The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

The Inclusive Business Revolution: 5 Proven Benefits of Hiring Autistic Talent in Your Startup

49min | 08/08/2025|

69

Description

Support the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudio

Independence, whatever that looks like, is what I want for you—and given the chance and opportunity, you’ll show what you’re truly capable of.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Janet Schultz, a grandmother, former special education teacher, and entrepreneur who built a thriving cleaning business by hiring autistic employees and empowering them to work independently. Janet’s journey began when she decided to re-enter the workforce and saw the potential in combining her passion for small business with her experience supporting autistic individuals. She shares real stories, like how her employees developed confidence and life skills, and how her approach challenges outdated ideas about what autistic people can achieve in the workplace. You’ll get insights on how to create meaningful roles that match autistic strengths, why trust and clear communication matter, and what it takes to build a supportive, inclusive company culture. Janet also talks about her “business in a box” model, making it easier for others to replicate her success and boost inclusive entrepreneurship. If you want to learn how to tap into the talents of autistic employees, overcome common challenges, and create a business that truly makes a difference, this episode gives you practical ideas and inspiration straight from someone who’s done it.,In this episode, listeners meet Janet Schultz, a grandmother, former special education teacher, and entrepreneur who launched a successful cleaning business by hiring and empowering autistic employees. Janet’s unique blend of classroom experience and business savvy led her to recognize how autistic strengths—like attention to detail and reliability—could shine in a supportive work environment. Throughout the conversation, she shares stories of her employees’ growth, explains how setting clear expectations and fostering independence can transform lives, and discusses the challenges and rewards of building an inclusive business from the ground up. Janet also introduces her “business in a box” concept, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs replicate her inclusive model. This episode offers practical strategies for creating meaningful jobs, emphasizes the importance of trust and communication, and highlights the positive impact inclusive hiring can have on both individuals and businesses. For anyone interested in autism employment opportunities or building a more inclusive workplace, Janet’s story delivers actionable insights and genuine inspiration.

Janets Resources:

Visit bluejaycleaningfranchise.com to learn more about the Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box.
Find and follow Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box on Facebook.
Find and follow Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box on Instagram.
Purchase the Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box package to start your own cleaning business that employs people with autism.
Contact Janet Schultz through the Blue Jay Cleaning website for guidance and support in starting your own inclusive cleaning business.

Contact me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/
https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio
https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio
https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheAspergersStudio
https://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudio
https://aspergersstudio.com/

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Support the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudio

Independence, whatever that looks like, is what I want for you—and given the chance and opportunity, you’ll show what you’re truly capable of.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Janet Schultz, a grandmother, former special education teacher, and entrepreneur who built a thriving cleaning business by hiring autistic employees and empowering them to work independently. Janet’s journey began when she decided to re-enter the workforce and saw the potential in combining her passion for small business with her experience supporting autistic individuals. She shares real stories, like how her employees developed confidence and life skills, and how her approach challenges outdated ideas about what autistic people can achieve in the workplace. You’ll get insights on how to create meaningful roles that match autistic strengths, why trust and clear communication matter, and what it takes to build a supportive, inclusive company culture. Janet also talks about her “business in a box” model, making it easier for others to replicate her success and boost inclusive entrepreneurship. If you want to learn how to tap into the talents of autistic employees, overcome common challenges, and create a business that truly makes a difference, this episode gives you practical ideas and inspiration straight from someone who’s done it.,In this episode, listeners meet Janet Schultz, a grandmother, former special education teacher, and entrepreneur who launched a successful cleaning business by hiring and empowering autistic employees. Janet’s unique blend of classroom experience and business savvy led her to recognize how autistic strengths—like attention to detail and reliability—could shine in a supportive work environment. Throughout the conversation, she shares stories of her employees’ growth, explains how setting clear expectations and fostering independence can transform lives, and discusses the challenges and rewards of building an inclusive business from the ground up. Janet also introduces her “business in a box” concept, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs replicate her inclusive model. This episode offers practical strategies for creating meaningful jobs, emphasizes the importance of trust and communication, and highlights the positive impact inclusive hiring can have on both individuals and businesses. For anyone interested in autism employment opportunities or building a more inclusive workplace, Janet’s story delivers actionable insights and genuine inspiration.

Janets Resources:

Visit bluejaycleaningfranchise.com to learn more about the Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box.
Find and follow Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box on Facebook.
Find and follow Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box on Instagram.
Purchase the Blue Jay Cleaning Business in a Box package to start your own cleaning business that employs people with autism.
Contact Janet Schultz through the Blue Jay Cleaning website for guidance and support in starting your own inclusive cleaning business.

Contact me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/
https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio
https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio
https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheAspergersStudio
https://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudio
https://aspergersstudio.com/

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About The Neurodivergant Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Reid Miles Podcasts

Two shows. One curiosity-driven mission: telling human stories that matter.

Hosted by Reid Miles, this podcast feed is home to two distinct but connected conversations.

The Neurodivergent Connection centers neurodivergent voices lived experience, late diagnosis, advocacy, creativity, and the realities of navigating a world not built for autistic minds. These episodes focus on understanding, accessibility, and belonging, grounded in honesty and real conversation rather than clinical distance.

The Curious Storyteller began as a celebration of remarkable people and the stories that shaped them. It has since evolved into deeper, reflective conversations about identity, resilience, reinvention, and the quiet moments that change us. Guests include creators, athletes, leaders, and thinkers not to be interviewed, but to be heard.

Both shows share the same foundation: unscripted conversations, emotional intelligence, and curiosity over performance. This isn’t about polished success stories or neat conclusions — it’s about connection, reflection, and telling the truth while the story is still being written.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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