

ADHD-ish
Diann Wingert
ADHD-ish is THE podcast for business owners who are driven and distracted, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis or not. If you identify as an entrepreneur, small business owner, creative, independent professional, or freelancer, and you color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you.
People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish.
Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by
embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit.
If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained.
Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish.
Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by
embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit.
If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained.
Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2024 • 25min
Managing Boredom, the ADHD Entrepreneur's Nemesis
Welcome back to The Driven Woman Entrepreneur podcast! I’m your host, Diann Wingert, and today we're diving into a topic that's crucial for many of us: managing boredom as an entrepreneur with ADHD. While ADHD fuels creativity and innovation, it also means a low threshold for mundane tasks, making boredom a significant challenge. In this solo episode, I'll break down the neurological factors behind ADHD-related boredom, delve into its connection with dopamine dysregulation and underarousal, and share actionable strategies to navigate these obstacles. You may have all the creativity, high energy and innovative ideas on the planet, but if you haven’t learned how to master the mundane, your business is at risk. From embracing structured flexibility to leveraging hyperfocus and creating stimulating work environments, I'll provide you with practical insights and client case studies to help you maintain productivity and safeguard your business. 🚀Listen for these boredom busters:1. **Structured Flexibility:** How blending spontaneity with a dash of routine can be your secret weapon.2. **Hyperfocus Hacks:** Turn this potential nemesis into your biggest ally with targeted sprints.3. **Smart Delegation:** How to pinpoint your strengths and offload the mundane tasks.4. **Diverse Project Engagement:** Keep your entrepreneurial journey exciting without spreading yourself too thin.5. **Mindful Work Environment:** Create a stimulating yet uncluttered space to enhance creativity and productivity.Mentioned in the episode:Meditation & Mindfulness for the Busy Brain with Jude Star 🤩 Fun Fact from the Episode:Hear how my client Sophie, a jewelry artisan turned her chaotic studio into an organized and productive work environment. The transformation not only boosted Sophie's productivity, creativity and helped her streamline all areas of her business. Seriously, who knew cleaning up could feel so good?Word of mouth is still the very best way to get a podcast into the ears of the people who most want to hear it, so if this episode helped you recognize how boredom may be holding you back, I bet you know someone else who’s dealing with this too. Be a pal and share the episode. Here’s a link to make it easy: https://kite.link/managing-boredom-the-adhd-entrepreneurs-nemesisIf you are struggling with the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, especially getting through times of boredom without going completely off course, book a free consultation here. Let’s talk about how I can help.

Jun 11, 2024 • 44min
Reducing Your Burnout Risk as an Entrepreneur with ADHD
Welcome to the fifth episode of the Entrepreneurs with ADHD series on the podcast. This week, I’m joined by my good friend, Dave Greenwood, a professional writer, author of two bestselling books on ADHD, podcaster, and consultant on burnout in the workplace. In this conversation, Dave and I candidly share our own experiences as well as what we have learned from coaching other entrepreneurs with ADHD.Here are some of the highlights:- Understanding the critical differences between stress and burnout.- Strategies to avoid overcommitment and prioritize what truly matters.- Essential self-care practices every entrepreneur with ADHD can practice. - How systemic changes can reclaim your sense of clarity and control.- Practical advice on balancing personal and business responsibilitiesMic drop moment:“If you live in response mode day after day, week after week, year after year, you will not only burn out, you will also run your business into the ground.” Dave Greenwood Mentioned in this episode:Cait Donovan: keynote speaker on burnout Dave’s books: Overcoming Distractions and Overcoming Burnout Dave’s YouTube channel I have had the pleasure of being a guest on Dave’s podcast, Overcoming Distractions several times. Here are a few of my favorites:Radical Self Acceptance with ADHD, Part 1Radical Self Acceptance with ADHD, Part 2How to Communicate Your Needs at Work Without Mentioning ADHDRelating to the Four Tendencies as an Adult with ADHD, Part 1Relating to the Four Tendencies as an Adult with ADHD, Part 2Overcoming Shame as an Adult with ADHDPlease share this episode with your entrepreneurial friends with ADHD traits who talk about feeling burned out. Here's a link to make it easy: https://bit.ly/episode-blog-214If this conversation helped you recognize that you need to make some changes in your business and life so you can not only avoid burnout, but make your business more simple, streamlined and profitable, book a free consultation here. Let’s talk about how I can help. And if you want to chat with Dave about working with him, click here to book a free consultation.

