ADHD-ish

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

If you are looking for a sustainable way to a healthier life with less emphasis on food, that is also good for your brain,  this episode is for you. I invited primal health and intermitted fasting coach, Marisa Moon to join me for this episode of the Self-Care Series and this interview is about so much more than wellness. Marisa was one of my first guests on the podcast (check out episode # 36 - Intermittent Fasting for Energy & Mental Clarity).  She recently became the best-selling author of “Not So Fast” based on her ten years of experience teaching people how to adopt the intermittent fasting lifestyle using her framework, The RESET Method and I knew she had to be part of our Self-Care Series. The RESET method is more than just a fasting protocol—it's a roadmap to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, which is particularly well suited to those of us juggling the demands of entrepreneurship and ADHD. What you’re going to hear:Intermittent fasting strategies with the ADHD 🧠 in mind. Strategies for deep work and productivity without boredom or burnout.Marisa’s R.E.S.E.T approach to intermittent fasting you won’t want to quit 🤬How Marisa engineered her life to get her book written & published in 8 monthsWriting a book that is ADHD-friendly (strategies for content creators that are 🔥)Connect with Marisa Moon:Intermittent Fasting Freedom Free Guide“Not So Fast” bookWebsiteMentioned by Marisa during our convo:Episode #202 -  “The Impact of Sleep on Women’s Wellness with Morgan Adams, MSW”Cal Newport’s book “Slow Productivity”Self Publishing School Human Design: Generator with Sacral Authority Are 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 LinkedIn Email meAre you struggling as a solopreneur or small business owner who is having trouble finding time and energy for deep work? Do you have a big project that you just can’t seem to finish (or even start) because you don’t have the structure, systems, and support in place?  This might be the perfect time to partner with a business coach + licensed therapist + ADHD entrepreneur (me). I am opening up opportunities to work with me 1:1 for different lengths of time, based on your needs, goals, and what’s got you feeling stuck. We customize the engagement to be exactly what you need, no more, no less. It starts with a no-obligation free consultation. I 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.  I call it “right-sizing” and it might be exactly what you need right now if you know you’re doing too much, but don’t know what to let go of. Want to know more?  Schedule a free consultation here by clicking here. 

If you are finding it hard to fit exercise into your busy life, maybe you are overcomplicating things and engaging in all-or-none thinking.  In this episode of the Self-Care Series, we are talking about the benefits of movement, specifically walking. Our guest is Carolyn Cohen, host of the Wellness While Walking podcast and functional medicine health coach.  For Carolyn, walking is not just a way of moving from one point to another; it is an intimate part of the human experience, a bridge that connects us to our past and opens up paths to our futures. The slogan “Sitting is the New Smoking” exists because most of us are considered sedentary, and the benefits of walking to our bodies, minds, and brains are almost too numerous to count.  Mentioned in this episode:Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/The woman who lost 120 pounds just by walking around her 1-bedroom apartment: https://bit.ly/4a4lDa5Connect with Carolyn:Podcast: Wellness While WalkingIG: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswhilewalking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyncohen/Are you loving this Self-Care Series?  Want to hear more content like this on the podcast?  I need to hear from you! Leave a reviewEmail DM me on IGDM me on LinkedInDon’t even think you can fit walking into your busy life because your business is sucking up all of your time and energy?  Have you considered working with a business coach who is also a licensed psychotherapist and has ADHD, just like you?  I am opening up opportunities to work with me for different lengths of time, based on your needs, goals, and what’s got you feeling stuck. It starts with a no-obligation free consultation. I 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.  I call it “right-sizing” and it might be exactly what you need right now if you know you’re doing too much, but don’t know what to let go of. Want to know more?  Schedule a free consultation here by clicking here. 

