In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon speaks with Mike Cole, an IFC-accredited coach and qualified accountant, about embracing neurodiversity in your architecture business. Mike discusses his experience with dyslexia and the strengths it has brought to his work, such as problem-solving and big-picture thinking. He shares his journey of self-acceptance and encourages listeners to lean into their uniqueness and find the most efficient ways for them to work. He also highlights the importance of understanding oneself, both strengths and weaknesses, to build a profitable future-proof architecture business. Mike has also created a quiz to help you discover what's holding you back in your businesses and career.

Today's Guest...

Mike Cole is an ICF-accredited coach and qualified accountant with a wealth of business experience from leading multinational teams in £multi-billion corporates to supporting solopreneurs to develop their unique, profitable businesses. Mike combines skillful coaching, and extensive business experience to guide busy people, who are overflowing with ideas, along their unique path to success. He creates calm, collaborative spaces that unblock thinking, generate rapid insight, and result in actionable steps.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity

00:55 Guest Introduction: Mike Cole

03:19 Understanding Neurodivergence

04:23 Mike's Personal Journey with Dyslexia

06:09 Overcoming Challenges in the Workplace

13:26 Transitioning to Small Business Ownership

15:18 The Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring

16:45 Building a Business Around Your Strengths

19:25 Understanding and Embracing Your Unique Strengths

20:23 The Coin Analogy: Embracing Both Sides of Your Personality

22:19 The Power of Big-Picture Thinking and Trust

25:08 The Impact of Diagnosis and Self-Understanding

27:50 Leaning into Your Specialness: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

31:44 Connecting with Mike and Final Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Embrace your quirks or your neurodivergent attributes. Whether in business or life, try to understand and lean into your unique traits and strengths, even if they may deviate from the 'norm'. This promotes authenticity and usually leads to better results in one's work.

👉 Take time to understand the best working methods for you. By analysing and adjusting the way you work you can leverage your strengths, and boost efficiency. 

👉 Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Find peace with your weaknesses and focus on maximising your strengths. Your strengths are what make you valuable to others.

👉 Consider problems from different perspectives. Different people understand and solve problems in unique ways due to their varied experiences, skills, and thought processes. Embracing this diversity of thought can lead to innovative solutions.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Mike’s Quiz - https://www.milico.uk/quiz

Mike’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thismikecole/

Mike’s Instagram - @thismikecole

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In The Next Episode...

Next time, host Jon shares stories and lessons learned during the past decade as a sole practitioner in architecture.