Pause Purpose Play

In this episode, we’re exploring the connection between ADHD, perfectionism, and stress - three challenges that often collide. I’ll uncover common misconceptions about ADHD in women, the hidden toll of masking and shame, and how self-criticism can hold us back. But most importantly, I’ll share why compassion is the key to breaking free from burnout and brain fog. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this might be your sign to consider an ADHD assessment—because understanding ADHD can bring clarity and hope. Join me for an honest, supportive conversation packed with insights to help you feel seen and empowered   00:32 Understanding ADHD and Stress 02:18 The Misconceptions and Internal Struggles 03:53 The Impact of Masking and Shame 06:37 Compassion as a Solution 08:40 The Urgency and Adrenaline Connection 10:10 Considering an ADHD Assessment 11:52 Join the Waitlist!

In this episode, I share my insights on ADHD assessments. I discuss why compassionate and complex approaches are essential for understanding ADHD - especially for women - and how these assessments can become a transformative experience. I also explain the importance of creating a safe space for clients to open up, and the role of self-compassion in navigating ADHD diagnosis and life beyond.   00:46 Challenges of Consistency with ADHD 02:48 Understanding ADHD Assessments 05:35 The Importance of Compassionate Assessments 12:08 Booking a Compassionate ADHD Assessment

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Debbie Sorensen to discuss the challenges and nuances of burnout. We chat about the importance of recognising and addressing chronic stress and the systemic and cultural pressures contributing to burnout. Debbie shares her personal burnout story and we explore the role of self-compassion in managing burnout.   04:30 Debbie's Personal Burnout Story 08:18 Identifying Burnout Symptoms and Risk Factors 18:52 Cultural and Systemic Factors in Burnout 37:01 Different Types of Burnout 39:46 Understanding Burnout Patterns 41:43 Setting Boundaries for Sustainability 42:34 The Importance of Self-Care 43:05 Navigating Emotional Engagement 45:20 Psychological Flexibility and Self-Awareness 48:54 The Role of Compassionate Motivation 52:17 Avoiding Prescriptive Wellness Routines   Dr. Debbie Sorensen  is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado, who has PhD from Harvard University and works with adults with chronic stress and burnout. She is a co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, author of ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of the book ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Join me on this episode where I share an amazing conversation with Dylan Holloway, a talented singer-songwriter and transgender man, who shares his journey to authenticity and his passion for music. Dylan opened up about the struggles of living inauthentically and the freedom he found after embracing his true self. We explored his hit song "Lemons," his powerful anthem "Chosen Family," and how music helped him find solace and connection. Plus, Dylan's story of duetting with his past self is not one to miss. Dive in to hear this inspiring journey of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of authenticity!   01:35 Dylan's Journey to Authenticity 06:16 Navigating Identity and Acceptance 09:27 Musical Breakthrough and Success 11:54 Living Authentically and Neurodivergence 18:34 Relationships and Acceptance 24:47 Upcoming Projects and Music 26:32 Music as a Lifeline 29:17 The Power of Heartbreak Songs 29:42 ADHD and the Creative Arts 31:45 Chosen Family: A Love Letter to the Queer Community 34:58 A Vulnerable Revelation 45:28 A Message of Authenticity   Dylan Holloway, better known by his rockstar alias ‘Dylan And The Moon’. Award-winning musician and proud transgender man on a mission to inspire more people to live their most authentic and happy lives.  www.dylanandthemoon.com

In this candid episode, I sit down with Polly Lavarello, an experienced business coach (and my own mentor!), to explore the unique challenges and joys of navigating business as neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Polly shares her journey to discovering her own ADHD through her children, how it reshaped her approach to life and business, and the scaffolding she’s built to support her unique brain and role as a parent. Together, we delve into the importance of boundaries, self-compassion, and structure for those with ADHD and neurodiverse minds in the entrepreneurial space. 02:02 ADHD Awareness: Personal Journeys and Parenting  03:30 Navigating Neurodivergence: Self-Diagnosis and Validation  04:21 Balancing Business and Parenting: Strategies and Challenges  08:49 Building a Supportive Business Structure  12:35 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Success  18:41 Self-Awareness and Efficiency in Business  25:27 Shiny Object Syndrome: The ADHD Entrepreneur's Pitfall  29:49 Acceptance and Self-Compassion  30:19 Asking for Help and Soothing Shame  45:34 The Power of Long-Term Mentorship  47:17 Navigating ADHD Challenges in Business      About Polly Lavarello   Polly is an evergreen scaling strategist for highly-skilled and booked-out business owners ready to play their way to a simple evergreen business model that adds space to their calendar and spice to their bank account. www.pollylavarello.com  https://www.instagram.com/pollylavarello/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollylavarello/

