Episodes

  • Running on Empty How ND Energy Actually Works - S01E26

    Running on Empty How ND Energy Actually Works - S01E26
    Mar 4 2026
    Eps 26 - Running on empty: How ND energy actually works Most advice about energy assumes you wake up with the same capacity every day — the same motivation, resilience, and ability to push through. For neurodivergent people, that assumption just doesn’t hold. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to be “running on empty” as an ND person — why energy is variable by design, not a personal failing, and how pushing through works… right up until it doesn’t. We talk fluctuating capacity, energy debt, adrenaline traps, burnout warning signs, and the hidden cognitive load that drains us long before anyone else can see it. This is about reframing energy as something to manage, not override — pacing instead of consistency, rest as maintenance rather than reward, and learning to listen to the early signals before your system forces a shutdown. If you’ve ever wondered why some days you can do everything and other days sending one email feels impossible, this episode will help you make sense of it — without shame. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & intro 00:00:40 - Topic: Running on Empty – How ND Energy Works 00:01:30 - Overview of challenges & key points 00:04:00 - The energy budget – avoid overdraw 00:04:30 - ND energy is inconsistent (by design) 00:05:55 - Hustle culture & Gary Vaynerchuk 00:10:50 - Energy- vs time-based planning 00:11:25 - HANNAH'S TANGENT 01 – Self-shame & mistakes 00:12:23 - Buffer time & energy debt 00:13:50 - Taxi driver “make hay” strategy 00:16:22 - Self-forgiveness, physiology & baths 00:17:24 - Background processes & cognitive overload 00:20:35 - Hannah’s cognitive overload confession 00:21:54 - Brownouts & overwhelm 00:25:13 - FSB & SiGNAL shout-out; sensory overwhelm example 00:26:40 - Processing delay, forms & decision fatigue 00:28:39 - alt_audhd – Erin Fung 00:29:29 - Stuart’s exam strategy; Yes/No pitfalls 00:33:52 - Burnout warning signs examples 00:34:24 - The adrenaline trap & being “absent” 00:38:56 - The “red rope” time boundary example 00:43:17 - Early burnout signs we ignore 00:43:39 - Sugar & dopamine 00:44:04 - Insomnia 00:44:28 - The task spiral 00:44:56 - Endless to-do list 00:45:15 - Unable to say no 00:45:33 - Constant apologising 00:46:07 - Anxiety hamster 00:47:10 - Forgetfulness 00:47:27 - Drifting off mid-conversation 00:48:04 - Focusing is draining 00:48:24 - Stress tics 00:49:21 - Self-directed anger 00:50:27 - Emotional cobbles 00:51:00 - Irrational panic 00:51:32 - Overreaction to small noises 00:52:23 - Emotional dysregulation 00:54:22 - Guilt loops 00:56:04 - HANNAH'S TANGENT 02 – Frenemies 00:57:00 - Rest is preparation, not reward 00:57:38 - Energy debt & sustainable living 00:59:35 - Burnout is cumulative 01:01:00 - Burnout signs & catastrophe song 01:02:10 - Withdrawal, brain fog & shutdown 01:05:22 - Supportive parents & partners 01:00:00 - Parenting ND children & school trauma 01:08:39 - Redefining balance & pacing 01:11:15 - Know your limits (not Superman) 01:13:20 - Adjust without self-criticism 01:15:05 - Takeaways & final thoughts 01:15:50 - Energy varies by design 01:16:09 - Energy vs time; candles analogy 01:17:23 - “Pushing through” isn’t sustainable 01:18:00 - Rest is maintenance & prep 01:18:29 - Share early burnout signs 01:18:56 - Cancel or postpone when energy is low 01:20:11 - Tips & guidance 01:20:31 - Harder tasks may signal energy leaks 01:20:49 - Adapt to changing conditions 01:21:15 - Rest before work; build reserves 01:22:27 - Don’t feel guilty for resting 01:23:22 - Brain fog or irritability = warning signs 01:24:42 - Low energy: triage priorities 01:25:25 - Acknowledge deficits & recover 01:28:21 - Listen to body, self & loved ones 01:29:20 - Final comments & goodbye 01:31:25 - Length ------------------------------------- RESOURCES Economics: Follow That Cab! A study of labor incentives may explain why it is hard to find a taxi in the rain https://paw.princeton.edu/article/economics-follow-cab? When to quit: Narrow bracketing and reference dependence in taxi drivers https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167268117302731? alt_audhd - Erin Fung: Fun, interesting and relatable ND Instragammer https://www.instagram.com/alt_audhd https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, ...
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Is Using AI the Ultimate in ND Masking - S01E25

