The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Let’s be honest: I wasn’t totally sold on Notion AI at first, especially after it launched. I’d been using ChatGPT religiously for content creation, brainstorming, scripting videos, and outlining newsletters. It had the context. It knew my tone. I’d built custom GPTs. I didn’t think I needed another AI tool.

But then...I went to the Notion Conference and learned they spent the last 2 years rebuilding Notion AI from the ground up….and I was shocked at how useful it had become. At that conference I met so many people including fellow ambassador Val.

Valeria Alfuzzi is a fellow Notion nerd (and Notion-certified consultant) who lives in Colombia, she is a full time Notion Consultant with 6 employees and we recently sat down on my podcast, The Optimization Toolbox, to talk all things Custom Personal AI Agents in Notion.

You can find her on instagram and her Notion website

And real talk? It kinda blew my mind. 💥

Here’s why.

🧠 What Are Custom Personal Agents in Notion?

If you haven’t played with these yet, Custom Agents are basically little AI “team members” that live inside your Notion workspace. They’re like ChatGPT, but with memory, structure, and direct access to your workspace databases. They can be trained on your tone, style, workflow—and actually learn from the context inside your Notion setup.

Val showed me her setup (yes, with naming conventions like Casper the newsletter ghost 👻 and Frankenstein the agent that builds other agents 😍). She’s built a whole team of AI helpers that write, format, and even organize her content pipeline.

And I thought...wait, I could do this.

🤯 Why I’m (Finally) Making the Switch

After that call, I started recreating my custom GPTs inside Notion. Here’s why I’m shifting away from ChatGPT for my day-to-day tasks:

* Context lives in Notion: I’ve been using Notion for 4+ years. All my content ideas, client notes, health logs, even my book drafts live there. Why not let AI live there too?

* Memory that matters: Notion’s agents don’t just remember stuff—you can tell them to update their memories based on what you’re teaching them. It’s like having an assistant who gets smarter over time.

* Workflow integration: Val showed how she assigns specific agents to specific content types (newsletters, carousels, outlines), even grouping agents by project. It’s like building a team inside your digital brain.

* It’s cheaper: Notion’s AI plan is $10–$20/month including workspace features. That’s a steal if you’re already paying for Notion + ChatGPT separately.

* Privacy wins: Everything stays in your Notion workspace. That means more control and less worry about where your data is going.

🎯 How I’m Starting Small

I’m not moving everything overnight. But here’s how I’m easing in:

* Recreating my top-used GPTs (like my newsletter formatter and YouTube idea generator).

* Cleaning up my old databases so AI can actually pull helpful info (Val even suggested creating an AI agent just to help clean old pages—genius).

* Experimenting with workflows—like generating carousel copy from a YouTube script, or summarizing client call notes into next steps.

* Tagging context-rich databases so the agents can pull smarter insights over time.

This might not be for everyone—but if you’re already using Notion and feel spread thin between tools, I highly recommend giving it a try.

🎥 Want to Watch the Full Interview?

Check out my convo with Val on The Optimization Toolbox. We go deep on:

* Her system for managing 10+ custom agents

* How to structure your agent’s “personality”

* Real use cases for newsletters, client reports, health logs, and more

* What’s coming next with Notion AI (hint: custom workflows are about to get wild)

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Featuring Howie Chan on The Optimization Toolbox

If you’ve ever felt like building your “personal brand” makes you sound fake, braggy, or—let’s be honest—a little cringe… you’re not alone.

This week, I sat down in person with Howie Chan at the Podcast Crew Online studio in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. (Seriously — shout-out to them. Their team makes the in-studio experience so easy and the quality so good. If you’re local and want to level up your podcast or video setup, check them out at podcastcrew.online.)

💼 Meet Howie Chan

Howie Chan is a founder and brand strategist helping individuals and companies go from unknown to unignorable.

With over 20 years in healthcare, he’s helped launch multiple companies and products, including a multi-billion-dollar spinout from Merck. He continues to consult, speak, and serve as a change agent for organizations navigating transformation.

Today, he also helps experts and leaders build personal and business brands through his coaching programs. As host of Influence Anyone podcast, he’s interviewed thought leaders like Henna Pryor (workplace performance), David Robson(science journalist), and Nir Eyal (habits expert), sharing actionable lessons on influence, attraction, and growth.

With 100 K+ LinkedIn followers, Howie was named Top LinkedIn Creator in Branding & Positioning by Favikon in 2024.

His mission?

“To help 1 million people live their version of legendary by sharing their unique gifts with the world through the power of influence and brand.”

💼 1. Stop Building a “Personal Brand.” Build a

Professional Brand.

Howie’s biggest reframe? Stop calling it personal branding.

“A professional brand,” he says, “is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room.”

Your professional brand isn’t about how often you post—it’s about credibility and clarity. It’s how people in your space describe what you do and why you matter.

That clarity doesn’t come from fancy design—it comes from consistency. Your words, your work, and how you make people feel all need to line up.

So if you hate “personal branding,” good news: You don’t have to sell yourself. You just have to make it easy for people to understand how you help.

🌱 2. Howie’s LinkedIn Growth (and What Actually Works)

When Howie was laid off in 2022, he started posting on LinkedIn—not with a strategy, but with curiosity.

