Episode Details

We break down what it really means to hire people who protect a neurodivergent founder’s energy. We share the frameworks Cherie uses to spot friction early, set boundaries and build a team culture that supports performance and wellbeing. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Hiring the right team means hiring people who protect your energy, not just fill a role.
• Energy raisers reduce friction, support momentum, and make leadership feel lighter.
• Energy drainers create conflict and unnecessary mental load for founders.
• A quarterly team energy audit helps founders spot green, amber, and red dynamics early.
• Strong hiring decisions should measure friction removed, not just work produced.
• The best hires bring solutions, systems thinking, and lower executive function strain.
• Do not get seduced by charm or a polished CV while hiring.
• Brilliant jerks and chronic conflict cost more energy than their output is worth.

This episode was proudly sponsored by Graham Psychology.
Receive an ongoing discount of 20% off all appointment types [therapy and assessments].

Listeners can book directly via the website and enter ’THECLIMBPODCAST’ into the booking notes or call or email and mention the podcast. 


Mentioned in this episode: 

• The Instagram carousel Cherie shares 
• Disc profiles 
• Patrick Lencioni definition of charmers
• Shelley Johnson from Boldside 

Hosted by Cherie Clonan [@cherie_thedigitalpicnic] and co-hosted and produced by Steph Clifford [@stephssocials] 

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