Definition

The Spiky Profile

Spiky Profile: a leadership framework developed by Dr. Sven Mulfinger that maps where a leader's thinking creates exceptional leverage (spikes) and where it meets friction (valleys).

Created by Dr. Sven Mulfinger as part of The Non-Linear Operating System, with research collaborators at IESE Business School and IE Business School.

Spiky Profile map across ten operational dimensions Radar chart. Spikes reach far beyond the dashed flat corporate baseline on five dimensions and fall well inside it on the other five. Systemic Synthesis: spike; Routine Cadence: valley; Crisis Hyperfocus: spike; Linear Documentation: valley; Divergent Ideation: spike; Calendar Fragmentation: valley; Rapid Pattern Recognition: spike; Repetitive Execution: valley; Associative Leaps: spike; Translation into Text: valley. SystemicSynthesisRoutineCadenceCrisisHyperfocusLinearDocumentationDivergentIdeationCalendarFragmentationRapid PatternRecognitionRepetitiveExecutionAssociativeLeapsTranslationinto Text 12345678910

Ten operational dimensions

Spikes High leverage

  • Systemic Synthesis
  • Crisis Hyperfocus
  • Divergent Ideation
  • Rapid Pattern Recognition
  • Associative Leaps

Valleys Systemic friction

  • Routine Cadence
  • Linear Documentation
  • Calendar Fragmentation
  • Repetitive Execution
  • Translation into Text

Dashed line: the flat corporate baseline, the uniform profile most roles, reviews and governance models are built for.

Whatever you call it

Some leaders arrive with a label: ADHD, autism, giftedness, dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia. Others never had a diagnosis and simply know their mind runs differently from the people around them. Many recognise themselves in more than one.

Neurodivergence is the umbrella term. We speak of a spiky profile or a non-linear mind, because in leadership what matters is how your mind works: where it is exceptional, where it costs you energy and what helps it run well.

A label can explain the past. For the next quarter, the useful question is what your good days and your bad days look like and what separates them.

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Giftedness
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Twice-exceptional (2e)

Diagnosis stays with doctors and psychologists. If you suspect a condition or feel unwell, please see a qualified professional.

Spikes, valleys and scaffolding

Operational contrast: every spike comes with a valley that needs scaffolding
Cognitive DimensionNatural Spike (High Leverage)Operating Valley (Systemic Friction)Executive Scaffolding Required
Systemic Synthesis Identifies non-linear market shifts years ahead. Translating intuition into step-by-step documentation feels painfully slow. Visual roadmaps and dedicated operational integrators.
Crisis Hyperfocus Exceptional clarity and decisive execution in turnaround or high-stakes ambiguity. Low-stimulation routine reporting triggers acute cognitive drag. Elimination of context-switching and full administrative delegation.
Relational Intuition Senses unspoken boardroom tensions and culture drift immediately. Absorbs emotional turbulence, risking boundary collapse and burnout. Strict energy recovery protocols and formalised governance boundaries.

The Spiky Profile is an operational map of executive cognitive load. It does not assess personality or diagnose any condition. It shows where executive leverage peaks under pressure, where cognitive fatigue accumulates and what structural scaffolding is needed to lead sustainably.

How the work uses it

  1. 01 / Map

    Multi-dimensional cognitive mapping across perception, synthesis and execution.

  2. 02 / Stress-Test

    Evaluating behavioural variance during funding rounds, hyper-growth and board friction.

  3. 03 / Scaffold

    Structuring roles, chief-of-staff interfaces and operating models around natural cognitive spikes.

  4. 04 / Translate

    Establishing an objective, non-clinical language for boards, investors and leadership teams.

Apply for Private Sparring Map your good day and your bad day