ADHD-ish

Ever felt like your business is just as “ADHD-ish” as you are? This week on the ADHD-ish Podcast, I dove into an eye-opening conversation with Diane Mayor about how ADHD traits show up in our business, for better or worse.  Diane Mayor is a business-model strategist who deeply understands that revenue is a dopamine number, but profit is a reality number and that you can’t scale what you can’t see.  Diane has the kind of ADHD that makes systems and structure make sense, but she also knows that if it’s not fun,  it’s not going to happen, so she makes sure that it is. If your business model looks sparkly on the front end, but is duct-taped together behind the scenes,  don’t even think about scaling before taking the lessons in this episode to heart.  Here’s what to listen for:Dopamine Is a Double-Edged SwordADHD brains seek stimulation, which fuels creativity and enthusiasm—but the excessive pursuit of new ideas can lead to chaos. The trick? Channel that energy into a structured “idea parking lot”—capture your sparks, but choose your focus.Systems Don’t Kill Creativity—They Enable ItMany of us with ADHD bristle at the word “structure,” but minimum viable systems (even something as simple as a checklist instead of a 10-page SOP) create the freedom to play, innovate, and keep the momentum going.Rejection Sensitivity & Executive Dysfunction Are Sneaky SaboteursUncomfortable truth: your business can’t scale if you get hijacked by every emotional reaction or caught up in decision paralysis. Building in “pause and process” moments—and asking for help where your brain’s not wired to excel—protects both you and your team from ADHD inertia.You can absolutely harness ADHD as a strength in your business, but not if you ignore what makes your brain unique. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything, but to build a business that works with your neurodivergence in mind.About Diane Mayor After a successful career in corporate finance, Diane transitioned to becoming a business model architect and systems aficionado, after discovering both her ADHD and her passion for untangling business chaos. She helps entrepreneurs create sustainable, scalable businesses built around their unique neurodivergence—not despite it.Website  - LinkedIn -  The 5- Minute Strategist Podcast  - Strategic Business DiagnosticMentioned in this episode:Marshall Goldsmith’s book “What Got You Here, Wont’ Get You There.”Next Steps:“You can’t scale what you can’t see.”  If this tagline lands, you might be ready for Diane Mayor’s Business Blueprint, a laser-focused strategic business diagnostic for telling you exactly what to keep and what to toss before you scale.  Click this link to book yours now.  Not quite sure whether you want to scale? Click this link for a custom playlist of past ADHD-ish episodes to help you figure out which business model is right for you.Thank you for listening to ADHD-ish! Subscribe & leave a review if this conversation helped you see your strengths and struggles in a whole new way. © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

