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

Welcome to episode #34 We’re thrilled to be joined by Sydney Jackson-Clockston today.Sydney Jackson-Clockston is a Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Author. She recently published "My Own Worst Enemy: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome," a book that delves into conquering negative self-talk and reframing one's mindset for a fulfilling life. Her expertise lies in thought leadership, facilitating tough conversations, building inclusive cultures, DEIJA, and empathy. Sydney is a recipient of the 2022 Good Business Colorado Award and holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid - Youth, Harassment Prevention, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention. She is affiliated with various organizations, including Consultants For Good and the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce...Welcome to the show Sydney!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with dyslexia especially writing your book?loved school growing up. Mum was educator2nd/3rd grade spelling bees = major challengespent hours studying but spelling didn’t landteacher assumed she was smart but lazy - not helpful!mum helped advocate for school to do testingtesting showed high IQ but difficulty spellingother kids and colleagues laughed at her for spellingnegative experiences led to imposter syndromewriting book has been an opportunity to reframe those experiencesawareness has improved but still some stigma, e.g. manager said she was unprofessional for spelling mistakessoftware is now making dyslexia less problematicspell check/grammarlyread aloud now basically free What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Event coordination: library opening, Good Business ColoradoCoaching entrepreneurs How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Getting married in two weeks!Travel (even started travel agency)New Orleans: food, music, culturePanama: not too crowded FilmVolunteeringDecompressNature time - earthingWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Brush teeth/hygieneGratitude journalEase into dayWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Ta Da list: highlight what you already did and say “Ta Da!”Underscheduling: keep blank space in the calendarSetting expectations: when onboarding new clients, tell them how long it’s going to take for a responseAutomate data entry: calendly link with questionsCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Stress snackingHow do you switch off at night?It’s hard when working from home/being an entrepreneur!Turn off computer and take dogs for a walkDon’t check emails after 5pmMindset work means she’s good at not checkingTactic from friends: separate work phoneFamily time with partner and nieceWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:“My own worst enemy” her book“The Laziness Lie”Brenee Brown“Why we sleep” Matthew WalkerRecommendations in her linktreeApps:Mindfulness - helps with sleepPhilosophies:Coaching/therapy is helpful for most peopleWhere can people connect with you or find your work?https://citrineunlimited.comhttps://linktr.ee/citrineunlimitedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyjcDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Get her book! “My own worst enemy”Passion over perfection - not everything has to be perfectJoey's Creativity Course: https://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course/

Welcome to episode #33 We’re thrilled to be joined by Adam Wright today.Adam Wright is co-founder of LeapN, a 'Build Your Own Metaverse' platform, and M8Call, an upcoming experiential, live event transforming romantic relationships as we know it.Prior to diving into the web3 metaverse & special events creation industries, Adam thrived in TV production for over a decade, producing hits like American Ninja Warrior, Dance Moms, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Based in Venice Beach, he stays active with workouts, fun outings with friends, and planning his upcoming event, M8Call.Welcome to the show Adam!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Grade 2 crush => locking bike to hers3 concussions as a kidLooking at social dynamics from the outsideHigh school grades not great - busy with extra curricularsAt university head of several clubs/fraternitiesLast minute approach to study + AdderalGot job with serial entrepreneurs - unconventional approach to work (had to bring bed into office)FoundWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?LeapN: victim of the crypto bear marketM8Call: 2 day experiential conference on spirituality, wellbeing and dating - December 16th/17thHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Realisation that 100hr weeks aren’t sustainableWorking outGetting back into dating (after having done inner work)Doing something creative every week - not focused on monetisingJournaling Getting out in natureWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Best self enjoys routineGet up earlyPrayersGo to church (non-denominational - pastor is former VC)Read from spiritual text/personalKettlebells (quick workout to wake up brain)Coffee + avocado + bananaPlanning the day with pen and paperUnreliable narrator likes chaosDoom scrolling on tiktok/instaWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?“Winning The Week” - 10 tasks per day1 big task: 1-2hrsMedium tasks: 30 minsHelps avoid overpromisingCommunication policyDo desk work from 4am to 8am before sun rises and Nap in afternoonCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?habit of going down rabbitholes - How do you switch off at night?Sleeping well recentlyReading himself to sleepGoing to sleep at 9pmLetting go of FOMOWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?“Winning the Week”Body doubling, e.g. Business Model Club (in person works best)Focus Bear helpful for routines: body doublingAsana + Asana Mastery courseLifehack clubWhere can people connect with you or find your work?https://linktr.ee/adamwright Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Come to M8 CallStay out of self identity/identity politics - strive for service and adventureJoey’s creativity course: https://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course/ 

