As professionals, it’s easy to measure clients against where they “should” be. But what if the real work is meeting them where they are?

As professionals, it’s easy to measure clients against where they “should” be. But what if the real work is meeting them where they are?

I’m working on my bachelor’s degree now in my 30s. Much later than society typically says you’re “supposed” to do it.

Earlier in life, I finished college a year later than my classmates. I got my first job later than my younger sisters. I tend to move through milestones more slowly than the people around me.

If I focus on comparison, the pressure builds quickly. But when I keep my focus on how far I’ve come, not how fast others got there, I can see my own progress clearly.

That perspective shapes how I think about supporting neurodivergent business owners. Too often, professional services come with hidden “shoulds”:
- Clients should have their paperwork neatly organized.
- They should be able to answer every question on time.
- They should move at the same pace our systems demand.

But real life looks different. Some clients thrive on regular check-ins. Others are in survival mode, where simply finding a professional and handing over a backlog is already a huge win.

If we want to serve neurodivergent business owners well, we have to let go of those “shoulds.” That means honoring different timelines, creating space for different capacities, and recognizing progress even when it looks slower or different than what we expected.

Meeting clients where they are isn’t just kinder; it’s the only way to build systems they’ll actually use.