction for laziness.Compared himself negatively to neurotypical colleagues.JN: What changes have come post diagnosis?Reframed self-talk and practiced more self-compassion.Realized traditional productivity methods didn’t work.Started designing systems around his brain, not against it.JN: What challenges do you still face now?Hyperfocus burnout.Imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity.Energy crashes after intense creative focus.Still learning to accept what works best for him.JN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus enables rapid execution.High creativity and pattern recognition.Can see connections others might miss.Embracing divergent thinking and innovation.JN: What “work” projects are you concentrating on?Running NEA: supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs.Partnering with universities on inclusive business programs.Launching a new freelance-focused careers hub.Working on PhD in neurodivergent entrepreneurship.JN: What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Caring for his autistic son, who is homeschooled.Amateur dramatics: musicals, theater, and performance.Finds focus and joy through rehearsal and creative expression.JN: What do you do to optimise productivity during working hours?Uses a reMarkable tablet for distraction-free planning.Leverages Motion to auto-schedule tasks.Plans around energy peaks (10AM–6PM works best).Balances chaos with loose structure—"organized mess."JN: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Time-blocking and Pomodoro techniques.Can't “force” hyperfocus to happen on demand.Prefers tools that adjust to natural flow and rhythm.JN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Starts around 9:30–10AM (no longer guilty about late starts).Family time and coffee before work.Reflects on priorities and adjusts day accordingly.Embraces energy-driven, flexible mornings.JN: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Struggles with winding down.Uses phone scrolling to calm his brain.Gets decent rest but wakes up tired—still a work in progress.Enjoys quiet evenings with family and box sets.JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtedwards/Website: https://www.nea.global/JN: Final words or asks for the audience?"Diverse minds, limitless possibilities" — NEA’s motto.Encourages community and collaboration.Believes the tide is rising for neurodivergent inclusion.“Keep pushing forward — together we’re stronger.”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/

Welcome to episode 97 of the Focus and Chill podcast! Today’s guest is the energetic and insightful Pip Scott‑Allen, originally from Canada and now making waves in Australia.Pip’s journey into leadership and team culture began early—at just 14, he started exploring the world of team building. Since then, he’s worn many hats: outdoor educator, backcountry guide, adventure leader, camp director, lifeguard, and tourism professional. These experiences laid the foundation for his current passion: helping teams thrive.After being diagnosed with ADD in college, Pip began leaning into his neurodivergent strengths—creativity, adaptability, and a deep empathy for others. Six years ago, he founded Premier Team Building, a company dedicated to helping businesses across Australia strengthen their leadership and culture through dynamic, people-first strategies.Pip brings humor, purpose, and a bit of “spicy brain” energy to everything he does—and we’re excited to dive into his story.Welcome to the show, Pip!JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?Always felt “a bit spicy.”High energy and creative as a kid.Loved sports, theatre, and music.Often felt different but didn’t know why.JN: When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?College roommate noticed differences.Got tested and diagnosed with DD.Diagnosis brought clarity and relief.JN: What challenges did you face?Executive functioning issues.Trouble with focus and organization.Emotional exhaustion from masking.Lack of support in early years.JN: What changes have come post diagnosis?Learned to work with his brain, not against it.Uses a “Kill List” to prioritize tasks.Builds flexible systems and routines.Embraced delegation and self-awareness.JN: What challenges do you still face now?Executive dysfunction still present.Rigidity in planning causes stress.Sensory overload in busy environments.Energy crashes after intense work.JN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus and creative thinking.Natural leader in team environments.Strong empathy and people skills.Innovative event and culture design.JN: What “work” projects are you concentrating on?Running Premier Team Building.Organizing large-scale team events.Coaching business leaders on inclusive cultures.Supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Hiking and camping.Quality time with wife and dogs.Enjoys horror movies and live music.Wine tasting and being outdoors.JN: What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Uses a “Kill List” with max 5 tasks.Blocks time in calendar.Takes intentional breaks.Uses fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones.JN: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Rigid, all-day planning doesn’t work.