{"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 94: Claire Thomas","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2340,"description":"Welcome to episode #94! We’re thrilled to be joined by Claire Thomas today.\n\nClaire 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.\n\nDiagnosed 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.\nIn 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.\n\nWelcome to the show, Claire!\n\nQuestions\nJN: What led to your ADHD diagnosis in your late 30s?\nRealized she ticked more ADHD boxes than her child during their assessment\nGrew up with the stereotypical image of ADHD as hyperactive boys\nDiagnosis changed how she viewed her past struggles with anxiety & executive function\nJN: How did ADHD impact your early career?\nStruggled with traditional work structures & long-term planning\nExcelled in high-stimulation environments with constant problem-solving\nAlways sought fast-moving, complex challenges that kept her engaged\nJC: What strengths do you lean into as a neurodivergent CEO?\nPattern recognition & intuitive problem-solving\nRapid decision-making & adaptability in uncertain markets\nAbility to connect A to D without needing B & C in between\nJN: What is your \"energy credits\" system, and how does it help?\nCreated a daily energy credit system (max 100 credits) to prevent burnout\nActivities like sleep, movement & hydration \"add credits\"\nOveruse of focus or stress \"spends credits\" and requires recovery\nJC: How do you balance high performance with...","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}