In this episode, host Diann Wingert and returning guest Risa Williams, LMFT, challenge listeners to radically rethink what counts as a win. What if making a sandwich, sending a tough email, or—even better—taking a moment for self-care, can be celebrated as much as those big, flashy milestones?

If you’ve ever felt like your wins don’t "count," or you’re stuck on the productivity treadmill, this episode is your sign to embrace a kinder, more sustainable approach.

3 key takeaways from our conversation:

• Redefine Productivity: Success isn’t just about big goals—it’s about acknowledging every step, even the small ones. Practicing this daily fosters confidence and decreases imposter syndrome and chronic dissatisfaction.
• Combat Dismissiveness: Many of us grew up being dismissed or dismissing ourselves. Start catching that dismissive inner voice. Replace it with gentle validation—give yourself credit the way you’d celebrate a friend’s progress.
• Track and Celebrate Progress: Write down 3–5 tiny accomplishments every day. Over time, this simple act retrains your brain to notice and remember your efforts, fueling motivation and staving off burnout.

Mic Drop Moment:

Many high achievers with ADHD also battle imposter syndrome. Why? Because they literally cannot remember the many incremental steps it took to get results. If you don’t witness your own progress, you can’t internalize your success. The result: even evidence-based accomplishments don’t “count,” fueling the endless treadmill of “not good enough.”

About Risa Williams, LMFT

Risa Williams is a licensed therapist, a time management expert, and an award-winning book author of six self-help books. She's also the host of The Motivation Mindset Podcast (Apple, Spotify). Risa has been featured as an expert in Forbes Magazine, Wondermind, Wired, Bustle, Psychology Today, and Business Insider. She's also a busy mom of two and a university professor.

Connect with Risa:

Website - Instagram - Motivation Mindset Podcast

Ready to put it into practice?

Ultimately, reframing tiny wins is an act of reclaiming joy and validation from a world conditioned to withhold or diminish them. The results are worth it—greater momentum, resilience, and happiness. So, what tiny win will you celebrate today?

Risa Williams’ Tiny Wins Journal - Tiny Wins digital mini-course

Rick Hanson’s Book Buddha’s Brain

If You Take Just One Step

The act of writing down tiny wins and then reviewing them is what rewires the narrative in your brain. Do it out of skepticism, if that works. Gamify it, make it defiant, or treat it as an experiment. And because we know accountability makes it real, DM me on LinkedIn, email me, or leave a voice message on my website.

Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert

Diann Wingert has decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner, and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the ADHD experience.

Sharing is Caring

Know a fellow business owner who is on the productivity dreadmill, always moving on to the next project without celebrating their success? They might need this wake-up call, too, so be a pal and share the episode. Here is a link to make it easy.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Understanding why neurodiversity is good for business starts with accurate information about how our brains actually function—including the real science behind ADHD medication.

In this episode, we’ll unpack new, game-changing scientific research that reveals what stimulants are truly doing in your brain. Spoiler: they’re not just fixing your attention networks.

We’ll explore how these meds boost arousal and make boring business tasks feel more worth doing, why sleep is a critical performance variable, and what all of this means for structuring your workflows and managing your expectations as a business owner with ADHD.

Whether you’re taking medication, considering it, or just plain curious, this episode will help you understand the real role of stimulants in your entrepreneurial journey—and give you practical strategies to work with your brain.

For years, we’ve been told stimulants “fix” our faulty attention networks. But new research out of Washington University just flipped that script—and it has huge implications for how we work, rest, and structure our businesses. This research on the attention mechanism in neural networks reveals that ADHD medication works differently than we thought.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Stimulants = Wakefulness + Salience boost: They don’t “fix” your attention span—they make your brain more awake (like a great night’s sleep) and make boring tasks feel more worth doing.
• Sleep is a performance variable, not optional: Meds can mask sleep deprivation, but can’t fix it. If you’re hitting a wall by afternoon, it’s likely a sleep issue, not a “bad brain” or “bad med” issue.
• Build your business around your real needs: Use your medicated hours for tedious-but-critical tasks, create systems that connect daily actions to meaningful outcomes, and get super-specific in conversations about what “isn’t working”—the answer isn’t always a higher dose.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Study in Cell Magazine

About the Host, Diann Wingert:

Diann Wingert is the creator and host of ADHDish, a podcast that explores the realities of living with ADHD, especially for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Rather than prescribing solutions, she empowers listeners to make informed choices, providing clear, actionable information in an approachable, no-nonsense style that makes her a trusted voice for those navigating ADHD in the workplace and beyond.