It’s 2 AM, and you’re lying in bed, reliving every word of an email you sent hours earlier, your mind spinning worst-case scenarios that could ruin your business. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—especially if you have ADHD. Entrepreneurial life magnifies our emotional intensity, for better and for worse, and in this episode, I’m getting real about a topic most business circles avoid: the double-edged sword of emotional intensity for entrepreneurs with ADHD.Running a business and being an entrepreneur with ADHD comes with a unique set of challenges, based on the fact that our emotional intensity can be both a business advantage and a potential hazard at the same time.  We are talking about the fine line between passion and emotional dysregulation. Emotional dysregulation is not “being too sensitive” or being overly dramatic; it’s brain mechanics. The same executive function deficits that scramble our to-do lists also juggle our emotional responses, often treating every emotion as urgent. If you wonder why advice like “just breathe” doesn’t work for us the way it does for neurotypicals,  this is why.  Here are 5 keys you’ll pick up from this episode:What Emotional Dysregulation Is: Learn why it’s way more than just “being sensitive”—it’s a real neurological challenge for ADHD brains.Solopreneurship’s Perfect Storm: Discover how running a business solo can amplify emotional ups and downs, thanks to isolation and rejection sensitivity.How Emotional Intensity Can Hijack Business Decisions: Find out how unchecked emotions can affect your pricing, negotiations, and every tough conversation.Spotting the Difference Between Passion and Dysregulation: Learn concrete ways to tell if your drive is fueling your business or putting it at risk of burning down.Practical Tools to Build Emotional Resilience: Get real-life strategies for pause protocols, circuit breakers, sleep/nutrition hacks, boundaries, and even the right kind of professional support.Fun Fact:Did you know that your ADHD brain processes emotions more like a smoke detector than a thermostat?If you’re tired of advice like “just breathe” and want strategies that actually work for our 🧠 brains, this episode is for you. Take a listen, share with a fellow entrepreneur who gets it, and let me know what resonated most for you! Remember: Feeling deeply is one of our ADHD strengths—we just need to use it strategically.About the HostDiann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned business coach, licensed psychotherapist, and serial business owner with decades of experience supporting neurodivergent professionals. Diann specializes in helping ADHD solopreneurs and small business owners turn their energetic passion into strategic success, blending lived experience with clinical insight for real-world solutions.Connect with Diann Website: diannwingertcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/Cognitive Bias Hacks for ADHD Entrepreneurs Mentioned in this episode:Dialectical Behavior Therapy for ADHD and emotional dysregulation Cognitive Behavior Therapy  for ADHD and negative thinking patterns Share the Love 🚀If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow entrepreneur navigating their own intensity trap. Feeling deeply is part of our ADHD—learning to use it strategically is where the magic happens.© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this episode, I sit down with Mikey Schumacher, the 29-year-old creative entrepreneur behind “but cute”—a start-up brand of plush toys designed to celebrate mental health and celebrate our imperfections. In this episode, Mikey & I discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the healing power of community, and how comfort objects can open up much-needed conversations around anxiety, ADHD, and more.I came across Mikey & but cute on TikTok, became part of the startup’s Kickstarter campaign, and have been an enthusiastic supporter of his mission, vision, and passion. Mikey is part of a new generation of founders whose businesses serve a social purpose, while meeting a market need, and in his case, a personal one as well.  About Mikey SchumacherMikey, who lives in Oceanside, California, and is the youngest of six children, is a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for creating meaningful products. From lemonade stands and failed T-shirt ventures to a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from USC, Mikey’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and turning setbacks into springboards. Now, with the viral success of But Cute, Mikey empowers people of all ages to embrace their quirky, anxious, or imperfect sides—one plush toy at a time.Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:1. Learning by Failing ForwardMikey shares how every “failed” business (including a Kickstarter flop and one epic T-shirt company bust) was actually just a bootcamp for founder growth.2. Why Comfort Objects Are Powerful (at ANY Age)Explore the real science and sentimental magic behind plush toys—and why adults are snatching them up too.3. Turning Insecurity into CommunityDiscover how But Cute’s Discord became a safe haven for people to share insecurities and get massive support, no judgment.4. Practical Advice for OverthinkersHear Mikey’s simple but game-changing reminder: “Don’t predict the future. Take one step at a time.” (Diann co-signs HARD.)5. Creative Chaos is Your FriendPeek into Mikey’s wild idea process: fusion-creature brainstorming, accidental croissant claws, and the beauty of letting go of perfection.Mentioned during this episode:SquishmallowsLabubuConnect with Mikey & But CuteBut Cute Website TikTok: @butcutetoysBut cute club Discord channel Join the Conversation!Are you an adult with an emotional support plushie? Has a comfort item helped your mental health?  Follow but cute, join their discord community and tag them on social media on posts that focus on embracing imperfections. Did this episode inspire you? Thank you for listening to ADHD-ish! Subscribe & leave a review if this conversation brought you comfort, courage, or just a smile.  © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Explore the nuances of context switching and its impact on productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Discover practical strategies like the Transition Bridge System that makes task shifts smoother and less draining. Learn how to create 'breadcrumb' notes for easier re-entry into projects without losing momentum. Plus, find out how to navigate unexpected disruptions and maintain your focus amidst the chaos of solopreneur life.

