On this episode of the SoulScape podcast, host Paul D. Lowe - International Celebrant – talks to Peter Shankman about how to use the opposite of being still, creating a space and quietening the mind, to build better businesses.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I think there’s a place for zen and tranquillity but, for many people, that’s not the first place they would choose to go. I’m at my calmest when I’m at my most productive. The concept of how my brain works is the premise of “deep work”. When I’m put into a situation that allows me to focus on one specific thing, and only that one thing, I’m at my best by a factor of 100.
I was diagnosed with ADHD in my late-30s, growing up in public schools in New York, I’d be told to sit down because I was disrupting the class. There was no diagnosis at that point, I’d always be told by my parents to stop procrastinating and leaving everything until the last minute. What I realise know is that leaving everything until the last minute gives me the dopamine hit that I need to get it done.
The problem with labels is that they tend to mis-label, they box people into one category, and people rarely fit into one category. Simply saying you’ve been “diagnosed” – people get diagnosed with cancer. Having a neurodiverse brain means you’re faster, you can do things that other people can’t, as long as you know how to use your brain. I don’t consider that a diagnosis – you’re not diagnosed with winning the lottery!
Everything I’ve done, whether it’s been a success or a failure, has been a way to learn from it. I want to work with people who learn and understand that it’s perfectly OK to screw up – it’s supposed to happen. The only downside is not learning from your screw ups, as long as you’re learning you’re fine.
BEST MOMENTS
‘Studies say that when you’re interrupted, it takes upwards of 22 minutes to get back onto that flow state of work. So, if you get interrupted once an hour, you’re only productive for 20 minutes out of the hour'.
‘Some people who procrastinate do it because it benefits them; it makes their work stronger and more productive'.
‘I’m focused on helping kids understand that just because they have a different brain doesn’t mean they’re broken, it means they’re gifted. If they understand that at an early age it’ll save them a lot of trouble'.
‘You have to learn how to stop giving a fuck about what other people say'.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Peter Shankman is a top keynote speaker in marketing, social media, customer service, and neurodiversity in the workplace. The New York Times has called Peter “a rock star who knows everything about social media, and then some.” He is a 6x bestselling author, entrepreneur and corporate in-person and virtual keynote speaker, focusing on neurodiversity in the workplace and customer experience. With three start-up launches and exits under his belt, Peter is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about the customer experience, social media, PR, marketing, advertising, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and the new Neurodiverse Economy.
https://www.Shankman.com
ABOUT THE HOST
Despite a painful, traumatic childhood, Paul D. Lowe has found inner peace and now dedicates himself to honouring the journeys of others. SoulScape Ceremonies – along with this SoulScape podcast – embodies his mission to capture the essence of life, love, and legacy.
More than moments of celebration, SoulScape Ceremonies is a soulful landscape that co-creates meaningful experiences where every life is honoured – every voice valued. Through his philanthropy, coaching, and myriad of books, Paul has positively impacted thousands.
His SoulScape podcast shines a light on inspiring stories, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys and legacies. As the founder of the non-profit World Game-Changers, Paul also produced many podcast episodes under that banner.
As an International Celebrant and founder of SoulScape Ceremonies, Paul and his world-class team