The number of women who are questioning whether they are experiencing burnout, perimenopause, undiagnosed ADHD, or even early-onset Alzheimers is at an all-time high.  A lot of us are struggling and don’t even know where to turn for answers because there is so much crossover between the symptoms of these conditions.  Each of them affects our body, mind, and brain, so sorting things out is far from simple.One of the most challenging aspects is the skill gap that seems to exist. Gynecologists don’t have enough training in perimenopause,  business coaches don’t understand mental health and psychotherapists aren’t trained in business.  What are mid-life female solopreneurs supposed to do? I invited my friend, midlife hormone specialist, Stephanie Shaw, host of the Hello Hot Flash Podcast to help us unpack the confusion, normalize the struggle, and create some genuine clarity about how to create better boundaries (the ultimate in self-care), advocate with our health care providers and set priorities that really move the needle for women in their 40s and 50s, especially those of us who are self-employed.  👉 Here are 3 key takeaways for every female entrepreneur: over 40Emotional Regulation: The transformative power of journaling to understand emotional patterns and taking proactive steps to process negative emotionsSelf Advocacy with Healthcare Professionals: How to differentiate burnout from perimenopause symptoms, the importance of asserting for appropriate medical tests, and the art of being strategic during healthcare conversations.Redefining Self-Care: Stephanie and I unpack the societal pressures women face and how embracing a comprehensive self-care approach—including establishing boundaries and renegotiating relationships—is vital not just for personal well-being but for sustainable success. Mic Drop Moment: "Part of the work that I do is teaching women to advocate for themselves because if your gynecologist will not provide you with information on how to handle your medical condition, then you need to find another gynecologist."— Stephanie Shaw  Want to connect with Stephanie and find out more?Listen to her Hello Hot Flash Podcast: https://bit.ly/43xI1X1Take her course: https://bit.ly/3Tl2Hgk Book a call: https://bit.ly/3TLnOtv Are you looking for Holistic Business Coaching that helps you balance self-care with passion, purpose, and profit?You don’t have to be perimenopausal or burning out to know you are working too hard and too much for the money you are making.  I am opening up opportunities to work with me for different lengths of time, based on your needs, goals, and what’s got you feeling stuck. It starts with a no-obligation free consultation. I help you figure out why your business is not yet where you want it to be, and help you create a plan that takes mental wellness and energetic capacity into account.  I call it “right-sizing” and it might be exactly what you need right now.Want to know more?  Schedule a free consultation here: https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultation

It’s no secret that most small business owners struggle to get enough sleep,  as do those of us with ADHD, and the majority of women over 40 have trouble sleeping due to hormonal changes and the complexity of their lives.  But getting enough sleep is not just the key to fewer dark circles and less coffee consumption.  Adequate amounts of quality sleep are actually necessary for mental and physical health and wellbeing and even longevity. I invited Morgan Adams, MSW to join me to set the record straight on how much sleep we actually need according to the research,  the most effective strategies for improving sleep quality and straight talk about sleep medications like Ambien. Morgan has a masters degree in social work and two certifications in sleep science coaching.   She calls herself “Your sleep soulmate” and is a former insomniac, with an 8 year dependency on prescription sleep medication.  I really enjoyed this conversation and riffing on our shared wisdom about the connection between sleep, stress and success.  Here are some of the highlights: 🌙 Quality sleep is crucial for success and wellbeing. Consistency is more important than the number of hours, and exposure to morning sunlight (without sunglasses) can improve sleep quality and regulate circadian rhythms.🌟 The impact of mindset on sleep improvement cannot be overstated. Shifting negative self-talk and reframing our beliefs about sleep can lead to significant changes in our rest patterns.🔄 Establishing intentional morning and evening routines are worthwhile establishing. By drawing firm boundaries on work time and allowing for decompression before bedtime, we can set ourselves up for restful nights and productive days Mic Drop Moment: “They actually, did a study recently of thousands and thousands of people. There was a higher life expectancy when people had 6 hours of consistent sleep versus 8 hours of inconsistent and interrupted sleep."Want more sleep strategy from Morgan?LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganadamswellness/Morgan’s mini course: https://www.morganadamswellness.com/sleepresetsolutionMidLife Sleep School: https://www.morganadamswellness.com/midlife-sleep-school Mentioned in this episode:Professor Matt Walker, PhD: https://www.sleepdiplomat.com/National Sleep Foundation: https://www.thensf.org/If you are a solopreneur who can’t sleep because your business is not living up to it’s potential, this might be the perfect time to work with me.  As announced during the episode,  I am opening up opportunities to work with me 1:1 for different lengths of time.  Until now, the only option was my 12 week Boss Up Breakthrough, but not everyone needs or wants that level of intensity. It starts with a free consultation where we discuss your needs, goals, strengths and obstacles. Then we explore how much time you need and the type of guidance and support will get you to your goals.  I will help you figure out why your business is where you want it to be, and make sure you are including mental wellness in your business plan so that you’re not just successful on the outside, but aligned with your values, and priorities on the inside.  Want to know more?  Schedule a free consultation here: https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultation Maybe a lack of sleep isn’t the problem, maybe it’s something else holding you back. Take my quiz and find out, and not only get the answer, but get a short series of emails loaded with resources to help you get back into momentum.  https://bit.ly/whyb-quiz