Episodes

  • Episode 73: Andrew Arboe

    Episode 73: Andrew Arboe
    Jan 2 2025

    Welcome to episode #73 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew Arboe today.

    Andrew Arboe is a self-advocate with a professional work background consisting of public school, private school, nonprofits, and online programs. Andrew is also a public speaker known for talking throughout New England about autism and his personal experiences.

    Welcome to the show Andrew!

    Questions

    1. JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?
      1. When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?
        1. 5-6 y.o.
        2. Temple Grandin on the scene
        3. Into video games/pokemon
        4. Upper elementary school started getting challenging
      2. What challenges did you face?
        1. Processing emotions when the environment is chaotic (raised voices)
        2. Unsure what to do after school - didn’t want to do tech/IT
      3. What strengths are you leaning into now?
        1. Explorer personality - play archetype
    2. JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
      1. 1 to 1 work in special education:
        1. Public school
        2. Private school
        3. Helping with social skills
        4. E.g. helping with cooking - organising recipes etc.
        5. Letting go of expectations about NT work/driving abilities
      2. Writing/Public speaking/advocacy in different states - personal experience
      3. “Red mage”
      4. Studying psychology
    3. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
      1. Niche games
      2. Exploring different cities/coffee shops
      3. Classic movies: The Red Shoes, It happened one night
      4. Anime movies on big screen
      5. Puppy (9 month old German shepherd)
    4. JC: Productivity tips
      1. What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?
        1. Coffee
        2. Breaks
          1. Meditation app - breaks
          2. Driving
        3. Get ahead of work (e.g. reading history of psychology)
        4. Study music - anime movie music (peak fire)
      2. What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
        1. Be careful about substance usage (even caffeine)
        2. Policing people about incorrect language usage
    5. BREAK
    6. JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
      1. Get up at 6 - take dog out
      2. Eat bagel
      3. Have coffee at work
    7. JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
      1. Video games to wind down
      2. Read book (Stuart Brown - Play book)
      3. Midnight sleep
    8. JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
      1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-arboe/
      2. Website: https://andrewarboe.weebly.com/
      3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewarboespeaker5/
    9. JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
      1. Don’t police people unnecessarily - be kind
      2. Start with small steps
      3. Think of like leveling up like Goku
      4. Don’t give up

    More from Focus Bear:

    Website: https://focusbear.io

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

    Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.io

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear


    Connect with Jeremy:

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

    Email: jeremy@focusbear.io


    Connect with Joey:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/

    Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
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    39 mins
  • Episode 72: Will Soward

    Episode 72: Will Soward
    Dec 27 2024

    Welcome to episode #72 We’re thrilled to be joined by Will Soward today.

    Will works creatively in a diverse field of digital media. He's invested in making online education more accessible for neurodiverse learners and the Web a better place to learn.

    Will talks about UX and accessible UI design with communities in the design and education space. He has 7 years as a UX designer under his belt, 12 years as an adult educator, and 20 years designing and coding front-end.

    Will is currently the Lead UX/LX Designer for Tait Communications in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

    Welcome to the show Will!

    Questions

    1. JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?
      1. When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?
        1. Dyslexia 11
        2. ADHD adult
      2. What challenges did you face?
        1. Masking - asking questions
        2. Academic -
          1. Rote learning
          2. Sit still and listen
        3. Speaking
      3. What changes have come post diagnosis?
        1. Context: why does it matter?
        2. More acceptance - stoicism - out of my control
        3. Environmental changes - clutter, to do lists
      4. What challenges do you still face now?
        1. Rabbitholes during meeting
        2. Interrupting
        3. solutionising
      5. What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?
        1. Jump ahead to solve problems quickly
        2. Creativity
        3. Hyperfocus
    2. JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
      1. Tait - accessibility design
      2. Online learning - development + design
        1. Make it better for ND adults
    3. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
      1. Renovating house (last 8 yrs)
      2. Martial arts - forced calm and focus - karate -> taekwando -> BJJ -> muay thai
    4. JC: Productivity tips
      1. What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?
        1. Philosophy: stoicism
        2. Breathing: calming
        3. Flywheel to build up motivation
        4. Lists
          1. Key priorities for the week
          2. Reprioritise
        5. Alarm 30 minutes before need to leave
      2. What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
        1. Eat that frog
    5. BREAK
    6. JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
      1. Reprioritise list
    7. JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
      1. Finish in evening at 5pm to make space for relationship - shut laptop
    8. JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
      1. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willsoward/
      2. Website: https://willsoward.com/
    9. JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
      1. Learn more about neurodiversity

    More from Focus Bear:

    Website: https://focusbear.io

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

    Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.io

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear


    Connect with Jeremy:

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

    Email: jeremy@focusbear.io


    Connect with Joey:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/

    Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
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    45 mins
  • Episode 71: Michelle Ridsdale

    Episode 71: Michelle Ridsdale
    Dec 21 2024

    Welcome to episode #71 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Ridsdale today.