    Is Using AI the Ultimate in ND Masking - S01E25
    Feb 25 2026

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:19 - Topic of the Week: Is Using AI the Ultimate in ND Masking? 00:02:00 - Masking and the exhaustion of editing your whole self 00:03:35 - The high cost of masking your magnificent inner zebra 00:07:13 - The gift and relief of finding out you're ND 00:10:05 - Is AI a miracle NT translation tool to support your needs? 00:13:35 - Is using AI to support your work just a new mask? 00:15:34 - Why does society make life so difficult for disabled people? 00:17:05 - Reduce cognitive load with simpler signage, equality isn't equity 00:18:38 - AI/LLMs help you show up as a better version of yourself 00:20:47 - Who are we masking for when we use AI? 00:23:40 - Being rude to AI and the wrong way to use it 00:25:01 - It's not about hiding the truth, like masking, it's a support tool 00:25:52 - AI is an ND/NT translator - the Babel Fish for modern life 00:27:10 - AI for idea iteration, not the finished product saves spoons 00:30:30 - The emotional (and other) risks on being over-reliant on AI 00:34:13 - Is it just a tool, to do a job, saving time and energy? 00:35:40 - Using AI intentionally to lighten the load not replace you 00:39:01 - Delegating to AI and remaining authentic 00:42:08 - Using AI when you don't have the spoons 00:45:00 - Stephen Hawking and other examples of using tech to assist you 00:49:44 - Technology isn't bad, esp. when it makes up for your shortcomings 00:51:54 - Are you using AI? Feedback, comments 00:52:20 - This week's takeaways. 00:53:15 - Tips and insights 00:54:38 - Hannah's TANGENT! 00:58:40 - Equity is not the same as equality 01:00:34 - Next Week's Topic - Running on Empty; How ND Energy Actually Works 01:01:52 - LENGTH

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    RESOURCES

    https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link.

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Delegation for Control Freaks (and the Overwhelmed) - S01E24

    Delegation for Control Freaks (and the Overwhelmed) - S01E24
    Feb 18 2026

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:01:46 - Topic of the Week: Delegation for Control Freaks (and the Overwhelmed) 00:03:42 - Why you need to learn this skill & reasons why it can feel difficult 00:06:08 - Our attitudes to delegating - don't... Thank you for listening... 00:06:50 - The need for control can be overwhelming 00:07:40 - Being an "outcome freak" when you have no control, start with trust 00:10:15 - Delegation is not a "one and done" moment 00:11:40 - Hannah's delegation experiences and previous struggles with control 00:14:10 - Control as a survival strategy and the bad outcomes from not delegating 00:15:31 - Coping with delegation anxiety and realising YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL 00:18:15 - The mental load of doing it all , and positives of delegating 00:19:00 - Perfectionism, expectation management & tolerances key tools in delegation 00:22:52 - Confession time - the "fresh hell" of Stuart's file naming convention 00:27:05 - The cognative load of doing it yourself... Burnout? Overwhelm? 00:30:02 - Ensuring responsbility is also communicated to reduce worry 00:31:01 - Delegating to more experienced providers is a learned behaviour 00:31:55 - RSD and the fear of rejection, and spinning your wheels 00:34:10 - The trap of "I might as well do it myself and save having to fix YOUR errors" 00:36:20 - Why you need a mentor, learning from their mistakes 00:37:10 - Delegation is not abdication of responsbility 00:38:27 - Is delegating a life skill that improves dishwasher loading? 00:40:13 - Is this the best spend of my time? The ONLY question to grow your business 00:42:25 - When delegation goes wrong and lessons learned to help get it right 00:46:45 - Delegation (and boundaries) is self-preservation helps you preserve energy 00:47:56 - No one needs an emergency patio... 00:49:12 - Often failure to communicate is just "hoarding control" 00:50:45 - Hannah on being a team player, and choreographer, NOT! 00:52:58 - Creativity is a dance, not a lesson in dicatorship 00:54:00 - Defining success... Control vs capacity 00:57:19 - What are the key takeaways? Ask for help. ASK US FOR HELP! 00:59:14 - Stu's delegation tips - clarity of & detail in communication is key 01:03:01 - Next Week's Topic - Is Using A.I. The Ultimate in ND Masking? 01:04:30 - LENGTH

