Embarking on a journey from eager coder to independent freelancer, our returning guest Oluwaseye lays out the blueprint for navigating the tech world while honouring their neurodiversity. They delve into the nuances of building a thriving client base, crafting a website for an online service business, and balancing freelance work with their unique needs. This episode promises a roadmap for those seeking to marry their personal aspirations with their professional pursuits, all while defying the traditional job hunt in favour of self-sufficiency.We unpack the complexities that accompany neurodiversity in the corporate sphere, exploring how the pressures and expectations of traditional roles can often clash with the needs of those on the spectrum. Our discussion spotlights a potential disconnect between the inclusive policies flaunted by corporations and the everyday realities faced by neurodiverse employees. But there's a silver lining – the entrepreneurial path emerges as a beacon of flexibility, focusing on tools and methods like Grammarly and Speechify that have become crucial allies in managing a neurodivergent workload.Finally, we turn the spotlight on the Autistic Black Coders initiative, a testament to the power of community and the importance of mentorship in forging a tech career that aligns with one's true calling. From project management to customer success, the opportunities for neurodiverse individuals in tech are vast and varied.Speechify and Divine Enigma Read smarter, not harder.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Erin is a digital marketing apprentice working with her mum to create "Neuro Network", which is a networking platform for neurodivergent business owners. She also created her graphics design business, Ethereal Creative Design.  Neuro Network consists of small groups of neurodiverse business owners who connect in a safe familiar space where they can be authentic unlike in a more neurotypical business environment. Erin has always felt different from childhood when she had immense difficulty making friends. She also later noticed she had a very strong reaction to certain sounds like chewing which she discovered was called Misophonia, a condition her mum already had. In addition, she has Misokinesia where repetitive movement is the trigger for the reaction. The reaction can be physically disabling as it impedes the ability to think and may even instigate suicidal thoughts. A very similar occurrence is seen in OCD too. Sarah hopes to have a workshop with Erin for neurodiverse business owners to network. Interested listeners can fill out the form below.  Sarah has now launched her membership platform "NeuroEnigma", where neurodiverse people can have a supportive community with resources to manage ADHD or dyslexia. She is also offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects or get into project management and take the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session which can be booked via Sarah’s email is now available to give clients an idea of what to expectConnect with Erin: Website (www.neuro-network.co.uk /linktr.ee/etherealcreative), LinkedIn (Erin Mather), Instagram (@neuro_networking / @ethereallycreative), Facebook (Neuro-Network), Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Have you ever considered how a high-achieving childhood might mask the whirlwind of ADHD? This revelation hit my former fitness coach, Cookie, like a thunderclap, sparking a shift from medication to natural supplementation and influencing her holistic coaching approach. Join us as Cookie opens up about her personal battle with ADHD and how she's channeling her understanding of hormonal balance and nutrition to revolutionize fitness coaching. Her story is a profound testament to harnessing self-awareness and finding personalized strategies that resonate with one's lifestyle and professional aspirations.The landscape of neurodiversity is rich and varied, yet too often, some voices go unheard. Today, we're amplifying those voices, particularly those of Black women like Cookie, who navigate the complexities of ADHD. We reflect on the impact of racial tensions on mental health and the importance of tailoring fitness and coaching practices to meet the unique needs of Black women. This episode is a crucial intersectional exploration, shedding light on the multifaceted experiences of neurodiversity within our communities.Ever felt the need to mask who you are to fit in? This conversation is for those who are tired of code-switching and are ready to embrace their ADHD or dyslexia as part of their unique professional identity. I share my journey and the unexpected ways my fitness program supports neurodivergent clients. Plus, get excited for our upcoming six-week coaching program designed to boost career prospects for those with neurodivergent talents. And for ongoing support, discover NeuroEnigma, a program providing comprehensive assessments, mental health resources, and productivity strategies. Remember, your feedback is the heartbeat of our community; it helps us grow and ensure our space is a supportive haven for all.Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Motunrayo Oyetunji, Founder and CEO of the mental well-being app "Anfaani". Motunrayo describes her passion for supporting black women in thriving in their mental health through different therapeutic techniques Somatic therapy examines the correlation between physical and mental states. It combines psychotherapeutic and physical techniques for holistic healing.  Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body relationship; hence, the Anfaani app combines physical and psychotherapeutic modalities to improve mental well-being. The problem of stigma and religious perceptions still constrain many from reaching out for therapy. Motunrayo was intentional about finding a black female therapist, which was eventually beneficial to her. This was a part of the reason for creating an app to cater to the mental health struggles among black women. NeuroBoost Double Bodying for procrastination: https://divineenigma.org/community/Help create awareness of neurodiversity through this podcast as you like 👍🏾, share, subscribe and click the 🔔 bell to get updates on new videos.