He didn’t chase trends or virality. Instead, he shared short, thoughtful posts about emotion, leadership, and brand psychology. And that honesty resonated.

Over time, his visibility grew—not because he was loud, but because he was clear.

He posted about what he knew deeply, not everything he could talk about.

“People think visibility is about reach,” he told me. “It’s really about resonance.”

His growth came from repeating consistent ideas, showing up with empathy, and building genuine connections—not optimizing for algorithms.

That’s the model ADHD creators and solopreneurs can actually sustain: authentic repetition over performative variety.

🧭 3. Start Narrow, Then Go Wide

If you’re multi-passionate (hi, ADHD friends 👋), this one hits home.

Howie explained that most people try to start wide—they want to talk about all their passions at once. But the best brands? They start narrow.

“Be known for one thing first,” he says. “Then you earn the right to expand.”

He compared it to restaurants: if you walk into a place that serves sushi, tacos, burgers, and pizza… you walk out. Because it’s confusing.

Narrowing your focus doesn’t mean you can’t evolve later—it just means you’re easier to find right now.

🧠 4. Branding = Behavioral Science

This is where Howie gets nerdy in the best way.

He draws from thinkers like Daniel Kahneman, Robert Cialdini, and Melina Palmer to explain why humans don’t make purely rational decisions.

We buy, follow, and trust based on ease and emotion.

* Ease: If something feels hard to understand, we skip it. (Cialdini calls this pre-suasion.)

* Emotion: We decide first, then justify later. (Kahneman’s “System 1 thinking.”)

* Exposure: The more people see you, the more they like you. (The mere exposure effect.)

“Make it easy for people to believe in you.”

That means clarity over cleverness. Fewer choices. Simpler copy. More consistency.

📚Books, Ideas & Resources Mentioned

🧠 Psychology, Behavior & Influence

* Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman

The foundation of behavioral science — referenced when Howie talks about how 95% of decisions are subconscious.

📘 Amazon

* Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion — Dr. Robert Cialdini

Core to Howie’s worldview on ethical persuasion and reciprocity.

📘 Amazon

* Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade — Dr. Robert Cialdini

How what happens before the message shapes the outcome.

📘 Amazon

* The Paradox of Choice — Barry Schwartz

Fewer choices = less friction. Referenced when discussing “making it easy.”

📘 Amazon

* What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You — Melina Palmer

Behavioral science meets marketing — why ease, framing, and emotion drive conversion.

📘 Amazon

💡Branding, Marketing & Entrepreneurship

* How Brands Grow — Byron Sharp

Why availability often beats differentiation.

📘 Amazon

* Start With Why — Simon Sinek

The importance of people, purpose, and trust in business.

📘 Amazon

* Building a StoryBrand — Donald Miller

“You’re not the hero — you’re the guide.” Discussed when Jenna mentions the StoryBrand framework.

📘 Amazon

* Made to Stick — Chip Heath & Dan Heath

How to craft memorable, sticky brand ideas that people remember.

📘 Amazon

🎧 Podcasts & Audio Resources

* 🎙 Influence Anyone — Host: Howie Chan

Apple Podcasts

* 💬 “Godfather of Influence” ft. Dr. Robert Cialdini

Ethical persuasion, the Unity principle, and Pre-Suasion.

Episode Link • Apple Podcasts

* 🎯 “Influence With Ease: Humans Are Lazy” (Solo Sesh)

Howie’s solo deep dive on “make it easy” and behavioral friction.

Episode Link

* 🧭 “Building a Professional Brand That Gets You Noticed” (Solo Sesh)

3-step framework for your professional brand.

Episode Link

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Why I Brought Erica On the Podcast

Here’s the truth: my hardest struggle as an entrepreneur isn’t ideas (I’ve got plenty). It’s time management—deciding what actually matters today, tracking how long things take, and sticking with it when my brain wants to do anything else.

Most ADHD entrepreneurs I know feel the same. Big visions, tons of passions—but structuring time? That’s where everything unravels.

So when I met time management coach Erica Dirkes at a networking event, I knew instantly: she had to come on the podcast. Because this is the conversation we’re all craving.

Why Time Management Feels Impossible

Erica summed it up perfectly: you can do anything, but not everything. The challenge isn’t laziness—it’s how our brains work:

* Time blindness: no sense of how long tasks actually take

* Resistance: procrastinating until the task feels scarier than it is

* Dopamine chasing: scrolling instead of focusing

* Overwhelm: trying to juggle big dreams and small fires

Erica’s ADHD-Friendly Framework

Instead of forcing rigid schedules, Erica helps clients build systems that match their wiring. Her process is simple but game-changing:

* Start with values: what actually matters to you

* Plan just one week: no massive life overhaul

* Self-care first: anchor your week with energy-boosting habits

* Brain dump everything: get tasks out of your head

* Calendarize priorities: block time for the big stuff

* Batch + buffer: group tasks, leave margin for surprises

It’s not about squeezing in more—it’s about choosing better.

Handling Big Goals (Without Burning Out)

Writing a book while also needing income? You can’t give both full attention at once. Erica’s advice: prioritize the urgent seasonally. If revenue matters most now, schedule income-generating work during prime hours and tuck book time into smaller blocks. The order can shift later—but clarity helps now.