    -------------------------------------

    RESOURCES

    https://www.voidtools.com/support/everything - the file indexing system tool Stuart mentions.

    https://businessoddcast.com/guests - Be Our Guest...

    https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Being Self-employed Without Wearing a Mask at Home - S01E23

    Being Self-employed Without Wearing a Mask at Home - S01E23
    Feb 11 2026
    Ep23 dives into the world of neurodivergent self-employment and the exhausting art of masking especially when you are at home. We explore how neurodiverse business owners often feel the need to slap a "socially acceptable front end" onto their lives to appear competent, only to carry that heavy mask home to their families. This episode is all about learning to show up as your authentic, tired, human, and slightly "odd" self without the pressure of a 24/7 professional performance to those who love you. We show up as "Hyper Hannah" and her power-mode hyperfocus and share Stuart’s "trauma dumping" as a way to "lance the boil" of the day’s stress. They discuss the "washing machine" of rumination and the "popcorn moments" where partners simply watch the neurodiverse firework burn out. Whether it’s arguing with yourself about turkeys in a Christmas suit or having a "therapy argument" in the hallway, with yourself, we share our own internal chaos. We ask the questions that might help you drop your mask at home and be honest about everything from finances to meltdowns, self-employment becomes a truly sustainable and magnificent adventure where you get to become your awesome self. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:13 - Topic of the Week: Being Self-employed Without Wearing a Mask at Home 00:03:00 - Masking and being inauthentic, and managing everything else 00:04:03 - Internal imposter's syndrome and gaslighting your own skills 00:06:49 - Capacity, capability and professionalism... 00:08:23 - Reassuring others and reminding yourself how good you are 00:09:36 - Working from home - the transition and unburdening yourself 00:11:18 - Masking adds to the workload and mental burden 00:14:25 - Gnawing self-doubt, and using the m ask to convice yourself you can do it 00:15:10 - Hiding work stress within the mask, creating pressure when trying to unmask 00:17:05 - How do you keep stresses in "work mode" only? 00:18:30 - How do you deal with rummination, and being present? 00:20:35 - The key part of self-employment and how it impacts your success 00:22:33 - The toxic nature of success at all costs 00:26:13 - Perfectionism pressure and a harsh inner voice causes stress 00:27:10 - Being understanding and sticking to boundaries within your family 00:31:00 - Having a trusted business friend to listen and help 00:32:31 - Talking to yourself can sometimes be all you need - TANGENT 00:36:29 - Final Point - keeping lines of communication clear is key 00:39:19 - The difficulty of being honest vs avoiding conflict 00:42:17 - Acknowledging your own idiocy and being proud of it 00:44:44 - Self employment; The freedom to start to be yourself 00:46:48 - H's takeaways... Authenticity... Honesty... 00:51:51 - S's takeaways... Boundaries... Your needs... 00:52:37 - When ranting we don't need any guidance or advice or a time machine 00:53:14 - How do YOU deal with all of this? 00:53:27 - Next Week's Topic - Delegation for Control Freaks (and the Overwhelmed) and Roy Castle 00:55:57 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    56 mins
  • Talking About Your Needs & Collaborating with Neurotypicals - S01E22

