ADHD-ish

There’s never been more buzz about ADHD and entrepreneurship. Awareness is growing, and that’s a victory worth celebrating. More business owners are recognizing that an ADHD brain brings both game-changing opportunities and unique challenges—ones that generic business advice just can't touch.But where there is growth, there is also noise, and the ADHD business coaching scene is becoming a bit of a “Wild, Wild West.” No licensing board, no universally accepted regulations, and plenty of people selling shiny promises with little substance. The ADHD coaching label is being slapped on all sorts of programs, leaving business owners in need wondering: who can I really trust with my business, my brain, and my hard-earned money?About the HostDiann Wingert is a former psychotherapist and serial entrepreneur turned business coach, specializing in helping entrepreneurs with ADHD and other “not-so-neurotypical” brains thrive. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Diann delivers actionable advice, real-world strategies, and a refreshingly honest perspective on building a business, balancing priorities, and protecting your most precious resources: your time and your creative energy.Defining "ADHD Business Coach"A major misconception is that being a certified ADHD coach with a coaching business is enough to qualify as an ADHD business coach. The truth? The skills needed for managing ADHD and those needed to build sustainable business systems for an ADHD brain are worlds apart.ADHD coaching typically zeroes in on organization, productivity, time management, and emotional regulation. ADHD business coaching requires a deep understanding of how neurodivergent thinking plays out in the areas of business strategy, marketing, operations, and client delivery. In other words, it’s about knowing not just that typical strategies fail for ADHD entrepreneurs, but why—and being able to offer effective alternatives.Here’s my checklist for vetting an ADHD business coach—myself included:How do they run their business? Is it ADHD-friendly and sustainable, or are they “winging it” and modeling burnout?Can they answer nuanced questions about ADHD and business beyond the basics? How does rejection sensitivity impact marketing? Why do traditional sales funnels often fail?How do they talk about ADHD? Are they focused on deficits to “fix” or differences to leverage?Does their content feel ADHD-aligned? Or does it sound like a typical business guru tossing in some neurodivergent SEO keywords?Take a look at their boundaries. Strong boundaries signal true expertise and self-care—not codependency with a price tag.My coach approach is simple and built on three principles:Uncomplicate Your Business: ADHD brains get swamped by unnecessary complexity. Instead of piling on endless marketing channels or busywork, focus on what actually moves the needle. Eliminate the rest to avoid burnout.Uncover Your Brilliance: ADHD entrepreneurs often have wildly innovative ideas, but years of hearing they should do things a certain way dims that spark. The real magic comes from aligning offers with your strengths and values, making sales a natural conversation rather than a high-pressure hustle.Turn ADHD into an Asset: Instead of treating ADHD as something to manage, the right coach helps you turn traits like pattern recognition, hyperfocus, and flexibility into your business’s superpowers.Do You Even Need an ADHD Business Coach?Here’s a refreshing truth: not everyone needs specialized ADHD business coaching, especially if you’re still learning foundational business skills or are in the middle of a personal or professional crisis. There’s a time and place—otherwise, you might benefit more from a mentor, a course, or ADHD life coaching.  I think of it as the Goldilocks effect - not too much, not too little, but just right.  The ADHD business coaching field is growing, so you have more options than ever, but don’t let the noise drown out your intuition. Look for integrity, expertise, and a coach who practices what they preach. If you want to explore coaching with me, I offer no-pressure consultations to see if we are a fit and if the timing is right.   Click here to find out more.  © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

CherylAnn Crego, a therapist and multi-business owner, dives into her journey of building confidence while managing several ventures. She shares how embracing small time windows led to significant progress, and how hard leadership decisions, like sunsetting a beloved business, shaped her growth. CherylAnn also discusses the power of affirmations in nurturing confidence and reflects on her delayed ADHD diagnosis as a hidden advantage in crafting life strategies. Her candid insights offer inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of business and neurodivergence.

Feeling lost in chaos? Discover how focus days can transform your productivity! This discussion highlights the drawbacks of context switching and emphasizes the importance of dedicating whole days to specific tasks. Learn about the Single Focus Scheduling Method, where each day has its own 'job'. Explore alternative models like Create/Connect/Consume for flexible workweeks. Plus, get tips on choosing and adapting your focus system to match your energy levels and business needs. Say goodbye to multitasking burnout!