Tools to Beat Resistance

Procrastination isn’t just annoying—it steals mental energy all week. Here are some hacks Erica and I love:

* Scary Hour: dedicate one block to all those avoided 15-min tasks

* Anchors/pacts: make distractions harder to access (hide apps, grayscale phone)

* Timers/lockboxes: build friction for tech habits

* Parkinson’s Law: give tasks a time limit—ship “good enough”

* Reality checks: log how long tasks actually take for next time

Plan Ahead, Not In the Moment

If you only plan in the moment, your primitive brain votes for comfort (scrolling, snacks, couch). Planning ahead engages your strategic brain. Erica suggests a Friday Power Hour:

* Review what worked (and what didn’t) this week

* Brain dump → categorize → calendarize for next week

* Pick the top 3 must-dos per day

Then do quick daily check-ins (5–10 minutes). Adjust without overhauling.

Letting Go to Gain Time

Erica also recommends Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu—especially for women. You can’t delegate what you refuse to release. Start small: decide what only you should do, and outsource the rest.

Final Thought

ADHD brains crave freedom—but freedom without structure turns into chaos. The good news? You have more control than you think. Plan one week at a time, choose the tasks that matter most, and set yourself up to follow through even when you don’t feel like it.

Work with Ericka: mindfultimecoaching.com • [email protected]

Want more ADHD-friendly systems? Subscribe to my newsletter + grab my Notion planning template: https://notion.jennaredfield.com/life-tracker

Thanks for reading The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield! This post is public so feel free to share it.

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Last week I packed my bags and flew out to San Francisco for Make with Notion 2025—a mix of community summit, product showcase, and the biggest gathering of Notion fans you could imagine. Over 1,700 people came together at Fort Mason (with the Golden Gate Bridge literally in the background) to celebrate how we’re all building with blocks.

I went not just as a creator, but as a Notion Ambassador. That meant extra behind-the-scenes time at Notion HQ, a chance to connect with other Ambassadors from around the world, and a front-row seat to some of the biggest product updates since Notion AI first launched.

To give you a real feel for the trip, I’m breaking this recap down day by day—so you can follow along with my journey, and I can drop in photos from each part of the experience.

How I Became a Notion Ambassador

Before we get into San Francisco, let me rewind a bit. I’ve been creating content since 2014, but it wasn’t until around 2020 that Notion really clicked for me. I had tried all the tools—Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Airtable—but none of them fully stuck. Then I started hearing about Notion from creators like August Bradley and Ali Abdaal, and I decided to give it a real shot.

Once I did, everything changed. I began sharing tutorials, grew a Facebook group (which is now over 5,000 members!), built the ADHD Life Tracker, and eventually launched my Notion Foundations course. That momentum helped me apply and get accepted as a Notion Ambassador in 2022. Fast forward to today—and that’s what led me to Make with Notion 2025 in San Francisco.

Day 1: Flying In + Ambassador Dinner

I flew into San Francisco excited (and a little nervous). First stop was dinner with fellow Ambassadors—a mix of people I’d met online and brand-new faces. Afterwards, I stopped by a networking event and even got to take my very first ride in a Waymo self-driving car (so surreal). It felt like the perfect kickoff—techy, future-focused, and community-oriented.

Day 2: Notion Ambassador Summit at HQ

The next day was our Ambassador Summit, hosted right at Notion HQ. The space itself felt so “on brand”—minimal, warm, thoughtful. We got tours, insider sneak peeks, and time to connect with the team.

This was also when I met so many creators I’ve admired for years. We swapped stories, compared workflows, and geeked out about systems (the kind of stuff only Notion nerds love).

It honestly felt like a family reunion, even though many of us were meeting in person for the first time.

Day 3: The Conference at Fort Mason

Then came the big day: the Make with Notion conference itself, hosted at Fort Mason with over 1,700 people attending. The setting was gorgeous—right on the water, with seagulls flying overhead.

The keynote walked us through the latest Notion updates, including:

* Notion AI Agents — rebuilt to actually do things inside your workspace, not just generate text.

* Database Column Permissions — finally, granular control so teammates (or clients) can’t accidentally break formulas or edit fields.

* Consultant + Marketplace Updates — certifications through the Academy, and the Marketplace now includes consulting services.

If you missed the conference and want to watch, go to

https://makewithnotion.com

Throughout the day, I attended sessions (all of which are available as replays if you missed them), built custom LEGOs (such a fun metaphor for Notion’s building blocks), and got to chat with consultants offering free office hours. We ended with a massive Ambassador photo and after-hours networking.

Day 4: Sightseeing + Coworking

Before heading home, I squeezed in a little sightseeing. I hopped on one of those double-decker bus tours and saw the Painted Ladies, the “Full House” house, and even crossed the Golden Gate Bridge with my new friend Steph from Spain. Definitely a bucket-list moment.

We later caught up with those coworking at Notion HQ and wrapped the trip with a relaxed game night. It was the perfect balance of productivity + play before flying back to Minneapolis.

Final Thoughts

Make with Notion wasn’t just about product updates—it was about community. Meeting other Ambassadors, seeing the scale of the conference, and getting to experience the culture at HQ made me even more excited about where Notion is headed.

And as an ADHD entrepreneur, these updates mean more ways to keep my systems inside one tool instead of juggling a million apps. I’ll be diving deeper into Notion AI Agents in an upcoming post/video—because that’s the feature I think will change the most for creators like us.

