Biz Her Way Series: Meet Author Dani Louise Smith, The Queen of Business Organization
Special Edition: Meet The Author Series with Co-Authors of Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind, Available October 11, 2024
By: Sacha Walton, Business Strategist and CEO of SWI Management Group
Navigating Creativity Beyond the Ordinary: A Journey of Collaborative Expression
The power of collaboration has long been recognized as a means to weave together diverse perspectives and amplify unique voices. When authors come together to contribute to a collective work, they share their individual stories and create something greater for the readers to experience.
Such is the case with Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind, a groundbreaking book collaboration that unites a group of remarkable women under the visionary leadership of Creative Genius Consultant Mandy Nicholson.
Collaborative writing projects like this one are more than just a collection of chapters; they are a tapestry of ideas, experiences, and insights that resonate on a deeply personal level. Each co-author brings her distinct voice to the table, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of creativity through neurodivergence.
For many neurodivergent creatives, the journey to harnessing their full potential can be empowering and challenging. The unique wiring of their minds often leads to extraordinary bursts of creativity, but it can also present obstacles that require innovative solutions.
Beyond the Ordinary not only celebrates the strengths of these women but also shines a light on their resilience and determination to navigate a world that often misunderstands or undervalues their contributions.
Under Mandy Nicholson’s inspiring guidance, this book becomes a beacon for those who have ever felt “different” or struggled to fit into conventional molds. It offers a safe space for readers and writers to explore the boundless possibilities that arise when creativity is embraced in all its diverse forms.
As these women share their stories, they invite us into their worlds — worlds where creativity flourishes not despite neurodivergence but because of it. Through their words, we are reminded that true innovation often comes from those who dare to think beyond the ordinary.
I had a fabulous conversation with Dani Louise Smith, one of the co-authors of Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind.
Thank you for having this interview with me. I’m excited about sharing your author journey in our Biz Her Way “Meet the Authors Series”, here on Medium.com.
Our readers would love to learn more about you. Please tell us who you are and a little something about yourself.
I’m the queen of business organization, a business coach, mentor, and author. I help service-based businesses to earn more without working more to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I’m a busy mum of three, one of which is autistic, and a caregiver to my hubby with six health conditions. I’m a creative and passionate entrepreneur and author of Business Fundamentals.
Being an author is exciting! How has your journey been in becoming an author?
I have actually collaborated on two books previously, however in 2024 I have double booked myself (literally!) In November I am launching Business Fundamentals, my personal story of building my business and all life’s challenges that came with it. Still, it’s also a step-by-step educational book.
I’m also contributing to Beyond the Ordinary and sharing my story of going from chaos to Organization Queen. The journey has been a mix of things. It is fun, empowering, and one of self-discovery, but it is also quite stressful with tight deadlines, ha-ha!!
What inspired you to contribute to this book, and how does your chapter reflect your journey?
The message behind the book is close to my heart and values as we have a lot of neurodiversity within my family and we are all creative too! I couldn’t say no to such a great opportunity to share my story alongside others and empower the future of other creative neuro-spicy people.
Becoming an author takes a lot of creative focus. How did you overcome the challenges of the “writer’s block”?
My top tip is to consume and then create. I get inspired easily by watching my favorite films or reading motivational stories so I did this to help. Planning helped me too. As the queen of business organization, I love to plan!
Can you share a moment when your neurodivergence suddenly fueled your creativity?
The big pivot I took with my business in 2023. I just decided to tak a chance with my niche, called to go from creative business coach to becoming the queen of business organization and start working with service businesses.
I lost nearly all my client base overnight but I was passionate and excited to create! It was tough but in less than a year I’ve rebuilt my business, better than ever and I’m actually surrounded by and working with neurodiverse people.
In what ways has your neurodivergence shaped your perspective on the world, and how does that influence your writing?