Welcome back to ADHD-ish! In this episode, host Diann Wingert sits down with Dr. Gilly Kahn, author of the recently published Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD.  Together, Gilly and Diann tackle often overlooked elements of ADHD, like emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity, shining a light on the daily realities that many women face but rarely see reflected in mainstream ADHD narratives.Drawing on both personal experiences and clinical insights, Gilly and Diann unpack hot-button topics such as the gaps in diagnostic criteria, why women are often diagnosed later in life, and the profound impact of being emotionally sensitive in a world that expects conformity.Whether you’ve been told you’re “extra,” struggled with impulsivity, or have battled feelings of not belonging, this conversation will offer validation, strategies, and a healthy dose of humor. Grab your headphones—it’s time to celebrate the quirks, strengths, and unique challenges of being a woman with ADHD. What you’ll hear in this episode:Emotional Dysregulation is Fundamental (and Overlooked): While most people associate ADHD with distractibility and impulsivity, Diann and Dr. Kahn remind us that emotional sensitivity and reactivity are just as central—especially for women. Emotional outbursts, rejection sensitivity, and the complexities of self-regulation often remain unaddressed but profoundly impact daily life and professional relationships.Misdiagnosis & Misunderstanding Persist: Many women spend years feeling misunderstood, misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders, before discovering ADHD’s unique presentation in females. Trauma from chronic misunderstanding—whether “big T” or “little t”—leaves lasting scars on self-esteem and career confidence.Diversity of Thought = Business Advantage: The strengths that come with ADHD—creativity, expansive curiosity, resilience in the face of rejection—aren’t just “superpowers” for individuals. As Dr. Kahn eloquently puts it, teams excel when they have true diversity of thought. Those who think differently spark innovation and challenge the status quo.Mic Drop Moment:“You can’t have strengths without also having weaknesses, especially when the strengths are extreme.” – Gilly Kahn, PhDGuest BioGilly Kahn, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, ADHD advocate, researcher, and author in private practice in Atlanta, GA, USA.   Before pursuing a master's in experimental psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology, Gilly studied creative writing, a passion since childhood, and regularly publishes articles on Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine. Gilly and Diann are both members of the Committed Partners of FindTheADHDGirls.org, an advocacy group for ensuring that future generations of girls with ADHD are not overlooked.  Find Gilly Kahn, PhD, online:Website: https://www.drgillykahn.com/Book:  Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD by Gilly Kahn, PhD. Instagram  and LinkedIn ADHD experts mentioned during the episode:William DodsonRussell BarkleyWant to know more about ADHD in girls and women?  #FindTheADHDGirls.org Don’t forget to subscribe/follow the podcast, and leave a review so more ADHD-ish business owners can find THE podcast full of real talk and real solutions for neurodiverse business brains.© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Ever had a discovery call or free consultation that felt so right — only to be met with complete and utter silence afterward? No reply. No “thanks, but no thanks.” Just… crickets. And if your ADHD brain is anything like mine, that silence turns the situation into a 3D crime scene you just have to solve.ABOUT THE HOSTDiann Wingert (she/her) is a former psychotherapist turned ADHD entrepreneur coach and business strategist, as well as the insightful host of ADHD-ish. With both lived experience and deep professional expertise in ADHD, Diann guides neurodivergent entrepreneurs toward greater self-awareness, creativity, and sustainable success— with her signature blend of no-nonsense advice, compassionate understanding, and a dash of sass.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:Ghosting = Brain Spiral Town.Most of us with ADHD are natural connectors, really tuned in to people’s emotions and needs (sometimes to a fault!). So when a prospect suddenly ghosts, our brain doesn’t just let it go. We cycle through: Did I misread everything? Did I say something wrong? Should I follow up? The open mental tabs never close!Why Does It Hit So Hard? It’s about more than lost potential business — it chips away at our confidence and identity. Thanks, rejection sensitivity! Our brains crave closure, and ghosting feels like an unsolvable mystery that burns a hole in our mental inbox.3 Practical Ways to Prevent & Recover:1.Set Clear Expectations on the Call:Instead of ending with vague “I’ll send info and we’ll go from there,” clearly address what comes next. Give the prospect space to say if they need to think or consult someone else. Your brain will thank you later.2.Summary Follow-Up Email:After the call, send a recap: “Here’s what I heard you need, and how I’d help.” It’s not just professionalism — it helps you remember details if the anxiety spiral hits.3.One Professional Follow-Up (Then Let Go):Send a single, polite check-in. Example:“Hi X, just following up on the proposal. Totally understand if timing isn’t right. Let me know if you have questions!”Then, mentally… close that tab. Their silence is about their stuff, not your value.Bonus Brain Hack: If you catch yourself spiraling, say out loud, “My brain is trying to solve an unsolvable puzzle.” Set a 15-minute timer to ruminate if you must, then move your body — walk, jump, play with the dog, whatever. Shifting gears really does help!Real Talk: Ghosting is not a judgment of your worth or skill. Often it’s got nothing to do with you. Life happens. Budgets cut. Crises pop up. Sometimes people just freeze on big decisions.Focus on what you can control: being a pro, building your pipeline (more prospects = less sting), and separating your self-worth from any one client’s decision. And, always redirect energy into new opportunities — don’t dwell on what’s done.If you’re ready to get found everywhere online, check out Meg Casebolt’s “Findable Everywhere” 5-Day challenge — Sept 15th - 19th.  It could be the redirect your brain and business need! Meg is the SEO expert who saved my bacon after my social media accounts disappeared, and this is your chance to work with her for under $100! Click here to registerDon’t forget:You. Are. Not. Alone.And you’re honestly better at this than you think. ❤️Stay tuned for more empowering conversations and practical tools for thriving in business with ADHD—right here on ADHD-ish!  Be sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Will Christiansen, known as ‘The Tony Stark of Software,’ is a systems thinker and automation expert. In this lively discussion, he shares the whimsical idea of 'cloning' oneself to tackle the chaos of entrepreneurship, especially for those with ADHD. He discusses the transformative power of AI and automation in streamlining business operations. Will emphasizes building strong teams with 'entrepreneurial apprentices' and introduces his ‘15-1-1-5’ framework, all while reminding listeners to capitalize on their strengths and embrace delegation.