Explore the impact of perfectionism and rejection sensitivity on ADHD entrepreneurs. Learn how the 'improvement vortex' keeps you stuck in endless tweaking instead of launching. Discover the addictive nature of over-researching, which can masquerade as productivity but actually stalls progress. Dive into practical strategies, including the 'Completion Compass,' to diagnose and overcome creative blockages. Embrace the idea that 'good enough' can propel you forward and transform launching into a valuable learning experience.

Dive into the struggles of starting, stopping, and switching gears as an entrepreneur with ADHD. Explore the 'messy start method' that prioritizes action over perfectionism. Discover the 2% + 20% formula that simplifies taking first steps. Learn practical systems and strategies for everything from launching a podcast to reaching dream clients. Overcome procrastination with small, manageable steps and embrace the power of imperfection. Join the journey to build sustainable momentum and finally get those projects off the ground!

In this enlightening conversation, ADHD coach and author Dave Greenwood shares insights on overcoming the traps of people-pleasing and managing rejection sensitivity in the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of embracing oneself while also being open to change. Drawing lessons from Alfred Adler's teachings, Dave discusses how the separation of tasks can liberate individuals from the burden of others' expectations. He candidly explores burnout, the value of genuine connections, and the freedom that comes with accepting being disliked for personal growth.

Do you ever feel like you’re walking around with your emotional skin turned inside out whenever you spot unfairness? This week’s podcast episode is for you!  I’m Diann Wingert, your neurodivergent navigator, and in this episode, we are unpacking the lesser-known ADHD traits of justice sensitivity—what it really is, why it matters, and how it could become your business’s hidden strength instead of a recipe for burnout. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:What Justice Sensitivity Actually Is:We bust the myth that it’s just being “too emotional”—it’s a real, measurable trait, and science backs that up!Why It’s SO Common in ADHD Brains:Discover why our brains are wired to spot (and feel) unfairness at lightning speed, and what emotional dysregulation has to do with it.The Double-Edged Sword in Business:Justice sensitivity can help you build a business with true integrity—but (yup, there’s a but), it can also lead to exhausting decision paralysis and burnout if you’re not careful.The 3-Part Framework to Make it Work For You (Not Against You):Audit your outrage, channel your fire, and protect your resources—so you can transform that righteous energy into business gold without burning out.Action Steps for Real Impact:From “name it to tame it” to boundary-setting and finding your values-driven tribe, I spell out concrete ways to work with your justice compass, not against it.Fun Fact from this episode:ADHD justice sensitivity can turn you into the “canary in the coal mine” for spotting unfairness—but just like a smoke detector, you don’t want it blaring 24/7! Learn how to schedule your “outrage hours” so you can still get sh*t done.Thanks for listening, for caring, and for being a good human. Take care of your sensitive heart, and let’s keep building sustainable businesses that actually stand for something.Ready to Take Aligned Action?If you want to make a difference for girls with ADHD (seriously, they lag behind boys by decades in getting identified and treated), check out Find the ADHD Girls—an amazing organization I’m proud to be a part of.  Click this link to find out more.  © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Jess Malli Mercier, a creative powerhouse known for her podcast and business rebrand, dives into the chaotic world of creative solopreneurship. She discusses the struggles of finishing projects while embracing her unique identity. Jess shares her journey towards self-acceptance and the value of collaborative branding. The conversation includes insights on breaking free from perfectionism and the importance of balancing productivity with creative rest. She also highlights the power of community support in understanding ADHD and nurturing creativity.

Dive into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making, especially for those with ADHD. Discover why optimism can be misleading and how the sunk cost fallacy traps even the best of us. The conversation offers practical strategies for self-awareness and accountability. Learn to identify mind traps and transform your relationship with your goals, leading to better outcomes in both your personal and professional life. It’s not just about pitfalls; it’s about harnessing these biases for innovation!