The ADHD Skills Lab
Skye Waterson
Navigate ADHD in real life, especially when things get complex. The ADHD Skills Lab shares research-backed strategies, real-world systems, and honest conversations to help you stay focused, make progress, and reduce chaos as responsibilities grow.|Hosted by Unconventional Organisation founder Skye Waterson, the show blends ADHD research, expert interviews, listener questions, and practical tools for adults who want support that actually works, not generic productivity advice.Skye is a former academic turned coach and researcher who was diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD. After experiencing firsthand how poorly traditional strategies translated to real adult responsibilities, she began developing and testing research-based, ADHD-aware systems. She has written over 50 articles read by more than 250,000 people worldwide and now focuses on translating research into strategies adults can actually use.In 2022, Skye was invited to share her work with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. Since then, she has supported late-diagnosed professionals, including academics, senior leaders, and business owners, navigating increasing complexity. Unconventional Organisation was built to meet a gap Skye experienced herself: practical, personalized ADHD support for adults whose lives and work no longer fit simple solutions.Learn more https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/Talk with Skyehttps://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 2, 2026 • 14min
ADHD Isn’t Just in Your Head - Apparently It’s in Your Gut Too
They explore research linking ADHD with IBS and why that specific intestinal disorder showed up in studies. They discuss how gut symptoms can worsen daily overwhelm and interact with medication. Practical cautions about microbiome hype and simple dietary basics are offered. The conversation emphasizes small, sustainable changes and when to bring gut concerns to a doctor.
10 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 30min
If Accounting Makes Your ADHD Brain Shut Down, Listen to This
Joe Dunaway, founder of Vici Financial and accountant who manages ADHD while running a tech-forward firm. He talks about why numbers make ADHD brains shut down. He shares simple bookkeeping steps, how to stop finances becoming a mess, and ways to make numbers useful without overcomplicating systems.
9 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 17min
You Weren’t ‘Too Much’. You Were an ADHD Kid in School
This discussion dives deep into the challenges faced by kids with ADHD in school. The hosts unpack a study linking ADHD to social status and bullying, highlighting how these kids often struggle with peer likability and teacher relationships. They explore the emotional weight of being 'the noticeable kid' and the subtle, often overlooked dynamics of social exclusion. Practical advice on fostering mindfulness and social skills provides valuable tools for parents and teachers to support ADHD children.
39 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 29min
I Thought My Memory Was Failing - Then I Realized I Had ADHD
Tiana Sutton, a fitness instructor and founder of Bluebird Wellness, shares her enlightening journey of discovering her ADHD later in life. She opens up about struggling with memory issues while juggling five kids and running her business. Tiana discusses practical strategies like brain dumps and prioritization to manage ADHD in entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing your value in sales and finding joy in progress over perfection. Her insights provide a refreshing perspective on navigating the chaos of life and work.
22 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 14min
Why ADHD Brains Rely on Hyperfocus (and Why It Backfires)
In this insightful discussion, William Curb, a research-informed ADHD educator, explores the complex phenomenon of hyperfocus. He explains how urgent situations trigger intense productivity but lead to stress and burnout. Discover why ADHD symptoms correlate with increased hyperfocus, how this pattern impacts everyday tasks, and the difference between hyperfocus and sustainable focus. Curb offers strategies to manage reliance on hyperfocus and emphasizes the hidden costs of this intense concentration, warning it often borrows energy from your future self.
Dec 29, 2025 • 42min
ADHD and Advertising: Making Sense of the Noise
In this installment, Jeremy Pogue, a growth strategist and founder of Summit Acquisition, shares insights on ads for ADHD business owners. He emphasizes starting small and being patient, likening ads to controlled gambling. Jeremy explores the synergy of personal branding and ads, the importance of creative hooks, and why boosting posts can be profitable. He advises mastering one ad platform, using client language for better engagement, and verifying expertise before hiring help. Finally, he reflects on his journey of rebuilding his business for peace and profit.
19 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 19min
Why ADHD Brains Struggle With Video Content
William Curb, creator behind Hacking Your ADHD, dives into how ADHD brains engage with video content. They unpack a study revealing why ADHD viewers often speed up videos to avoid distractions. Discussions on pacing, captions, and the impact of visual overload highlight diverse viewing experiences. William shares practical tips for content creators to enhance accessibility, like using clear visuals and fostering dynamic formats. Their insights emphasize the importance of flexibility in learning, making content more engaging for ADHD audiences.
8 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 45min
Focus, Flight, and Figuring It Out: An ADHD Founder’s Journey
Carly Braker, an aerospace engineer and founder of Avialan Blue, shares her journey of building a consulting business while navigating ADHD. She discusses the challenges of masking symptoms during her school years and the transformative crash when structure faded. Carly dives into her prioritization filter, energy management techniques, and dopamine hacks for productivity. She also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing that self-doubt can indicate true belonging. Discover her insights on consulting and entrepreneurship mingled with personal growth.
8 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 24min
ADHD Strengths and Success: The Evidence Behind the Myth
William Curb, the genius behind Hacking Your ADHD, dives deep into the nuanced relationship between ADHD and workplace success. He explores how traits like creativity and hyperfocus can be both strengths and liabilities. The conversation reveals the impact of environment on maximizing ADHD strengths and discusses the emotional journey surrounding achievement, especially before a diagnosis. Curb also highlights adaptive strategies such as humor and the importance of self-acceptance in harnessing ADHD’s potential.
16 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 42min
The ADHD Shift: When Everything Suddenly Adds Up
Laura Key, VP of content strategy at Understood.org and host of the ADHD Aha! podcast, shares her personal ADHD journey, sparked by childhood journals filled with the word 'focus.' She discusses the overlooked symptoms many women face and the emotional weight of late diagnoses. Laura reflects on lessons learned from interviewing over 120 ADHD stories, revealing patterns of self-judgment and the importance of candid communication in leadership. With research highlighting the power of podcasts for women with ADHD, her insights resonate deeply, offering hope and connection.