If you want to see more Notion tips, systems breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes recaps, subscribe here. You’ll also get access to my templates, workshops, and weekly YouTube videos.

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What happens when people stop Googling and start asking ChatGPT instead?

In this week’s episode of The Optimization Toolbox, I sat down with AI trainer and personal branding queen Princess Paula to explore exactly that. We covered what it takes to stand out in today’s AI-driven world—where showing up online isn’t just about being searchable, it’s about being findable by both people and platforms.

Whether you’re an ADHD entrepreneur, solopreneur, or creative professional trying to figure out how to get noticed, this conversation is your guide.

In this episode/blog, we cover:

* Why traditional SEO is dying and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the future

* How AI tools like ChatGPT "find" people and why conversational content matters

* Real-life tips to get your name (literally!) to show up in AI searches

* Why your Google Business Profile and social media matter more than your website

* How to build a memorable personal brand using color, props, and even your name tag

* The origin story behind "Princess Paula" and "Red Thread Studios"

* Jenna's daily LinkedIn posting strategy & content capture tips

* How to use ChatGPT to test style, branding, and clothing choices

* Using color and body type analysis to craft your visual brand identity (Check out my episode on this)

* How to repurpose personal passions (like saunas!) to create sticky brand associations

* Why "universal advice" doesn’t work in marketing anymore

* How to stop getting "should-ed on" and start trusting your gut

* Substack as a multi-platform content hub and monetization tool (Check out more on Substack)

The biggest takeaway? You are your brand. And in a world where AI is helping people choose what to click, buy, or watch, your brand needs to be both authentic and algorithm-friendly.

If you want to show up in AI searches, you need to:

* Speak conversationally online

* Post consistently on smart platforms like LinkedIn

* Make sure your digital footprint is updated and optimized

* Share the things you're passionate about — even if they feel unrelated to your business

Because in an AI-first world, the humans behind the brand matter more than ever.

Follow Paula on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/princess_paula_consulting

And LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaskoviera

🔗 Want to go deeper into the personal branding side of this convo and other marketing topics?

Check out my sister Substack, Red Thread Report—it’s where I go deeper into storytelling, color analysis, name branding, and the psychology of being memorable online.

A quick personal note to end the episode:

I'm so excited that this is the direction my book is headed—all about branding, visibility, and how to thrive in this new AI-powered world. This topic lights me up, and I hope it got your wheels turning too.

I also wanted to share a bit more about my business name: Red Thread Studios. It's a nod to the concept of finding your "red thread"—the unique through-line that ties everything together in your brand and business. And yes, it connects to my last name (Redfield), which makes it even more personal.

I'm also heading to San Francisco next week for the Notion Conference, and I'm so pumped. Expect updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and fresh ideas from that coming soon.

If you have questions, thoughts, or just want to chat about your brand and visibility strategy—DM me or reply to this post. I'm always here for it.

Thanks for being here. ❤️

Thanks for reading The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield! This post is public so feel free to share it.

✨ Big Update: I’m Splitting This Newsletter into Two

Over the past year, I’ve realized something important: my content actually lives in two different lanes.

* Neurodivergence + Systems + Digital Organization → This is what The Optimization Toolbox will continue to focus on: ADHD, Notion, content systems, and the behind-the-scenes tools that help us get organized and stay consistent.

* Marketing + Personal Branding + Video Strategy → This is the focus of my brand-new Substack: The Red Thread Report.

You’re welcome to subscribe to one or both depending on what you’re most interested in:

* 🧠 The Optimization Toolbox (this one) → Digital systems, Notion, ADHD-friendly tools

* 🎥 The Red Thread Report → Marketing, video strategy, personal branding

I wanted to kick things off by sharing this update here so you know what’s changing — and what’s staying the same. The Optimization Toolbox will remain the place where I write and share podcasts about Notion, Neurodivergence, and building systems. But when I talk about video, messaging, or marketing strategy, that content will now live inside The Red Thread Report.

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most of the time, The Optimization Toolbox is where I share tools and systems for neurodivergence, Notion, digital organization, and creating structures that make life easier. That’s the heart of this newsletter — and it will stay that way moving forward.

But every so often, I come across a topic that doesn’t fit neatly into productivity or organization — yet feels too important not to explore. Usually it’s because I go searching for answers myself and can’t find anything that goes deep enough.

That’s exactly what happened with attachment styles.

When I started digging into how attachment theory intersects with ADHD and autism, I couldn’t find much beyond surface-level psychology posts. Nothing that answered the questions I had as a neurodivergent person trying to make sense of my own patterns in relationships and self-esteem.

So I decided to create the conversation I was looking for.

This episode with Dr. Ellen Hansa is for anyone who’s ever wondered how being neurodivergent shapes their attachment style — and why relationships, belonging, and even self-compassion can feel so much more complicated than they “should.”

Why This Conversation Matters

We live in a culture that loves quick-fix advice: “Set boundaries.” “Practice self-care.” “Communicate better.”

But what happens when you’ve done all the things and you still end up in the same cycle — anxious when someone doesn’t text back, shutting down when things get too vulnerable, or people-pleasing your way into exhaustion?

That’s where attachment styles matter. They help us see that these aren’t random bad habits. They’re predictable nervous system responses built over years of reinforcement.