Jun 4, 2024 • 37min
ADHD Challenges? Learn How to Turn Your Struggles Into Strengths
Welcome to the fourth episode of the Entrepreneurs with ADHD Series! In a world that often perceives ADHD solely through the lens of deficits and challenges, it's time to embrace a new perspective. In this solo episode, I will examine seven of the most common symptoms of ADHD, as listed in the DSM V (the current edition of the psychiatric manual) and then use examples of clients, friends, and family members, as well as myself, to change the story from limitation to advantage. Here are 5 key takeaways you can expect from this uplifting episode:Identify with individuals who have ADHD and excel at juggling diverse tasks with ease, turning distractibility into adaptability and spontaneity.Discover how ADHD forgetfulness can be a source of mindfulness and can lead to more honest and authentic relationshipsRecognize impulsivity as the source of spontaneity and adaptability, essential traits for navigating the uncertain waters of entrepreneurship.Find out how restlessness can be a reflection of curiosity and a thirst for exploration, driving individuals with ADHD towards exciting adventures and novel experiences. Embrace inattentiveness as a gateway to creativity and original thinking, paving the way for innovative artistic endeavors and bold experimentation.Mentioned in this episode:Episode # 206_Meditation and Mindfulness for Busy Brains with Jude Star Episode # How to Deal with Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) Loved this episode? Word of mouth is still the very best way to help this podcast grow, so please share it with a newly diagnosed friend or one who has yet to see their ADHD traits as strengths. Here’s a link to make it easy: https://kite.link/transforming-your-adhd-symptoms-into-strengthsIf you’re ready to make your business more ADHD-friendly, especially if you struggle to see your ADHD traits as strengths, book a free consultation here. Let’s talk about how I can help.

May 28, 2024 • 28min
Boost Your Productivity: Mastering Focus and Action with ADHD Brain Strategies
Welcome to the third episode in Entrepreneurs with ADHD series. In this solo episode, I address the all too common challenge of having trouble getting our brain to focus on the task at hand and initiate taking action on it. The secret is understanding that there are really only four things that stimulate focus and action for the ADHD brain, called drivers, and they are interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency. Each of us responds to these drivers in unique ways, but with just a little effort, we can create an effective strategy for how to use each of them to create and sustain momentum in our business, on demand. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:1. **Interest Driver**: Discover how to tap into activities that genuinely excite you and how this can jump-start your productivity.2. **Challenge Driver**: Learn to set personal milestones that push your limits and keep you engaged.3. **Novelty Driver**: Implement new and novel changes to keep your ADHD brain stimulated and avoid boredom.4. **Urgency Driver**: Understand how to harness the power of deadlines and time constraints for last-minute productivity pushes. I explain the downside of overutilizing this one and why you want to avoid it. This episode is full of real-life examples from my coaching business, as well as practical tips on how to implement these strategies yourself. Mic drop moment:"It's a really bad idea to only use urgency to get things done. Like anything else that becomes habitual, it’s a lot less effective over time while still doing plenty of damage to our bodies, minds and brains, and probably to our business and our relationships as well." Mentioned in this episode:Front Row VIP Accountability Challenges SMART Goals Pomodoro Timer Companion episodes from the Entrepreneurs with ADHD series to check out::Ep # 210 What the Research Has to Say About ADHD and Entrepreneurship with Johan Wiklund PhDEp #211 Do All Entrepreneurs Have ADHD? - a solo episode with Diann Wingert Word of mouth is still the very best way to get a podcast into the ears of the people who most want to hear it, so if this episode gave you an “ah ha” moment, please share it with your entrepreneurial friends who struggle with to focus and take action. If you’re ready to make your business more ADHD-friendly, especially if you struggle to be consistent, tend to procrastinate or have trouble getting into and staying in momentum, book a free consultation here. Let’s talk about how I can help.

