Welcome to episode #62 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ellen Busch today. Ellen Busch, diagnosed with dyslexia in childhood, defied expectations. Her parents nurtured her beyond academic confines, teaching her to navigate the ocean, excel in team sports, and embrace adventure. Despite self-esteem struggles, she became a skilled skier and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Battling low self-esteem and trauma, Ellen persevered, escaping abuse and seeking healing. Through coaching, therapy, and training, she reclaimed her power, now thriving and fearlessly pursuing her dreams. Welcome to the show Ellen!
Questions
Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?
When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?
Initially diagnosed as ambidextrous.
What challenges did you face?
Dyslexia associated with an intellectual disability.
People had low expectations of her - teacher told her parents that she would only ever be able to be a wife/mother
Her parents didn’t accept the administrator’s diagnosis. Her dad’s mantra was “Prove em wrong Ellen!”
Took successes outside of the classroom and brought them into the classroom.
Physical challenges like abseiling, scuba diving, boating
Was able to apply the adventures to assignments
Going to college / uni was better
Academic staff were supportive
Probably because she was so open and transparent
Managed to get through tough subjects
What is it like now?
Agrees that the struggle gave her the grit
She could outwork everyone else
At an early age
E.g. Reading nautical charts with her Dad.
What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?
Understanding visual learning
Thinks in pictures
Using visual aids whenever possible
E.g. Anatomy colouring book - associating the colour with the name.
Long-term memory is good
Good pattern recognition
What projects are you concentrating on?
Book: disEmpowered
Shares her story about getting through hostile education system and leaning into her strengths
Lots of podcast
Training to become a coach (to help other dyslexic people and parents of dyslexic children)
Heroes’ journey approach
Refuse the challenge
Take on the challenge
Succeed
Take the lessons back to your tribe
How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
Come back to the idea of outworking people. Does she find it difficult to switch off
When younger, it was rough
Because don’t have the emotional development on how to cope.
Would have frustrated outbursts.
Do athletic, physical things and then would fall asleep.
Foundational practices
Meditation
Journalling
Breathwork
Visualisation
Reboot practice - 45 mins to turn off the brain
Yoga
What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
Optimising productivity
Take breaks - not a robot!
“Spot drills”
Micro-workouts (10 minutes): 50 air squats/burpees/push-presses/WOD
Does 3 of those per day. Aiming for 4
“Sitting is the new smoking”
Break up tasks - write for 15 minutes and then empty the dishwasher
Setting boundaries: this is what I need to do for myself
Unhelpful advice
Multitasking: doing 3-5 things at a time doesn’t work. Do one thing at a time.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
How do you manage communication with neurotypical folk?
Setting expectations (like she did with the professors at college)
Active listening
Understanding different perspectives
Asking for clarification
Reflecting back
5 mountain plan
From Commander Mark Devine (retired Navy Seal)
What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
Set alarm clock 30 mins early - give herself time to wake up (not New York style wake up, gulp coffee and leap out the door anymore!)
Large glass of water
Box breathing
Gratitude journalling - typically 3 minutes
Yoga and stretching
Micro goals approach:
start small with the habits - 3 things I’m grateful for and then build out from here
How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
PM ritual:
Journaling (what went well/what didn’t go well - what did I learn? In a non judgemental way)
Breathwork (box breathing)
Meditation (insight timer)
Sleep!
Where can people connect with you or find your work?
Episode 62