●      Connect with Motunrayo: Anfaani Website (www.anfaani.co), Email (tunrayo@anfaani.co), LinkedIn (Motunrayo Oyetunji), Instagram (@Anfaani_inc, @ajikeajoke), Twitter (@Anfaani_inc ), Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Sarah's mum was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at University. Although she no longer pays much attention to it post-retirement, she has noticed she procrastinates more which she is learning may be part of her neurodiversity. The stigma of neurodiversity has been present since the younger years of Sarah's mum and is still there now. Although people choose to respond differently to this, Sarah believes it is crucial to see neurodiversity as a disability in order to admit that help is needed. Notably, not all neurodiversity can be diagnosed by a general practitioner and this makes it cumbersome. Dyslexia often has to be diagnosed by an Educational psychologist, unlike ADHD which can be more easily diagnosed with medications prescribed to manage it. Because of this, a lot of people may be struggling through life because of their neurodiversity, completely unaware of it. This is also the reason why after getting a diagnosis, the tools must be available as quickly as possible, especially at work. Employers should be equipped with knowledge and resources to work with neurodivergent professionals. The lack of these tools greatly impedes the ability to perform. Despite retirement, Sarah's mum still finds resources useful to help accomplish tasks.   The increasing level of awareness of neurodiversity has brought more hope to retirees struggling with it. However, it will come with much effort. There are also a number of good neurodiversity charities available to people. Sarah offers her help too through her group Neuro Enigma which promotes mental well-being among other business resources for neurodiverse professionals. One of these is an upcoming mastermind tagged "How to scale your business and look for funding". Another one coming on the 20th of March is "How to Understand your Dyslexia". Previous episode -https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qae5G9RINeA6HvK9m1OL3?si=qwSV4s0uTDyAOW9MAfZ57QThree negative aspects of neurodiversity include frustration, procrastination, and difficulty spelling. Sarah recommends the "NeuroBoost Double Bodying" method on her website for people struggling with Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Our guest today, Arije-Aike De Haas, is a YouTuber who is also dyslexic and has reached over 3 million people through his occupational content for dyslexics. He initially wrote about Video Education for Dyslexics during his M.A. but kept going since he got feedback from people who wanted to know more. He was hesitant to help people initially because he was unsure; however, he pushed himself because he understood the impact it would have on them. He now offers coaching for dyslexic adults.Right from when he started learning to read, Arije noticed his learning differed from that of his mates. He also had to be given special attention to aid his learning in school, which showed him that he was not like other kids. Eventually, he was diagnosed at a centre in Holland and had regular visits to learn the fundamentals of living with Dyslexia. There are mental health issues linked to neurodiversity, one of which is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). Arije offers tailored coaching to neurodiverse individuals, focusing on what has happened in their childhood. Sarah and Arije are working on a workshop titled "How to manage your dyslexia.Arije recommends that anyone struggling with Dyslexia visit his YouTube channel and also his website to get a one-on-one session, with the first session being free.● Arije’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@UC65Mimz3oyWA8NtpO_zQBVQ ● Get a free one-on-one with Arije on his Website.● Pay to join the membership at the special discounted price: https://neuroenigma.com ● Visit Sarah’s website: https://divineenigma.org ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching:  https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338)  Instagram (@divineenigma) ● Become a subscriber to the Divine Enigma community, with as low as $3 per month or $5 to promote the continuous availability of content to support neurodiverse individuals. ● Workshop on How to manage your Dyslexia 20 March 2024 7 pm GMT https://hustling-experimenter-969.ck.page/b7d0b23348Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Today's guest is the author of the book Black and Neurodiverse, Oluseyitan Ojedokun. Her book was partly inspired by some experiences growing up as a Nigerian. She realized there was inadequate information about blacks, so she decided to learn more about it and wrote a book. Seyi's parents were quite accepting and supportive when she got her diagnosis. She was continuously reminded to maximize the resources available to her, boosting her academic performance. Sarah's parents were worried about the stigma that would come with struggling in school, so they adopted private classes to support her. Sarah was diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADD in her twenties. Seyi's academic life was affected by her neurodiversity. In primary school, she was often treated as a special needs kid, which affected her confidence. Her performance in secondary school improved when she moved to a school with more diversity and inclusivity among teachers.Seyi's book was targeted at two groups of people, the first being African families with neurodiversity who shy from these conversations due to the stigma. The second group includes other educators who primarily interact with kids.  