Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

#162: Focus, Flow, Cold Coffee, and the ADHD Developer with Paige Watson

Oct 15, 2025
In this discussion, Paige Watson, a technical coach and expert in software craftsmanship, shares his insights on navigating ADHD as a developer. He explores how collaborative practices like Test-Driven Development and mob programming help maintain focus and enjoyment in coding. Paige also highlights the importance of inclusive team dynamics, encouraging workflow changes that benefit everyone. Additionally, he introduces discovery trees as a tool for effective visual planning, reducing overwhelm and enhancing team transparency. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for developers and teams alike.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Focus Is About Control Not Absence

  • ADHD is not just lack of focus; it's inability to control where focus goes.
  • Paige Watson describes hyperfocus and distractibility as competing states that shift unpredictably.
ANECDOTE

Coding As Puzzle And Model Railroad

  • Paige likens coding to operating a model railroad and solving puzzles about optimal moves.
  • That puzzle attraction partly explains his draw to software development.
ADVICE

Collaborate To Anchor Focus And Context

  • Do collaborative programming (mobbing or pairing) to provide guardrails and shared context.
  • Let teammates pull you back from rabbit holes and keep the team moving on small steps.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app