“One task all day” approach backfires.Needs flexibility to manage mental energy.JN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Wakes up around 4:00 AM.Prepares night before to reduce decision fatigue.Takes vitamins, gym, and reviews task list.Gets going early with minimal friction.JN: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Aims for 9–10 PM bedtime.Often only gets 4–5 hours.Falls asleep quickly due to exhaustion.Working on improving sleep hygiene.JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-scott-allen-facilitator-of-awesome-8458a069/Email: [email protected]: https://premierteambuilding.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierTeamBuildingAus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premier_team_building/JN: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be kind to yourself.Understand and respect your energy limits.Use tools like the “spoon theory.”Build a life that works for your brain.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/

Welcome to episode number 96 of the Focus Chill podcast. We’re thrilled to be joined by April Lea today. April is an ADHD founder with a background in product management and software engineering. She's passionate about removing the barriers that stop neurodivergent people from building themselves meaningful and sustainable careers.April was late diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021 after spending her entire life bulldozing through walls to survive and integrate with society. When her disabilities finally caught up with her, her entire life had to change, and that is what fueled the creation of the Neurodiversity Network, an online career hub that wants to break down the barriers to meaningful careers for neurodivergent individuals around the world.Questions:JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?April was diagnosed in 2021 after a breakdown. Her neurodivergence had been masked through sheer force of will until burnout caught up with her.She describes the diagnosis as liberating – it explained why she felt like she was “trying to play life on hard mode.”JN: When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?She had suspected differences from a young age but normalized them.The collapse in 2021 was a turning point, making her finally confront and explore her neurodivergence.JN: What challenges did you face?Constant masking, sensory overload, and struggling with corporate norms.Misunderstandings in communication, expectations around performance, and the exhaustion of pretending to be “normal.”JN: What changes have come post diagnosis?She’s leaned into self-awareness, rest, and pacing herself instead of pushing through.More compassion toward herself and openness with others about her needs.Designed her work life around her brain, not in spite of it.JN: What challenges do you still face now?Sensory sensitivity, especially with lights and sounds.Managing energy and fatigue cycles.Dealing with the internalized shame of needing accommodations.JN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Deep empathy and emotional intelligence.Creative problem solving and being highly attuned to systems and processes.Building inclusive spaces that reflect real neurodivergent experiences.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?April is focused on growing the Neurodiversity Network, offering career coaching and resources for neurodivergent professionals.She’s also designing group programs that help people navigate work-life alignment.JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Loves sensory activities like colorful lighting setups and dancing.Enjoys resting, spending time with animals, and letting her mind wander creatively.JC: Productivity tips – What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Works in sprints with scheduled recovery.Uses natural lighting and sensory-friendly environments.Focuses on tasks that align with her energy rather than rigid schedules.JC: What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Hustle culture and strict time-blocking.Generic productivity hacks that ignore neurodivergent brains and energy cycles.JN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Avoids rushed mornings. Starts slow with tea, gentle movement, and light exposure.Embraces flexibility and intuitive pacing over rigid plans.JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Sleep is variable – she often uses calming light shows, soft music, and soothing routines to wind down.Has learned to accept her rhythms and build in room for naps.JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-lea/Email: [email protected]: https://www.theneurodiversitynetwork.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theneurodiversitynetworkcareerhub/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurodiversitynetwork/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Don’t wait for external validation to start living in alignment with your brain.Seek community, self-understanding, and sustainable success—your way.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/