And when you layer on neurodivergence, it gets even more complicated:

* Kids with ADHD are often criticized or labeled as “bad,” leading to anxious or avoidant attachment.

* Autistic kids may grow up feeling othered, excluded, or misunderstood — which can mirror disorganized attachment dynamics.

* Trauma can look like ADHD. ADHD can look like trauma. The overlap can be confusing unless you dig deeper.

This isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about having a framework for understanding why you might keep ending up in the same patterns.

If you haven’t heard it yet, I actually recorded a full episode about my diagnosis journey — you can listen to it below

A Quick Walkthrough of the Four Attachment Styles

Before we dive deeper, it helps to understand the basics. Psychologists typically identify four main attachment styles — patterns that shape how we relate to others and ourselves:

1. Secure Attachment

This is the “gold standard.” People with secure attachment feel comfortable giving and receiving support. They can handle conflict without internalizing it as rejection. Secure attachment doesn’t mean being perfect — it means being resilient and able to bounce back when relationships hit bumps.

2. Anxious Attachment

People with anxious attachment often fear abandonment. A late text reply can feel like rejection. They may people-please, overgive, or constantly seek reassurance. On the outside, they often look like high achievers — but underneath, they carry a deep fear of being left behind.

3. Avoidant Attachment

Avoidant attachment looks like independence but often hides discomfort with vulnerability. These are the people who shut down or “ghost” when things get too close. It’s not that they don’t care — it’s that connection has historically felt unsafe, so pulling away feels protective.

4. Disorganized Attachment

The rarest but often the most difficult, disorganized attachment combines anxious and avoidant patterns. It’s the push-pull dynamic: “I want closeness, but I’m also terrified of it.” This often develops when caregivers were both a source of love and of fear, creating inner conflict.

What Stood Out in This Episode

Here are a few moments that stuck with me from my conversation with Dr. Hansa:

* Attachment styles as survival strategies. What once helped you get love, safety, or protection as a child may be sabotaging you now.

* Secure attachment isn’t about being less sensitive. It’s about finding people who can hold your intensity without making you feel wrong for it.

* ADHD vs trauma. The two can look nearly identical on the surface — but trauma-based symptoms often improve when safety is restored, while ADHD is lifelong and consistent across contexts.

* Proprioceptive interventions. Small daily movements (walking, weighted blankets, stretching) help regulate your nervous system so you don’t swing between overdrive and burnout.

* Body doubling. Sometimes the best hack isn’t a productivity app — it’s another human being in the room.

Why I’m Talking About This Here

The Optimization Toolbox isn’t just about apps, Notion dashboards, or time-blocking hacks. It’s about understanding the systems behind the systems.

You can have the best task manager in the world, but if your nervous system is locked in an anxious or avoidant cycle, it’s going to bleed into your work, your relationships, and your self-worth.

That’s why conversations like this matter. Because optimizing your life doesn’t start with a better calendar. It starts with understanding your wiring.

And if you’re neurodivergent, it’s not about fixing yourself. It’s about giving yourself permission to see your patterns clearly — and learning the tools that actually work for your brain and body.

Final Thought

Here’s the truth: you’re not broken.

Attachment styles aren’t flaws. They’re echoes of the strategies you once needed to survive. The work isn’t to erase them. It’s to recognize them, understand them, and slowly rewrite the story.

That’s why I believe talking about attachment styles — especially at the intersection of ADHD and autism — is so important. Because once you see the pattern, you can finally begin to change it.

👉 Listen to the full episode with Dr. Ellen Hansa above.

🔗 Dr. Ellen Hansa Links

* Private Practice: Priority Mental Health

* Instagram: @DrEllenHansa

🌍 Availability

* In-person: Minneapolis, MN (central office)

* Virtual & In-home therapy: Available throughout Minnesota

* PsyPact License: Can provide testing and therapy virtually in 46 U.S. states

Make sure to check out my new Substack!

https://redthreadstudio.substack.com

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Over the years of working with clients on their marketing and content, I’ve noticed a pattern: so many people have the same hang-ups when it comes to visibility. They want to grow their brand, they know they should be putting themselves out there — but fear, self-doubt, and a desire to “play it safe” get in the way.

For me, visibility feels natural. I’ve been showing up online for years, experimenting with video, sharing stories, and making connections. But I’ve learned that for a lot of people, this is really hard.

That’s why this conversation with Tami Enfield of Brand Yourself Consulting was so interesting to me. Tami approaches the challenge from the angle of authenticity — helping people show up in a way that feels real and human, instead of polished and performative.

I wanted to bring our two perspectives together — visibility and authenticity — because when you combine them, you get content that not only reaches people but resonates.

From StoryBrand to Candid Content

Tami’s background includes certification in the popular StoryBrand framework, but over time, she shifted toward a more human-centered approach. She noticed that while frameworks like StoryBrand help clarify messaging, they don’t always address the creator’s experience making the content.

Why So Many People Struggle to Show Up Authentically

From Tami’s work with clients, three big fears keep people from creating real, memorable content:

* Fear of judgment – Worrying about how they’ll be perceived.

* Thinking they have nothing interesting to say – Underestimating their own story.

* Fear of seeming unprofessional – Especially when blending personal and professional topics.

These fears lead to “safe” content — posts that check the box but don’t connect.