The greatest and toughest part of the journey has been my mental health, anxiety, and money management. My self-awareness was clouded by intrusive thoughts and worry. It was awful. Although it has been tough, I’m grateful for my growth and what I have learned about myself along with the connections I have made as a result.
My journey has influenced my writing in both of my book projects and sharing my story in both books was important to me.
What role does self-care play in your creative process, and how do you ensure you’re taking care of both your mind and creativity?
Creativity IS my self-care. I get to be creative within my business too, which is why I love it so much! Creativity plays a huge part in bringing mindfulness and flow into my life. I have many different creative hobbies, and I love expressing myself through color via them. One day I’ll be surrounded by wool and making a crochet blanket, another, I’ll be drawing mandalas and hyper-focusing on the shapes and lines.
What role does intuition play in your creative process, and how do you trust your instincts when developing new ideas?
Trust is very important to me, especially self-trust as I haven’t had it before. I’ve actually got the words ‘believe, trust, align’ tattooed on me, via artwork I digitally designed when I turned 30 and I feature this in my chapter of Beyond the Ordinary.
These days I take new ideas and process them. With an ‘ADHD’ brain, it can be tough to know if something is a shiny object or something I definitely should roll with.
I process my creativity and then take action on it. I often lean into how I feel about the intuitive thought and roll with the feelings. I’m still practicing belief and trust in myself and the steps I take, which is why I value these things so much. I always want to do what feels aligned because it’s the best way to live.
Writing is a fantastic way to creatively express and share your story. How has becoming an author empowered you?
I feel so proud of myself! It’s been a long-term goal since I learned to write! It really makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.
I’ve done collaboration books before, but this year has been different as these two books are hugely linked to my life experience, and values and are helping other people. It feels great to do that.
What strategies do you use to tap into your most authentic and uninhibited creative self?
I surround myself with like-minded people. This has been the biggest thing for me, those who understand my creativity and neuro-spicy tendencies. I’m also always working on improving my self-awareness and learning more skills. I love learning and often I can develop skills from others and then implement them in my own creative way, which is fun.
How has your understanding of your own neurodivergence changed over time, and how has that growth impacted your creative expression?
I wasn’t even aware of being neurodiverse until a year ago! The more I learned for my son and husband the more it made sense for myself.
It has actually made me feel comfortable being the way I am but also willing to work on improving areas that need it. The biggest thing for me has been navigating money management and having to face my challenges with numbers, impulse spending, and getting free from debt.
How has Mandy Nicholson’s vision for this project inspired or influenced your contribution to the book?
I was instantly excited about it as I know she doesn’t do mediocre, she goes big! The idea of the link between neurodiversity and creativity inspired me to look at my own experiences and navigate how they can bring value to others.
In what ways has Mandy’s leadership and approach to creativity and neurodivergence resonated with you, and how has it impacted your own creative process?
I absolutely love how she works with our creativity, passion, and strengths as individuals.
What do you hope readers will take away from your chapter, particularly those who may not be familiar with neurodivergent experiences?
The one thing I hope readers gain from my chapter is the understanding that getting to the other side of mental health and money struggles is possible. You can use your creativity, talents, and unique mind to thrive.
Thank you for this amazing interview. One last question, looking ahead, how do you see your neurodivergence continuing to influence your creative journey, and what’s next for you?
It will most likely continue to bring new ideas but also shiny objects but that’s OK. I trust it to guide me to where I need to be. I’ll definitely learn more about myself as life goes on, for sure!
The next for me is getting my own book officially published. I will be starting a new business in 2025 because we neurodiverse creatives love to multi-task with many projects!
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Beyond the Ordinary — Navigating the Creative and Neurodivergent Mind by Mandy Nicholson, Available October 11, 2024
Pre-order your copy today: www.mandynicholson.co.uk
Sacha Walton, business strategist and owner of SWI Management Group helps entrepreneurs level up their businesses with strategic planning, marketing, and branding, which drive business growth and visibility. If you would like to be featured Biz Her Way Series, email us at info@swimgtgroup.com