Join me as I dive into a topic close to my heart - how you can be a perfectionist, even if you’re what some might call a "hot mess." I'll explore the tension between striving for perfection and managing the beautiful chaos that comes with ADHD and I share my personal journey from unmasking my ADHD to recovering from perfectionism. This episode is unscripted, which I think beautifully embodies today’s theme: that done is better than perfect.   00:21 Understanding Perfectionism and Chaos 01:44 Navigating Perfectionism with ADHD 03:04 The Reality of Perfectionism 04:17 Self-Criticism and Perfectionism 05:56 Perfectionism in High Achievers 07:19 Perception vs. Reality of Accomplishments 08:12 Verbal Processing and ADHD 08:55 Revealing My Hot Mess Moments 09:37 Embracing Imperfections 10:46 Inspiring Despite the Chaos 13:42 Finding Your Tribe Through Vulnerability 15:25 Join the ADHD Club   If you want to dive deeper into embracing both your chaos and your accomplishments, come join me in the ADHD Club, where a group of inspiring women lets it all hang out - imperfections and all. You can sign up at www.thethomasconnection/adhd-club and be part of this empowering space.

In this episode, I welcome guest Michelle Minnikin and we delve into the multifaceted realities of societal conditioning, gender expectations, and the unique challenges of living with ADHD. Listen in to hear Michelle discuss her new book, and the impact of 'Good Girl' conditioning and ADHD on women's lives.   01:41 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth 03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning 05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations 06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles 10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges 20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning 28:21 Hope for the Next Generation 29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships 30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms 32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity 34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth 39:39 Male Allies and Shared Responsibilities 39:47 Practical Advice for Women 42:11 The Power of Asking   Michelle Minnikin is a North East-based Chartered Organisational Psychologist, coach and author of Good Girl Deprogramming, available now from all good bookstores in paperback, e-book and on audible.       https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/ https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin https://www.michelleminnikin.com/

In this episode of Pause Purpose Play I dive into the joy of bringing playfulness into our lives and businesses, especially for those of us navigating ADHD. I share how embracing a playful mindset can lead to creativity and success, and why soothing our minds is key to achieving our goals. Plus, learn about my group coaching program, Burn Bright, and how it could be your next step. Tune in for all the details and let's have some fun together! 01:04 The Importance of Deep, Sustainable Change 02:29 Embracing Playfulness in Business and Life 06:34 The Power of the Soothing System 08:51 Unlocking the Power of Play 09:47 Burn Bright Program   Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.   https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

In this episode I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the essence of purpose in our lives. I share personal reflections and insights from the 'Sustainable Success Challenge,' where we delve into understanding our 'why' and celebrate the unique perks and challenges of entrepreneurship for those of us with ADHD. 01:20 Understanding Purpose and Pain 03:02 The Entrepreneurial Why 04:28 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy 05:24 Flexibility in Business for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs 06:50 Insights and Actions for Sustainable Success 08:03 Personal Reflections and Podcast Direction 10:45 Burn Bright doors are open!   Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.   https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I'm diving into the wild world of ADHD and entrepreneurship and sharing some golden nuggets from my Sustainable Success Challenge. We'll chat about why pausing is crucial to avoid burnout and how those quirky ADHD traits can be both your superpower and your kryptonite in business. Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for some amazing upcoming events - whether you're more of an online binge-watcher or a face-to-face lunch enthusiast. Let's explore this together and find the balance we all crave! 00:26 Sustainable Success Challenge Insights 02:35 Invitation to In-Person Meetup 04:14 Challenges of ADHD in Entrepreneurship 09:05 Balancing Passion and Practicality 10:57 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Compassion 11:44 Upcoming Events