    Michelle is the visionary force behind Kaboose, an innovative app designed to foster a sense of community for autistic individuals and those embracing neurodiversity. Drawing from her own personal journey and lived experiences, Michelle is a dedicated advocate and volunteer within the autistic community. Witnessing her own son grapple with isolation and disconnection, she was inspired to create a platform that addresses these challenges head-on.


    Welcome to the show Michelle!


    Questions

    1. JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?
      1. When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?
        1. Son diagnosed
        2. I'm very social
        3. Daughter: ADHD and Autism
        4. Signs
          1. Routines
          2. Mask
          3. Autistic meltdown
      2. What challenges did you face?
        1. Not many friends
        2. Son gravitated to adults no kids
      3. What changes have come post-diagnosis?
        1. Self acceptance
        2. Less verbal
      4. What challenges do you still face now?
        1. ADHD - too many internal convos
        2. Getting upset over small things
      5. What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?
        1. Hyperfocus
        2. Learning more about routines and quiet work
    2. JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
      1. Friends, mentors, jobs
        1. Tribes
      2. Songs on repeat TikTok
      3. Limit the number of people in group
    3. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
      1. Work = special interest
      2. Reading = mystery/nonfiction
        1. Let It Go by Dame Stephanie - autistic feels
    4. JC: Productivity tips
      1. What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
        1. Calendar - colour coded
          1. Kaboose = purple
          2. kids = different colors
          3. social
        2. Lists (notebook, phone)
        3. Tasks in calendar
      2. What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
        1. Mindfulness leads to more stress
    5. BREAK
    6. JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
      1. Dog follows routine too
      2. Walk at 6 am
      3. Shower
      4. Coffee
      5. Start the night before
        1. Clothes and food organized
    7. JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
      1. Ready yourself the night before
      2. Menu plan
    8. JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
      1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleridsdale/
      2. Kaboose on app stores
      3. kaboose.app - https://www.kaboose.app/
      4. kaboose_app - social media
    9. JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?

    More from Focus Bear:

    Website: https://focusbear.io

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/

    Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.io

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear


    Connect with Jeremy:

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

    Email: jeremy@focusbear.io


    Connect with Joey:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/

    Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
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    38 mins
  • Episode 70: Kristian Mikhel

