For Jan Schlueter, CEO of Neurodiverse Tech, happiness is found in peace—peace within his personal ecosystem and the satisfaction of knowing he is making an impact with his purpose. Once a self-proclaimed “city cat,” Jan has since embraced a slower pace of life, often spending his free time exploring Franklin and visiting local whiskey distilleries. His story is one of curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering drive to innovate.
Jan credits his success to empathy and understanding—qualities that guide his approach to business and leadership. “You have to truly understand what your customers need,” he says. “Do the research. Listen. Build from a place of insight.” His experience spans many roles, as he’s chosen to be a generalist rather than a specialist, learning to do everything at some point in his career. That adaptability, paired with deep respect for entrepreneurs and a fascination with success stories like Elon Musk’s, has shaped his own entrepreneurial journey.
If he could go back and offer advice to his younger self, Jan’s message would be clear: fail faster. “I’m not a quitter,” he says, “but I’d tell myself to switch or pivot earlier. Failure is part of the process.” For Jan, every failure has been a stepping stone to innovation and growth, and his willingness to pivot has allowed Neurodiverse Tech to thrive in a constantly evolving industry.
Jan’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and versatility. By embracing new challenges, learning every facet of his field, and approaching leadership with empathy, he has built a company that reflects both his values and his vision. His journey reminds us that success often comes not from staying in one lane but from exploring many—and from having the courage to fail, pivot, and try again.