Performative vs. Authentic Content

We talked about “performative” posts — the kind that look polished but don’t show the real human behind them. Signs your content might be performative:

* Only sharing highlight reels

* Posting on certain causes just when it’s trending (and disappearing the rest of the year)

* Avoiding any signs of struggle

Authentic content, on the other hand, can be imperfect, but it resonates because it’s real.

Sharing from the Scar, Not the Wound

One of my favorite takeaways from Tami: share vulnerable stories from the scar, not the wound.

* From the wound: You’re still raw, triggered, or processing.

* From the scar: You’ve processed the experience and can focus on the lessons learned.

This keeps your content from becoming “trauma dumping” while still allowing your audience to connect with your humanity.

Why Not Everyone Should Like Your Content

If you’re trying to make posts that everyone agrees with, you’ll water down your voice until it’s forgettable. As Tami said, “If nobody hates your content, you’re probably not saying much.”

Leaning into your unique perspective and niche means some people will love you and others won’t — and that’s okay.

The Candid Content Framework

Tami’s framework blends audience-focused and creator-focused content creation:

Audience-Focused (CAN)

* Connection – Align with your core values and show empathy.

* Alignment – Make sure your content fits your brand values.

* Narrative – Tell a story that connects.

Creator-Focused (DID)

* Daring – Push your comfort zone just a little.

* Inspired – Post content you’re genuinely excited about.

* Delighted – Share things that make you happy to hit publish.

Links & Resources Mentioned

* Brand Yourself Consulting

* Tami on Instagram

* Tami on LinkedIn

* The Candid Content Revolution Podcast

Checkout our first episode back in 2019 above

Ready to Show Up Authentically Yourself?

If this conversation with Tami got you thinking about how you’re showing up online—and maybe realizing you’re ready to step into more visibility—that’s exactly the work I do with my clients.

Through my Untangle Clarity Calls, we take all the ideas, content, and messaging that feel scattered and simplify them into a clear, actionable visibility plan. It’s about untangling the noise so you can focus on showing up in a way that feels like you.

And if you want to create a lot of on-brand content in one go, my VIP Video Days are perfect for batch-filming high-quality videos in person, so you can show up consistently without the stress of figuring it out week to week.

You can check out all the details and book your spot here:

https://redthreadstudiomn.com/

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Let’s be real: if ambition alone was enough, you’d already be “there.” But for so many neurodivergent entrepreneurs—especially those of us with ADHD—there’s a gap between what we want and what we actually do.

That’s the sticky middle: where you’re smart, driven, full of ideas… but still somehow stuck.

In this episode of The Optimization Toolbox, I sat down with Olivia Slavosky, a certified self-sabotage coach, to unpack why that happens and how to move through it.

This episode is for you if:

* You’re always “about to start” something but don’t follow through

* You overthink or over-prepare and call it being responsible (when really it’s fear)

* You feel like you’ve done all the inner work and still don’t act

* You’re ambitious and self-aware… but tired of your own BS

⏱️ What We Cover (Timestamps)

00:00 – Why we’re talking about self-sabotage (especially for ADHD brains)

01:35 – Olivia’s story: Starting over, again and again

04:30 – What self-sabotage really looks like (and why it’s not laziness)

06:45 – Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and “procrastivity”

10:20 – Messy action: the antidote to fear-based stuckness

15:15 – How ADHD brains self-sabotage through busyness + overcommitting

20:30 – Real tools to interrupt the cycle: pattern tracking, love/fear dialogue

24:50 – Coaching vs. therapy: which one do you need?

31:20 – Olivia’s take on identity shifts + healing burnout

💡 Standout Moments & Quotes

“You can’t out-strategize self-sabotage.”

Even the best plan won’t work if your nervous system is screaming “this isn’t safe.” Self-sabotage isn’t a time management issue—it’s a fearmanagement issue.

“Perfectionism is just procrastination in a prettier outfit.”

Or as I call it, procrastivity—when you’re tweaking, refining, or “prepping” instead of just doing the thing. It feels productive,

but it’s really avoidance.

“The only way out… is through.”

Resistance isn’t a red light—it’s an invitation. When we stop trying to avoid the hard stuff and actually move through it, everything shifts.

“I forgive myself for buying into the misunderstanding that I should be further along.”

One of the most powerful tools Olivia shared: a compassionate self-forgiveness practice. You fill in the blank with your inner criticism—and then reframe it with truth.

“You already have the answers—you just have to get quiet enough to hear them.”

Whether through journaling, bodywork, or a love/fear dialogue, so much of this work is about coming back to yourself—not outsourcing your clarity.

📣 Why I Made This Episode

Honestly? Because I needed it too.

I’m an ADHD entrepreneur who can talk systems and strategy all day—but if I’m not addressing what’s underneath the stuckness, I’ll still spiral in my own patterns.

And I know I’m not alone.

This episode is for the smart, self-aware folks who’ve read the books, taken the courses, made the to-do lists—and are still wondering why they can’t get out of their own way.

🎧 Listen if you’re tired of spinning in place. Share it if you know someone who needs this.

Go follow Olivia on IG @oliviajoancoaching (we are going live together in August!)

🎯 Feeling stuck in your marketing? Let’s untangle it.

If you’re spinning out on content ideas, overwhelmed by platforms, or procrastinating on showing up—my 90-minute Untangle Clarity Session is for you.

