CEO Secrets: How to protect your mental health

 
Published on 31 Mar, 2021
Author: Chris Quickfall
Summary

How Chris Quickfall overcame stress to build a thriving business

Learn how Chris Quickfall overcame stress and scaled his business by creating a structured planning system that improves focus, health, and entrepreneurial success.

 

Entrepreneur Chris Quickfall, founder of Cognassist, shares how he tackled the stress of running a start-up while managing the challenges of dyslexia.

Diagnosed with dyslexia at university, Chris utilised his problem-solving skills to create Cognassist, a platform that helps learners and educators understand and support neurodiverse individuals. Since its inception in 2007, Cognassist has assisted over 100,000 people and collaborates with more than 100 UK training institutions.

However, during the early days of his business, Chris faced immense pressure, working 100-hour weeks and struggling with alopecia, weight loss, and insomnia. Realising he was carrying too much in his head, Chris developed a structured system he calls his “dashboard.” This tool enabled him to categorise tasks, set goals, and focus on priorities without being overwhelmed.

By externalising his responsibilities into a manageable framework, Chris regained his health, reduced stress, and fostered business growth. He emphasises that such a system is invaluable for any entrepreneur navigating the relentless challenges of building a company. Chris’s journey highlights the importance of self-management, adaptability, and supporting mental health in achieving entrepreneurial success.

HR Magazine

Read the full story to discover how Chris Quickfall tackled start-up stress and scaled Cognassist using a structured system for managing tasks and goals.

Read the full story

Chris Quickfall
Author

Chris Quickfall

CEO

While studying at university Chris was diagnosed with dyslexia. The experience of completing a cognitive assessment was genuinely transformative  for Chris. It gave him a framework to understand how he thinks and learns as an individual. But like many people, he was understandably frustrated that he had to wait until university to get...

How we can help

Cognassist helps businesses create inclusive workplaces by supporting cognitive diversity. Our platform identifies thinking styles and provides tailored strategies to boost productivity, engagement, and compliance. Partner with us to drive performance, foster inclusion, and meet regulatory requirements. Start building a more supportive and successful workplace.

Get in touch

Contact us today to discover how Cognassist can help your business support cognitive diversity, improve compliance, and drive performance.

Get in touch

Latest news and insights


Make a better world through neuro-inclusion.

 

Cognassist

25 Mar, 2025


How do we learn? A guide to cognition and learning

Introduction Human learning is what built our civilisations and continues to drive new discoveries and innovations, year on...

 

Cognassist

25 Mar, 2025


The science behind Cognassist

Understanding neurodiversity and cognition is an essential tool to deliver the best practice neuro-inclusion and support. In this...

 

Cognassist

25 Mar, 2025


5 Tips for an Ofsted inspection

What are the Ofsted categories? Ofsted sets out its criteria for assessment clearly, within the Education Inspection Framework. This...