Welcome to episode #31, I’m excited to be joined by Brittany Joiner today!Brittany is a self-proclaimed Trello nerd with a passion for software development, lifestyle optimization, and all things productivity. As a Developer Relations (DevRel) professional at PixieBrix, Brittany brings her technical expertise, love for fostering connections, and growth-hacking skills to the table. She's a (somewhat) digital nomad, Youtuber, and indie hacker. Welcome to the show Britt!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Brain always moved a million miles per minuteFound coping strategies/productivityLabel of anxiety was helpful so went to a psychiatristWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?PixieBrix: dev rel - browser automation toolWrote a book on TrelloHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Fostering kittens + looking after pupExerciseGaming: board games + video gamesTravelWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Tidy house + litter boxGo for a walk with the dogReward with coffeeWarm up into the day by checking tech news/slack (30-40 mins)What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Equipment: 55-inch monitorNovelty: work from coffee shopsRewards: Starbucks at lunchOrganizing tasks in TrelloTimers for 30-40 minutes to work on (Focus Bear)Plan the night before: AkiFlow - scheduling tasks (similar to Morgen)COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Staying in bed too long scrolling on the phoneSmart heaterTurn lights onHow do you switch off at night?Read/watch TV/play gamesLeave the laptop in the officeNo laptop in the bedroomWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?PixieBrixSupercharging productivity with TrelloAkiFlowComposeRoseBud AI Journal - “What was the highlight of your day?” - then helps you go deeperWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Britt_joinerSubstack: trello.substack.comDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Follow your energy levelsJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #30 We’re thrilled to be joined by Gerard Atkinson today. Gerard is a director at ARTD Consultants. He is well-versed in program and policy evaluation, business analytics, and data visualization. His expertise extends to market and social research, financial modeling, and non-profit, government, and business strategy. A dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, Gerard serves as a board member for various Australian not-for-profits and advises on diversity, equity, and inclusion committees within the research and evaluation community. Outside of his professional endeavors, Gerard is a keen trail runner and was trained as an opera singer.Welcome to the show Gerard!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Diagnosed as autistic in 2019But always felt outside the neurotypical norm.Always felt different from othersIn terms of processing information.Experiencing the world.Was able to mask and was highly intelligentPlaced in the gifted bucket.Diagnosis gave a new framework to experience the worldMotivated by seeing other friends go through the diagnosis.There is a lot more awareness around autism, the challenge is around the way society is structured, not necessarily people with autism.Still a lot of opportunities not takenJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Evaluation consultantGovernments will design a program, roll it out and spend a lot of moneyAnswers questions: “How effective was it?”, “Was it worth it?”Currently manages 10-12 evaluations at one timeEvaluation frameworkProgram logic:What activities are we doing?What outputs will that create?What outcomes will that generate for the target group?Short termMid termLong termSometimes measuring outcomes indirectly by measuring other thingsIf we can’t measure this directly, what can we measure as a proxy?Being data and method agnostic.JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Peaks and Trails 50k at DunkellsLong runTraining via25k trail run.Weight training (several decades)Music(former opera singer)SingArtGardeningJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?5:30 am wake up go for a run - social but not too social (or weight training)CoffeeNewspaper8:30 am begin work  During COVID bad habits of getting straight into work after waking up. Changed habits by working with a mentor. Created a covenant with himself JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Lives by calendarChargeable workNon-chargeable workE.g. capacity buildingSupporting staffTries to block out free time so staff can get time with him.No phone calls out of the blue.When there are callsHave some social time, some small talk.Deep work vs empowering teamBlocks out deep workWill tell the team: “This is deep thinking time” - I need something urgently, put it through email.COMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?CoffeeMindless scrolling (LinkedIn)JN: How do you switch off at night?In bed by 9:30 pmLooks after recharge time.Wind down routineChat with wife. Looking at memes.Doesn’t drink much alcoholBecause affects the sleep cycle.JC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Calendar/Microsoft Bookings“Thinking Fast and Slow” Daniel Kahneman Masking = system 2 for ND people. Whereas NT people are in system 1 #shortDavid Mayster - thought leader in the consulting industry “First among equals”Sounds great! Tough job to get the high performers to shine but also get coordination!“Let my people go surfing” founder of PatagoniaJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInWebsite (needs updating)Research Society conference in MelbourneJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?1 in 3 neurodivergent Australians are unemployed vs 1 in 6 for the disability workforce and 10x higher than the general unemployment rateND workers have insight, qualifications, and experience yet are often not able to reach their full potentialAutism, ADHD, and dyslexia diagnosis rates are increasing - we need to make sure there are jobs for them. Eliminate barriers to employment Need ND people to be transparent so that there are role models Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #29 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dave Thompson today.Dave Thompson is a self-advocate with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder. He has worked as an innovator, consultant, trainer, and strategist within the Neurodiversity Employment space since 2010. Welcome to the show Dave!