Summary
Burnout affects everyone at some point in their careers, and neurodivergent people are no exception to this. Because of how much it takes to mask, we burn out more than neurotypical people do! Jared Williams, a former Mentra colleague of mine and now the General Manager of Florecita Panadería bakery, talks about his journey in the startup world, venture capital, knowing when he'd hit his limit, and discovering what it meant to take the reins of his career into his own hands.
Takeaways
Jared transitioned from tech to running a bakery.
Neurodiversity can provide unique insights in product management.
Masking in tech can lead to burnout and identity crises.
Authenticity is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.
Creating supportive work environments is essential for neurodiverse individuals.
Workplace happiness is more important than traditional success metrics.
Jared's bakery allows him to be himself without masking.
Understanding one's neurodiversity can be empowering.
The importance of valuing employees' individuality in business.
Success is often tied to personal happiness and fulfillment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jared Williams and His Journey
03:20 Exploring Neurodiversity and Its Impact
06:07 The Challenges of Masking in Tech
09:08 Finding Authenticity Outside of Tech
11:46 The Importance of Workplace Environment
14:40 Transitioning to the Bakery Business
17:48 Creating a Supportive Work Culture
19:31 The Value of Being Yourself in Business
22:44 Reflections on Career Choices and Happiness
Connect with Jared and check out Florecita Panadería