Seyi hopes to write a second book much later. Although she is now in the corporate world, she is working on a petition to get funding for schools to be equipped with resources to aid in the early diagnosis of neurodiversity. Navigating dating with neurodiversity is another hurdle that requires much intentionality and tact. This is still an ongoing process for Seyi, but she would instead withdraw from people offended by her neurodiversity.  A membership platform is coming soon to provide people with Dyslexia and ADHD access to resSpeechify and Divine Enigma Read smarter, not harder.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Statistics from the Competition Market Authority (CMA) reflect this same issue. CMA revealed that people from ethnic minorities got twelve per cent less pay compared to white men. There were ten major findings highlighted. First, there are positive changes in some gaps, but challenges persist. Secondly, the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in senior grades is a primary cause of the pay gap. Next, actions are focused on improving representation, career progression, and inclusivity. Also, the report uses various meshes like mean and median pay gaps, bonus gaps, and pay equalities. The report acknowledges the impact of competition specialists, ranging from digital data and technology, on the pay gap. Also, ethnicity pay gaps have reduced in some areas but increased in others.About Portfolio Careers: Portfolio Careers comes from a place of hustle culture. As Sarah plans to work less on the corporate ladder in 2024, she has initiated plans to create a portfolio career to enable her to maintain a 9-to-5. Portfolio Careers can also maximize income, dabble in the corporate world occasionally, and still build assets. They offer protection from any unforeseen events in a typical job. However, having a typical 9-to-5 job is not necessarily bad, as there are positives, especially if the necessary support systems are present at the workplace. Also, it comes with less risk and pressure to see results in the business, unlike entrepreneurship. The time spent working these jobs can also be used to determine which entrepreneurship field would be the best fit.Employers sometimes prefer workers who identify with their job role, but workers should try not to be defined by a job. They may possess other skills that they can tap into instead of simply identifying with one job role. Even for employers, embracing people with portfolio careers can help them to be more transparent. Besides, it is an extra source of income for most black professionals who are not paid enough, particularly to keep up with the cost of living. A membership platform is coming soon to provide people with Dyslexia and ADHD access to resources and experts to help them navigate work and life more efficiently. A waitlist is currently available with discounts, and listeners can visit the links in theSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

In this episode,  I sit with Adriana Girdler, the owner and Chief Efficiency Officer of Cornerstone Dynamics, as she discusses the MVP strategy, a tool to improve our ability to achieve our goals both career-wise and in other aspects of life.Our guest today is Adriana Girdler, an expert in project management. Adriana's Ted talk on "The Power of Being Smart Lazy" highlights an approach to stop the "white noise" in life, consisting of several distractions that we don't realise are eating away at our time while pulling us away from our aspirations. Regarding AI's effect on project management, it should be noted that historically, we don't do a good job ethically with technology. With for-profit organizations developing AI, there is the concern of making decisions for the immediate gratification of money. That said, it does have benefits, so it will not be eliminated. Inevitably, there will be displacement with the advent of AI but government regulations are imperative. Interestingly, despite the advancements, there is still very little awareness of AI. The role of the project manager may change with the presence of AI but it will remain a necessary functional role nonetheless. There will be more strategic than tactical project management roles. Leadership, strategy, and critical thinking will be most required from project managers moving forward. Requirements for an amazing project manager: First, the SLAY project management course is perfect for project managers who want to increase their skills exponentially. ●      Adriana’s Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/_yK7CdWEN2g?si=LqWucH1E2PnpXo-o  ●      Adriana’s Mindfulness Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdmhb1dVRHYsvz3BiPH-Gd3n3PJYXsvJb&si=u_81h3qOPzrDiWzi   ●      Visioning for Success: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdmhb1dVRHYu399y3R_cA_kzccepgw9_Q&si=Ry7f5oV_3wNh2ooI  ●      Adriana’s SLAY project management course: Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Today's conversation focuses on the relationship between our Christian Faith and neurodiversity. While neurodiversity is often seen in a negative light, it is important to view it through the lens of the scriptures. One of these is Psalms 139:14 which says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Despite this, neurodiverse people find it difficult to fit in with society, especially because neurodiversity itself can be a stumbling block to carrying out activities. That said, these problems can be surmounted and should not be seen as a determinant of failure if people can look past their neurodiversity. Sarah also does this by focusing on her drive to help people rather than her neurodiversity. Another scripture is Jeremiah 1:5, which says before God formed us in the womb, He knew us. This means God has a plan for everyone and a person's neurodiversity is not a mistake. Hence, it is up to each person