{"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 98: Rob Edwards","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2646,"description":"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...","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}