Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business Owners

If you are juggling pain, fluctuating capacity and a busy brain, this episode walks through exactly how I keep my business sustainable as a disabled neurodivergent woman. "You can change status quo. You can build the business the way that you want." In this episode I share 12 specific shifts I've made to ensure my business fits my life better, including: • divorcing my income from my time and structure my offers around my real capacity • How I use AI, automation and my Content Forest system as thinking partners and behind the scenes helpers so I can still create and sell even on low capacity days   • The practical ways I design my schedule, home workspace, support team and tools (like Notion and my VA) to honour my body, my cycles and my neurodivergent brain   Links & resources mentioned • Neurodivergent Business Collective – Ongoing, flexible membership with community, coaching, resources and AI tools for neurodivergent business owners. 20% off available until 12 December – https://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/   • Differently Aligned AI Lab – Small group coaching program starting in January and running through June 2026, with spots open if you're listening before January 2026 (unless they sell out!) – https://differentlyaligned.com/differently-aligned-ai-lab/    • Free Training: AI for Content Creation in Your Voice (Content Forest Framework) – Free, on demand and available to watch until 12 December – https://differentlyaligned.com/free-training-ai-for-content/    • Differently Aligned on Instagram – Hang out with me for bursts of support, ideas and updates – https://instagram.com/differently.aligned 

You're tired of the admin and heartache of chasing unpaid invoices. You want a clear, effective way to get paid without the stress. This episode is for you! I'll give you the exact email template that got my client paid her long-overdue invoices within two hours! "It can be hard to hold together these two ideas of 'I'm here to help people' and 'I deserve to get paid for it'. I need you to feel those two truths at the same time, your business will not be viable without it." - Adina Levy In this episode you'll learn: The exact email template that gets overdue invoices paid (and why being clearer and firmer works better than being too gentle) How to create payment policies and systems that protect your cash flow and prevent you from becoming an unpaid debt collector Ways to redesign your business processes so getting paid becomes effortless instead of a constant source of stress and guilt Links: Group coaching program with me in 2026 - The Differently Aligned AI Lab (Early Bird ends 12th Dec): https://differentlyaligned.com/differently-aligned-ai-lab/ very limited spots to check it out soon! Ongoing, flexible support: The Neurodivergent Business Collective Core membership 20% off (ends 12th Dec) https://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Email me with questions and feedback! hello@differentlyaligned.com Catch me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/differently.aligned Email template to get paid: Hi ___, There is _ unpaid and overdue invoice. (was due on ) - INV-_____ $___ This invoice is overdue and we require full payment of $_____ by <5 days max, date> We will require the overdue invoice to be paid by that date, in order to keep our scheduled session. Regards,  

If you've ever asked AI to create some content for you and cringed at how robotic, weird and generic it sounded, this episode is your fix! "I had this vision of being able to, with the press of a button, take words, thoughts, ideas, writing, transcripts of, me speaking or things straight from my brain, pressing a button and having that be turned into all other types of content where let's say it's 99%. Great. You know, I'm happy with it. I can tweak it and I can improve it, and then it goes out into the world. That's the vision." — Adina Levy In this episode, I share: The exact AI setup I use to make AI write in my voice (plus a live demo showing the difference between generic AI garbage and content that actually sounds like me) Why your AI content sounds like everyone else's and the missing ingredients you need to fix it What you need to include in your own content workflow, so you can create endless AI-assisted content from one transcript, without losing your authentic voice LINKS Free Training: AI for Content Creation in Your Voice – Live training on the Content Forest Framework – https://differentlyaligned.com/free-training-ai-for-content/ If you're here after the training, check the link to see what else I've got to support you! Neurodivergent Business Collective – Affordable membership with resources, coaching, and AI tools for neurodivergent business owners – https://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Join me on Instagram - @differently.aligned  

