Episode 70 - What is the Highly Sensitive Personality?

In this episode, I'm joined by Nina Khoo, the sensitive leadership coach who first introduced me to the concept of being a highly sensitive person (HSP). Nina provides a fantastic explanation of what it means to be an HSP - from processing information and emotions deeply, to being easily overwhelmed by too much stimuli, noticing subtleties that others miss, and having an innate ability to see the bigger picture.

As Nina describes it, being highly sensitive is not a flaw at all, but rather an evolutionary gift found in about 20-30% of the population across species. HSPs were naturally designed to be the guardians and advisers, exquisitely attuned to their environment in order to alert the rest of the group to potential threats or issues.

However, Nina acknowledges the challenges modern society poses for us HSPs with the constant overstimulation and fast pace. She emphases the critical importance of self-care practices like time in nature, mindfulness, healthy eating and finding community with fellow HSPs. Only from this grounded, safe space can we then embrace our role as the modern-day "advisers" by speaking up about patterns and problems we notice that others may miss.

I really resonate with Nina's own personal journey - from leaving the corporate world after realising she was an HSP, to now coaching other highly sensitive leaders and entrepreneurs. She offers such wise insights for how we HSPs can tune back into our needs, honour our intuition, and lean into the gift of our sensitivity rather than viewing it as a perceived weakness.

If you suspect you may be a highly sensitive person too, I cannot recommend Nina's work enough. You can connect with her and learn more at ninakhoo.com

And if you'd like to understand how to embrace your ADHD strengths and find effective strategies to 'do life' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. Let’s discover approaches that embrace your uniqueness and give you what you need to thrive! You can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 69 - Brand Strategy for ADHD Entrepreneurs

In this episode, I'm joined by the lovely Katie Cope from Keppel Leopard Creative. Katie helps female founders find, create and embrace their true personal and business identities through branding.

Katie shares her incredibly unconventional path into the world of branding, starting from backgrounds in events, animation, theatre and high-end TV production. As a fellow ADHD entrepreneur, I love hearing how Katie's neurodivergent brain allowed her to make bold sideways career moves that others may not have considered.

We dive into the common myths Katie encounters around branding, like the belief that it's just a "nice-to-have" expense. Katie powerfully reframes branding as a core part of your marketing strategy and overall business identity.

She outlines the key ingredients for a successful brand - storytelling to connect with your audience, truly knowing that audience, and critically, focusing first on brand strategy before visuals. I particularly appreciate Katie's insights on how a clear brand strategy acts as a guiding framework for ADHD entrepreneurs, preventing us from endlessly chasing new ideas down "rabbit holes."

Throughout our chat, Katie offers loads of valuable tips for neurodivergent business owners looking to authentically represent themselves through their brand. This is a must-listen for any ADHD entrepreneur seeking to find more focus and consistency in how they show up in the world.

If you want to learn more about Katie then visit Keppel Leopard Creative.

And if you'd like to understand how to embrace your ADHD strengths and find effective strategies to 'do life' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. Let’s discover approaches that embrace your uniqueness and give you what you need to thrive! You can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 68 - Take Back Your Time

In this episode, I discuss how those with ADHD can change their relationship with time to take back control. I dive into the challenges neurodivergent entrepreneurs and business owners like myself face in effectively managing our time.

I introduce the "TEA & TOAST" framework - covering important mindset shifts around time (TEA) as well as practical strategies to reclaim your time (TOAST). Under TEA, I explain the importance of noticing the language you use about time, showing yourself empathy for how ADHD impacts your time perception, and taking real action steps customised for your neurodivergent brain.

For the TOAST portion, I run through my method for auditing how you currently use your time in order to find pockets to ringfence. This includes looking at which tasks to template, outsource, automate, standardise or throw out altogether.

Throughout the episode, I share candid examples from my own experiences as a business owner with ADHD. I offer tips like using external time cues, time-tracking tasks to plan better, and scheduling unstructured breaks. This is a must-listen for any neurodivergent entrepreneur struggling with time management and balancing work with the rest of life.

If you'd like to understand how to embrace your ADHD strengths and find effective strategies to 'do life' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. Let’s discover approaches that embrace your uniqueness and give you what you need to thrive! You can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 67 - Embracing Your Squiggle

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I'm thrilled to have Katie Newman with us. Katie transitions from the corporate world to empowering entrepreneurs to embrace their unique paths. She shares her journey from striving for perfection to discovering the power of authenticity and the profound shift that a coaching session on embracing her "squiggle" brought to her life and career.

Katie discusses the impact of self-acceptance in personal development and business, offering valuable insights for anyone caught in the perfectionism trap. Her approach focuses on supporting purpose-led individuals and unintentional entrepreneurs to tap into their true selves, enriching their lives and work.

