Our Permissionless Consultant Accelerator recently celebrated the completion of its inaugural BETA cohort, featuring five outstanding professionals who embarked on a transformational journey. An atypical program, the accelerator offers a unique opportunity for those daring to redefine their professional paths. And guess what? The BETA cohort just wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of transformative stories. One such inspiring tale is that of Jeff Spencer. Read Jeff’s story below.
Snapshot
Name: Jeff Spencer (He/Him)
Hometown: Greater Seattle, WA
Purpose: To champion inclusion & innovation in the business realm
Niche: Neuro-inclusion and innovation
Wild Muse: Wolf
Meet Jeff Spencer: Innovator, Neurodiversity Advocate, and Visionary
Jeff Spencer's journey is a compelling narrative of embracing neurodiversity to catalyze innovation and problem-solving. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Jeff has carved a unique path, intertwining his deep understanding of neurodiversity with his professional experiences in the tech sector. His career is a vivid example of how diverse thinking can lead to groundbreaking solutions in business and technology.
An Unconventional Career
When it comes to career, Jeff has consistently leveraged his expertise in neurodiversity to drive innovation. To Jeff’s way of thinking, Neurodiversity is more than a concept; it's a lens through which we can solve problems more creatively. His work in the tech industry has been informed by this perspective, leading to unique approaches and solutions that conventional thinking might otherwise overlook.
The Calling
Hear Jeff’s Full Story in his Interview👆🏻
The spark for a career pivot ignited when Jeff realized the potential for a more inclusive, empathetic approach in the business world. Jeff believes there's a gap in how we approach business problems. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about understanding the human element, the diverse minds that drive innovation.
“We don’t necessarily know what’s going on between the ears of the person that we’re working with - that means being curious and looking for understanding as opposed to applying judgment is more helpful and effective”
Inspired to make a difference, Jeff envisions a consultancy that not only solves complex business problems but does it more effectively because of neurodiversity. He aims to create a space where being different is the superpower, not the challenge. “All of our brains are informed by the nature and nurture of ourselves and our lived experiences. We don't necessarily know what's going on between the ears of the person that we're working with - that means being curious and looking for understanding as opposed to applying judgment is more helpful and effective” he describes.
When asked what brought him to the accelerator, he describes a calling to amplify his skills and impact - “I was feeling that I had a lot to share with other leaders, and I've recognized that I do my best work in partnership with other people.”
What drives Jeff however is far beyond people. He describes his underlying motivation as the stars…”I was born under an Aquarius sign - the Aquarius role is very much to disrupt the status quo. Getting to understand what parts of the status quo are worth disrupting, being able to challenge conventional thinking, and turn things upside down is a sweet spot for me. And being able to live in that space as opposed to what happened for so many years [which was] trying to meet the expectations of society. I had to shake up the etch-a-sketch.”
Envisioning the Future
“You’ve shown me it’s more accessible than ever. As a working Dad with two kids, I don’t have time to waste. Having access to a roadmap that I can follow and instills confidence in building my consultancy is invaluable.”
Jeff's vision for his consultancy is clear: to create a business that thrives on the principles of creativity, personalization and inclusivity. He sees a future where businesses don't just tolerate neurodiversity but celebrate and leverage it to drive innovation and belonging. His offerings include both neurodiversity coaching and consulting in the areas of neuro-inclusion, culture and innovation. Not only does Jeff lean into the consulting realm, he’s a certified coach who works with what he affectionately refers to as “neuro-spicy” professionals worldwide.
Jeff’s Permissionless Journey
Hear about Jeff’s Permissionless journey!
The Permissionless Consultant Accelerator provided Jeff with the personalized coaching, tools, and community needed to know how to bring his vision to life. “I think what you’ve shown me is that it’s more accessible than ever. When I first had the inkling that I might consult in my career, I had no clue how to do it, and technology was not near as advanced as it is today. So things like marketing myself and putting together content and doing research, your examples of AI tools that make all that work easier. Especially as a working dad with 2 kids, a dog, chickens and all this other stuff - I don't have time to necessarily waste as I go through this process so having a roadmap that I can follow is helpful. I feel confident that I'm ready for the next step.”
To Jeff, 'permissionless' means breaking free from traditional constraints and embracing one's unique path. "It’s destroying the idea that other people are gatekeepers. It means just doing it, living into your truth and being bold. That’s a really empowering position to take” he asserts. Jeff walks his own unique path, having designed a “homestead” lifestyle for himself and his family, living on a farm alongside his wife, two kids, dog and 19 chickens.
“Permissionless means the freedom to make your own choices, to be who you are and do what you want, to not have to seek anybody’s permission, and to live life how you want to live it.”
Collaborating with Jeff
Working with Jeff is also a unique experience paved in creativity, empathy, and innovation. His approach is holistic, focusing on the human elements that drive both inclusion and innovation. Jeff takes a hyper-customized approach in dealing with his clients; one that accounts for the infinite possibilities that exist between our ears…and the stars.
Curious to Learn More?
Want to follow Jeff’s Permissionless journey? Catch him on LinkedIn.
Eager to carve your own path? Read other stories from our students here and learn more about the Permissionless Consultant Accelerator here.
About the author
Lindsay Angelo is the founder of Permissionless Consultant, supporting purpose-preneurs in launching their practices to create impact, freedom, and a life that they love. She's also a practicing and award-winning Strategist, Futurist, MBA and TEDx speaker. She launched her consultancy six years ago with the goal of helping purpose-driven brands drive growth and impact. Since then, she's more than tripled her prior earnings while advising entrepreneurs, think tanks, celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies while creating a nomadic lifestyle rooted in travel, family, and community. Named a Woman to Watch and Global Innovation Leader, Lindsay has delivered over 100+ keynotes and is the creator of a signature blueprint for driving brand growth and impact.