This isn’t just a brainstorm—it’s a reset.

In this session, we’ll:

* Untangle your current marketing mess (strategy, offers, messaging, content)

* Identify where you’re stuck—and why it’s happening (hello, perfectionism + self-sabotage)

* Clarify what actually matters for your visibility, audience, and next steps

* Leave you with a simple, ADHD-friendly plan to move forward with ease

👉 Perfect if you’re a coach, creative, or service provider who’s tired of second-guessing every post or pivot.

⚡️This is the session I wish I had every time I was overthinking my own marketing.

→ Book your 90-minute Untangle Clarity Session here

Jenna

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If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur, chances are you’re either stuck in idea overload… or lost in the land of half-finished projects.

This isn’t because you’re lazy or undisciplined.

It’s because most business advice wasn’t made for your brain.

This week on The Optimization Toolbox, I interviewed Steve August—serial entrepreneur, ADHD business coach, and creator of the Focus Formula—a framework that helps neurodivergent founders finally get traction without burning out.

Steve built and sold a multimillion-dollar company, all while undiagnosed. When he finally hit a wall (he couldn’t even finish writing an email), he started digging into why things felt harder than they should.

The answer?

ADHD—and a lack of structure that worked for his actual brain.

🧠 The “Focus Formula” Framework

Steve breaks down ADHD entrepreneurship into three core challenges:

* Decide – Prioritize and choose what matters

* Do – Start, focus, and actually finish

* Sustain – Keep going without crashing

It’s not about discipline—it’s about designing a system that supports how your brain operates.

⚙️ How to Decide: Find Your Magnetic North

You can’t prioritize if you don’t know where you’re headed.

That’s where Steve’s “Magnetic North” comes in.

It’s not just a business goal—it’s a visceral, body-level pull. Something you care enough about to push through resistance, rejection, and discomfort.

✅ Ask yourself:

* What am I willing to be uncomfortable for?

* What mission lights me up and grounds me?

* What direction would I choose if I couldn’t fail?

⏳ How to Do: The Two-Hour Workday

Steve’s productivity secret?

He knows he has just 2 peak hours of executive function a day—and he protects them.

Instead of cramming in 8 hours of tasks, he pre-decides which priorities deserve his highest-functioning window, using a visual dashboard (like XTiles or Notion).

No traditional calendar. No to-do list spiral.

Just a laser-focused “What matters most today?” approach.

🔁 How to Sustain: Weekly OS & Co-Working

Steve’s entire framework runs on a weekly rhythm—not daily hustle or quarterly overwhelm.

He hosts daily ADHD co-working sessions where founders body double and say their intentions out loud. It’s not just about accountability—it’s about showing up in community.

Why it works:

* It leverages rejection sensitivity to create commitment

* It reduces time blindness by anchoring tasks to people

* It helps you stop overcomplicating your systems

👥 Why ADHD Entrepreneurs Struggle with Scaling

Here’s what Steve sees over and over:

* Early-stage ADHD entrepreneurs thrive in chaos and creation

* Growth requires consistency, sequencing, and data—not our strong suit

* Leaving structured environments (like school or corporate) often reveals how much we relied on external systems

ADHD makes you great at starting.

But scaling? That’s where the frameworks come in.

🧩 You Don’t Need a New Planner. You Need a Framework.

Steve sees too many ADHDers obsess over the perfect tool—when what they really need is a simple, visual, flexible system.

His advice?

Start with principles, not platforms.

📍 Know your Magnetic North

📍 Schedule your best 2 hours for Deep Work

📍 Review your week, not your day

📍 Choose what sustains you—not what impresses others

💬 Favorite Quotes from the Interview:

🗣️ “ADHD isn’t a deficit of attention. It’s a surplus of attention—and nowhere to put it.”

🗣️ “I don’t use a calendar. I use a dashboard. Because I care about priorities, not time slots.”

🗣️ “If people say ‘That’s interesting,’ you’re not there yet. If they say ‘How much is it?’—you’ve got an offer.”

🚀 Final Takeaway

Your brain isn’t broken.

It’s just playing a different game.

If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur, frameworks like Focus Formula help you shift from chaos to clarity—without changing who you are.

You don’t need to be someone else.

You just need systems that get you.

✨ Connect with Steve:

💻 steveaugustcoaching.com

📱 Steve on LinkedIn

Other updates!

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve spent the past decade helping entrepreneurs get seen and stay consistent online.

And now—I finally gave my video brand a name:

✨Red Thread Studio✨

This is the home for my VIP Video Days, where I help founders, experts, and small business owners turn their message into 30+ scroll-stopping short-form videos in one single day.

📍Strategy-first

📍No scripts needed

📍One-day shoot, one-day turnaround

You bring the ideas. I bring the camera, clarity, and edits.

🎯 Want to get visible without getting overwhelmed?

Check out Red Thread Studio here and book your VIP Day now.

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Over the past few months, some of my most popular YouTube videos have been about ChatGPT and custom GPTs—how I use them, how to build your own, and why they’re worth setting up. Clearly, it’s something people are curious about. And for good reason.

In this week’s episode of The Optimization Toolbox, I brought on my friend Lori Ryan (aka Lorignite)—someone who also uses AI daily—to break down real-life use cases.

