How Tracy Otsuka is Shifting the Conversation Around Women with ADHD

Today I am joined with the delightful and insightful Tracy Otsuka! Tracy shares her personal journey of discovering her own ADHD after her son's diagnosis and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for women with ADHD. With her unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, Tracy challenges the traditional narrative surrounding ADHD and sheds light on the remarkable strengths and brilliance of women with this neurodivergent superpower.

As the host of the top-ranking podcast "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," Tracy has empowered thousands of women to embrace their unique brain wiring and uncover their hidden potential. Join me as we explore Tracy's inspiring story, from her early struggles with masking and self-doubt to her triumphant journey of self-discovery and advocacy. 

Tracy has never encountered a woman with ADHD who wasn't truly brilliant in some aspect. Tracy brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table. A lawyer by training, a lifelong learner, and a certified ADHD coach, Otsuka is dedicated to shifting the narrative surrounding ADHD. Her own diagnosis, which came eight months after her son's, clarified her life's many puzzles. However, she quickly realized the discourse around ADHD often focuses on the struggles, overshadowing the strengths. Otsuka discovered that her ADHD was the source of some of her most remarkable abilities. Notably, while there's frequent discussion of successful men with ADHD, women with the condition tend to be overlooked. Otsuka aims to change that, providing a space to recognize, support, and celebrate women with ADHD. These women are her tribe, and she stands as a fervent supporter and advocate for their recognition and success.

Episode Highlights:

[3:54] - Tracy shares how her son's struggles in school led to his ADHD diagnosis at age 12.

[8:06] - The surprising realization that Tracy herself had ADHD, after her son's diagnosis.

[13:27] - Navigating law school with undiagnosed ADHD and the constant feeling of not being "smart enough."

[15:26] - The challenges of writing a book with ADHD and the fear of forgetting its contents.

[19:05] - Brooke and Tracy bond over their shared experiences with working memory struggles.

[21:20] - Tracy opens up about the devastating loss of her mother.

[34:33] - The story behind the bold and unapologetic name "ADHD for Smart Ass Women."

[39:18] - Tracy's nuanced perspective on whether ADHD is a superpower or a deficit.

[41:18] - Strategies for staying in the task-positive network (TPN) and avoiding burnout.

Connect with Tracy Otsuka:

Podcast & Book: “ADHD for Smart Ass Women”: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/ 

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

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