{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks ","title":"Episode 81: Jacob Kness","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2396,"description":"Welcome to episode #81! We’re thrilled to be joined by Jacob Kness today.Jacob Kness is a social entrepreneur and project manager dedicated to improving autism employment opportunities. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s after experiencing a childhood stroke, Jacob has spent years navigating the intersection of neurodiversity and the workplace.Through his work at Asperger’s Victoria, he supports autistic job seekers by equipping them with skills, confidence, and opportunities for sustainable employment. In addition, his social enterprise Doughnuts provides hands-on employment experience, helping autistic individuals build real-world work skills.In this episode, we discuss autism and ADHD in the workplace, balancing structure with flexibility, and how to create sustainable career opportunities for neurodivergent professionals.Welcome to the show, Jacob!QuestionsJN: You were diagnosed quite early—what was that journey like?Had a stroke at five, which led to multiple diagnoses (autism, ADHD, epilepsy, Tourette’s)Struggled with acceptance, fought against diagnosis in early yearsLearned to reframe ADHD as a strength rather than a limitationJN: How did autism and ADHD impact your school experience?Faced behavioral challenges, moved through multiple schoolsADHD-driven impulsivity made structure difficult, but autism provided a counterbalanceA teacher with personal experience in neurodiversity made a huge impactJN: What led you to entrepreneurship?Left school at year 9, became a baker, then transitioned into social entrepreneurshipWanted to create the support system he wished he had growing upBuilt Doughnuts as a way to provide structured employment for autistic individualsJN: What do you do at Asperger’s Victoria?Manages employment support programs for autistic job seekersTeaches skills like resume writing, interview prep, and workplace adaptationWorks with major employers (e.g., ANZ Bank) to create neurodivergent-friendly hiring pipelinesJN: How do you balance...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/QZFZQrtBSDhon7MItX8a5mQvkXQ5KKmI2fe6dyhM72o/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMzNDE3LzE2NjEw/NjYyOTYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}