For those interested in learning more about Katie's coaching and her unique perspective on personal growth and professional success, you can connect with her and explore her offerings at: https://www.rewilders.ltd

If you'd like to understand how to embrace your ADHD strengths and find effective strategies to 'do life' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. Let’s discover approaches that embrace your uniqueness and give you what you need to thrive!

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 66 - No Success Without Failure

In this Unconventional Business Podcast episode, I welcome Steven Shillingford. We discuss his journey from dealing with dyslexia and feeling isolated to leveraging his ADHD for creative expression. Steven highlights a health scare that led him to rethink his life and the role of authenticity in growth. He talks about the impact of video content in expressing himself and overcoming the fear of imperfection.

Steven offers insights on transcending perfectionism to create impactful content. For those keen on exploring Steven’s methods or seeking advice on authentic storytelling, you can find him on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@stevenshillingford

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 65 - Ick-free ADHD-friendly marketing and sales

In this episode, I dive into the uncomfortable "ick" that so many of us feel when it comes to promoting our businesses. As a neurodivergent entrepreneur myself, I share insights and strategies on how to embrace ethical marketing and sales.

You'll learn how to see selling as helping, make sales conversations feel authentic, and create marketing that truly resonates with your ideal clients. If you've ever struggled with the idea of marketing your services without compromising your values, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore ways to grow our businesses with integrity, tackle rejection sensitivity, and approach marketing in a way that feels genuinely us.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 64 - Energise Your ADHD Brain Through Movement

In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce Emily Doe, a movement and mindset coach renowned for her innovative approach to wellbeing. Emily and I delve into the transformative power of movement for individuals with ADHD, discussing how physical activity can significantly help foster a deeper connection with oneself. Emily offers invaluable insights into integrating movement into your daily life, ensuring it's a source of joy rather than a chore.

We also explore the concept of embodied self-care and how movement can be a direct pathway to managing the nuances of ADHD. Emily shares how to start incorporating more movement into your routine for those of us navigating the complexities of ADHD, and the profound impact this can have on our personal and professional lives.

For those seeking to dive deeper into Emily's work or looking for personalised guidance on incorporating movement into their ADHD management strategy, Emily warmly invites you to visit her website at https://movementfoundations.co.uk/

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 63 - How to Thrive with ADHD-Friendly Biz Strategies

In this episode, I dive into the key pillars of business success from an ADHD perspective: strategy, systems, and support. I share insights into creating a bespoke strategy that plays to our strengths, the importance of systems to streamline our workflow, and how crucial the right support is for entrepreneurs like us. You'll hear about my personal strategies for tackling common ADHD-related business challenges, offering a blend of practical advice and motivational guidance.

I also touch on how my journey as an ADHD business coach can help others fine-tune their approach to business, ensuring their neurodivergent traits are not just accommodated but harnessed for success. Join me for an episode filled with actionable steps to craft a thriving business that aligns with your ADHD brain.

Listen to discover how you can leverage your unique strengths, simplify your processes, and find the support that moves you forward.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 62 - Automation: An ADHDer's Best Friend

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jon Cunningham, an expert in process and systems. We explore how smart automation can streamline repetitive business tasks, enhancing efficiency and clarity. Jon, who also navigates the world of ADHD, shares insights on making automation user-friendly and accessible, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to improve their business operations.

Jon debunks the myth that automation is impersonal and complex, offering practical, implementable strategies that can bring immediate benefits to any business.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email!

You can find out more about Jon on his website here: flowflows.com

Episode 61 - Distraction For The Win

In this episode, I take you on a journey through my life with ADHD, exploring the unique challenges and perspectives it offers. Living with ADHD isn't just about managing the hurdles; it's about understanding and working with your brain in a way that aligns with its natural tendencies.

One of the key topics I delve into is the concept of embracing your "ooh squirrel" moments. Instead of fighting against these distractions, I discuss how acknowledging and understanding them can actually enhance your productivity and creativity. This approach is all about working with your ADHD brain, not against it, and finding strategies that align with how your mind naturally operates.

This episode is packed with personal insights and practical tips for anyone looking to understand ADHD better, whether it's a part of your life or someone you know. It's not about changing who you are but embracing it and learning to navigate the world in a way that suits you best.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email! If you're keen to embrace your ADHD strengths and identify strategies that work for you and your brain, you can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 60 - It's All About Health

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Rachael Kennard Wall from 'It's All About Health'. We dive deep into the world of holistic healing, uncovering how seemingly unrelated elements of our lives can be crucial in understanding and treating various health disorders.

Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge in holistic therapies and shares how a comprehensive approach to health can reveal the underlying causes of many common ailments. Our conversation spans the importance of connecting mind, body, and environment, providing a unique perspective on health and wellness.

