Interview with neurodivergent founder Jannice Jones
Jannice Jones MSc is a Neurodivergent Founder, Positive Psychologist, Consultant, Coach, and Trainer dedicated to championing the wellbeing of neurodiverse individuals. She firmly believes in the significance of a comprehensive wellbeing framework tailored to neurodivergent needs and works to empower others to cultivate self-belief and personal growth.
Known for her open-hearted approach, she embodies the principles of integrity, compassion, and curiosity in both her professional and personal endeavours. She is a trained Breathwork Teacher, loves Yoga and Hiking and has practiced mindfulness for many years.
What’s your career background?
I’ve had a varied career, including roles in teaching and lecturing, insurance, leadership, sales, mental health, music, breathwork, and vegetarian catering, but most of my working life has been spent as a self-employed professional. This diversity is typical for a neurodivergent woman, we thrive on challenge and change and often have polymath tendencies.
How did your career change after having children?
I started my degree in World Music and Drama when my children were 6 and 4. At the time, I was running several community choirs in Salisbury, performing in a band, and teaching on a BTEC Music course. After earning my degree, I worked as a deputy manager at a day centre for adults with severe learning difficulties. I loved the role, but after 18 months, I had to leave due to a back injury caused by moving one of the clients.
After six months off work in severe pain, I had to return as my then-husband became ill. I asked myself what I could do despite my injury, and the answer was simple, I could walk and talk, and this led me to become a self-employed health insurance broker, a role I thrived in for 10 years. Success came from having real, consultative conversations and offering a product that genuinely helped people.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
After my divorce, I pursued a Master’s degree in Positive Psychology and during the course, I became increasingly aware of my own neurodiverse traits. I had always known that both of my children were neurodiverse (ADHD, autism, and dyslexia), but I began to understand my own experiences, which were heightened by both the demands of the course and the onset of menopause.
I wanted to combine my lived experiences with my academic knowledge, and coaching felt like the perfect fit, and I’d studied coaching at Level 7 as part of my master’s and loved it.
How did you move from idea to actual business?
I began by coaching for an established provider to deepen my skills and build confidence, and after a year, I set up my own coaching practice.
What’s your unique selling proposition (USP)?
I offer a powerful combination of lived experience, education, and empathy and this blend makes my coaching different, highly effective and relatable.
Who’s your target audience?
Entrepreneurs, C-Suite professionals, and neurodivergent employees.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
I regularly post on LinkedIn and Instagram, write blogs, and am launching a podcast soon. I also deliver keynotes, corporate training, and work with a PR specialist. My associate coaches share updates about our work, which helps expand my reach.
What’s been your most successful marketing strategy?
Hiring a specialist marketing company to create daily posts for three months significantly increased my visibility. This strategy supported my Black Friday offer, boosted webinar sign-ups, expanded my email list, and filled spots for my coaching training course starting 29th January.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Consistency. I struggle to write blogs regularly or maintain a consistent social media presence, which is why I’ve invested in professional support to manage it for me.
And your proudest moment so far?
Designing, creating, and delivering my first CPD-accredited neurodiversity coaching training course. I trained my first four specialist neurodivergent coaches, who are all now thriving in the field which is great and shows what you can achieve together.
Why is work so important to you?
It allows me to share my hard-earned wisdom and knowledge to help others navigate their neurodiversity journeys and because I’m passionate about empowering others to move from overwhelm to thriving I get a lot of satisfaction.
Who inspires you?
My daughter inspires me. She has overcome a severe mental health breakdown, as well as challenges with dyslexia, autism, and a late ADHD diagnosis, to become an incredible advocate for others like herself.
How do you balance your work with your family?
I aim to work three to four days a week, so I have time to take my daughter shopping, help her with her home, or accompany her to appointments. My son visits for four to five days each month, and I make sure to dedicate time to him as well.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
- Gain experience by working or consulting for an organisation in the field to see if it’s the right fit for you.
- Schedule long weekends every six weeks and a full week’s holiday every three months to avoid burnout.
- Set a clear end time for your workday – I switch off my computer at 6pm and never check emails or respond to work-related messages after that.
Find out more about Jannice Jones.
