63. Fitness, Motherhood & Running a Business with ADHD Ft. Steph Claire Smith
Mar 12, 2025
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Steph Claire Smith, an Australian fitness entrepreneur and co-founder of the KIC app, opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis while navigating motherhood and running a business. She shares honest insights into the emotional challenges of parenting, especially with young children. The discussion also highlights time management and the balancing act of family life. Steph’s journey emphasizes the importance of support and self-awareness, along with the intersections of wellness and community in the context of ADHD.
Steph emphasized the relief she felt after her ADHD diagnosis, which validated her past struggles with routine and organization while preparing for motherhood.
Recognizing her emotional dysregulation allows Steph to connect with her toddler's experiences, promoting patience and understanding in their relationship.
Through self-discovery, Steph learns to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in managing expectations, fostering a supportive community around her ADHD journey.
Deep dives
Steph Clare Smith's Journey with ADHD
Steph Clare Smith recently shared her personal experience following an ADHD diagnosis, which she received not long before discovering she was pregnant with her second child. Initially, she felt a sense of relief and acknowledgment upon receiving the diagnosis, as it validated many insecurities she had long battled with, such as her struggles with routine and organization. Despite recognizing the impact of ADHD on her everyday life, she highlighted that her pregnancy has complicated her ability to seek treatment options, like medication. Throughout this phase, she has found solace in understanding her diagnosis better, allowing her to embrace her unique challenges while preparing for her new role as a mother.
Understanding Emotional Dysregulation
Steph discussed the emotional highs and lows that accompany her ADHD, especially when managing her responsibilities as a mom and business owner. She explained that moments of emotional dysregulation often mirror the behaviors of her toddler, leading to feelings of guilt and frustration when she reacts strongly to seemingly minor issues. This self-awareness helps her connect to her child's experiences, reinforcing the importance of being patient with herself and her son during challenging moments. By recognizing these patterns, she is learning to navigate her emotions better and manage difficult situations, aiming to foster a supportive environment for both herself and her child.
The Challenge of Work-Life Balance
Steph highlighted the overwhelming pressure that comes with juggling her business commitments and motherhood, often leading her to feel inadequate compared to others. She acknowledged her struggles with maintaining a routine, which affects her productivity and heightens feelings of shame when she fails to meet expectations. Additionally, the fear of disappointing her business partner and team adds another layer of anxiety, intensifying the pressure she puts on herself. By recognizing these challenges, she emphasizes the need for self-compassion and understanding, addressing the guilt associated with her perceived shortcomings.
Finding Empowerment Through Self-Discovery
Throughout her conversation, Steph emphasized the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in her life following her diagnosis. She reflects on a sense of empowerment gained from openly sharing her ADHD journey with her audience, fostering a supportive community where vulnerability is valued. This shift towards embracing her true self has helped reduce anxiety about societal pressures and expectations, enabling her to focus on what truly matters to her. By cultivating a deeper understanding of herself, she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges to do the same, reinforcing the notion that vulnerability can be a source of strength.
Exercise as a Tool for Well-Being
Steph discussed how incorporating exercise into her routine has played a crucial role in managing her ADHD symptoms, enhancing her mood and energy levels. Despite the challenges of maintaining a consistent fitness regimen due to her busy schedule, she recognizes the value of even short bursts of physical activity. By being flexible and discovering enjoyable forms of exercise, she strives to create a balanced lifestyle where fitness complements her well-being rather than adds to her stress. This approach not only benefits her physical health but also cultivates a positive mindset, helping her navigate the complexities of her daily responsibilities.
We cross the pond virtually this week to chat with fabulous Aussie fitness queen, podcast host, mother and co-founder of @kic.app, Stephanie Miller @stephclairesmith.
Steph was diagnosed with ADHD at the same time as becoming pregnant with her second child, only a few months before this interview! So she tells us all about the whirlwind of ADHD discovery mixed in with parenting and pregnancy (not to mention whilst also running a hugely successful business).
We loved chatting to Steph and hearing about her experience of the late-diagnosis journey, and if you’re interested in tuning into Steph’s podcast mini series ‘It’s my ADHD’, this will be available from March 19th on the KICPOD podcast feed!
If you’d like to check out the Kic app, follow the details below to enjoy 1 month FREE!
Use the code DISTRACTED for one month free when you sign up on a monthly subscription at kicapp.com
Available for new and returning users only.
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This episode is sponsored by Get Dopa, a focus supplement made by & for neurodivergents! You can get 10% off your order with the following code or link:
