"Being Neurodivergent" with Rishi Narang

My guest on the podcast this week is Rishi Narang. Rishi lives in Hong and works in cyber security as a “Security Alchemist”, specialising in security advisory and risk mitigation. Being a neurodivergent individual, Rishi is passionate about mental health and well-being. He is a certified coach and mentor, sharing insights on fostering mental well-being, understanding neurodiversity, promoting inclusive hiring practices with allyship, and mitigating technology induced social isolation.

 I met Rishi at an event dedicated to “Neurodiversity’ hosted in Hong Kong. Rishi was diagnosed with ADHD - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in late 2022. He tells the story of his diagnosis in the podcast. Very simply, neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information. As Rishi explains neurodiversity is your cognitive ability to do things differently, to process things differently and to come up with out the of box thinking that is not neuro typical. It’s a different way of thinking, as simple as that.

 Rishi shares his story of discovering his neurodivergence , how it was liberating and  understanding how different he is and how similar he is. How it is a boon and a curse. How he stays on top of things with three buckets and shares many more insights including encouraging individuals to explore and experiment, to be curious and to develop resilience.

Timing
04:16 I work in Cyber security… in Nice in the South of France… I found a new job in Hong Kong…
8:44 Later… I got into Entity as a consultant and after two years I joined Google via Mandeant in 2022… 
9:42 The title I use is “Security Alchemist” … we identify the weaknesses before the bad actors do…
11:59 I met Rishi at an event dedicated to “Neuro Diversity” …
13:07 Anything to do with neuro diversity relates to mental health and anything to do with mental health people think less of you…
14:01 I was diagnosed with ADHD in late 2022 … Neurodiversity is your cognitive ability to do things differently, to process things differently… and to come up with out the of box thinking that is not neuro typical…
15:07 It’s a different way of thinking…as simple as that…
15:49 [Diagnosis story] …
17:58 Knowing I have ADHD…how different I am…how similar I am… a boon and a curse
20:12 It made me a little kinder and compassionate to myself and others like me… more of an active listener…
21:32 [Story – looking back] Regret… Active Listening … Jumping Ships… Anchor Points…
25:40 [Key Characteristics]… Be creative… Attention to detail…
27:30 [Advice]  … 
30:15 [Advantages]…
32:12 [Advice] … to adults – explore and experiment …curiosity… resilience…
34:06 DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,  DNI – Do Not Interact…
37:32[Checks] For ADHD and ADD (no hyperactivity) … see if you are jumping ships… lack long term friends… everything is boring…
39:40 [ Staying on top of things]…3 buckets… 1. Who has asked me to do the task… 2. How much time will it take… 3. What is the deadline… a combination defines the priority…
42:35 [Motivations] I eat deserts before main course… rewards driven, love kindness, compassion, appreciation …
44:50 [Education]… The toughest time in my life… doing – yes … reading – no…
47:43 [Routines]… I am not – I’m trying… everything is in calendar…
50:48 [Key Message] 

Contact Rishi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishinarang/
email: rishi@neurosec.me

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