Welcome to episode #95! We’re thrilled to be joined by Elizabeth Kaelin today.Elizabeth Kaelin is a tech founder, award-winning commercialization mentor, and intersectionality business advocate. Her career spans healthcare, tech, venture capital, and corporate leadership, where she helps businesses scale while challenging traditional business norms.Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Elizabeth shares how she overcame burnout, adapted her leadership style, and built sustainable success. She is passionate about rethinking productivity, advocating for neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, and showing how ADHD can be a leadership strength.In this episode, we discuss navigating ADHD as an entrepreneur, energy-based productivity, and how to build a business that actually works for your brain.Welcome to the show, Liz!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you had ADHD?Diagnosed three separate times before fully accepting itInitially dismissed the diagnosis due to career success & maskingADHD symptoms became more obvious during burnout & career transitionsJN: How did ADHD impact your early career?Worked in dietetics, tech, venture capital & consulting before founding her startupStruggled with executive dysfunction & burnout in structured corporate settingsThrived in entrepreneurship but faced challenges in long-term project managementJC: How did your ADHD diagnosis change how you approached work?Stopped trying to "fix weaknesses" & started optimizing strengthsFocused on energy-based productivity instead of rigid time managementLearned to work with her brain, not against itJN: What was the biggest challenge in building your business as a neurodivergent entrepreneur?Struggled with traditional productivity systems that don’t work for ADHDHad to develop her own strategies for prioritization & decision-makingLearned to lean into her strengths rather than force neurotypical approachesJC: What is your approach to productivity now?Uses energy management instead of strict schedulesPrioritizes flexibility & intuition over rigid planningExplores non-traditional frameworks like numerology & cyclical planningJN: What productivity strategies DON’T work for you?“Eat the Frog” method (doing the hardest task first)—completely drains motivationRigid time-blocking & consistency-based productivity hacksTrying to force structure instead of embracing fluidityJC: How do you prevent burnout while managing multiple projects?Learned to listen to her body & mental energy levelsSimplifies decision-making using intuition & structured randomnessBalances structure with novelty to maintain engagementJN: What is your morning routine like?Uses randomized prompts to keep routines engaging & prevent decision fatigueFocuses on three key things daily (movement, mindfulness, connection)Simulates a commute even when working from home to set mental boundariesJN: How do you wind down at night?Struggles with sleep & phone distractions—uses grayscale & separate phonesListens to music or ambient sounds to shift into relaxation modeTidies up before bed to avoid waking up in a chaotic environmentJN: Where can people connect with you?Instagram: @LizKaelinOfficial: https://www.instagram.com/lizkaelinofficial/LinkedIn: Elizabeth Kaelin: linkedin.com/in/elizabethkaelinJC: Final words for the audience?“I’d love recommendations for ADHD-friendly digital systems or consultants who help with automation and accountability.”“Managing inattentive ADHD without a second brain system is tough—any tips for setting one up?”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/

Welcome to episode #94! We’re thrilled to be joined by Claire Thomas today.Claire Thomas is the CEO and founder of Impact Group, a fast-scaling consulting firm that went from a solo startup to a 50-person, $12 million company in just two years. A 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion and finalist for CEO of the Year, Claire brings deep expertise in business transformation, leadership, and public sector consulting.Diagnosed with ADHD in her late 30s, Claire’s leadership now prioritizes energy management, neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, and gamified productivity strategies. With over 45% of her team identifying as neurodivergent, she is redefining what it means to build an inclusive, thriving business.In this episode, we explore how ADHD fuels innovation, why energy management matters more than time, and how neurodivergent leadership is shaping the future of work.Welcome to the show, Claire!QuestionsJN: What led to your ADHD diagnosis in your late 30s?Realized she ticked more ADHD boxes than her child during their assessmentGrew up with the stereotypical image of ADHD as hyperactive boysDiagnosis changed how she viewed her past struggles with anxiety & executive functionJN: How did ADHD impact your early career?Struggled with traditional work structures & long-term planningExcelled in high-stimulation environments with constant problem-solvingAlways sought fast-moving, complex challenges that kept her engagedJC: What strengths do you lean into as a neurodivergent CEO?Pattern