Creating truly inclusive, accessible events is possible, practical and powerful... and not optional! In this incredibly insightful and delightful chat with Katie Koullas from Yellow Ladybugs, she shares the non-negotiables of creating inclusive events, and big ideas around building your unique event that is just what your community needs.   "Accessibility is about removing barriers, but inclusion is about belonging and safety once you're there." – Katie Koullas   In this guest speaker chat we cover: • How to define your non-negotiables and articulate a clear 'why' that guides every event decision • Practical choices that shape accessibility and felt-safety, from venue and timing to sensory supports and communication that respects capacity • Ways to test interest, gather useful feedback, and move through impostor syndrome while protecting your energy and boundaries   Links & Resources mentioned Yellow Ladybugs – Autistic-led charity supporting autistic girls, women and gender diverse people –  https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/ Local Connect (Yellow Ladybugs) – Find and connect with neurokin in your area –  https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/Connect/LocalConnect Neurodivergent Business Collective – Adina's membership and community for Neurodivergent business owners, where sealed-section episodes (including the juciest parts of Katie's chat!) and loads more support and resources live –  https://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Book Adina mentioned: Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering – Purposeful, people-centred approaches to events –  https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering Differently Aligned Podcast - For Neurodivergent Business Owners -  https://differentlyaligned.com/podcast/ Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast - for adults who support neurodivergent children - https://playlearnchat.com/exploring-neurodiversity-podcast/

Many neurodivergent business owners are missing out on clients and income before anyone even books in. In this episode, I share the five biggest reasons why and what to do about it so your clients actually make it through the door.   "Nobody cares about your business as much as they care about their own problems... if you think that you've given them information at a certain point, do not assume that the person has read or remembered what was already on that website.  Remind them, make it easy for them at all points to find the information that they need." – Adina Levy   In this episode, I cover: • Why relying on your memory to handle enquiries is draining you and losing clients • The five most common breakdown points in the enquiry-to-booking journey and how to fix them • Practical ways to make your client journey clear, simple, and safe so people actually say yes   Links & Resources mentioned: • Streamline Your Business for Time Freedom – self-paced course with systems, automations, and templates to create more ease in your business – https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/ • Find me on Instagram @differently.aligned – https://instagram.com/differently.aligned

Want to build a business that won't break when life throws curveballs? This episode is your guide to thinking beyond time-for-money and getting creative with how you make income.   "If what you're offering is time-for-money, one-on-one therapy or coaching, there's a huge risk. Making money relies on you turning up and doing the thing, and we can't always do that." - Adina Levy   In this episode, I share: • Why I've renamed my business 'Differently Aligned Business Coaching' and what's shifting behind the scenes - which relates to all the diversified offers I have created! • The mindset and starting point for thinking about diversifying your income, especially if you're in a service-based business • Two popular options for building new income streams, and how to know if they're right for you   Links: • The One Thing Summit – Free + paid access option - marketing summit with 15-minute talks, including my session on auditing your offers – https://differentlyaligned--laurentilden.thrivecart.com/the-one-thing-all-access-pass/  • My Diversifying Revenue Streams Webinar – Available any time – https://playlearnchat.com/webinar-diversifying-revenue-streams/ • Instagram – Connect with me here – https://www.instagram.com/differently.aligned • Neurodivergent Business Collective – supportive membership for neurodivergent business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/

Learn a practical, six-step framework for deciding what to spend money on in your business, so you can invest wisely and actually create more time, clarity, and space to grow without falling into the trap of needless expenses or limits.   "The cost of holding yourself back because the level you're on limits something that limits your actual business growth. It's a trap that we may all easily fall into." - Adina Levy   In this episode, I share: • My six filters for business spending, showing you exactly how I decide what's truly worth investing in, from software to people and everything in between • Why freeing up time, propelling yourself forward, getting expert help, streamlining, finding clear next steps, and making space to grow are the real keys to sustainable and profitable business decisions • Honest stories from my own business including rethinking my... large costs in annual software (yep I share the real numbers!), what I'm cutting or keeping, and how I'm using these filters to simplify, save, and support my business future   Links: • Neurodivergent Business Collective – supportive membership for neurodivergent business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ • Streamline Your Business course – practical course to simplify your business systems – https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/