In a particularly moving part of our conversation, Rachael emphasizes the vital role of hope in facing health challenges. She challenges the notion that some conditions are beyond help, advocating for the pursuit of alternative treatments and solutions. Her message is clear and powerful: never accept the belief that nothing can be done. This inspiring stance underscores the importance of seeking out new paths to wellness and embracing the journey, no matter how daunting it may initially seem.

This episode is especially enlightening for anyone curious about holistic health or seeking alternative approaches to health issues. Rachael's insights and experiences are not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of holistic healing.

If this episode speaks to you or you know someone who could benefit from Rachael's insights, please do share it. To learn more about Rachael and her holistic approach, visit itsallabouthealth.co.uk

Episode 59 - Own Your Story

In this episode I’m joined by Nicola Paull, Spiritual Teacher and author of ‘Own Your Story’. Nicola shares some of her truly inspirational story from the darkness of trauma into the light of discovering and developing her spiritual practice. Despite initially feeling cynical about spirituality she talks about the near-death experience that motivated her to open her mind and turn her life around.

We discuss what spirituality means to us as individuals and importantly, how it differs from religion. Nicola also talks about her transformation from someone who never saw themselves as a writer, to publishing her first book, plus some sneaky peaks into her future book plans!

Nicola also cheekily flips the script on Siobhan, posing her an interesting question about her own spiritual journey, plus we cover what might really be driving our choices when it comes to what we watch on TV. (This one will surprise you!).

If you enjoy this episode please do leave the podcast a rating or review, and share this episode with someone you know who might be curious about their own spirituality.

To find out more about Nicola, her work, and her of course her book, visit nicolapaull.com

Episode 58 - Rejection in Business: Friend or Foe?

As a business owner, you face potential rejection from a variety of sources on a daily basis: clients, prospects, friends, banks - rejection could come from anywhere at any time. But what happens when your experience of rejection is particularly intense and hard to recover from? What can you do to overcome it and move forward?

In this episode I discuss some of the different sources of rejection you might experience and delve into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and how that can show up for those of us who are neurodivergent in particular.

Not only do I walk you through some simple steps to get you out of your negative stories when you experience rejection, but in fact offer a completely different perspective on rejection altogether. This might surprise you - but perhaps that intense reaction to rejection could be more of a friend to you than foe. Perhaps, it could be exactly the message you need to ensure you start prioritising yourself.

As always I love to hear your feedback, so please get in touch if this episode resonates with you.

To find out more about my work as an ADHD-friendly marketing strategist, business mentor & coach, visit revealmarketinguk.com or ask Alexa to 'Open Reveal Marketing'

Episode 57 - The 24 Hour Week - Behind The Scenes

Ever wondered if it's really possible to reduce your hours and still pay the bills?! Then this podcast episode is an essential listen!

In this ep I run through your seven secret weapons when it comes to reducing your hours: the three essential mindset and belief pillars you need to successfully run a business based on a 24-hour week, plus the 4 practical steps you can take to start making it happen right now.

As always, I'm here to keep it real. There is no silver bullet, but with the right frame of mind, the right business strategy, and the right supporting systems, it is perfectly achievable to maintain (or increase) your income whilst reducing your hours. Expect plenty of home truths and prompts to help you move past discomfort into action.

If you'd like to know more about how I support my clients to build a business they love around the life they want, please get in touch, and let's talk about my range of ADHD-friendly mentoring and coaching services.

If you'd like to know more about my marketing strategy services, you can drop me an email or ask Alexa to 'Open Reveal Marketing'.

Let's keep doing business, differently!

Episode 56 - Resilience: The Real Secret Sauce

What is the secret sauce of resilience? Toughing it out, getting in touch with your ‘soft skills’ or something else entirely?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Griffiths - aka The Founders’ Friend - who helps people develop self-compassionate high performance. We discuss all things resilience - one of the most essential but potentially hard-won skills any business owner needs to develop.

Sam shares a slice of his squiggly career path to where he is today, via some surprising and sometimes particularly challenging job choices! By folding lived experience into his lifelong passion for learning, Sam has developed a different perspective on what resilience really means and how we can develop it. We also discuss why Sam hates the term ‘soft skills’, what he really learned from being a club doorman, and why crying is just so damn good for you!

This episode is a must for anyone being told to ‘tough out’ the world of business and looking for a more compassionate and ultimately more enjoyable alternative.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode please help us spread the word and share it with someone you know who needs to hear it.

Connect with Sam or find out more about his work on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampgriffiths/

Episode 55: ADHD: Gifted or Afflicted?