    Talking About Your Needs & Collaborating with Neurotypicals - S01E22
    Feb 4 2026
    In ep 22 of The Business Oddcast, we discuss the complexities of communicating needs and collaborating with neurotypical individuals within a business context. We deep dive on how you can get your needs met, and keeping lines of communication clear. We explore how we, the neurodivergent, often feel that advocating for ourself is like a "hostage negotiation," leading to overexplaining or apologizing for our existence. We try to move the needle from "please accommodate me" toward one of equity, helping others understand that “accommodations”, such as specific lighting or noise levels, are more than simple preferences but essential tools that make work possible and create a level playing field. The topic of boundaries and building two-way trust in professional relationships is unpicked and discuss how a "catch and release" policy prevents the self employed person becoming "financial hostages" to clients who ignore boundaries or demand constant availability. We trauma dump the lived experience of self-employment and highlight the benefits of self-employment for the neurodiverse. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:30 - Topic of the Week: Talking About Your Needs & Collaborating with Neurotypicals 00:01:00 - Advocate for yourself... but how? 00:02:40 - Default communication styles come with a cognitive load 00:05:32 - The 100% correct answer is not always the response people want 00:06:34 - Apologing for "too many questions"... don't get offended, it may change things 00:09:57 - Demands to explain your needs before you undertsand them fully yourself 00:11:11 - WHY ARE YOU BEING SO EMOTIONAL? Hmmm??? HMMMM??? 00:11:56 - Why Stuart is like he is... 00:13:17 - Self-awareness is the key to successful outcomes, for everyone 00:14:41 - Being aware of internal states is an issue, alexythimia and interospection 00:15:30 - REMEMBER "I need to think about this and come back to you" 00:16:20 - Yes or No can be so difficult why we need detail, detail, detail... 00:17:36 - Accomodations make life possible 00:18:38 - How do you meet your needs without over explaining or asking ALL the questions? 00:21:16 - Struggling with a quick answer and being given time to think 00:22:35 - Collaboration is a two way system - difference between equality and equity 00:25:27 - Why running and working with small businesses works for the ND 00:27:33 - Bad communication builds internal resistance - do not ignore the red flags 00:29:00 - Dealing with clashes in communication styles and adapting for others 00:31:56 - Managing the perceived balance of power and the personal cost 00:35:08 - How do you cope when your needs aren't me and boundaries aren't respected 00:36:33 - Boundaries, red flags and the crazy crowbar raccoon 00:41:55 - Respecting your own boundaries 00:43:30 - Collaborating with neurotypicals without masking, can it be done? 00:45:38 - What does good collaboration feel like? 00:49:01 - Build a reputation, give good advice, be authentic - create a process 00:52:29 - Tangents and takeaways 00:56:27 - We give you permission to get your needs met 00:57:08 - Next Week's Topic - Being Self-Employed Without Wearing a Mask at Home 00:58:33 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond! https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    59 mins
  • The Anti-Boredom Blueprint: Staying Motivated with a Neurospicy Brain - S01E21

