Discovering ADHD later in life can lead to career shifts and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Personalized ADHD management involves exploring diverse strategies beyond medication.
Embracing entrepreneurship requires risk-taking, following passions, and adapting to challenges.
Deep dives
Reflecting on Personal ADHD Journey and Career Transition
Marie recounts her journey of discovering her ADHD later in life in her 30s while working in advertising. She describes the struggles faced in a corporate environment, such as difficulty with tasks like submitting time sheets. With the support of a colleague identifying her potential ADHD, Marie sought a diagnosis and explored medication options, ultimately deciding to manage her symptoms without medication. This self-discovery led to a career change from the corporate world to software development and founding LamaLife, a productivity tool.
Navigating Challenges in ADHD Management
Marie shares her experiences with medication trials for ADHD management, highlighting the importance of finding personalized solutions that work best for individual needs. Despite challenges faced with medication side effects, Marie emphasizes the significance of a multimodal approach to ADHD treatment, including skills training, environmental modifications, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices. Reflecting on her journey, she encourages others to persist in finding the right treatment and emphasizes the life-changing impact of effective medication.
Embracing Entrepreneurship and Designing a Life Around ADHD
Marie discusses her entrepreneurial journey, including the decision to transition from a corporate job to pursuing startups aligned with her passions. She highlights the importance of taking risks and following one's instincts in designing a life suited to individual strengths and interests. By embracing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, Marie emphasizes the significance of creating a fulfilling and authentic life path tailored to personal needs and aspirations.
Overcoming Perfectionism and Scope Creep in Entrepreneurship
Marie reflects on managing perfectionism and scope creep in entrepreneurial ventures, acknowledging the constraints of time and resources. Recognizing the value of prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals, she discusses the importance of aiming for progress rather than perfection in entrepreneurial pursuits. By adapting to challenges and addressing scope creep effectively, Marie demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required in entrepreneurship.
Building Self-Awareness Through Reflection and Goal Setting
Marie highlights the significance of self-awareness through daily reflection, mood tracking, and goal setting. By maintaining a simple journaling practice to monitor emotions, evaluate daily achievements, and cultivate gratitude, she underscores the power of self-reflection in personal growth and ADHD management. Marie emphasizes the value of setting achievable goals, fostering self-compassion, and leveraging self-awareness to navigate challenges and design a fulfilling life with ADHD.
It's not too late to get registered for the Annual International Conference on ADHD! You can join virtually or in-person in Dallas, Texas! Listeners of ADHD reWired can get 15% off their registration by going to or use the promo code adhdrewiredadhdcon2022 at checkout! This week, Eric is joined by Marie Ng, the solo-founder of Llama Life! Marie has worn many hats, including experience in advertising, working in corporate environments, teaching herself how to code, and startups. In this episode, you’ll hear about Marie’s experiences in the corporate world, how she found out about her own ADHD, what it was like working in an open space sitting across from her boss, and her entrepreneurial spirit. Eric and Marie also cover topics like failure, resilience, and the importance of finding what you love. Check out Marie’s productivity tool, Llama Life at . Llama life doesn’t just help you create your to-do lists, it helps you work through your list and helps manage your attention that keeps you engaged by making it fun! Get in touch with Marie on Twitter: Other Questions/Topics Answered in this Episode: [00:02:38] When did Marie’s ADHD journey begin? [00:10:37] Did Marie ever think she would be working for herself? [00:13:16] What is Llama Life all about? [00:14:04] How does Llama life help you work through your lists? [00:15:36] Thoughts on countdown timers & a feature-request [00:21:19] Are there any lessons Marie can share about transitioning from working a corporate job to being self-employed? [00:28:37] Marie shares the ups and downs of her startups and shares thoughts about failure and bouncing back [00:31:49] “What’s the alternative? What’s the other choice?” Why did this resonate with Marie? [00:41:36] What are some big lessons that can be applied to designing a life that is more ADHD friendly? [00:51:20] Setting up for “failure” vs. setting up for learning [00:54:36] Eric asks Marie about perfectionism Resources & Honorable Mentions: Mood-tracking app: Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network: with Brendan Mahan with Will Curb with MJ Siemens
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