to navigate their neurodiversity to figure out their purpose. It may take some time but no matter the problem, the solution will reveal itself. There is also a need for organizations to make provision for neurodiverse professionals through adequate resources and offering concessions where necessary to allow productivity. Rather than avoid neurodivergent professionals, we should appreciate the variety that they bring to the workplace and their thinking patterns. Unfortunately, the drive for profits often supersedes the motivation to support these professionals. Sarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects or get into project management and take the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session which can be booked via email .Coming soon! my dyslexia and ADHD membership platform! Please sign up! and complete my survey to ensure I am giving you the best content and resources - Speechify and Divine Enigma Read smarter, not harder.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Our guest today is Andrew Mcdonald, a neurodivergent copywriter who helps other neurodivergent professionals launch and scale their businesses through marketing campaigns. A major part of Andrew's work involves considering the personalities of the people he works with. For his neurodiversity which includes OCD, trauma, and Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, it is more challenging to use cold emailing because of the large number of negative responses that come with it. The first requirement in building a mailing list is having a lead magnet using something that can be offered for free which also has value to potential clients but requires them to offer their email addresses. Understandably, a lot of neurodivergent professionals struggle with finding the confidence to start a business because of the stigma and negativity often ascribed to their neurodiversity. Delegating certain roles in the business to better-suited professionals can accelerate growth because it gives the entrepreneur more time to double down on aspects that are within their strengths. Despite the challenges neurodiverse people face, one of the common strengths of neurodivergent professionals is the ability to build communities around their businesses organically. The problem of stigma still lingers generally and is persistently at the back of the minds of neurodivergent professionals. This leads to fear of disclosing their neurodiversity. Andrew has CPTSD which means Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It continuously affects thought processes in everyday life unlike PTSD which is linked more to triggers in high-anxiety situations where previously experienced danger seems present. For neurodiverse professionals who want to build enough confidence to start a business, it is advisable to break big goals into smaller achievable goals.  Growing slowly over time and taking notes of these small achievements helps to build the confidence to face bigger ones. One of the negative aspects of Andrew’s neurodiversity is difficulty with cold emailing as a result of low confidence, however, he was able to turn this into a positive by figuring out a solution for other clients, and has also taken up oppoSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

A Joint venture is a business entity involving two or more parties where the returns risk and governance are shared between all the members involved. Profits are also shared often depending on the percentage of capital initially invested by the parties. The venture may later add more investors. Before starting a joint venture, it is paramount to keep four major considerations in view. The first of these is Careful Planning; assess whether it is the best way to achieve your goals using a SWOT Analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This may be done alongside the business partner. Second is Open Communication; this helps to confirm that all stakeholders understand the basics of a joint venture agreement, including goals, resources, deal duration, and others. In-person meetings and virtual meetings can be interchanged depending on the arrangement.Next is Building Trust in the partnership; it may be fostered through transparency with information and clearly established performance metrics, all of which reduce unnecessary suspicion among partners. Lastly, Flexibility and adaptability can be very beneficial in creating room for opinions to be voiced and compromises to be made. Regular reviews of operations reveal room for improvement as well as opportunities for change while keeping in mind the legal and financial aspects of the venture. Note that the actions of partners can have a huge impact on the business and other partners. Gatekeeping means deliberately restricting valuable information or opportunities to a few select individuals who meet predetermined criteria.  Unfortunately, very often the same demographic groups are subject to gatekeeping even outside their professional lives but this stifles innovation, diminishes diversity, and promotes inequality. Gatekeeping affects the neurodivergent community as they are often excluded from access to critical resources and this also limits their ability to contribute. As a result, individual progress is hampered while groundbreaking ideas are obstructed. Intersectionality is the interconnection between one social characterization and disability as well as how their identities create privileges or disadvantages. SSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Subscriber-only episodeThere are eight principles to be applied in DSDM. The first principle to be discussed is "Focus on business needs". The project manager must ensure that members of the project team understand business priorities using MoSCoW (Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, and Won't have) both during and after the foundation, with necessary adjustments made as solutions are created. MoSCoW