If you're an Allied Health business owner facing the NDIS pricing chaos, this episode gives you the practical steps you can take right now (today!) to steady your business, support your clients, and stop spinning in uncertainty.   "When you strengthen your business with a solid, sustainable model, your clients and community are the ones that are going to benefit, as well as you, as well as your team." —Adina Levy   In this episode, I speak directly to Allied Health professionals facing the NDIS pricing freeze (or backslide), and offer practical, grounded ways to respond with clarity, sustainability and self-care. Even if this exact situation doesn't affect you, there's plenty here to support you through any big, unexpected change in your business.   I share about: • The immediate, simple action you can take today, using my free email template, to steady your business and show clear leadership • What the NDIS pricing freeze actually means for your business • Two key pricing paths you can take in response, with mindset shifts and maths to support your thinking   LINKS: FREE TEMPLATE to send your clients today - 'Heads up: Upcoming pricing and billing Update - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FPdh5RkVTqICfamrj78TvvfHibV6kJtzeaL0XQb44JA/edit?usp=sharing Guide to Raising Prices in an NDIS Capped World (PDF)  - https://courses.playlearnchat.com/offers/pazgwu2f Workshop: Raising Prices in an NDIS Capped World - recorded - https://playlearnchat.com/workshop-raisng-prices/ Differently Aligned Podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners - https://pod.link/1729123916 Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast for Adults who Support Neurodivergent Children - https://pod.link/1625478932

Spending time with other neurodivergent people isn't just lovely... it can fundamentally change how you see yourself, your energy, and your business.   "Spending time with other neurodivergent people just helps with that self-acceptance, that self-compassion. Which is the most beautiful starting point because from there you can do anything but not everything." - Adina Levy   In this episode, I share: • How the Yellow Ladybugs Conference reminded me why connecting with neurokin matters so much • Why measuring ourselves against neurotypical norms is unfair, and how to stop • What doing business differently from 'expected' can actually look like (hint: it's not 20 clients a week, if that's burning you out!)   LINKS: Join me for a FREE Webinar - Build Your Business Without Burnout – https://ndbusiness.co/free-webinar-business-without-burnout/ Yellow Ladybugs - fabulous organisation supporting Autistic girls and gender-diverse folks - https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/

Being neurodiversity affirming doesn't mean avoiding challenge. It doesn't mean staying where you are, only doing what's easy or comfortable. We can do hard things. We can learn new stuff, try new stuff, stretch ourselves – and we absolutely should. The key is doing the right hard things, for the right reasons, with the right support, at the right time. That's how growth happens without stress, burnout, or disconnection from who we really are. "You get to define what the hard thing is in any one moment. If it feels hard, it is hard. That's a valid, real experience." - Adina Levy   In this crossover episode with my Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, I share: • Why doing hard things is not at odds with a neurodiversity affirming approach • My powerful framework to help neurodivergent folks of all ages to take on the right hard things with less stress and more support • Examples of how my framework looks for an Autistic boy learning to read, and for an ADHDer business owner working on changing up her chaotic non-systems. LINKS & MORE SUPPORT FREE WEBINAR: Build your Business without Burnout – for neurodivergent business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/free-webinar-business-without-burnout/  • Neurodivergent Business Collective – my membership for neurodivergent service-based business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ • New webinar for Allied Health Practice Owners (including and especially for sole traders!) - Diversifying Revenue Streams – webinar on innovative business models – https://playlearnchat.com/webinar-diversifying-revenue-streams/ • Blog post + visual model of my "You can do hard things" framework – https://ndbusiness.co/podcast-30/ • Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business  

