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You're definitely not a cookie cutter

sara kedge • 4 April 2023

It takes confidence to allow people to develop workplaces that work for them, because the people in workplaces often know better than you do.

This can be a hard thing to grasp.

Especially when there is a temptation towards cookie-cutter inclusion or reasonable adjustments.

I get it.

Cookie-cutter approaches are controllable, familiar, known.

It helps you be able to say 'we have XQZ approaches to make our workplace inclusive'.

And they work in some instances for some people, some of the time.

The cookie cutter, or 'inclusion in a box' approach is nudging towards performative allyship (doing what you think you should to look like you are doing something).

But you aren't like this, are you?

Because you have a range of approaches, tools and support mechanisms as a starter for 10. It is a baseline from which you work with the employee to find the right exact thing that works for them.

You invest time, effort and resources to hold experiments with the employee until you do find the right combination of tools. Even if they aren't what you usually do.

It is done with compassion, collaboration and communication with the employee. Making them feel safe to undertake this experiment with you.

And you do this because you know that this is time and money well spent.

It is done as the investment gets the absolute best out of your employee. And because they are able to work in ways that support them, they deliver brilliance into the world, helping your business achieve its mission as a result.

You rock!

And for any cookie-cutters out there (and people who don't even have an 'inclusion in a box' option)... I can help you dare to do better...

Drop me a DM and lets get started

#ConsciousLeadership #TailoredSolutions #InclusiveDesign

My Journey to the Great British Businesswoman Awards

by sara kedge • 10 October 2023
Excited to share my journey as a neurodiversity business coach and my recent nomination for the Great British Businesswoman Awards. Dive into the transformative power of coaching, the importance of neurodiversity in business, and the celebration of critical thinkers in our community.

I really, really mean it

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
I really, really mean it!

Confidential: not for sharing

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
Hey gorgeous human: I am gonna drop the Tea on you today. I can’t believe I am saying this… “I spend too much time focusing on other people’s needs to the detriment of my own.” There. I said it. Deep breaths. I won’t be saying it anywhere else… it’s too damn embarrassing. It’s a habit I’ve had for a long time and is proving hard to break. Not least because I get a stack of happy brain chemicals from being helpful. And I like me a whole heap of those. But. I know that keeping this habit has limited me from consistently living the life I truly desire… To me this looks like having financial freedom. Having a healthy balance between work and pleasure. To be able to relax and enjoy the amazing people I have in my life. I am not giving up. There are habits I am developing that are working… and I want to share one them with you. Pressing the pause button. (also knowns as the “Shut the F Up” button) When someone makes a request of me, my previous behaviour was to say ‘yes’. To all and any things. Because I am nice. Because I like to be helpful. Because someone trusted me enough to ask. And... After saying yes, I often got a pang of frustration, irritation or resentment. I would still follow through because I am nice, helpful and someone trusted me enough to ask. This then ate a whole packet of energy biscuits even before I got to do the thing I agreed to… And... There is another way. It is okay when someone asks you to do a thing… to not answer straight away. Here a couple of stock sentences I find useful “thank you for asking, I will need to look at my commitments and will come back to you in a couple of days” “It is so kind of you to ask. I am not sure I have capacity at the moment. Let me have a think and I will get back to you” Now this is a bit of a shocker… It is okay not to reply to a DM or email instantly. It’s actually okay not to reply to them at all… If someone is asking for your time and attention, you have a choice on whether to give it to them, or not. Now, if it is a client or an order or the tax office… you probably do want to deal with that… Everything else is optional for replying to. It’s not rude. It is taking care of your energy biscuits. And we both know that these are often in short supply. I would like to invite you to come along with me on my journey… of growing habits that help us live in a way that brings us joy.

How are your energy biscuits?

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
How are your energy biscuits?

What works for you?

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
What works for you?

What do you value?

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
What do you value?

I get it. More than you know

by sara kedge • 12 September 2023
I get it. More than you know

It sucks.

by sara kedge • 20 April 2023
It sucks. All of it. All of the time.

Unlearning normal ways of running a business.

by sara kedge • 20 April 2023
New Title

There are no rules on how your business should run.

by sara kedge • 20 April 2023
(other than what works for you and your customer) Business set-up pop quiz? 1. You post daily on socials 2. You are consistent in showing up and working 3. You have a website 4. You have learned copyrighting/ info graphic design 5. You have a clear ideal client picture 6. You have all the motivation and attention all the time 7. You have a mailing list bursting with ideal clients 8. You have a comprehensive business plan 9. Your branding is on point 10. You bought and did all the courses and know how to run a business How did you score? 5-10? You are either wayyyyy down the track and have no neuro-spicyness orrrr have defo been drinking the Kool Aid. Put down the cup kitten… go take a break- you deserve it. 1-5? Welcome to the club. Which club? The one where we’re out here figuring it out, trying to get some money in the bank and not loose our minds in the process. Fighting the battle of “why don’t you just get a real job”. And being totally overwhelmed by the sheer volume of ALL the things you are told you must have RIGHT NOW to be successful in business. Now, I am in no way throwing shade on people selling courses, services and products telling you to get all these things in place… they all have their place… Lemme give you all the tea… THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO RUN A BUSINESS. Full stop. You do not need all the things right now. No doubt there are things that will help a business establish and grow faster… there are things that will make getting going harder… There is still NO RIGHT WAY. There is no must have. No need to have. Cannot start until… All you need to start a business is something to sell, and someone to buy it. Yet there is so much pressure to get all your ducks in a row before you start. And this is so overwhelming that you are likely stuck sitting in the mud and grub unable to do, well, anything. And that is hard. Really hard. What if you had permission to put this list of ‘must haves’ down and start running your business in a way that works for you and your unique brain? Contact me today to see how working with me can help you run your business the way that works for your unique brain!
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