should also be followed throughout each time box. Delivering a solution on time is often the most important success factor,especially when market opportunities are involved. Hence, the project manager should ensure team members timebox the work while focusing on business priorities that have been set. Progress is measured by what is delivered in the allowed time, not how long it takes. Teams with active cooperation perform better than teams that work in loose association. Collaboration increases understanding and speed so the project manager should ensure team members behave collaboratively by involving the right stakeholders at the right time. Poor communication is often the biggest cause of project failure. DSDM practices improve effective communication and should be employed by the project manager to enable anyone to keep informed of activities by making these DSDM practices visible. Demonstrate control; It is necessary to control the solution being created at all times. To show this, the project manager must ensure the team makes plans in progression visible to all. Progress should be measured with a focus on the delivery of products rather than merely completing activities. The business sponsor is the most senior project-level role. This role is specifically responsible for this business case and project budget. The business visionary is a senior role that should be held by a single individual to avoid confusion on the project vision. The technical coordinator ensures that the solution technical role works consistently such that the project is technically coherent and meets desired standards. Certain relationships should be addressed by the project manager. The first is the relationship between the project manager and the business sponsor; it is vital that the ownership Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

In this episode, I feature  Onyinye Udokporo, a successful neurodiversity consultant who is also thriving as an entrepreneur, a speaker, an author, and in several other fields. Our guest today is Onyinye Udokporo, an entrepreneur, an educator, a dyslexic author, a neurodiversity consultant, and a content creator. She started tutoring classes at 12, which has now grown into one of her full-time businesses, Enrich Learning, aimed at facilitating learning in children and young people. Her other business is focused on creating neuro-inclusive safe spaces for neurodivergent people. Onyinye is now a columnist for Business Leader Magazine.Being black and neurodivergent is possibly the most complicated intersection for several reasons. These reasons include the general issues facing blacks, like the systemic racism restricting them from certain opportunities, the pressure to always be the best, religious beliefs in black communities, and the stigma that stems from a poor understanding of neurodiversity. As a result, black people are less represented in addressing this intersection. While many workplaces are sluggish in making their environments suitable for neurodiversity, mounting pressure on them may not be the best approach. Onyinye gave a talk at TEDx Winchester on "How neurodiversity enables phenomenal entrepreneurs" which was the most challenging talk she has had to give, particularly because of the approach speakers are required to adopt for TEDx talks. The experience was a major success and an opportunity to grow for Onyinye. These successes are helping to achieve her goal of encouraging neurodiverse people around her, and hopefully all over the world, especially her roots in Africa. She has also authored the book "Dyslexia & Me - How to Survive and Thrive if You're Neurodivergent".Sarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who wanSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Today's guest is Patience Udonsi, a lecturer in Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work at the University of Salford, Manchester. Her research interest includes neurodivergence and she has experience working with neurodiverse individuals. The theory of intersectionality started based on findings that the treatment of black women was different from the treatment of white women such that even though there were interventions aimed at helping women generally, white women benefited more from such interventions. This also plays out in neurodiversity where a white neurodivergent male will face a milder set of challenges than a black neurodivergent female who is at risk of discrimination based on her race and gender added to her neurodiversity. This is because most spaces are not built to accommodate these identities, hence the experience is largely negative. Notably, the problem is largely a structural one that trickles down into different aspects of society as a whole. An example is structural racism. Research has shown that organizations that try to address racism will by the same methods address other forms of discrimination. Patience has worked with a young autistic boy who had ended up assaulting another kid when he was overwhelmed by noise hypersensitivity. Unfortunately, the boy's parents had very minimal education on his condition and the organization supposed to offer assistance had a rather poor understanding of his neurodiversity and as such, worked with an inadequate assessment of his behavior since he could not communicate efficiently.This intersectionality also played out for Sarah who was advised not to divulge her neurodivergence in school so as not to add to the already existing challenges of racial discrimination. However, in many cases, hiding neurodiversity makes it almost impossible to get the right kind of needed support. While people and institutions are more amenable to making adjustments in cases of obvious disabilities, they are often reluctant to recognize neurodiversity and make changes. Neurodiversity alone comes with a richness of diversity in thinking and approach to life which makes the world