    Episode 70: Kristian Mikhel
    Dec 6 2024
    Welcome to episode #70 We’re thrilled to be joined by Kristian Mikhel today. Kristian is a co-founder of Paper and Pain, a creative collective for good, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, and an accessibility designer. He's been sharing his experience living and working with ADHD, advocating for equal digital rights and inclusive experiences, and helping products that benefit humans and communities.Welcome to the show Kristian!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Diagnosed in 2023, but has struggled with concentration, focused work, and motivation since junior school.Initially, he wasn’t aware of the condition.His level of acceptance was a lot lower when he was growing upIt was thought to be a kids-only condition.What challenges did you face? Trying to calm myself down, feeling agitated and nervous constantly for no good reason, leaving tasks incomplete, and getting bored.Family wouldn’t understandSitting in one place for an hour was really difficultWould want to split a task up.Initially, he thought his inability to complete tasks was depression.A feeling of rolling in the fog before diagnosis.Defense mechanismAgainst feeling ofNot being “motivated enough.”What changes have come post-diagnosis?Just knowing that you’ve got ADHD and having a diagnosis that explains that it’s not you, it’s your disability, helps a lotIt’s like putting on glasses and now your vision is better.When you know what your dealing with, it’s sometimes as good as half the solution.Feeling well supported.What challenges do you still face now?The feeling of guilt for not being productive enough, constantly trying to find new things to keep me excited, access to medication (hello, Australian healthcare)The rushing mentioned below can be tough to manage.It’s like driving really fast and then braking hard over and over again.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I don’t think I would call them “strengths”, but I’ve learned to complete things very fast to avoid getting bored, so sometimes, I would finish a massive project in a few hours and have the rest of the time to myself (well, I end up filling it with other projects, so that’s barely a win).Self-awareness of attention spanNeed to get a task done in 20 minutes otherwise, he’s going to get bored.The analogy of a match being lit needs to get stuff done before the match burns out.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? PhDFocus on improving communication about air qualitybuilding a design agencyHelp out non-profits and well-being orgs with designwriting articlesPublish where?host a podcast (Paper and Pain)write a newsletter (The Accessibility Apprentice)Questions:How do you balance PhD with the other commitments?Understanding that there is life beyond work and commitmentsLogistically:Still trying to work it outTrying not to stick too rigidly to a routine.LooselyA few hours of fun in the morningCoffeeMake breakfastWatch TVWhile in a cheerful moodSolving the biggest problemsLiterature reviewsLater onFocus timersWhere did the name Paper & Pain come from?Why air quality comms - particular interest in that problem?JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? Is there such a thing as an off-time? Wants to prioritise these things that make life beautifulWorking outGetting out of the houseReading Usually has 5-6 books simultaneous1-2 are research pieces.Light fiction: 100-year Swedish man who jumped out the windowClassicsHemmingway, TolstoyFukow? Foucault? (spelling?)HobbiesTrying new things - ask him about the most exciting thing he has tried.I recently moved to Tassie, a lot of nature and walking I read a lot (and sometimes, I even finish the books I pick up), watch good movies, cookI’m an incredibly social creature if I don’t get to spend time with other people, my condition gets worse very fastJC: Productivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Paradoxical strategy: try not to focus on productivity because otherwise, it ends up being a checkbox mentalityInstead, focus on areas of interest (e.g. enjoys literature review)Ignore tasks that don’t add value - ruthlessly removeThe best I could come up with, I minimize distractions by spending some time setting up my workstation, muting all notifications, and setting timersWorkouts and a good diet help, but maybe don’t work out during work hours?What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?I don’t like making plans in advance, especially when they’re too detailed: breaking big tasks into subtasks causes you to lose track of the work. Too much meta work. You end up chasing the to-do list instead of enjoying itUsing AI to optimize calendar/to-do list: removesCounting hours: results matter more than time spentI can’t meditate (too boring), although deep breathing ...
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    43 mins
  • Episode 69: Christa Seals

    Episode 69: Christa Seals
    Nov 12 2024
    Welcome to episode #69. We’re thrilled to be joined by Christa Seals today. Christa is a serial entrepreneur from her teen years and has extensive military experience, Christa has always positioned herself as a leader and mentor, consulting high-caliber executives, managing special agent HQs, and scaling her businesses. With her specialized understanding of human nature, team performance, and how high-producing talent operates, Christa is in the unique position to provide team building, performance enhancement, and skill development for high achievers within a demanding industry.Welcome to the show Christa!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Her deep interest in her curiosityBringing biology books on camping.Deep focus while playing violin (so immersed in it that she’d end up with a bruise on her chin)When I was younger I felt like it was there but it didn’t manifest until I had multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI).The last one really triggered it the worst and caused me to go through a multi-month clinical treatment.Shifting between periods of hyperfocus and then having a lot of trouble focusing.What challenges did you face? Speech, memory, and dealing with common situations, I was easily overwhelmed, and easily triggered.Some days able to concentrate well at work, other times unable to get anything done for days straightDidn’t tell anyone about the TBI or health issues.Didn’t want them to be an identifier.A leader with similar issues opened up which helped Christa feel less alone.The identity of being a small female in the militaryFeeling the need to prove herself.What changes have come post-diagnosis? AcceptanceI have slowed down immensely in comparison to when I was at the peak of my military career. I have started self-examining myself before most if not all situations so I can best prepare. What challenges do you still face now? Impulsivity, I naturally get easily excited about new things but that causes me to be impulsive (i.e. TEDx). I also have a lot of hobbies that I find hard to balance.How can you give yourself grace while being in a disciplined environment like the military?Military is pretty standardized, and not compatible with neurodivergence.Some leaders like the creative leadership of a neurodivergent individual.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now? My creative lens. It took me a while to realize that I see the world differently and that’s truly a gift to share with the world. I have helped clients, friends, and family look at things completely different than what they approach problems with and that helps them overcome and find solutions.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Writing book Business CoachingDentists, Professors, AI developersProvide structure, help set goalsSOPsPaper => Digitalworking on my TEDx talk. Being audacious: have balls of steelNecessary to create changeHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Depends on how much off timeI have. I love squeezing in coffee dates, or a quick trip to a beautiful view. If I have a bit more time then I love travelling, taking my family to find hidden gems in new places. Exploring: finding the views that no one really knows the locationProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Listen to ASMR: helpful for productivity at work and household choresWhat does ASMR stand for again? - autonomous sensory meridian responseNot sure, but it’s often used as an ambient soundtrack to relaxReminds her of grandmother humming the rosary.NowPainting sounds of the brushRummaging through bags: makeup bags, craft bags.Location cued productivity:Working from home doesn’t helpThinks about housework/home improvement projects at homeSelf study/reflectionExamines consciencePrayer/meditationBrain dumping ideasDon’t work through lunch - useful recharge time.What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Chronodiscrimination: not everyone wakes up at 5 am and jumps out of bedShe does much better if she wakes up without an alarm - peak productivityBREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?It has evolved several times after testing my own productiveness in different scenarios. Has had to adjust with parenthood.I used to start by making coffee and sitting on my balcony while I read for 20 minutes, and then it transitioned to going to the gym first thing in the morning. But that changed after I had my son. Now that my son is 3, I take him to school so I am most productive by taking a shower, getting dressed, getting ready down to my shoes, and then waking up my son to get ready so I’m not overwhelmed trying to get both of us ready at the same timeWakes up with the sunI also allow my body to sleep in if I need to, but then I kick off the same way. Shower to get productiveGets into ...
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    38 mins
  • Episode 68: Steve Grace