recognition & intuitive problem-solvingRapid decision-making & adaptability in uncertain marketsAbility to connect A to D without needing B & C in betweenJN: What is your "energy credits" system, and how does it help?Created a daily energy credit system (max 100 credits) to prevent burnoutActivities like sleep, movement & hydration "add credits"Overuse of focus or stress "spends credits" and requires recoveryJC: How do you balance high performance with sustainable work habits?Encourages her team to manage energy instead of just pushing productivityUses gamification strategies to make work more engagingHelps employees avoid burnout by tracking “energy debt” over multiple daysJN: What challenges do you still face as a neurodivergent leader?Managing macro time (long-term planning) is still difficultEnsuring that fast-paced decisions don’t leave her team behindBalancing innovation with structured executionJN: What role does AI & automation play in your workflow?Uses AI-generated "ClaireBot" to draft applications & communicationsAutomates decision-making processes to reduce cognitive loadLeverages AI for business insights & streamlining client solutionsJC: What productivity strategies work for you?Uses Jira as a personal Kanban board to track ideas & tasksPrefers momentum-building tasks before tackling hard projectsSchedules clearance blocks for deep focus & reducing backlogJC: What productivity strategies DON’T work for you?“Eat the frog” method (doing the hardest task first)—kills motivationStrict time-blocking—prefers adaptive schedules based on energy levelsForcing linear thinking—thrives on intuitive problem-solving & connectionsJN: What does your morning routine look like?Starts the day by guiding her neurodivergent children through their morning routinesRuns with a work colleague for accountability (3-4 days a week)Externalizes plans visually to offset ADHD-related time blindnessJN: How do you wind down at night?Drinks herbal tea & avoids social media before bedPrioritizes consistency over perfection—acknowledges that routines aren’t always easyManages "galaxy brain" thoughts by externalizing ideas before sleepJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-m-thomas/JC: Final words for the audience?“Manage energy, not time. You can’t borrow from tomorrow forever.”“Success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what works for you.”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/

Welcome to episode #93! We’re thrilled to be joined by Swantje Lorrimer today.Swantje Lorrimer has built a career spanning multiple industries, including academic research, film productions (Star Wars, The Fall Guy), and ADHD coaching. After struggling to fit into traditional job structures, she embraced freelancing, creativity, and adventure as the key to thriving with ADHD.In this episode, we explore dopamine-seeking behavior, unconventional careers, ADHD-friendly productivity strategies, and why neurodivergent people often struggle with traditional routines.Welcome to the show, Swantje!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Realized later in life after seeking ADHD coaching for her childrenInitially dismissed the ADHD coach’s comments—until she recognized her own patternsDiagnosis made everything in her life make senseJN: What was it like growing up undiagnosed with ADHD?Left home at 16 to move to Finland with no prior knowledge of FinnishSought big, high-stimulation experiences—milking goats in a hippie commune, working in hospitals, etc.Always chased dopamine hits—leading to an adventurous but unpredictable careerJC: What was your career path before becoming an ADHD coach?Worked as a costume designer on major film productions like Star WarsFreelanced in theater, opera, and academic research in philosophyStruggled with structured, repetitive jobs, always seeking new challengesJN: How did getting diagnosed with ADHD change things for you?Stopped feeling like a failure—realized her brain just worked differentlyUnderstood that she needed flexibility, novelty, and control over her workLearned to embrace her ADHD instead of fighting against itJC: What led you to ADHD coaching?Saw her own children struggle with neurodivergence and wanted to support othersRealized her background in academia and creativity gave her a unique coaching perspectiveStudied ADHD coaching in New York and now runs Doing, Doing, DoneJN: What productivity strategies work for you?Avoids SMART goals—prefers a fluid, adaptable approach to projectsUses dopamine as a guide—choosing tasks that naturally engage her brainOutsources and delegates when possible instead of trying to do everything aloneJC: What productivity strategies DON’T work for you?Strict routines & time-blocking—every day is different, so flexibility is keyRigid linear task completion—she works best by jumping between ideasOvercommitting to projects without energy management—learned to say no strategicallyJN: What does your morning routine look like?No fixed routine—every day is differentLoves starting the day with deep focus work when possibleGoes to the gym when energy allows, without rigid expectationsJN: How do you wind down at night?Drinks hot cocoa and reads a book before bedEngages in creative activities like bookbinding and illustrationPrioritizes listening to her energy levels rather than forcing structureJN: Where can people connect with you?Website: https://www.doingdoingdone.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swantje-lorrimer-14172558/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567285666137JC: Final words for the audience?“Your brain isn’t broken—stop trying to make it fit neurotypical standards.”“The world needs neurodivergent thinkers—find your own way to thrive.”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/