You know that wild rush when a new idea lands in your lap and suddenly you’re reinventing your entire business model? You’re not self-sabotaging - that’s your ADHD doing exactly what it’s supposed to do—chasing novelty and that sweet dopamine hit. In this episode, I expose the pattern of idea infatuation, break down what I call  “The Soulmate Phenomenon” for solopreneurs with ADHD, and hand you a set of scrappy, real-world frameworks for sorting out which ideas deserve your effort and which ones are just quick idea flings.ABOUT THE HOSTDiann Wingert (she/her) is a former psychotherapist turned ADHD entrepreneur coach and business strategist, as well as the insightful host of ADHD-ish. With both lived experience and deep professional expertise in ADHD, Diann guides neurodivergent entrepreneurs toward greater self-awareness, creativity, and sustainable success— with her signature blend of no-nonsense advice, compassionate understanding, and a dash of sass.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:How the "Soulmate Phenomenon” shows up for entrepreneurs with ADHDRomancing the Idea: attraction, infatuation, honeymoon, and realityWhy falling for new ideas isn't about lack of commitment or follow-throughHow dopamine cravings and novelty-seeking drive this cycleConcrete examples: coaching, consulting, and creative service businessesKey questions to ask yourself when a new idea landsWhy the honeymoon phase is creative gold and how to use it intentionallyFour actionable frameworks for managing new ideas:The "dating period" (test ideas before big changes)The side project approach (explore without derailing your main business)Integration (fold new ideas into what you already do)Relationship maintenance (recommit and work through boredom and obstacles) How to distinguish between ideas worth a long-term run vs. a temporary highTIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Getting Obsessed: The Soul Mate Phenomenon Hits Hard (Falling for the idea, dopamine rollercoaster, full rom-com montage)02:10 — Why This Happens: Dopamine, Novelty, and Hyperfocus (Science of ADHD meets daily business life, shiny object syndrome explained)05:15 — Pattern Recognition: Attraction, Infatuation, Honeymoon, Reality (Breaking down the idea romance step by step)09:40 — Classic ADHD Business Moves: Case Studies (Real-life business examples with coaches, consultants & service providers)14:35 — The Crash: When the Fizz Fades and the Next Idea Calls (Losing steam, misreading the end of infatuation, jumping ship too soon)17:50 — Deep Truth: The Real Problem Isn’t Commitment (It’s unrealistic expectations, not a lack of grit — and what to do instead)21:40 — The Gold in the Honeymoon Phase: How to Use It (Why that first burst of energy is actually your secret weapon)24:20 — Four Frameworks for Working With ADHD, Not Against It: The Dating Period The Side Project Approach The Integration Question Relationship Maintenance Plan32:10 — The End Game: Choosing Long-Term Commitment (Or Not) (Learning to spot quick dopamine hits versus real growth opportunities, radical self-acceptance)35:10 — Final Pep Talk and How to Get In Touch (Reminders, contact info, encouragement, closing thoughts)SHARE YOUR STORY:What’s the big “soulmate idea” that got away? Did it deserve a second chance, or was it just a quick dopamine hit? Hit me up by email, send me a DM on LinkedIn or leave a voice message on my website.SUMMARYADHD brains light up for new ideas…and then we feel like changing everything for that rush. Don’t fight the pattern, work with it. Date your ideas. Don’t move in with them at first sight. Keep your current business healthy and figure out what deserves real commitment. That’s how you survive idea infatuation and the “Soulmate Phenomenon” and make your next hyperfocus phase count for something.Your brain is a brilliant and busy place. Let’s make it your greatest business asset. Stay tuned for more empowering conversations and practical tools for thriving in business with ADHD—right here on ADHD-ish!  Be sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! © 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Lisa Lackey, a licensed psychotherapist and coach, shares her insights on the late diagnosis of ADHD among high-achieving women. She vividly recalls the relief of identifying her own ADHD and how common it is for success to mask neurodivergence. Discussing the intersection of midlife changes and mental health, Lisa introduces the concept of 'second knowing'—a transformative awakening that encourages women to reclaim their true selves. Her passion for building community and celebrating unique strengths shines through as she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the second half of life.

Feeling trapped by traditional business plans? This conversation reveals a reimagined approach that celebrates the ADHD brain. Discover why typical lengthy plans trigger resistance and how a lean, flexible framework can fuel your creativity. Say goodbye to winging it! Learn about the hidden costs, missed opportunities, and how to structure your planning around your natural strengths. With four simple pillars, you’ll want to create a business plan that works for you and brings clarity to your entrepreneurial journey.

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.