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Diagnosed from 5 y.o.Disability lens - special education, deficit model - standard in New YorkNew lens: potential - some things come easyPublic speaking: Jim Carey impressions/playsEmpathetic: natural tour guideSee things differently: backward/upside downBuilding furniture without instructionsChallengesTying shoesDrivingDistractionNoiseNeurodistinct vs neurodivergentIndividuals can’t be neurodiverseEveryone is on the neurodiversity spectrumNeurodistinct coined by Tim Goldstein - neurodivergent implies normality vs What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Goal to help people have a better experience than he did early onStarted with job coaching helping individualsNow fixing the workplace via Potentia WorkforceHelping big companies become more neuro-inclusive (EY, Microsoft, IBM)Researched what worked well in Trailblazers and help other companies (Chevron, AIG) followTrain teams on how to include neuro-distinct individualsSTARS program Support new hires, managers, and teamsEmpower programMeasure how neuro-inclusive a company isEngagementWhat can companies do?HiringSending out interview questions in advanceStrengths-based interviewsDon’t copy-paste job descriptions - avoid having too many requirements and make it specific“Must be a strong communicator” is a terrible requirementOngoing workEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs)Peer supportMentorshipSharing tactics/toolsAdvocacy“No conversations about us without us”How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Family man: wife and daughterUnplug completely - do the opposite of the workGet out in natureWalk dogsMusicUpright bassDoesn’t sight read musicWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Realization that routine is important  came laterWakes up at 5:Walks dogGreets familyStarts work at 7 amWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Noise-canceling headphones + Brown noise/low-frequency binaural beatsSometimes heavy metal Working from homeRight lighting environmentUnchanging environmentTwo monitorsStanding desksFidget toysCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?CandyNever unplugHow do you switch off at night?Walk with wifeWatch TVGo to sleepWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Neurodistinct social media (TikTok, Reddit)Assistive tech: TrelloPaperWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Potentia WorkforceInstagramLinkedInDave Thompson on LinkedInPotentiaWorkforce: NDTC - neuro-distinct talent Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?You’re not the (whole) problem Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #28 We’re thrilled to be joined by Alisdair Gurling today.Alisdair is a PhD candidate at Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab where he investigates personalized assistive technology to help neurodivergent students. Outside his research, Alisdair works as a learning designer for Nextia designing assistive technology for people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other conditions. A man of many talents, he also does freelance web design.Welcome to the show Alisdair!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Feels luckyTo be diagnosed at this timeIn the past it would have been tougherIn-depth discoveryFamily was proactiveSiblings had learning difficulties.How to best adapt the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent.Was the only kid with a laptop.One of the first kids in the UK to be able to speak their exam (speech to text)Good timing.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Research into strategies for personalizing assistive technology for neurodivergent people Extending consciousness into technology: singularityDigital prostheticsAlternate learning strategiesbrute forcingSpend 4hrs readingLeapfrog the problemSpeech-to-text instead of handwritingListen to audiobooks instead of readingSpeechifyJoey uses @VoiceEmphasizing: Literate vs literaryLearning designJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?ReadingInitially struggled to readBeing able to read (at 8-10) was startlingMainly listens to audiobooksWide varietyPhilosophyPublic speakingGood for advocating for himself.JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?No tech that interfaces with the outside worldGo to Yoga studio (body doubling) - 1hrNice and calmingClassPassEncourages trying itFind a studio that fits the vibe.JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Body double with colleaguesTries a bunch of different strategiesBut make sure it’s worth the jump (e.g. the learning curve).LeapfroggingNotion - locks in thoughts.Speech-to-text (otter).AllowsSearchability (later)Presence (in the moment)Purpose-built AI notetaking devices (Not used yet)Text-to-speech.Understand what’s pulling you out of your workServices that sync your music with your heart rate - https://endel.io/And solve each problem until you get well-focused.Brain FMCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Consuming so much newsFollowing news in three countries (UK, US, AU).Often negative, problems without solutions.Future CrunchJN: How do you switch off at night?Morning routine + evening routine are tightly linked - one big blockMix it upAfter dinnerGoes for a walkHelps to unpack ideas.Seals the dayNo more external inputJust introspectionJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, academic theories, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Mediterranean dietSpeechifyEndol - procedural musicInternal vs external locus of control (internal is better)Don’t use ADHD diagnosis as a limiting beliefUse novelty seeking wiselySpectrum vs binaryMixture of Purpose is best for motivationSkill/masteryCuriosityCommunityObligationJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://www.alisdairgurling.com/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Avoid absolutes - sit in the nuanceJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #27 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ben Tobin today. <Read out bio>. Welcome to the show Ben!Ben Tobin is an ADHD and career coach. He spent 20 years working in tech and now uses his experience of working with ADHD as both an employee and a leader to help others succeed in their own lives and careers.QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Neurodiverse/neurotypical termsPolitically chargedCan be polarisingPrefers “people with ADHD”, “People with brains like mine”“Neurotypical” people like everyone elseEvolution of the treatment of people that don’t have brains like everyone elsesProsCompanies seeing how people can be more inclusive.Allows community, the labels can help connection - group identity.ConsLabels can create walls/pigeon-holing.Strengths of people with brains that work differently:Different perspectivesDifferent skillsADHD / autism can mean hyperfocus.