Design Better

Skye Waterson: Creative work and ADHD

Oct 1, 2024

Skye Waterson, a Ph.D. candidate in Population Health, shares her journey of discovering her ADHD diagnosis during her studies. She discusses how ADHD can transform into a superpower, enhancing creativity and problem-solving abilities. Skye explores the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent professionals in traditional work settings and offers practical collaboration strategies. Her work with the Unconventional Organisation supports over 800 ADHD professionals, emphasizing the need for workplace adaptability and understanding.

11:55

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Episode guests

Skye Waterson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

ADHD traits, including hyper-focus and creative problem-solving, can be transformed into strengths that enhance innovative thinking in professional environments.

Traditional work settings often hinder ADHD individuals due to inflexible structures, necessitating adjustments to better accommodate their unique needs and talents.

Deep dives

The Superpower of ADHD in Creativity

Individuals with ADHD may experience challenges, but these traits can also translate into unique advantages, particularly in creative fields. The ability to combine disparate ideas and generate original solutions is highlighted as a significant strength in ADHD thinkers. This capacity for hyperfocus can lead to deep learning and problem-solving abilities that thrive in creative environments. Notably, many creative professionals recognize that their neurodivergent traits contribute positively to their innovative thought processes.

Intro

5min

Brewing Techniques and ADHD Support Strategies

3min

Navigating ADHD: Career Impact and Workplace Flexibility

5min

We’ve talked with people across many creative disciplines on Design Better, and there’s a red thread that keeps popping up—many are neurodivergent in some way. A diagnosis of ADHD in childhood can seem like a disadvantage, but it can actually become a superpower that enables hyper-focus and deep learning. We wanted to learn more about ADHD so we called in an expert—Skye Waterson.

Skye received a surprise ADHD diagnosis at the beginning of her Ph.D. program, which led her to research and develop strategies to help other adults with ADHD reach their potential. Now, she has an international business called the Unconventional Organisation which supports more than 800 professionals with ADHD.

We spoke with Skye about some common challenges that people with ADHD face at work, why the modern work environment does not always work for ADHD thinkers, as well as some communication strategies for collaborating with neurodiverse people in your work.

For full show notes, bonus content, and more, visit our Substack: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/skye-waterson

Bio

Skye Waterson is an academic with over seven years of experience working in adult education. She has studied in various fields, including Psychology, Sociology, and Public Health, and is now a Doctoral Candidate in Population Health.

Skye was diagnosed with ADHD at the start of her doctorate. Since then, she has dedicated time to researching and disseminating ADHD studies, focusing on supporting others with strengths-based, neurodiverse-friendly tools and systems.

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