interesting. Sarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects or get into project managSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Today's discussion addresses the vulnerability of neurodivergent people to financial scams. Research has shown that neurodivergent individuals are at a higher risk of falling victim to financial scams, especially online. This may be due to the difficulty they have with social cues which makes them more trusting. Added to this is often impulsiveness that makes them vulnerable to the lure of the scam. The Humble Penny’s video on scams highlights more of this.To protect neurodiverse people from financial scams, education is crucial as it helps to identify these scams. It may involve getting financial advice from books, workshops, or financial advisers. Another approach is to create safeguards like limits on online transactions, alerts for unusual account activity, and refraining from sharing personal information online. A trusted family member can as well be involved in managing their finances. Budgeting can be challenging for neurodiverse people because it requires skills like planning, organizing, and time management. Budgeting has also been discussed in the Christmas episode of Divine Enigma. Some tools that help with budgeting include apps like Plum,  Stepladder, or Chip, automatic bill payment setups, and a visual Budgeting system. Breaking down large tasks into smaller steps can help as well as seeking financial assistance where necessary. While neurodivergent individuals are at a higher risk of financial scams, adequate education, and support can help them to successfully manage their finances.Sarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects or get into project management and take the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. To learn more, reach out to Sarah via email.  Notable Quoteso "Research has shown that neurodivergent individuals are taking a higher risk of falling victim to financial scams" Resources Mentioned ● Connect with Sarah via email: hello@divineenigma.org● Connect with Sarah on Instagram: Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

In this episode, I highlight some challenges that come with having the uncertainty of work roles as well as lacking managerial support, and how professionals can go about tackling these issues.Generally, women are not comfortable talking about their ages, however, Sarah is marking her 39th birthday. The general belief is that by this age, people should have figured life out but for Sarah, every day is an adventure with wisdom to gain. The intersectionality of being a woman at work, who is black and neurodiverse can often be overwhelming and lonely. Even racism presents itself in the form of microaggressions. Sarah has experienced this which can be a confusing situation. In addressing work role uncertainty, it is necessary to sit with the boss to get clear direction because it is the job of your manager. You should not have to go to work unsure about what you're supposed to do. Part of the problem is the fluctuation between encouragement and antagonism from the employer. It may cause insecurity about your abilities. Sarah has had to encourage herself when necessary, understanding that the lack of support does not mean she is performing poorly. In fact, a lack of managerial direction is more of a reflection of the deficiency of the manager in their responsibilities. Also, rather than using acronyms or large terminologies to sound intelligent, it is more supportive to communicate simply.  It is equally important to be confident enough to ask questions where needed, instead of feeling inadequate if you are not receiving a clear understanding of your role and what you need. This may be difficult due to Imposter syndrome but should be discussed with your manager. Additionally, speaking up helps to identify with other people who have similar feelings which validate yours. The first step is to schedule a meeting with your manager to detail exactly what you need in terms of guidance or instructions. What makes a great project manager is being able to communicate effectively enough to have an impact on people from all works and life. This has always been a major skill set of popular successful leaders.It is imperative to share additional challenges you're facing, especially when the manager cannot relate. It is better to address such issues than to always struggle to conform to the norms in different settingsSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

The DSDM Agile project framework focuses on a set of products that describe the solution, the main deliverables of the project, and anything required to help with project governance and control or anything that helps with the process of evolving it. The formalities associated with each product depend on the project and the organisation. Terms of Reference define the top-level objectives of the project. The aim is to justify the feasibility phase. It is a governance product because it may be used for the prioritization of a project in a portfolio. The Business Case justifies the project. The justification is based on an investment appraisal determining whether the value of a solution to be delivered by the project warrants the cost to produce and maintain support for it.Prioritize Requirement List (PRL) describes the requirements the project needs to address as well as their priority in meeting the objectives of the project.The Solution Architectural Definition provides a high-level design framework for the solution, intended to cover both the business and technical aspects of the solution making the scope of the solution clear. The Development Approach Definition describes the tools, techniques, and practices that will be applied to solution development as well as how quality will be assured. This makes a strategy for testing and reviewing crucial. The Delivery Plan is a high-level schedule of project increments. It rarely deals with task-level detail except for tasks being done without the involvement of the solution development team. The Management Approach Definition reflects the approach to project management considering how the project will be organized, stakeholder engagement, and how progress will be demonstrated. Feasibility Assessment gives an idea of how management products will exist at the end of the feasibility phase when the product should be able to contribute to the feasibility of the product. The Foundation Summary shows evolutionary solutions and management products as they exist at the end of the foundation phase. Each product should be useful in deciding whether the project will deliver the required ROI. EvSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

