Episode Summary

Why is it so hard to do the things we know we need to do?

In this episode, Bernie and Emily sit down for one of their regular fireside chats to unpack the messy reality of executive dysfunction, time management, and sustainable workflows.

They explore why traditional productivity hacks often fall short for neurodivergent brains — and why building systems around real life, rather than forcing willpower, actually works.

From the adrenaline rush of restaurant work to the freedom of tracking your time your way, Bernie and Emily share the small shifts that changed everything.

They also reveal one powerful AI prompt that cut through months of overthinking — and helped people completely reframe their work and focus.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed, this conversation will feel like coming home.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] – Bernie’s reminder: Unreasonable Connection event link in the show notes

[01:10] – Emily on what she’s known for — and what she’s aiming for

[02:02] – Realising neurodivergence is everywhere (and why it’s not about bandwagons)

[03:00] – What executive dysfunction feels like

[04:00] – Why restaurant work was easier than emails: managing chaos in motion

[05:30] – How time tracking became life-changing (after years of resisting it)

[08:00] – Different brains need different systems: why clocks stress Emily out

[09:30] – Choosing the right work for the right environment

[11:00] – Estimating time vs effort — and why it saves your brain

[14:00] – The AI prompt that cuts through months of overthinking

[16:30] – How changing your work format can break creative block

[18:00] – Why changing environments rescued Bernie’s writing flow

Adaptive Workflows for Real Life

Emily shares how adaptive workflows — not rigid schedules — help neurodivergent business owners build momentum without burning out.

Bernie reflects on how applying these ideas made daily work feel lighter and more human.

Executive Dysfunction: It's Not You, It's the System

Knowing what you need to do — and not being able to do it — isn’t a character flaw.

Bernie and Emily open up about what executive dysfunction feels like and why the solution is smarter support, not more grit.

Why Restaurant Work Felt So Good (And Why Office Work Doesn’t)

Bernie and Emily explore why chaotic restaurant jobs often make focus easier than creative work today — and what that teaches us about momentum and motivation.

Time Tracking Isn't About Control, It's About Clarity

Tracking time changed everything for Bernie — but only when he found a way that worked with his brain, not against it.

Emily shares how to personalise time tracking to make it empowering, not overwhelming.

The Secret Power of Time and Effort Estimation

Not all short tasks are easy, and not all long tasks are hard.

Bernie and Emily break down why understanding both time and emotional load can completely change how you plan your workweek.

The AI Prompt That Shook Up LinkedIn Profiles

Bernie shares a deceptively simple AI prompt (via James Poulter) that helped people reframe their direction faster than months of brainstorming.

Emily explains why asking better questions unlocks better answers.

Change the Format, Save Your Sanity

When you’re stuck, sometimes the answer isn’t pushing harder — it’s switching the environment, the tool, or the medium.

Bernie and Emily discuss how breaking habits intentionally can reignite creativity.

🔗 Links & Resources

* Unreasonable Connection - The world’s smallest coworking event.

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland

* Focus To-Do Pomodoro app

* Jessica Abel - Creative Business Building for Artists & Writers

* Sam Sundius Episode - Clocks on the wall: A simple fix for time blindness

* Ann Hawkins Episode - Founder of Drive Collabrative Network

* James Poulter — Leading AI and Innovation for House 337

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One more thing

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These values aren’t just ideas — they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

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