May 21, 2024 • 20min
Do You Need ADHD to Be a Successful Entrepreneur?
Welcome to the second episode in Entrepreneurs with ADHD series. In this solo episode, I address common misconceptions about ADHD and whether traits associated with ADHD offer advantages or pose challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape. Drawing on my extensive background as a psychotherapist and business coach, I challenge listeners to consider how ADHD manifests differently across various types of entrepreneurs and discuss the validity and limitations of self and formal diagnoses. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and enhance your understanding of ADHD in the entrepreneurial world.Highlights of this must-hear episode include:Discover the six dominant characterizations of entrepreneurs by Forbes and how these relate to ADHD.We talk about the diagnosis, the varied traits, and most importantly, the impact of ADHD on individuals and their entrepreneurial journeys. How the timing of diagnosis and gender influence the type of entrepreneurs individuals might become.Learn why broad claims about ADHD and entrepreneurship can be harmful and discover the importance of a tailored approach.**This episode is not just an exploration; it’s designed to equip you with a nuanced understanding to better support your journey, both in business and in personal growth.**Mic drop moment:"Some of the traits of ADHD can be a distinct advantage for entrepreneurs under certain conditions, while the same traits can be absolutely devastating and destructive under other conditions. It's so much more complicated and nuances than these slogans make it seem."Mentioned in this episode:Interview with Johan Wiklund on ADHD, entrepreneurship & gender differencesForbes article with different types of entrepreneurs Harvard Medical School quote on the benefits of the placebo effect Companion episodes to check out::Short & Sassy episodes for the ADHD entrepreneurFull-length episodes for the ADHD entrepreneurIf you loved this episode, please do me a solid and share it with your friends who are entrepreneurs who identify with ADHD traits. Thank you! And if you’re interested in finding out whether I’m the right coach to help you with your entrepreneurial journey with ADHD, book a free consultation here.

12 snips
May 14, 2024 • 48min
Research-Backed Strategies for ADHD in Entrepreneurship
In a lively discussion, Professor Johan Wiklund, an expert in entrepreneurship and a fellow ADHD individual, shares unique insights into the entrepreneurial world. He highlights how impulsivity can lead to innovative opportunities. The conversation includes the importance of balanced teams, where ADHD traits can complement traditional strengths. Both Johan and the host advocate for practical mindfulness techniques that enhance productivity. They also explore the gender disparities in entrepreneurship, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of women with ADHD.

May 7, 2024 • 48min
Build a Business That Works for You (and Your Brain)
Annie P Ruggles, the creative force behind Quirk Works Consulting, and Deanna Seymour, a vibrant branding specialist, share their unique entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss the power of embracing authenticity in business and how it can attract the right audience. Deanna reveals her colorful approach to branding, while Annie talks about evolving her brand identity to be more inclusive. Together, they explore overcoming rejection sensitivity and the impact of perfectionism, encouraging listeners to celebrate their individuality for true business success.

4 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 53min
Why Women Entrepreneurs Need a Thought Partner to Get Unstuck
Jen Liddy, an innovative content strategist and marketing expert, discusses the transformative power of thought partnerships for women entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections over niche specialization and how collaborating with a creative catalyst can unlock potential. The conversation dives into the dynamics of coaching relationships, the balance of personal growth and business success, and the creation of tailored offerings like a 30-day sprint program, all while highlighting the significance of finding one's authentic voice in business.