    The Anti-Boredom Blueprint: Staying Motivated with a Neurospicy Brain - S01E21
    Jan 28 2026
    The Anti-Boredom Blueprint: Staying Motivated With a Spicy Brain Motivation isn’t a habit for us, it’s a flaky situationship. We adore it when it shows up, panic when it disappears, and shouting “just start” at ourselves has never made it come back. In this episode, we unpack why neurodivergent boredom isn’t “a bit dull” it’s an emergency shutdown. We talk activation vs willpower, PDA-style resistance, dopamine detours (including the week-long saga of paying an invoice), and why unfinished tasks can literally fuel insomnia. We explore what actually helps: time pressure (with caution), riding hyperfocus without letting it wreck you, changing your environment, “fresh eyes,” and outsourcing anything that makes your brain slam the steel shutters down. Expect tangents about stationery, notebooks, and why sometimes the first step is… having a wee. If you’ve ever stared at a task like it’s written in another language, this is your blueprint to work with your brain, not against it. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:27 - Topic of the Week: The Anti-Boredom Blueprint - Staying Motivated When ND 00:02:47 - A look at ND Boredom - not your regular strength boredom 00:06:06 - The wild dopamine pony ride explained... 00:09:28 - Chequers vs chess level of mental processing 00:10:37 - The reason Stuart's account's aren't completed ("Blame the Squirrels") 00:12:10 - Managing distractions, SQUIRREL! 00:15:54 - The challenge of multi-tasking and task focus 00:17:20 - The opposite of multi-tasking - HYPERFOCUS! 00:18:05 - Why it's NOT a superpower, read the blog mentioned - link below. 00:19:21 - The toll of multi-tasking, or multi-project management 00:20:50 - Christmas tree traumas and executive dysfunction 00:21:42 - Exploring reward systems, other incentives and hyperfocus 00:26:18 - Why do ND brains seek novelty, chaos and all things new? 00:26:51 - New ND diagnostic trait - Stationery 00:29:35 - Do you have all of the note taking apps? 00:30:42 - ND consistency comes in waves and not linear progression 00:32:10 - Why self-employment is the anti-boredom blueprint for the neurodivergent 00:35:01 - Why requiring novelty is simply "stocking the warehouse" 00:38:28 - Is making your own blueprint the answer? 00:39:06 - What are the "takeaways"? 00:42:20 - First self-employed step in building your new local business 00:43:51 - Why the ND "label" is not for you, it's for everyone else 00:45:30 - Leaning into who you are is THE answer 00:47:19 - Tips on making progress with your plans 00:53:08 - Like share and subscribe 00:55:43 - LENGTH ------------------------------------- RESOURCES BLOG: High-Functioning, Superpowers, and Other Painfully Annoying Phrases https://businessoddcast.com/high-functioning-superpowers-and-other-painfully-annoying-phrases/ https://signalbizhub.com - small businesses online - free membership and access to other members in the forums https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives. ------------------------------------- OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
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    56 mins
  • Business Plans That Don’t Suck, Because We’re Allergic to Boring - S01E20

    Business Plans That Don’t Suck, Because We’re Allergic to Boring - S01E20
    Jan 21 2026

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:00:20 - Topic of the Week: Business Plans That Don't Suck (Because We're Allergic to Boring) 00:01:50 - Why do boring business plans die immediately 00:03:27 - Detail is not complexity, it's clarity 00:07:00 - What does variable energy do when managing your business plan roll-out? 00:10:48 - Tangent - Spork is the hell-spoon 00:12:25 - Why putting your to-do list in your diary helps manage your energy more efficiently 00:15:07 - Special interests, energy management, and why we're like a mobile phone 00:17:20 - Why does your business exist, does this align with life goals and energy output? 00:21:30 - How do you plan when you have 47 ideas in front of you? 00:26:18 - How do you build a boredom proof business plan? 00:28:03 - How to beat business planning boredom and the game of business. 00:32:55 - Beware your brain making inefficient business decisions for dopamine rewards 00:34:50 - The problem that most trades suffer from... 00:36:20 - Can you build a business that's burnout proof? 00:40:50 - The thought that changed business planning for Stuart 00:42:47 - Putting your own oxygen mask on first is non-negotiable 00:43:58 - Business models that remain flexible & acknowledge fluctuating energy 00:47:35 - Final nuggets and ideas to takeaway 00:48:05 - Don't be afraid to pivoy, guard your energy, plan for bad days 00:51:39 - Are you struggling with your business? 00:53:50 - ND's are not quitters... and why that's a problem 00:56:07 - Share your experiences, hints or tips that work for you, round up and goodbye 00:58:56 - LENGTH

    -------------------------------------

    RESOURCES

    https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. Information regarding Alexythimia and other helpful autism and autistic related factsheets on the link.

