This one myth, in my opinion, is the leading cause of burnout:
Unless you aim for the highest role at a company, you’ve somehow failed.
My next guest on The Way of Product Podcast, Jamie Toyne, challenges that idea.
Jamie’s been there and done that. he’s been the CEO, sold the company, and travelled the world. The right fit might be coaching, consulting, or serving as the creative force behind someone else’s vision—like Jony Ive was to Steve Jobs.
Following formulas that ignore your true nature leads to burnout and misalignment—success is not measured by title, but by how invigorating the work feels.
Enzo Ferrari, James Dyson, Dietrich Mateschitz (Redbull), Jony Ive, didn’t optimize for careers that make a bunch of money, they did work they unlocked their talents, gave them energy to be creative during the hard times, and the structure their creative expression.
If you are doing great work that aligns with your unique talents and values, the market will reward you, companies will fight to retain you, and people will want to invest or purchase what you build because you are involved.
Turns out, great work is hard to come by, and putting someone who’s energy isn’t aligned with the work doesn’t lead to great work.
This episode is for anyone who doesn’t feel like they are doing work that aligns with their wiring. I certainly benefited from the conversation.
-Caden
Listen to The Way of Product: Apple Podcasts or Spotify
In this episode, Jamie Toyne recounts his personal and professional journey with ADHD—from growing up in Australia, building a successful mergers and acquisitions firm in San Francisco, to starting an ADHD coaching career. Jamie experienced significant burnout, moved to Mexico, and later sold his business.
He discusses the challenges and benefits of living with ADHD as a business leader, the importance of doing work that aligns with personal values, and how his coaching program helps people with ADHD perform better and prevent burnout. Jamie explores recent changes in how society understands ADHD, and what these shifts mean for modern workplaces.
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamietoyne1
Free 1:1 ADHD Coaching Session: www.jamietoyne.com
00:30 Journey to San Francisco—and burnout
02:15 Life as a Digital Nomad
03:48 ADHD Diagnosis and Early Life
05:07 Tennis Career and Education
08:44 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Burnout
13:48 Balancing Ambition and Lifestyle
18:46 Reflecting on Business Structure and Superpowers
19:11 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and Financial Decisions
20:35 Team Dynamics and Company Culture
22:50 Passion for Coaching and Exit Planning
26:50 ADHD and Leadership Challenges
33:14 Finding Flow and Realigning with Passion