Ogaga studied engineering and then got a Master's in Sustainable Energy Systems. However, she got bored after working in the field for a while and then left the job. She later came across a project management course and had more interest in it. In 2015, she got a job as a project manager using the knowledge she gained from the course she took, and has fully transitioned ever since, working in several countries. The passion for impacting knowledge led Ogaga to found her project management Edtech company, where she helps professionals begin or advance their PM careers. Her company also helps startup businesses launch their project ideas through PM skills. One of the biggest challenges of project management is stakeholder management. In managing difficult stakeholders, it helps to listen and truly understand the reason for their resistance. As for cross-functional teams, there are several logistical considerations to make, especially the different work cultures of different teams. Also, part of this is identifying and ensuring the presence of the key stakeholders required for any particular meeting. Sending out meeting minutes and actions after each meeting is necessary, both for those who were not around and as a means to follow up to ensure people do what is required of them. Highlights of Ogaga's career include situations where she helps professionals get a PM role or advance their careers. Also, being able to talk to a thousand people at a conference was a huge moment as well as generally being able to impact lives. A major cause of burnout in PM is handling multiple projects at the same time. With a similar experience, Ogaga came up with a process to manage multiple projects by noting things down instead of trying to remember everything. This helped her declutter her mind and become more organized. She has now created a video on YouTube explaining her full process to stress-free project management titled "How to Manage Multiple Projects at Once" Ogaga has used all project management methodologies and there is no single superior one because the method will depend on the project. For longer-duration projects that can be done in iterations, Agile is often preferred.Support the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...

DSDM assigns clear roles and responsibilities to each person in a project. The color scheme in the DSDM team model represents different aspects. One of the roles categories is the Project Level Roles which includes the business sponsor, business visionary, technical coordinator, project manager, and business analyst. Another category is Solution Development Team Roles. These are the business ambassador, solution development, solution tester, business analyst, and team leader. Next is Supporting Roles including the business adviser, technical adviser, workshop facilitator, and DSDM coach. They provide assistance and guidance to the project on an ad-hoc basis. About the different roles; firstly the Business Sponsor role is the most senior project-level business role. This role is specifically responsible for the business case and the project budget throughout. The Business Visionary is also a senior role that should be held by a singular individual to avoid confusion and misdirection. The Technical Coordinator ensures that the project is technically coherent and meets desired technical standards. The role advises on technical decisions and innovation similar to the role of the business visionary from a business perspective. The Project Manager offers high-level ad-hoc style leadership and manages the working environment. The Business Analyst is active in supporting the project-level roles and the solution development team. The Team Leader is the servant leader of the solution development team, ensuring that it functions to meet its objective.The Business Ambassador has significant input into the creation and prioritization of requirements, after which this role offers daily detailed requirements. The Solution developer works with other roles to interpret requirements and translates them into a solution increment that meets the functional and non-functional needs of the business as a whole.The Business Adviser alongside the business ambassador is often expected to provide specialist input on solution development. This role may be for an intended user or one who provides legal advice to whichSupport the Show.Join, support, and access exclusive episodes now.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083560/subscribeSarah is offering a six-week coaching program for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals who want to improve their career prospects, business development and support with the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. A one-hour free session. ● Connect with Sarah via email (hello@divineenigma.org), YouTube (@divineenigma338) Instagram (@divineenigma) please complete the form before you book ● Join Sarah’s 6-week coaching: https://divineenigma.org/product/6-week-coaching-plan/ Join Today!NeuroEnigma Membership if you'd like to support this independent podcast, click for free ebook Producer & Host: Sarah Music: “She Royalty” by Amaro & “W...