    Episode 68: Steve Grace
    Nov 1 2024
    Welcome to episode #68. We’re thrilled to be joined by Steve Grace today. Steve Grace is the CEO & Founder of The Nudge Group, empowering high-growth companies to thrive on a global stage with a unique fusion of recruitment expertise and powerful storytelling designed to expand your reach and impact worldwide. He is also the Founder of Nudge Productions creating high-quality content to tell stories through every medium from creating & managing podcasts in both video & audio, newsletters production & management, photography, and documentary/filmmaking.And lastly, he is the publisher of both Balance the Grind & Startup Life: Unscripted and host of both the Give it a Nudge and Daily Grind podcasts.Welcome to the show Steve!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? I could talk for hours about this, how it affected me mentally, etc and how it affects my work, why I do what I do, etcWhen did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About 13-14 years oldStarted with a diagnosis of an extreme form of dyslexia.What challenges did you face?Ridicule, stress, being differentAccomplished siblingsWhat is it like now?Love it, I will tell you whyStill finds it difficult to read. Took a while to readHad to learn the shape of every word.Finds it difficult to read handwriting.Found recruitment because it was all speaking (a lot easier than writing).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?every single one I canDifficult to separate the neurotypical strengths from the idiosyncraticShort and sweet communicationWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on? Recruitment businessProduction CompanyPodcasts: Give It A Nudge: features startupsDaily Grind: hacks to improve diet, exercise, career, sustainabilityWebsiteBalance the grind: work-life balanceFilm makingFilming war games for military startupsThe Pillars: private clubFounders and family offices get together and build stuffThe goal is to build 20 Canvas and 5 AtlassiansCasual club: can wear a t-shirt; avoiding being stuffy. BYO kilt.How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?With my business Balance the Grind balance, is important to meWork-life balance looks different to different people.Teenagers occasionally want to spend time with him (at the ATM)Sport/exercise:Exercise 6 days per weekKeystone habitI did a half ironman last yearI love the ocean, live at Tamarama, learning to surf very late in lifeMediaTravel (going away on a boat) What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? Get up early (how early - callback on sleep question) - sleep makes a difference to clarityRead for 30 minutes (though sometimes gets lured in by phone)High performance coffee - “before you speak”Green juice (reviewing them for Balance the Grind)Breaks up the day with movement (e.g. walk to next meeting for 1hr and make phone calls)Don’t spend more than 45 minutes on one taskDrinking water - gives him a lot of energyPlanning which I hate,Some standard old-school ones like doing what I hate firstLo-Fi Beats I am tryingBreathworkTurn email off + keep phone awayEmail yourself notesUse Siri to email 4 different notebooksCandidate interview notesClient requirementsThe Daily Grind: research guests beforehandIdeas bookAccountability MeetingMonday morning check-in with teamNot in trouble but feel embarrassed/fulfilled if you do it Measurement:Woop bandCGMWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Focusing on one thing - everything is connected“Don’t make lists”COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Get up at 5.30 am (earlier in Summer than Winter)Solar-powered human (moved from UK to AU for the sun)Drink half a bottle of waterJuiceCoffeeWake up teenagers (x2)Read for 15-30 mins (print them out in A4)Shower, shave, contactsGym (3x weights, 1x run, 1x swim)Protein shakeWork - no meetings before 11 amHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Goes home around 6 pmCheck emailsWork until 7ishDinnerWork until 9 pmScrolling/bad TV/moviesGo to bed at 11 pmFalls asleep quicklyCan’t sleep past 7 hoursWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://thenudgegroup.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegrace/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegraceg/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Lofi musicReframe any limiting beliefsMore 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: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://...
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    37 mins
  • Episode 67: Dr. Megan Anna Neif