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?1 on 1 coaching:GoalsStrategies to achieve goals (career, life)Group coaching (ADHD)JN: How do you like to wind down after work? Video gamesBreath of the wild.Long distance cyclingJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Espresso machine (caffeine hound)Plan day (bullet journaling - twice daily reflection)JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Schedule keeps him on trackBalanced with flexibilityAccepting sometimes it’s not the right timeBut tries to be intentional, make it a decisionChoice betweenMoving itDoing itDeleting is not an option - interesting. Might be good to go deeper on. Prob not enough time though 🤔Having a balance keeps him from burning out.COMMERCIAL BREAKJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://bentobin.com/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Building on the planningPlanning for flexibilityNever books appointments back to backKnowing that coming back from vacation will be toughKnowing himself and the way he worksJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #26 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr Bree Gorman today.Bree Gorman is a diversity and inclusion consultant working with organizations to create sustainable, meaningful change. Prior to launching Bree Gorman Consulting, they worked as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Deakin University. Bree’s expertise is in using data to design and inform Diversity and Inclusion strategies. They have lived experience as a minority gender in the sciences and as a genderqueer bisexual.Welcome to the show Bree!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Children got screened - they did a screening themselvesPh.D. work in 6 monthsPeople-pleasing tendencies - wanted to please parentsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?BusinessConsulting: DEI projectsTraining and education: inclusive leadership educationBusiness is much more preferable than working in a job:Ability to choose projectsscheduleHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Play cricket: flow statePodcasts: couple mundane tasksWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Start with breakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Play games - 20/30 seconds to stay longer in seatRoyal MatchCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to introduce to your life?Exercise via team sportHow do you switch off at night?Wake up early and go to sleep earlyWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Eckhardt Tolle - emotional regulationWhere can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInbreegorman.com.auDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Game suggestionsJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #25 We're thrilled to be joined by Professor Claudia Vickers, an esteemed expert in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. With a strong track record in science excellence and securing competitive funding, she focuses on using microbes to produce valuable substances for industries. Professor Vickers has held influential positions in various organizations and even served as the inaugural director for CSIRO’s synthetic biology group. Her expertise and leadership continue to drive scientific innovation, making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Welcome to the show Claudia!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Had two children with ADHD and then connected the dotsSuperpowersHyperfocusPattern recognition - connecting the dotsChallengesTime blindnessStrategies Walking treadmillTimers and alarmsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Taking a pause to reflect on where to create impact3 days per week as adjunct professorNow focusing on climate-carbon sequestrationDesigning microbes to pull carbon down:Cellular AgLandTech: feed Carbon Monoxide/Methane to clostridiumEnzymatic breakdown plasticCarbon sequestration (e.g. enhancing Rubisco)Construction materials (bio cement)Other projectsConsulting with startupsSoftware company AI-powered academic writingConstruction company using bio-based materialsWork history:Last 18 months worked for startups (e.g. Eden Brew)Previously led CSIRO’s synbio labAcademic for many years prior to thatHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Reading (paper) books - Sam Neil’s memoirsHanging out with kids (coaching son’s soccer team, daughter’s touch team)What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Getting the kids out the door (lunchboxes, brush teeth)Start workWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Walking treadmillList with prioritiesIntrospection: look at how to improveCommunicate working preferences + expectationsNoise-canceling headphonesCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Time blindness: magnify estimations by 2xHow do you switch off at night?Need to tire self outIdentifying hyperfixation (e.g. workplace issues) early in the evening - “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Noise-canceling headphonesWalking treadmill (use during meetings)Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInTwitter: claudiaevickersDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Life is special and wonderfulLearn about your own mindUse Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #24 We’re thrilled to be joined by nobody today! Join us while we discuss some interesting topics, from meditation chairs to cleaning and more!QuestionsPower of pause - how to remember to pause when the stakes are highEquipment as a crutch - meditation chairsWriter’s block - Joey’s tips + our own processesManaging emailsUsing PocketCleaningJoey’s post on meditationhttps://thepluckyjester.com/2023/01/26/meditation-has-a-marketing-problem/