The ADHD Skills Lab
Skye Waterson
Navigate each day in an ADHD-friendly way – with research-backed strategies, real-life experiences and expert advice. Each week, UO founder Skye Waterson chats with expert guests, reviews the latest ADHD research, takes your questions and offers practical support to help you move past whatever may be holding you back. Skye Waterson is a former academic turned coach, podcast host, and founder of an international ADHD support service, Unconventional Organisation. After getting a surprise ADHD diagnosis in the first year of her PhD, Skye turned her struggles into research-based strategies. She researched and wrote over 50 articles with a combined readership of 250,000+ and then began her next phase of disseminating these strategies around the world. After being invited to share her strategies with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) in 2022, Skye has supported late-diagnosed healthcare professionals, professors, lawyers, reporters, fortune 500 directors, and entrepreneurs. She crafted her vision for Unconventional Organisation after realizing how few personalized ADHD strategies were available for adults following her diagnosis.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 15, 2025 • 16min
Research Recap with William Curb: ADHD and the Default Mode Network
William Curb, co-host of the Research Recaps series from Hacking Your ADHD, dives into the intriguing world of the default mode network and its peculiar relationship with ADHD. He discusses how this brain region doesn’t always shut down in ADHD individuals, affecting focus. The conversation also covers the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in altering brain connectivity and highlights the genetic factors influencing attention. Plus, there's a look at how untreated ADHD can complicate life and work, emphasizing the need for effective treatment.
14 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 15min
The ADHD Guide to Delegating - Why You Can’t Let Go (and How to Fix It)
Delegating tasks can feel daunting, especially for those with ADHD. Discover why letting go feels risky and how to stop gatekeeping your own business. Learn a 5-step system to delegate effectively without micromanaging. Understand the reasons your team might not be as helpful as they could be. This discussion offers practical strategies to ease overwhelm and boost productivity, enabling you to work less while empowering your team.
8 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 35min
ADHD and the CEO Mindset: Systems, Self-Care, and Letting Go
In this engaging conversation, Dr. John Torrens—Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice and author of Lightning in a Bottle—shares his journey as an ADHD entrepreneur. He reveals how to turn the challenges of ADHD into strengths by embracing delegation and self-care. The connection between hyperactivity and entrepreneurial success is intriguing, as is his approach to avoiding burnout while mentoring others. Dr. Torrens emphasizes that self-care is crucial for sustainable growth, turning stress into scalable systems for success.
25 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 33min
The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Guide to Profit (Without the Spreadsheet Spiral)
In this discussion with Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto, listeners learn how ADHD entrepreneurs can avoid burnout through smart pricing. Marcel breaks down the ADHD-friendly method to price services sustainably and the three critical numbers to track for agency success. He shares strategies to future-proof pricing and emphasizes the importance of clarity in financial management. With insights on overcoming math trauma and the value of generosity in business, this conversation is a must-listen for creative agency owners.
10 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 34min
Why You Always Underestimate Time (Even When You Swear You Won’t)
Time blindness can make a 15-minute task feel like it takes 45. Discover how ADHD impacts time perception and working memory. Uncover intriguing studies about the connection between these challenges and your daily life. Explore the fun of a quirky monkey timer that visually tracks time, and hear about innovative tools and games designed to enhance time management skills. If you often wonder where the time goes, this discussion offers relatable insights and practical solutions.
6 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 44min
I Walked Away From $48K and a PhD: My ADHD Origin Story
A personal journey through ADHD unfolds, revealing the struggles of academic pressures and cultural expectations. The speaker shares their courageous decision to leave a $48K PhD scholarship for personal fulfillment, transforming challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. Insightful discussions cover the importance of labeling ADHD, its impact on identity, and effective strategies for embracing this unique cognitive framework. The episode highlights the significance of mentorship and community support in navigating both professional and personal landscapes.
17 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 32min
Your ADHD Toolkit Is Missing Something: Meet the Vagus Nerve
Discover how your nervous system might be the missing piece in managing ADHD. Explore the fascinating link between ADHD and the vagus nerve, revealing how dysregulation impacts emotional responses. Learn why traditional strategies may fall short and how polyvagal theory can reshape ADHD treatment. This deep dive into the autonomic nervous system uncovers the science behind procrastination, burnout, and the relentless 'on' feeling. It's all about real science and practical insights to enhance emotional regulation and understanding.
24 snips
May 26, 2025 • 17min
Adrenaline Isn’t a Business Strategy: The ADHD Growth System That Lasts
Discover how ADHD entrepreneurs can escape the burnout cycle by building sustainable systems. Learn why traditional productivity tips often backfire and how to create effective SOPs. The importance of a 6-routine cadence for growth while maintaining your sanity is discussed, along with insights on overcoming decision fatigue. If urgency has been your only strategy, this conversation will empower you to take a step back and implement lasting change in your business approach.
27 snips
May 19, 2025 • 35min
Here’s the ADHD-Friendly Way to Get Seen (and Stay Sane). Let's Talk Personal Brand!
Amy Landino, a bestselling author and founder of Amy Landino International, shares her expertise in digital attention and personal branding. She discusses why personal branding matters, even for the procrastinator, and tackles the fear of being 'cringe' that often stifles visibility. Listeners learn strategies for consistent branding amidst life’s chaos and how to navigate the challenges of ADHD, including the importance of community and intrinsic motivation. Time management tips for balancing family and creativity are also shared, along with insights from professional setbacks.
28 snips
May 15, 2025 • 11min
The 2-Minute Fix for ADHD Overwhelm (That Might Save You $10K)
Explore a transformative 2-minute focus formula designed specifically for those with ADHD. Learn how to shift away from chasing dopamine and prioritize essential tasks. Discover why your to-do list might be misleading you and uncover techniques to reclaim your day from paralysis. This episode emphasizes clarity in focus and actionable steps that can save time and money, offering practical insights to alleviate overwhelm and enhance productivity.