This isn’t “how to use AI to replace yourself.” It’s how to use it as a tool to support your brain, especially if you’re neurodivergent, a solo business owner, or juggling a million things at once.

If you are interested in AI and in the Twin Cities, my friend Caroline Holden started a local meetup!

🧰

AI Tools & Features Recommended

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)

* Custom GPTs for specific tasks (e.g. YouTube, bios, email intros)

* Transcription analysis (e.g. timestamping YouTube videos)

* Voice recognition for brain dumps or ADHD-friendly workflows

* Conversational use on mobile (voice-to-text, video input)

* Memory and personalization for crafting your own tone/voice

* Live object or image analysis (e.g. stain removal, clothing advice)

* GPT as a first-aid kit / decision assistant

2. Deep Research Feature (Paid ChatGPT)

* Used for sourcing Reddit hacks, obscure research, liver health, food sensitivities, etc.

* Great for fact-checking or getting less obvious insights

3. Claude (Anthropic)

* Used for visual, interactive transcripts

* Can summarize key quotes, takeaways, controversial moments

* Now connects to calendars

4. Tactiq (Transcription Tool)

* $12/month transcription for Zoom/Meet/Teams

* Great for meeting notes, follow-ups, client deliverables

5. Canva

* Used for thumbnail creation after ideating in ChatGPT

6. Google Drive + Calendar Integration

* In Team ChatGPT accounts, connect Google Drive & Calendar

* Ask: “What documents should go with this GPT?” or “How should I prioritize my day?”

💡Unique Custom GPT Ideas

* Doomscroll Detox – Translates heavy news headlines into friendly, digestible formats (spicy, child-like, nerdy, etc.)

* Skit Happens – Turns scenarios into SNL-style skits for humor or social commentary

* Bio Generator – Writes bios tailored to each audience or event

* Intro Email GPT – Introduces two people using their LinkedIn profiles and context

* YouTube Content GPT – Processes transcripts into:

* Titles

* Descriptions

* Tags

* Timecodes

* Newsletter Formatter – Rewrites raw event data into branded, publish-ready content

* Shopping Assistant GPT – Uses color analysis and body shape (e.g. Warm Spring, Soft Dramatic) to guide clothing decisions

* Interior Design Helper – Uses uploaded images to suggest layout/design improvements

* Liver Hack Researcher – Gathers obscure info from forums (e.g. Reddit) to explore liver detox solutions

🧠Tips & Best Practices

Getting Unstuck with ChatGPT

* Use it to reduce mental friction (especially with ADHD/ND minds)

* Think of it like a “co-pilot” or “thought processor”

* Use it to summarize brain dumps, format content, or write drafts

Prompting Strategy

* Don’t stop at the first answer — iterate 5–6 times for better output

* Give it context, like you would with a new hire

* Ask it to review rather than create from scratch if you still want your original voice

Make it ADHD/ND-Friendly

* Ask for:

* Bullet points

* Simplified formats

* Short, digestible text

* Assume your readers also have short attention spans or processing differences

Use It for Mental Support

* Gut-check messages or emails

* Ask “What’s the worst that could happen?”

* Use it for inner critic dialogues, therapeutic reflection (like exploring attachment styles)

🔗 Unexpected Use Cases

* Asking about skin triggers (e.g. “Are blueberries a problem for me?”)

* Reviewing spam emails for legitimacy

* Creating fake SNL skits for fun

* Detecting scams (e.g. “Fan club invite — legit or not?”)

* Taking photos of clothing or window blinds and getting advice

* Asking it to describe your writing voice

* Using ChatGPT during workouts or walks to brainstorm in real-time

🧑‍💻 Final Advice

* Keep the tab open. Use it like Google.

* Use a sticky note reminder to ask ChatGPT before you get stuck.

* Think of it as part of your everyday thought process, not just a work tool.

* Start small (recipes, replies, formatting), then scale to bigger workflows.

🧠 Why it works for my brain

Custom GPTs let me reuse the same prompts, language, and formatting without having to re-explain what I need every time. It’s like building a mini assistant that remembers how I work.

As someone who is neurodivergent, this has been one of the most supportive tools I’ve added to my “optimization toolbox.” It helps me think, write, and execute faster—without the overwhelm of starting from scratch.

🎥 Watch or Listen

In the episode, Lori and I get into even more specific use cases—including her GPTs like “Doomscroll Detox” and “Skit Happens.” We also talk about how these tools support soft skills, relationships, and real-world decision-making.

🎧 Or listen to The Optimization Toolbox wherever you get your podcasts

New Podcast I was on!

🎧 My most ADHD podcast episode yet!

I went full unmasked neurodivergent mode on this one 🙃

Just joined Radio and the Drum Podcast with my good friend Mickeli Bedore, and we covered so much:

⚡️ How TikTok led to my ADHD + autism diagnosis

⚡️ Why I ditched gluten, coffee, and alcohol

⚡️ The real struggles behind entrepreneurship with a spicy brain

⚡️ My fave tools, systems & weird wellness hacks

⚡️ And the tension of living between “too much” and “not enough”

If you’ve ever felt like your brain works differently—this one’s for you. No fluff, lots of rabbit holes, and a whole lot of “same.”

🎙️ Listen to Radio and the Drum — Episode 6: “Finding Your Unique Path” with Jenna Redfield on Spotify

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