How a neurodivergent CEO can run a more efficient business

by JaneJun 7, 2023Business Owner, Productivity0 comments

There may be affiliate links in this post, meaning I may receive a commission if you purchase something through a link. However, please be assured that I only recommend products I have personally used and love!

The conversation about neurodiversity is wide open these days and for me as a business owner I find it interesting how this plays out not just in my family life (I myself have a neurodivergent son), but in the professional world of entrepreneurism too.

Thanks to global giants such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Richard Branson talking openly about their neurodiversity, it’s becoming more evident that the challenges faced by them as entrepreneurs have also been pinned as their super-power, shaping their leadership style and their innovative approaches to problem solving throughout their business.

It’s thought that somewhere between 15-20% of the UK population may be neurodiverse, so how can those running businesses as a neurodivergent CEOs channel the success of the big-hitters and run more successful, organised and efficient businesses? Here’s some examples of how teams, tools and time management can help.

All business owners get to a stage where they need to hire a team to grow, but the significance of this for the neurodivergent CEO is even more important. Having the right people around you that complement your weakness with their strength is key. Maybe this is a customer facing exec, or a project manager. A robust hiring process will pay off over the long term, so take time to get this right and keep reviewing your team on a regular basis.

Staying organised is important no matter what size business you have, but as a neurodivergent CEO this may be an area you struggle with more than others. Leaning on technology to streamline certain tasks in your business can be a massive help to your productivity. Platforms such as ClickUp provide easy to use project management tools with trackable progress that’s visible across all of your projects and teams. If technology isn’t your best friend, then creating a daily, weekly and monthly plan of action can help you to keep focused on the most important tasks. Blatant plug here – my 90 Day Business Action Planner is a great way of keeping on track of your tasks and goals. Check it out here!

Developing your systems and processes so they can be streamlined and made more efficient in daily use is a really big factor for the neurodivergent CEO. Doing this will reduce the risk of overwhelm that can come with the admin associated with running a business. Try out Dubsado if you’re automating client onboarding or managing bookings. It really does save you time and I use it for my meeting scheduling, onboarding and contract completions too.

Looking after your mental health as a neurodivergent CEO is more important than ever. Exhaustion and burnout from masking or overcompensating in the workplace can have serious repercussions for your business and your health. Build time into your schedule for relaxation time and fun to keep you balanced and fit to lead.

Finally, the most important thing you can do as a neurodivergent CEO is to recognise and leverage your unique strengths and abilities to make the most of your neurodiversity and contribute to the success of your business. Like Bill, Richard and Elon, you have the ability to bring a unique perspective and approach to your business that can drive success. What can you do differently to help you and your business to thrive? If you’re keen to get more support in your business I’m here and ready to help. My aim is to help creative CEOs like you, build successful and stable businesses – my expertise in operations, strategy and planning can help you reach your business goals quicker and with better efficiency. I have developed a range of online tools and resources which you can check out here, or feel free to book in for a coffee chat and we can discuss your unique challenges.

0 Comments

Are you a female business owner who has achieved great success, making six figures or more? Congratulations! Building a thriving business is no small feat and we usually achieve this while balancing all the other commitments at home and family. However, as your business grows, you may find yourself overwhelmed, time-poor, and stuck in the day-to-day operations. It’s time to shift your focus from the weeds and start scaling your business smartly. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of strategy sessions, the dangers of getting stuck in your business, and how working with an Ops expert can ensure your business can scale efficiently and sustainably.

Strategy Sessions: The Backbone of Smart Scaling

Strategy sessions are crucial for the growth and expansion of any business. These sessions provide you with an opportunity to step back, assess your current position, and chart a clear path forward. Here’s why strategy sessions are important:

Setting Clear Goals: Strategy sessions allow you to define SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your business. By setting clear objectives, you’ll have a roadmap to guide your decisions and actions. (More on roadmaps later)

Aligning Resources: During strategy sessions, you can evaluate your available resources and identify any gaps or areas that need improvement or more time. This alignment ensures that your resources are effectively allocated to support your business goals. I often see people in roles that are not being managed and are wasting time and money for the business owner.

Identifying Opportunities: Strategy sessions help you identify new opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion. By exploring different avenues, you can make informed decisions on how to best position your business in the market. Talking this through with someone outside of your organisation is really important and makes the conversation much more impactful and new ideas and thoughts always come up.

Getting Your Head Out of the Weeds: The Danger of Being Stuck

As a busy business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations. However, continuously working in the weeds can hinder your business’s growth potential. Here’s why you can’t keep getting stuck in your business:

Limited Perspective: Being immersed in the day-to-day tasks restricts your ability to see the bigger picture. It’s essential to gain a broader perspective by stepping back and assessing your business as a whole.

Lack of Innovation: When you’re constantly firefighting and handling operational challenges, there’s little time left for innovation. Scaling your business requires fresh ideas and creative solutions, which can only be fostered by taking a step back from the daily grind. I know first hand how difficult this is and even I spend time out of my business (usually a lovely spa hotel) to think about new ideas and products. My best ideas come when I am not at my desk and usually out walking.

Missed Opportunities: By being stuck in the weeds, you might miss out on potential growth opportunities. Whether it’s forging strategic partnerships, exploring new markets, or implementing efficient systems, these opportunities can significantly impact your business’s success.

Working with an Ops Expert: Scaling Smartly

To ensure your business can scale smartly, it’s crucial to work with an Operations (Ops) expert. Ops experts specialise in streamlining processes, optimising systems, and restructuring teams to make your business more efficient and sustainable. Here’s how an Ops expert can help:

Accountability Support: An Ops expert provides the much-needed accountability that keeps you on track with your goals. They help you stay focused, prioritise tasks, and ensure that your business is moving in the right direction.

Implementation Support: Scaling your business involves making changes and implementing new strategies. An Ops expert can support you throughout the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition and minimising disruptions.

Efficiency and Sustainability: Ops experts have the expertise to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and optimise your business operations. Their insights and recommendations can significantly improve efficiency, saving you time and resources while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Success is not just about hard work. Scaling your business smartly requires a strategic approach and a willingness to step back from the day-to-day operations. Strategy sessions provide the foundation for growth, allowing you to set clear goals, align resources, and identify opportunities. Avoid the dangers of getting stuck in your business by gaining a broader perspective, fostering innovation, and seizing growth opportunities. Lastly, working with an Ops expert can provide the necessary support and expertise to streamline your operations and ensure your business can scale efficiently and sustainably. Only certain people love the back end of businesses, you need to find your partner to your creative genius mind to make a great team, then you will see your business fly! Remember, smart goals save you time and pave the way for your business’s continued success.

Book a free Consultation Call with Jane