    Episode 67: Dr. Megan Anna Neif
    Oct 31 2024
    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: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
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    36 mins
  • Episode 66: Rebecca Arnold

    Episode 66: Rebecca Arnold
    Oct 24 2024
    Welcome to episode #66 We’re thrilled to be joined by Rebecca Arnold today. REBECCA ARNOLD, JD, CPCC, PCC, is a professional, certified coach and the founder of Root Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a holistic leadership coaching firm for ambitious professionals. She has worked with 100+ leaders in the fields of education, medicine, law, academia, and social-impact organizations. She is an attorney by training and has collaborated with organizations from Google and Harvard to Top 100 law firms and K-12 school districts. She’s known as a “straight-talkin’, big-hearted” coach. Her book, The Rooted Renegade: Transform Within, Disrupt the Status Quo & Unleash Your Legacy, shares the path to holistic success for mission-driven leaders. It’s a #1 Amazon bestseller and Kirkus Reviews called it, “A wide-ranging and impressively holistic approach to achieving personal and professional success.” Welcome to the show, Rebecca!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About age 42- which I’m finding is more and more common among my peers (women with ADHD). I have been treated for anxiety and depression for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I had a child with ADHD that I recognized the symptoms in myself and was able to get a diagnosis. This seems like a common experience for parents of children with ADHD because there’s so much more awareness now than when we were children.What challenges did you face? Getting started and focused has always been difficult for me, but I did very well in school because of what I now realize were maladaptive coping mechanisms. I procrastinated and stayed up all night finishing assignments in high school, college, and law school.This led to me getting to the point of hallucinating in the middle of the night working on finals in law school because I’d stayed up for multiple nights in a row.When I had kids and started work again, the tasks built up more and more and I could no longer rely on procrastination. I ended up burning out because of massive anxiety overload and sleep deprivation.I’ve since learned that the effects of anxiety mimic ADHD medications, so of course many of us who are undertreated for ADHD use anxiety to self-medicate. Many of us also have anxiety as a separate diagnosis, so I do want to make that clear. In a world that doesn’t understand or value neurodiversity as it should, anxiety seems to be an obvious byproduct.The anxiety-fueled productivity masked what was going on underneath.It was tough to sleep. Combined with adrenal disease, it was really challenging - led to burnout of 8 months.Writing the book, especially editing required support from othersCan edit things forever.Hard to cut through the pressure of doing things aloneWhat is it like now?I have medication that works- yay!And I’ve learned so many hacks that help me work with my ADHDHacks wax and wane over timeAccountability buddiesI’m really choosy about the type of work I do because I know that if it plays to my strengths and talents, I’m fire and if not, it’s torture. I’m also very intentional about ways to generate motivation (connecting a task to my purpose, considering who the work is for and its impact, allowing myself to get excited and follow my energy- instead of treating my to-do list like my boss).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I’m great at coming up with new ideas for my coaching business Many people post-pandemic have ADHD-like challenges with focus, procrastination, and productivity, so I’m able to share with my neurotypical clients strategies that support me (and they work for them too)I can get a lot done when I’m motivated, so I capitalize on that. Deep empathyCan be a distraction as well as a superpower.Tangentiality means she can join dots and see patterns easily.Creating own rules (came from being socialized as a woman, pressure to be perfect). Rebelled against perfection.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?I’m focused on spreading the word about my book, The Rooted Renegade because it’s packed with practical tools and strategies that I know will support people.The impetus for the book was videos that Rebecca was releasing during pandemicMessages for videos translated to bookFramework for holistic successCalming emotionsExistential peace - align work with purpose, habits with goalsRelational peace: positive relationships with self and others (instead of sucking us dry)50+ toolsTalk to the book while writing itDoing deep work with my executive and leadership clients.Running my business in ways that fulfill me like being aligned with my purpose, hiring people who are values-aligned, and building time and space into my schedule for deeper work, connection, rest, family, and play. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? (5 minutes - T+25)Productivity tips What do you do to optimize ...
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    40 mins