Why Working Alone Might Be the Secret to Your Success: Lessons from a Twice-Exceptional Entrepreneur

Resilience and Innovation: Robyn’s Twice-Exceptional Journey

Robyn’s commitment to her vision for Tiny Superheroes shines through, showcasing her resilience and innovative spirit as she navigates the unique challenges of being a twice-exceptional entrepreneur.

I love sharing case studies of the amazing women I work with. In this post, my client Robyn Rosenberger, the inspiring founder of Tiny Superheroes is the focus. Robyn’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unique challenges faced by twice-exceptional women navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. 

The label twice-exceptional, or 2e, refers to individuals like Robyn and me who have been identified as gifted, and also diagnosed with ADHD. This adds layers of complexity to our entrepreneurial ventures and often means the advice we might receive from others just doesn’t help.  

Embracing Solitude for Productivity

As a twice-exceptional entrepreneur myself, I understand Robyn's struggle to balance solitude and collaboration. During our work together, Robyn articulated the difficulties she encounters when working with others, emphasizing the need to work alone to reach peak productivity. Her sentiments resonated deeply with me. There’s something about quiet, undisturbed space that allows our minds to flourish and ideas to take shape. 

In my own experience, I’ve found solace in nature, particularly during walks through the woods, where I can process my thoughts and rejuvenate. This need for solitude is crucial for me because it gives me the mental space to innovate and problem-solve, free from the constant stimuli that can sometimes overwhelm us.

The Pain of Risk and the Sting of Disappointment

Our journey as entrepreneurs is often characterized by taking bold risks. Robyn shared a poignant story of a significant risk she took that, unfortunately, did not yield the expected results. The financial loss and resulting disappointment were compounded by mistakes made by others. Robyn's trust in others’ intentions and competence led to profound confusion and a sense of betrayal.  I believe that women are culturally conditioned to avoid risk, failure and mistakes, which hinders our ability to succeed in business.  Helping Robyn reframe failures and disappointments she has experienced as learning was an important factor in our work together.  

Listening to Robyn, I was reminded of how crucial it is to be discerning about whom we trust and rely on in our businesses. The difference in thinking styles between twice-exceptional and neurotypical individuals can often create gaps in understanding and collaboration, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.  It might not be possible or even necessary to work with other neurodivergent individuals, but the more we understand our own differences, the more effective we are at collaboration with others who are unlike us.  

Trust and Self-Reliance

One of the recurring themes in our coaching conversation was the difficulty of trusting advice from those who don't share our wiring. This often leads to a loss of self-trust and the mistaken belief that we are beyond help. Robyn’s reflections on this struggle validated my own experiences of doubting external advice and instead relying heavily on my instincts.

Despite these challenges, Robyn’s commitment to her vision for Tiny Superheroes shines through. Her business model, aimed at creating repeat business and recurring revenue, demonstrates her resilience and innovative spirit. Robyn’s passion and purpose are truly her renewable resources, and her refusal to give up is nothing short of inspiring.

The Complex Dance of Responsibility and Peace

As twice-exceptional entrepreneurs, we often have a knee-jerk reflex to assume responsibility for everything that happens in our businesses. Robyn expressed feeling 100% responsible for all outcomes, a sentiment I know all too well. However, recognizing the external influences on our success and finding peace in both our business and personal lives is crucial.

Robyn’s desire for sustainable peace and her realization that financial stability alone won't bring the harmony she seeks is a powerful reminder for all of us. The pursuit of peace, understanding our unique wiring, and normalizing our giftedness as female entrepreneurs are essential steps toward a fulfilling and balanced life.

Celebrating Uniqueness and Embracing Gifts

Throughout our work together, the importance of embracing and celebrating our uniqueness as twice-exceptional individuals stood out. The struggles we face, from managing people to setting realistic expectations, are amplified by our non-neurotypical brains. Yet, these very differences are what make us extraordinary.

Robyn’s resistance towards details and her frustration with repetitive meetings are challenges many of us share. However, by understanding these tendencies and working within our strengths, we can create environments where we thrive.

Working with Robyn reaffirmed for me the importance of recognizing our gifts and the easier acceptance of having ADHD compared to acknowledging giftedness. For female entrepreneurs like us, embracing our twice-exceptional nature, seeking the right support, and trusting in our abilities are the keys to unlocking our full potential. 

Seeking Guidance: Coaches, Strategists, and Therapists

Navigating the entrepreneurial world as a twice-exceptional individual often means needing support beyond the usual business advice. Robyn and I discussed the importance of having a business coach or strategist, in addition to a therapist, to address our need for support in the unique challenges we face. My empathy and understanding for those who think differently also stem from my personal experiences, helping me connect deeply with other twice-exceptional entrepreneurs.

Robyn’s struggle with feeling like a failed mentee and her discomfort in discussing business with her therapist highlighted a significant issue. For us, business is intrinsically tied to our mental health. Finding professionals who understand this interconnectedness can be a game-changer. 

Conclusion

Robyn Rosenberger’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a twice-exceptional entrepreneur. Our challenges are unique, but so are our strengths. By protecting our passions, seeking the right support, and embracing our unique wiring, we can not only survive but thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Robyn's journey with Tiny Superheroes is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our visions. Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your incredible story and inspiring us to continue on our paths with courage and determination.

For those interested, you can find Tiny Superheroes and support their mission to change the way the world sees disability by visiting their website. Let’s continue to celebrate our extraordinary minds and the incredible impact we can have on the world.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.