You might have heard the phrase “ADHD is my superpower” out of the mouth of someone recently diagnosed with the condition, then two seconds later you read a stat about how ADHDers are more likely to take their own life. With the recent explosion in diagnoses and relatable content sharing the reality of living with ADHD, it can get pretty noisy out there. So which is it - a life-hindering disability or the secret sauce of all the world’s greatest minds?

In this episode, I share the story of my journey to discovering I have an ADHD brain, relatively late in life. I also share my take on whether I think it means us ADHDers are gifted, afflicted, or maybe something else entirely (but definitely NOT just jumping on a trend!)

If you, your child or someone you know could have or knows they have an ADHD brain, I also share some guidance and recommendations of resources to help dial up the “gifts” and minimise the “afflictions.”

If this episode has resonated with you then please do get in touch, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and leave a rating or review. Please help us spread the word that we can do business (and life!) differently.

Episode 54: Serving from the overflow

What happens when you serve from an overflowing cup rather than just a full one!?

Actual magic, that's what! In this episode, I'm joined by Jo Jerodene - the wealthy woman's self-worth, soul-guide & spiritual teacher.

Forget 'a bit woo', we're going ALL IN! We talk about what happens when you truly learn to put yourself at the centre of your life and why bubble baths don't really cut it when it comes to self-care. We meander through some of the foundations needed to truly live the life you were meant to live and what it actually means to ‘serve’ others.

Jo shares a bit about the incredible story that led her to embrace her own spirituality, via a burnout so bad she ended up in a hospital for tropical diseases! She provides a unique perspective on what causes burnout and what happens at a spiritual level when we experience it.

We discuss whether society understands ’free will’ and how our purpose as humans is so much more than living a conventional pre-ordained life inside the matrix.

This is not a discussion for the faint-hearted or the narrow-minded. Ultimately this conversation is an uplifting, fascinating opportunity to crack open your brain and see the world around you with a different pair of lenses.

Find out more about Jo and her work at:

⁠https://jojerodene.com⁠

Or hang out with her on LinkedIn and treat yourself to some of her uniquely uplifting ‘messages from a Grail Priestess':

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-jerodene

Tell us what you think! Please leave us a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode - or share it with someone you know would love it.

Episode 53: Why you might need to stop marketing and start selling

Do you need to swap marketing for selling?

I’m speaking to a lot of people struggling to attract clients at the moment, so I’m hopping on the mic in this episode to bring it back to basics. First I share my top tips to identify if you have an underlying problem and fix it, so you can ensure you’re selling the right product or service to the right people at the right time.

If you have ticked all of these areas off and you have a proven offer, I share the real reason you are likely to be struggling to make sales. The truth is: posting on social media alone will not make you sales!

This is where you might need to stop marketing your product or service and start actually selling it, so I give you the lowdown on the three essential elements you need to focus on. Spoiler alert: they come down to building and nurturing relationships, without agenda!

Rather than bang on about relationships in a vague way, I share my hot take on what you need to do daily to connect with prospects, listen to them and make sales. I also share my secrets to getting an answer on a proposal, every time! 

If you feel like you’re doing ALL the marketing and you’re just getting crickets in response, this is the episode for you.

Episode 52: Healing with humour

In this episode, Siobhan is joined by Kyrus Keenan Westcott, Social Media Influencer and passionate advocate of the mental health conversation, through his own late diagnosis of severe depression, anxiety and eventually ADHD.

Ky shares his journey into social media, via a brutal injury that kept him stuck at home “before it was cool!’, plus some of his secrets to creating funny, relatable content to further the mental health conversation every single day.

Siobhan and Ky reveal what it really means to be an introvert and why they find socialising exhausting! They also discuss some of the interesting quirks of having an ADHD brain - including their hot take on why so many people are currently being diagnosed, plus why advice like ’just try harder!’ doesn’t work.

They also discuss mental health diagnoses in a wider context, why these are often perceived as labels or excuses and how we can do better collectively to talk about mental health and better support each other.

And finally, they round the ep off with some top tips for anyone asking questions around their own mental health or potential neurodivergence. 

To find out more about Ky and his work, visit thevibewithky.com 

And yes, Ky has cats. Bonus points if you hear them in the background!

Episode 51: What you REALLY need to know about marketing

WE ARE BACK!

The unconventional business podcast is back, after a (much longer than planned!) break and we are raring to go.

In this episode our host - Siobhan Fox - shares with you what you really need to know about marketing, with some top tips and universal truths about how to successfully market your business. She walks you through some super-simple steps to ensure your marketing and message is on point, to help you win more of your favourite clients.

She also drops a sneak peak of what this new season of the podcast is all about and what you can expect to hear about in upcoming episodes.

As always, please drop Siobhan an email if any of this resonates with you and please help us spread the word by sharing your favourite episodes with a friend, or dropping us a rating or review.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!