Welcome to episode #92! We’re thrilled to be joined by Jacob Kness today.Jacob Kness is a social entrepreneur and neurodivergent advocate, helping autistic job seekers find meaningful work. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s, Jacob has spent years exploring fitness, biomechanics, and biohacking as tools for mental and physical well-being.In this episode, we dive into how exercise, cold shock therapy, and breathwork can help neurodivergent individuals build resilience, focus, and confidence.Welcome back to the show, Jacob!QuestionsJN: How has your approach to fitness evolved over time?Started with bodybuilding-style training, then shifted to functional movementExplored martial arts, breath control & biomechanics to improve movement patternsUses fitness as a daily practice for managing Tourette’s & ADHD symptomsJN: What role does exercise play in managing neurodivergent traits?Helps with mind-body connection & proprioceptionStrengthens fast-twitch muscle fibers for better motor controlActs as a tool for emotional regulation & energy managementJC: How did cold shock therapy become part of your routine?Discovered its benefits through Wim Hof breathing & resilience trainingHelps with stress regulation, focus & nervous system balanceUses cold showers & ice baths to reset after workoutsJN: What biomechanical challenges do neurodivergent individuals often face?Poor posture & joint alignment due to sensory processing differencesFoot placement, hip alignment & movement efficiency can impact trainingMany personal trainers overlook neurodivergence in exercise programmingJC: What advice would you give neurodivergent individuals starting their fitness journey?Listen to your body rather than following rigid workout plansFind movement styles that feel natural—martial arts, yoga, weightlifting, etc.Focus on form, breath, and body awareness before increasing intensityJN: How does fitness improve social confidence & resilience?Gyms provide structured social exposure without forced interactionBuilds discipline, self-trust & confidence in everyday lifeMartial arts, team sports & group training offer supportive communitiesJC: What productivity strategies work best for you?Uses exercise as an anchor to set the tone for the dayBreaks tasks into physical & mental blocks to maintain focusUses breathwork & cold exposure for quick resets during high-energy tasksJN: What does your morning routine look like?Starts with movement (stretching, light training, or breathwork)Uses cold exposure as a mental reset before workEats high-protein meals to fuel brain functionJN: How do you wind down at night?Rolls out muscles & stretches to relax the nervous systemAvoids high-stimulation activities before bedJournals & reflects on the day's progressJN: 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 MarketJC: Final words for the audience?“Find what movement works for you—fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all.”“The body and mind are deeply connected—train both to thrive.”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/

Welcome to episode #91! We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sharon Zivkovic today.Dr. Sharon Zivkovic is an autistic social entrepreneur, systems thinker, and complexity scientist. As the CEO of Community Capacity Builders, she has used autistic cognition and systemizing strengths to develop and commercialize innovative solutions for wicked problems.Sharon has been recognized with a Fresh Scientist Award and her work is featured on the Complexity Sciences Map for Applied Complexity. Most recently, she founded the Centre for Autistic Social Entrepreneurship, which aims to create a neurodiversity-affirming entrepreneurial ecosystem.In this episode, we discuss how autistic cognition can be a superpower in systems thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship.Welcome to the show, Sharon!