Apr 23, 2024 • 47min
The Mental Health Impact of Masking for Neurodivergent Individuals
I just couldn’t wrap up the Self Care series without talking about neurodiversity, masking, and mental health, and the perfect person for conversation is fellow therapist, coach, podcaster, speaker and advocate, Pasha Marlowe. In this vulnerable episode, you'll hear about the challenges and advantages of masking, understand the emotions of being neurodivergent in a world that is built by and for neurotypicals, and discover ways to foster radical self-acceptance, wherever you are. We're unpacking a variety of insections - from growing up with unidentified ADHD and autism, attempting to hide emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity, a later-in-life recognition of queer identity, and the power of language in creating an inclusive society. Mic Drop Moment: "It takes a physical and emotional toll to mask, to hide, to conceal anything or suppress any of our tendencies or identities or truths. It also feels, I think quite misaligned and lonely, but both are painful. Like it's painful to be judged and rejected and unsafe, and it's terribly painful to not be respected or seen and known." Pasha Marlowe Mentioned during our convo:Brene Brown quote (in purple, scroll down) Anais Nin quoteJamie Shields Eric Maisel’s book “When Smart People Hurt”Connect with Pasha Marlowe:WebsiteLinked InTikTok Have you loved the Self-Care Series? Want to hear more content like this on the podcast? I need to hear from you! Leave a review DM me on Linked In Did you build your business with your neurodivergent traits and tendencies in mind? If not, you aren’t alone. Most of us have no idea how because our educational and workplace environments teach us conformity and masking, not radical self-acceptance and doing what actually works for us. This might be the perfect time to partner with a business coach who is also a licensed therapist and entrepreneur with ADHD (me) to reinvent your business with YOU in mind. I choose to work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time, so I can customize our coaching engagement to be exactly what you need, no more, no less. It starts with a no-obligation free consultation to help you figure out why your business is not yet where you want it to be, and create a plan that takes mental wellness and energetic capacity into account. Want to know more? Schedule a free consultation here by clicking here. ckLjyPgRhemYR8BTS1GI

Apr 16, 2024 • 50min
Meditation for Busy Brains: Does It Really Work?
In this episode of the Self Care Series, I’m excited to share my conversation with meditation teacher, Jude Star. We are both entrepreneurs, psychotherapists, and adults with ADHD who practice meditation and mindfulness. Many people with ADHD are confused or intimidated by meditation, have struggled to figure it out, or flat-out refuse to try, even though it can be incredibly helpful in managing our busy brains. My hope is that this conversation will bust up some of the myths and misunderstandings, offer practical solutions, and show you how to make meditation and mindfulness fun. Jude and I share and compare our personal journeys and the role that mindfulness and meditation play in each of our businesses and lives. We discuss the critical role of experimentation in finding the meditation style that truly resonates with you and the power of adopting a playful “and that’s OK” approach which Jude reminds us fosters more consistent long-term motivation. We debunk some common myths surrounding meditation, like the idea that you must adopt a particular posture, and practice dogmatically, and stress the importance of weaving mindfulness into routine activities, such as taking mindful walks.We also tackle the misconceptions associated with meditation and ADHD, emphasizing the need for a joyful, light-hearted approach, and the remarkable brain chemistry changes that consistent meditation offers. I loved hearing Jude talk about introducing meditation to a client using what he calls the “Do Nothing” practice. Connect with Jude Star:Jude's YouTube channelBeing Integrated.net Follow Jude on IGMeditation for ADHD CourseMentioned by Jude during our convo:Shinzen YoungAlan WattsKrishnamurtiRam DasAre you loving this Self-Care Series? Want to hear more content like this on the podcast? I need to hear from you! Leave a review DM me on Linked In Email meDid you take your ADHD strengths and struggles into account when you started your solopreneur business? If not, you're far from alone. Most of us started our business duplicating what we knew from working for others and chances are, it’s not working that well, especially if you work from home. This might be the perfect time to partner with a business coach who is also a licensed therapist and ADHD entrepreneur (me) to reinvent your business with YOU in mind. We will right-size your business, create the systems and structure you need, and adjust any mindset issues holding you back. It starts with a no-obligation free consultation to help you figure out why your business is not yet where you want it to be, and create a plan that takes mental wellness and energetic capacity into account. Schedule a free consultation here by clicking here.