This episode is your permission slip to slow down, zoom out, and get strategic in a way that actually fits your neurodivergent brain. "This kind of deep, intentional work feels really different to business-as-usual wins. It's quiet, slow, and sometimes flat, but I know it's going to pay off. Rather than jump at all the little ideas I had for making the membership better, I decided to go slower, which was really hard to slow ADHD me down and not put all the ideas into place." - Adina Levy You'll hear me sharing about: • What project time actually looked like for me, and why I'm now making it a non-negotiable • How I used member survey data and deep analysis to make clear, strategic decisions, and why you should do this too • The emotional reality of slow, intentional work when your brain craves fast wins • What's changing in the Neurodivergent Business Collective and why I'm finally naming who it's really for • How I'm using tools like body doubling and AI prompts to support focus, motivation, and accessibility LINKS • Neurodivergent Business Collective – Membership for service-based neurodivergent business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ • Checkout my Burnout to Boundless Webinar – https://ndbusiness.co/free-webinar-burnout-to-boundless/ • Guest Speaker Pitch Form – Be a paid speaker in the Collective – https://forms.gle/X12nhVXsw4HhhHEz6 • Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

Sharing the tech tools I actually use (and love) as an Autistic ADHDer running two businesses, how I use them and how they help me. "ADHD brain was struggling big time having too many different bits of information and too many spreadsheets, and the second I think, oh, I need to go and get that information from the other spreadsheet, I half open it up and I'd go on another side quest because I realized I needed to rename a file and move it over there. And suddenly I'm building an automation to move the file and I'm 10 steps away from where I needed to be." — Adina Levy You'll hear me share about: The exact apps and systems that support both "autistic me" and "ADHD me" in staying focused, reducing burnout and getting the big stuff done How I've designed my business to match my energy levels, including clever hacks like colour-coded strategic goals and why I don't book anything before 11am Why automations make my heart sing and how tools like ClickUp, Capsule CRM and Zapier help me focus on the human-ey parts of my work LINKS • Streamline Your Business for Time Freedom – on-demand course (use code POD20 for 20% off) – https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/ • Neurodivergent Business Collective – community for neurodivergent business owners – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ • 1:1 Coaching and Consulting – join the waitlist – https://ndbusiness.co/1-1-coaching-consulting/ • Explore Your Affirming Practice – free podcast training for Speech Therapists (through my other business, Play. Learn. Chat.) – https://playlearnchat.com/evolve-your-affirming-practice-free-training/   Watch on YouTube - (coming soon) Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business APPS & TOOLS I SHARED • Kit (ConvertKit) – email platform I actually enjoy using – https://partners.convertkit.com/r0q3orewj68e (my affiliate link) • Descript – audio and video editing via text – https://get.descript.com/zvedpapj40ai (my affiliate link) • Kajabi – course and membership platform – https://app.kajabi.com/r/jzpyZDkd (my affiliate link) • Capsule CRM – client and contact manager – https://get.capsulenow.io/1os7biho1bbe (my affiliate link) • ClickUp – project and task management – https://clickup.com • Google Chat – low-pressure team messaging – https://chat.google.com • Gmail – email platform with templates – https://mail.google.com • Help Scout – previous email support platform – https://www.helpscout.com • Xero – invoicing and bookkeeping software – https://xero.com • Acuity – client booking and payments – https://acuityscheduling.com • Google Sheets – flexible spreadsheets I adore – https://sheets.google.com • Momentum – browser-based Pomodoro timer – https://momentumdash.com • Zapier – automation tool to connect platforms – https://zapier.com • Make – visual automation for complex workflows – https://make.com • ChatGPT – my favourite AI thinking partner – https://chat.openai.com • Perplexity – alternative AI research assistant – https://perplexity.ai • Claude – another AI tool I explore – https://claude.ai • NotebookLM – Google tool for summarising docs – https://notebooklm.google • Gemini – Google's AI assistant – https://gemini.google.com

In this episode, I share 3 quick ideas around how you can use streamlined processes and automations to make things easier for you in business if you experience RSD, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, or if you're a people pleaser. The 3 tips I share are: Set clear policies & stick to them – Clearly define and communicate your policies on payments, cancellations, and boundaries so they are easy to enforce. Automate follow-ups & reminders – Use automation tools to handle invoice reminders, contract follow-ups, and other repetitive tasks to reduce emotional labour. Use email templates for tricky conversations – Save pre-written responses for common difficult situations to make saying no and setting boundaries easier.   LINKS: Need more help to streamline your business to fit your brain? My on-demand course Streamline your business for time freedom - get 20% off with code POD20! https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/    Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RCG2n-9cqis Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