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Knew she was different as a child but autism wasn’t associated with girls at the timeStruggled in school due to difficulty processing informationWas eventually signed out of school at 14 and spent 16 years on welfareJN: What led you back to education later in life?Wanted to be financially independent when her daughter turned 16Went back to high school as the only mature-age student, then pursued university degreesDeveloped self-learning strategies, including recording lectures and transcribing them at homeJN: What was your career path before entrepreneurship?Worked in accounting and economic development, but struggled with traditional employmentWas successful in jobs but found she was “uncontrollable” as an employeeEventually started Community Capacity Builders to work on her own termsJC: What inspired you to become a social entrepreneur?Developed social innovation programs focused on community capacity buildingWon the Enterprising Woman of the Year Award for her work in social enterpriseStarted seeing autistic cognition as an advantage in problem-solving and system innovationJC: What is a "wicked problem" and how does complexity science help solve them?Wicked problems are complex issues like climate change & poverty with no simple solutionsComplexity science helps map out the interconnected causes and effectsUses system transitions and structured problem-solving to drive changeJN: How did receiving an autism diagnosis at 61 impact you?Helped her understand why traditional employment never workedRealized she had built the perfect life for an autistic person—self-employed, off-grid, full control over workFrustrated by the deficit-based approach of disability servicesJN: What challenges do autistic entrepreneurs face?Rigid business structures don’t work for many autistic thinkersStruggle with delegation, executive function, and bureaucracyNeed support systems tailored to their cognitive strengthsJC: What productivity strategies work best for you?Works in long focus blocks, starting immediately after waking upMonotropic focus—prefers to work on one major project at a timeTakes structured movement breaks throughout the dayJC: What strategies do NOT work for you?Multitasking or switching between different projects—prefers to finish one before starting anotherTraditional productivity hacks designed for neurotypicalsRigid, unnecessary social obligations—prioritizes meaningful work over networkingJN: What does your morning routine look like?Straight to work after waking up—no coffee, no distractionsWorks for several hours before breakfastHighly structured and optimized for deep workJN: How do you wind down at night?Watches movies while doing physiotherapy exercisesBatch cooks meals to minimize time spent on daily food prepLoves her off-grid lifestyle and avoids unnecessary social interactionsJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-sharon-zivkovic-2587888Website: https://www.communitycapacity.com.au/JC: Final words for the audience?“Neurodiversity is a movement. We need to take control of our own narrative.”“Autistic cognition is an asset—let’s build systems that recognize and support it.”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/

Welcome to episode #90! We’re thrilled to be joined by Michael O’Sullivan today.Michael O’Sullivan is a mind and body performance coach specializing in executive health, leadership, and peak performance. With over 25 years of experience in health and well-being, he helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals optimize their energy, focus, and productivity.As the founder of Body Beyond Limits and Elite Power Moves, Michael works with functional genomic testing, blood work, and high-performance strategies to create personalized health and leadership plans. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, he has turned it into a superpower, designing science-backed methods to manage stress, master time, and maintain momentum.In this episode, we discuss ADHD, leadership, energy management, and how to structure your life for long-term success.Welcome to the show, Michael!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Always struggled with focus, impulsivity, and delegationFriends with ADHD pointed out he had all the traitsGot diagnosed at age 40 and turned ADHD into a strengthJN: How did ADHD affect your leadership style?Used to be a transactional leader, constantly checking on tasksTransitioned to transformational leadership using the 10-80-10 approachLearned to delegate, trust his team, and focus on high-impact workJN: What changes did you make in managing your business and team?Uses Loom videos, SOPs, and AI to streamline workGives his team more ownership and accountabilityFocuses on high-leverage tasks rather than micromanagingJC: What are some of your best productivity strategies for ADHD?Time-blocking energy levels – Grouping similar tasks togetherRecording Loom videos & delegating – Saves time on repetitive tasksUsing binaural beats & movement breaks – Boosts focus & creativityJC: What are some productivity strategies that DON’T work for you?Pomodoro technique – Finds longer deep-work sessions more effectiveStrict to-do lists – Prefers prioritizing tasks based on impact & energyForcing structure – Works better with flexible routines & flow statesJN: What does your morning routine look like?Wakes up at 3 AM – Starts the day with lemon water & breathworkGratitude journaling & movement – Sets the tone for peak performanceDeep work first – Tackles the most important tasks before distractionsJN: How do you wind down at night?Stops eating 2 hours before bed – Optimizes digestion & sleep qualityBlue light blockers & meditation – Reduces mental overstimulationAsks subconscious questions before sleep – Enhances problem-solving overnightJN: How does diet impact ADHD & performance?Avoids high-starch meals that spike insulin – Keeps blood sugar stableFocuses on high-protein, nutrient-dense meals for sustained energyUses scheduled meal reminders to avoid forgetting to eatJN: How do movement and recovery affect productivity?6 minutes of movement every hour boosts productivity by 60%Uses cryotherapy, hot yoga & gym sessions to regulate stressSchedules recovery days after high-energy work periodsJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitepowermoves/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelosullivanexecutivecoach/Website: https://www.michaelosullivanfitness.com/official-pageJC: Final words for the audience?"Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about managing energy smarter.""Optimize your calendar, focus on high-impact work, and make recovery a priority."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/

Welcome to episode #89! We’re thrilled to be joined by Lia Lawton today.Lia Lawton is a neurodivergent psychologist and psychosexual therapist, passionate about helping clients explore intimacy, communication, and relationships in ways that are authentic to their unique neurotypes. She runs Fine Sanctuary, a private practice that provides therapy for ADHD, autism, and sexual health concerns.Diagnosed with ADHD in her late 20s, Lia understands firsthand the challenges of masking, late diagnosis, and navigating relationships as a neurodivergent adult. She is also working on developing neurodivergent-friendly tech tools to support better communication and connection.In this episode, we dive into how ADHD and autism affect relationships, intimacy, emotional regulation, and self-acceptance.Welcome to the show, Lia!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Late 20s—her dad was diagnosed first and encouraged her to get assessedHad struggled with dyscalculia (number dyslexia) in school but wasn’t identified as neurodivergentADHD traits were dismissed in school as “lazy” or “talking too much”JN: What was school like for you growing up?Thrived in primary school but struggled after transitioning to a larger, all-girls schoolWas misunderstood and labeled as lazy, leading to complete withdrawalA teacher once wrote in a report: "Lia handed in no work this year. Good luck for year 11."JN: What was your career path before psychology?Worked in event management, nightclubs, and the strip club industryLoved fast-paced, high-stimulation environments that suited her ADHD brainA bad therapy experience led her to return to university to study psychologyJC: How did getting diagnosed with ADHD change things for you?Medication was life-changing, but not a complete fixHelped level the playing field but still required additional strategiesFound alternative supports like binaural beats and heavy metal music for focusJC: How do ADHD and autism impact relationships and intimacy?Emotional regulation issues can cause communication breakdownsMasking in relationships leads to burnout and resentmentMany neurodivergent people struggle with sensory sensitivities & intimacy disconnectJC: What are some common intimacy struggles for neurodivergent clients?Porn addiction, anxiety around sex, erectile dysfunction, painful sex, and mismatched libidosRelationship challenges when one partner is neurodivergent and the other isn’tCommunication breakdowns due to different processing stylesJN: How do you help couples navigate neurodivergence in relationships?Explains the brain differences to both partners to build understandingHelps clients develop clearer communication strategiesEncourages acceptance of different intimacy needs rather than forcing a "norm"JN: What new projects are you working on?Exploring AI and app development to create neurodivergent-friendly communication toolsWriting a book on ADHD, sex, and relationships (currently in the idea-collection phase)JC: What productivity strategies work for you?Standing desk for movement while workingBinaural beats & heavy metal music to help with focusBreaking tasks into structured steps to avoid feeling overwhelmedJC: What productivity advice does NOT work for you?Journaling in pre-dated diaries—leads to guilt when she forgets to use it"Just remember to do it" strategies—doesn’t work for ADHD brainsOut of sight, out of mind—has to leave things visible to remember themJN: What does your morning routine look like?Not a morning person—needs time to wake up and resetStarts with a shower & reviewing client notes before first sessionUses movement & structured quiet time before diving into workJN: How do you wind down at night?Reads before bed to slow down thoughtsAvoids work-related conversations in the bedroomFinds her Golden Retriever comforting & part of her nightly routineJN: Where can people connect with you?Website: https://findsanctuary.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterofsex_ology/JC: Final words for the audience?"Know your own brain. The more you understand it, the easier life becomes.""You’re already playing life on hard mode—find what makes things easier."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/