Welcome to episode #80! We’re thrilled to be joined by Rawi Nanakul today.
Rawi Nanakul is the founder of Tech Atypically, a newsletter and coaching service dedicated to helping neurodivergent professionals in the tech industry. With a background in ADHD research, product management, and kickboxing, Rawi’s career spans multiple industries, reflecting his deep curiosity and adaptability.
Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Rawi has navigated the challenges of career shifts, emotional regulation, and balancing multiple roles. He now helps tech professionals thrive by integrating ADHD-friendly strategies into their work and personal lives.
In this episode, we discuss ADHD in relationships, workplace challenges, emotional regulation, and how to build a sustainable career while embracing neurodivergence.
Welcome to the show, Rawi!
Questions
JN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?
- Discovered ADHD during marriage therapy—therapist noticed common ADHD struggles
- Initially skeptical due to his research background but sought an assessment
- Diagnosis changed his perspective on past struggles and relationships
JN: How did ADHD impact your personal relationships?
- Struggled with forgetfulness and follow-through, leading to resentment in his marriage
- Biggest improvement came from learning to communicate emotions and needs
- Recognized the fear of being vulnerable and how it affected relationships
JN: How did ADHD affect your career path?
- Quit things when they got hard, leading to feelings of shame
- Had at least nine different careers, constantly shifting interests
- Realized that his curiosity and adaptability were strengths, not failures
JN: How did you reframe your career journey?
- Identified his core values: curiosity and inclusion
- Recognized that each career move was intentional and aligned with his values
- Shifted perspective from “falling behind” to “climbing multiple mountains”
JN: What are the three career paths you're currently balancing?
- Tech Industry: Works as a project manager in a large fintech company, specializing in operations
- ADHD Coaching: Helps neurodivergent professionals succeed at work and in life
- Whiskey Business: Co-founder of Common Ritual, a whiskey company supporting underrepresented distilleries
JN: How do you manage emotional regulation in high-stakes work environments?
- Recognizes that emotional regulation is key to focus and decision-making
- Uses self-awareness to understand why he reacts a certain way
- Finds that naming emotions helps create distance and reduce impulsive responses
JN: What productivity strategies work best for you?
- Breaks work into structured sprints with clear priorities
- Uses coaching techniques to make difficult tasks emotionally "cheaper"
- Implements meeting strategies to avoid burnout (e.g., scheduling buffer time)
JN: What does your morning routine look like?
- Reads first thing in the morning to avoid screen distractions
- Goes for a run, using the time to process thoughts and plan the day
- Uses daily affirmations to set a positive mindset
JN: How do you wind down at night?
- Follows a sleep strategy: no caffeine (10 hrs before), no alcohol (3 hrs before), no screens (1 hr before)
- Uses medication and a CPAP machine to improve sleep quality
- Aims to minimize screen time but admits it’s a work in progress
JN: Where can people connect with you?
JN: Final words for the audience?
- ADHD is both a gift and a disability—both realities should be acknowledged
- Avoid the “superpower” narrative that dismisses those who struggle more
- Embrace your strengths, but don’t ignore the challenges neurodivergence brings
More from Focus Bear:
Website: https://focusbear.io
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Connect with Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy
Email: jeremy@focusbear.io
Connect with Joey:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/
Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
Episode 80