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

    OUR WEBSITE & CONTACT https://businessoddcast.com/help - Our resources

    hosts@businessoddcast.com - Email us

    OUR SOCIALS youtube.com/BusinessOddcast facebook.com/BusinessOddcast instagram.com/BusinessOddcast
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan: Short-Term Wins, Long-Term Awesome - Business Oddcast S01E19

    Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan: Short-Term Wins, Long-Term Awesome - Business Oddcast S01E19
    Jan 14 2026

    Five-year plans sound great in theory… but what if your brain simply refuses to cooperate?

    In this episode of The Business Oddcast, we explore what planning actually looks like for neurodivergent business owners. From variable energy levels and dopamine-driven decision making to PDA, perfectionism, and the pressure to “stick to the plan,” they unpack why rigid long-term planning can be more harmful than helpful.

    We talk honestly about energy budgets, 90-day sprints, pivoting without shame, squirrel moments, hyperfocus, and why rest is preparation, not a reward. Expect practical insights, lived experience, a healthy dismantling of hustle culture, and reassurance that you’re not failing just because your business doesn’t fit a neurotypical template.

    If traditional planning makes you feel boxed in, burnt out, or broken — this one’s for you.

    Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com

    Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details.

    Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work!

    ------------------------------------- TIMELINE

    00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the Show 00:01:50 - Topic of the Week Thriving Without a 5-Year Plan 00:02:45 - Defining what the plan needs 00:03:50 - Hannah's plan or lack thereof inc. life 00:06:50 - The key question Hannah asks on her birthday, every year 00:07:35 - Business plans are how the C-suite measure their success 00:08:25 - Battle plans never survive contact with the enemy, so now what? 00:10:10 - What's the key to success without a 5yr plan? 00:11:14 - The tyranny of a self imposed long-term plan 00:14:32 - How do you create certainty, when inner frameworks are shaky? 00:15:30 - A more flexible approach is kinder and acknowledges your reality 00:16:39 - Seizing opportunities - Announcing our new roles with Shine Radio 00:18:30 - Is having a purpose is better than a plan, or wing it and see? 00:21:30 - All the knowledge and planning won't beat adapting to local conditions 00:22:57 - When staying alive is a 5 year plan, and how to cope with ALL THE IDEAS! 00:26:50 - How do you remain consitent in business, with fluctuating energy levels? 00:28:15 - Shout out if you don't finish things... sidequests are cool for learning 00:30:45 - The power of the ninety day sprint with an open brief and creativity. 00:34:01 - How to plan ahead - top tips and takeaways 00:36:45 - Small chunks, bite sized pieces, write down your 90 day goal... 00:38:12 - Short sprints let you keep momentum, keeping the joy & not burning out 00:40:35 - The more days in the month than the money left in your account feeling 00:41:40 - Small bite sized chunks, small bite sized goals ease the pressure 00:42:50 - Some tips on how to manage day-to-day 00:44:56 - KNOWING these good ideas and DOING them are worlds apart! 00:46:05 - Add novelty, celebrate wins, choose your hours wisely 00:47:46 - The key to being self-employed - be yourself 00:50:27 - Final tip - too many tasks on your 'to do' list will break you 00:52:28 - Summary and a final thoughts - prioritise your own needs 00:57:17 - Next Week: Business plans that don't suck... 00:58:13 - LENGTH

    ------------------------------------- RESOURCES

    https://shineradio.uk - Local Radio Petersfield, Bordon & Whitehill and beyond!

    https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling.

    https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests - if this topic responates perhaps you might want to look into the subject a little more. Use these tests to have a clearer understanding of your own neurotype profile.

    https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, survive and live more fulfilling lives.

    -------------------------------------

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    58 mins