Episode 020: Quantum Coaching and Neurodivergent Entrepreneurship with Kirsten "Kirby" Meikle
Listen, I am so excited to share this conversation with you! I had the absolute pleasure of diving deep with my friend Kirsten "Kirby" Meikle, who is not only a quantum coach but also someone who truly gets what it means to be a neurodivergent entrepreneur. This episode is packed with insights on how to leverage your unique neurodivergent traits in business, find balance at the quantum level, and create systems that actually work for your brain.
If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things but something's still missing, or if you're juggling a muggle job while building your business, this conversation is going to resonate with you in a big way.
What Is Quantum Coaching?
Kirby breaks down quantum coaching in a way that makes perfect sense. She focuses on the human as a whole - your mental body, physical body, emotional body, and energetic body. "The quantum is what ties all that together," she explains. "Everything is energy, so if we want to make an impact on a physical, mental, or emotional level, you have to make that impact on an energetic level."
Here's what I love about Kirby's approach: she recognizes that every human is different and unique. Instead of following the latest trends, she asks your system what it actually needs. Does your system need keto or vegan? Let's ask the system itself rather than trying to find answers outside ourselves.
You know how I feel about personalized approaches - this is exactly why I'm so passionate about accommodations rather than trying to "fix" ourselves.
When You Need Quantum Work
Kirby has this brilliant way of explaining when you might need quantum-level support. It's when you've been working with every other aspect and there's still something missing. You've gone to therapy, you've seen doctors who say everything's in normal range, you've done personal work, tried personal trainers, looked at nutrition - but there's still this itch of "I need more."
"It's really like that connection piece and that flow piece that I focus on," Kirby says. "You're doing all of this work, but is it being integrated? Is it penetrating at the level you need it to?"
This resonates so deeply because I see this all the time with neurodivergent entrepreneurs. We're working harder than everyone else but not necessarily smarter for our unique brains.
Time Management for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
As someone who works both a muggle job and runs her quantum coaching business, Kirby shared some incredible insights about time management. Here's what she taught me:
Block scheduling works, but it needs flexibility. Kirby schedules in blocks and adapts based on her energy levels. "When I wake up, I'm going to know if I need to take an extra 30 minutes in bed, so I'm not going to have time for the full shower routine. I'm going to need a quicker routine."
Listen to your internal clock. "Clocks are irrelevant," Kirby says. "What is the internal clock saying? What is the internal schedule? What's the battery level at? Do I need to charge my human? Do I need to unplug? Do I need to reset?"
Automate as much as possible. Having systems in place that accommodate your fluctuating energy and needs is key to managing multiple commitments.
I learned so much from this perspective on time management. It's not about forcing yourself into rigid schedules - it's about working with your natural rhythms and energy patterns.
The Power of Accommodations
We had an amazing discussion about shifting from the "fix me" mentality to the "accommodate me" mentality. Kirby shared her struggles with executive function tasks like brushing teeth, and how she's learned to work with her system rather than against it.
"For me, it's hard - the texture of flavors and textures are huge for me. My human has a distinct response to it, so I need the right flavor of toothpaste, the right texture of toothpaste, but I like variety." She gives herself options and makes it dopamine-friendly by turning it into a game or challenge.
This is exactly what I mean when I talk about accommodations! We're not being "picky" - these are actual requirements that help us function at our best.
The Neurospicy Academy Experience
As one of the OG members of the Neurospicy Academy, Kirby gave us incredible insight into what makes our community so special. "I love how there's so much growth energy in it," she says. "It's accountability and body doubling, and when I'm not able to focus on work but I've got to do it, I pop it open, see who's there."
Here's what I love about what Kirby shared: the Academy provides the community and co-regulation that we lose when we're working alone. "The biggest impact of the pandemic for so many people is they lost their communities," she explains. "We need a space that's comfortable for us to be unmasked, that understands when the sounds are too much or the textures are too much."
If you're feeling isolated in your entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to check out my newsletter at https://mindsetmelanie.com/newsletter where I share more insights about building a neurodivergent-friendly business community.
Self-Care for Coaches and Healers
Kirby introduced me to something she calls the "four burner method" for self-care. "I can only have four burners on - I can have my muggle job, my business, my kids, and myself. I can't add more into that in one day."
What struck me most was her insight about caring for herself the same way she cares for others. "If I'm going to care about someone else, am I caring about myself the same way?" This is such a powerful question for all of us who pour into others.
She also shared something brilliant about co-regulation: "If I'm not hungry but someone asks if I'm hungry, maybe there's a reason for that. Maybe there's an opportunity to co-regulate and collaborate in getting both of our needs met."
Key Takeaways
Here's what excited me most about this conversation:
Your differences are your superpowers. Kirby's entire approach is built on the understanding that neurodivergent traits aren't problems to be solved - they're unique strengths to be leveraged.
Systems need to work for YOUR brain. Whether it's time management, self-care, or business operations, the goal is finding what works for your unique system.
Community is everything. Having people who understand your neurodivergent experience and can provide real-time support makes all the difference.
Balance is personal. Healthy isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about finding sustainability and balance that works for your individual needs.
I hope this conversation with Kirby inspires you to embrace your neurodivergent entrepreneurial journey and find the support systems that help you thrive. Remember, you're not broken - you just need the right accommodations and community.
Connect with Kirsten "Kirby" Meikle:
TikTok: @lifeaskirby
Instagram: @lifeaskirby
LinkedIn: Kirsten Kirby
