Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: A Conversation with Jeremy Nagel

Welcome to "Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge," a podcast that delves into the latest trends, strategies, and insights in technology leadership. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Jeremy Nagel, a neurodivergent software developer turned startup founder. Jeremy shares his experiences of building and selling his first startup, Smooth Messenger, and his current venture, Focus Bear, a productivity and work-life balance app for people with ADHD. We explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and discuss strategies for hiring and retaining them. Let's dive into the conversation and gain insights into the world of technology leadership.

Building a Startup: From Freelancer to Founder

Jeremy's journey as an entrepreneur began when he worked as a Zoho consultant, helping small businesses set up their CRM systems and automate processes. He noticed a recurring need among his clients for a solution to distribute inbound leads to their sales teams equitably. Recognizing the demand, Jeremy turned this idea into a product and launched it on Zoho's marketplace. He shares his experience:

"I wrote a blog post about the solution, and it became the most popular post on my site. That's when I realized there was a demand for me to turn this into a product. I developed a plugin called Advanced Round Robin, which gained traction and generated consistent monthly revenue. It was intoxicating to see my business grow and generate revenue without much effort on my part."

Buoyed by the success of his first plugin, Jeremy identified another opportunity in the market. Businesses were struggling to effectively communicate with their customers via email, leading him to develop Smooth Messenger, an SMS communication plugin. Smooth Messenger gained significant traction, attracting 500 businesses and catching the attention of Message Media, a multinational SMS provider. Jeremy sold Smooth Messenger to Message Media and now works as a product manager at the company. Reflecting on his journey, he says:

"Selling my startup was a significant milestone, and now I'm working on my new venture, Focus Bear. It's a productivity and work-life balance app for people with ADHD. I started this app because I experienced work-life balance challenges during the sale of Smooth Messenger. I was working long hours, feeling stressed, and neglecting my mental health. Focus Bear helps me block distractions and stick to positive habits, like meditation and exercise, to start my day feeling refreshed and energized."

The Challenges of Neurodivergent Individuals in the Workplace

Jeremy's journey as a neurodivergent individual in the tech industry has not been without its challenges. He shares his experiences of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD and the impact it had on his career:

"I got diagnosed with autism last year, and it was a revelation. I realized that I had been using coping strategies that neurotypical individuals don't need. Simple tasks like remembering to take my phone or lunch with me required checklists. I had multiple calendars with constant alarms to avoid being late for meetings. Understanding my neurodivergent traits has been freeing, and I'm learning strategies to navigate the workplace more effectively."

Neurodivergent individuals often face difficulties in traditional work environments that are not designed to accommodate their unique needs. Jeremy highlights the importance of compassion and understanding from employers:

"Employers need to be compassionate and understand that neurodivergent individuals may require different approaches to work. It's crucial to create an inclusive and supportive environment that allows everyone to thrive. Simple accommodations like providing clear directions, sharing interview questions in advance, and avoiding forced physical contact can make a significant difference."

Hiring and Retaining Neurodivergent Talent

Jeremy emphasizes the need for a universal design approach to recruiting that benefits all candidates, not just neurodivergent individuals. He suggests providing clear information about the interview process, including directions, interview format, and questions:

"Transparency in the recruitment process is essential. Candidates should know what to expect, where to go, and who they will meet. This approach benefits everyone and ensures a fair and inclusive process. Additionally, asking candidates to fill out a user manual that outlines their preferences can help create a more collaborative and understanding work environment."

Jeremy also discusses the importance of flexible work arrangements and tailored communication styles:

"Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, can greatly benefit neurodivergent individuals. It allows them to work in an environment that suits their needs and minimizes distractions. Additionally, understanding individual communication preferences, whether it's through Slack, calls, or in-person meetings, can foster better collaboration and productivity."

The Power of Compassion and Empathy in Leadership

Reflecting on his own experiences as a leader, Jeremy acknowledges the need for compassion and empathy in managing a team:

"I've learned the importance of pausing before responding and being compassionate as a leader. There have been times when I haven't been as understanding as I should have been, and it's something I'm actively working on. Taking time for self-care, such as meditation and breaks, helps me approach situations with more empathy and understanding."

Jeremy also highlights the positive impact of creating a supportive work environment that allows individuals to leverage their strengths:

"By providing flexibility, focusing on results rather than micromanaging, and creating opportunities for collaboration, I've seen a significant improvement in my team's performance. It's important to recognize that a leader's mood and approach can influence the team's overall mood and productivity."

Future Outlook: Focus Bear and Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals

Looking ahead, Jeremy is focused on further developing Focus Bear and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in the workplace:

"My goal is to continue refining Focus Bear and expanding its user base. I'm passionate about empowering neurodivergent individuals to achieve better work-life balance and productivity. By leveraging technology and understanding their unique needs, we can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all."

In conclusion, Jeremy Nagel's journey as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and advocate sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry. His experiences highlight the importance of compassion, understanding, and tailored support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. By adopting a universal design approach to recruitment, providing flexible work arrangements, and fostering a supportive environment, organizations can harness the unique strengths of neurodivergent talent and drive innovation. As we move forward, it is crucial for technology leaders to embrace diversity and create inclusive workplaces that empower all individuals to thrive.