Where is the Friction in Your Business? It's easy to notice when things go wrong, but what about when they go right? In this episode, I explore how identifying friction points in your business, and eliminating them, can create a smoother, more successful, and more sustainable workflow. From automations to CRMs, I share the systems I'm refining in my own business and how you can do the same.   Key Takeaways: Identify friction in your business by tracking frustration points over a week Systems and automations can fill gaps where your brain doesn't want to (or can't) do the work A CRM can streamline cancellations, track customer journeys, and ensure no leads or opportunities are lost Small workflow tweaks, like linking customer profiles across platforms, can make a huge difference Noticing what is working well can help you replicate success across other areas of your business   LINKS: Neurodivergent Business Collective Waitlist – Join to access tools, resources, and community support – https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1YOJDg6wxQ  Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

In today's episode, I'm excited to share parts of a guest speaker chat from the Neurodivergent Business Collective. Our guest, Haylea, a late identified AuDHD psychologist and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, discusses innovative accessibility, balancing creativity, team accommodations, and sustainable business growth. We dive into how to manage a small, thriving team of neurodivergent employees and explore personal strategies for maintaining balance between work and personal life, all while fostering a business that truly sees and hears its people. Haylea shares how her journey and experiences can provide shortcuts to those navigating similar paths.  If you want the full conversation and more insights, I mentioned my membership community for neurodivergent folks - Neurodivergent Business Collective - Hop on the waitlist here for the best offer when I open up! https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/  LINKS: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2TlSAb6UrM Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

In this episode, we're diving into email management for neurodivergent business owners. I've traditionally been really bad at this, but I've spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get better, automate, and shift my processes. If managing your inbox feels overwhelming, join me as I discuss ways to automate, systemise, and bring order to the chaos.   Key points:  I talk about my firm rule: treating the inbox as a to-do list, and why it works for me I'll share my journey toward inbox zero, the struggles along the way, and the expectations vs. the reality of managing multiple inboxes Tips on using autoresponders and quick fixes like filtering emails How to reduce incoming emails and streamline customer interactions Batching email responses or setting specific times for email management I mentioned my membership community for neurodivergent folks - Neurodivergent Business Collective - Doors are opening soon so hop on the waitlist here for the best offer when I open up! https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/    LINKS: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qEOpdplEnbI  Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

This episode dives into why doing less can make your business more sustainable, enjoyable, and impactful. I share how curating, slowing down, and focusing can help you avoid burnout and align your business with your energy and needs. Key Points: Doing less allows you to focus deeply, build momentum, and improve consistency Automate, defer, or stop tasks to free up your time and energy Simplify your offers by selling fewer, more impactful products or services Curate your tasks and priorities to align with your capacity and fluctuating energy   Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-action-reset-webinar/ Register for my Streamline and Automate Your Business (Use code POD20 for 20% OFF) - https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/ Learn more about my group coaching program Your Aligned Business Journey - https://ndbusiness.co/group-coaching/   LINKS: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EOxcsVnxRfo Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business  

Reflections and a full breakdown of my recent promotion that was about to flop... I share how I saved the promotion with mindset shifts and strategy shifts mid-promotion, and ended up exceeding my revised goals!   Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-action-reset-webinar/ Learn more about my group coaching program Your Aligned Business Journey - https://ndbusiness.co/group-coaching/   LINKS: Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/h-D-eY36N2c Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business   Check out my business buddy's incredible, creative jewellery business - Fairina Cheng Jewellery (that I mention in this episode!)

Sharing my 3-step process to help you move through overwhelm in your business.   Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-action-reset-webinar/ Learn more about my group coaching program Your Aligned Business Journey - https://ndbusiness.co/group-coaching/   LINKS: Watch on YouTube Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business

Here's my simple 4-step plan for setting yourself up for a VERY aligned, fabulous business year ahead. 0. Figure out your best, most preferred way of planning. Assemble all your best markers if that's your vibe! 1. Map out unmovable dates 2. Add time off for yourself! 3. Put in promos & events 4. Build your content plans around this!