Sharing is Caring

Know a fellow business owner who thinks their ADHD medication fixes their attention or claims they need a higher dose because it stopped working? They might need this wake-up call, too, so be a pal and share the episode. Here is a link to make it easy.

Want one-on-one support?

Ready to create the strategies that reduce the friction and fatigue of running a business with ADHD? Click here to book a free consultation. It’s the first step to transforming what you’re building intentionally through expert ADHD entrepreneur coaching.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

One of the most surprising insights? While bullying trends downward in the general population as we age, it barely drops for those with ADHD, showing up in new and often subtle forms throughout adulthood.

What starts as name-calling and exclusion on the playground can morph into chronic criticism, micromanagement, gaslighting, and professional exclusion in adulthood. This constant “othering” can erode confidence and reinforce masking, people-pleasing, and overachievement as survival strategies.

Here are 4 key takeaways for anyone navigating ADHD (or supporting neurodivergent folks):

• What makes it bullying? Repetitive pattern - Power imbalance - Harm
• Bullying rarely ends with childhood: For adults with ADHD, bullying simply morphs. Physical teasing and exclusion may become workplace micromanagement, social exclusion, and subtle undermining.
• The harm goes beyond “hurt feelings.” Chronic criticism and exclusion keep the brain’s stress system on high alert, triggering anxiety, imposter syndrome, burnout, and even making executive dysfunction worse.
• Self-acceptance + community are critical. When we name bullying for what it is and seek out supportive communities, we can start to untangle shame and build resilience. As Brooke notes: “We were never too much. We were exactly who we were meant to be, just waiting for a world that could understand us.”

About Brooke Schnittman, MA, PCC, BCC:

Brooke Schnittman is an ADHD coach, educator, and advocate for adults with ADHD. With years of working directly with individuals and families, she noticed an alarming pattern: bullying is not only common in the lives of people with ADHD but is also a neglected topic in ADHD research and support. Brooke’s recent pioneering survey on adult ADHD and bullying—the first of its kind—has started an essential conversation about the legacy of bullying, how it changes form over time, and how those affected can heal and thrive

Connect with Brooke:

Website: https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithbrooke/

Free e-book:https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/ebook

Participate in the survey on ADHD & bullying: https://bit.ly/4stMllM

Mentioned during this interview:

Ned Hallowell, MD

William Dodson, MD

Take action:

Participate in Brooke’s survey on ADHD & Bullying: https://bit.ly/4stMllM

Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert

Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner, and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience.

If conversations like this one are one of the reasons you keep coming back to ADHD-ish, the best way to let me know is to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Here’s the link to make it happen.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

In this episode, host Diann Wingert introduces a groundbreaking new resource – Di AI, her ADHD business coach digital clone, created to be accessible 24/7 for those moments when you need support most, not just during scheduled calls.

Di AI isn’t a replacement for human coaching, but an extension of Diann Wingert’s strategic thinking, built on her coaching frameworks, podcast content, and business methodology.

Diann explores the limits of traditional coaching, the ethical and practical concerns about AI, and the unique training process that ensures Di AI actually reflects Diann Wingert’s distinctive voice and approach.

Whether you’re curious about AI, skeptical, or just looking for a tool to help you navigate ADHD-powered business decisions, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical next steps—plus an invitation to test DiAI during its beta launch.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Why Coaching for Entrepreneurs with ADHD is Extra Tricky: Diann Wingert shares why our brains don’t stick to scheduled inspiration and what inspired her to build a digital clone just for us.
2. What Di AI Really Is (and Isn’t): Get clear on why this isn’t therapy, isn’t generic AI, and absolutely isn’t replacing real-life business coaching, but instead extends Diann’s support to the moments you need it most.
3. How Di AI Helps You in Real Life: Whether you’re obsessing over pricing at 10 PM, stuck on firing a tricky client, or hit by a rejection sensitivity spiral, hear how Di AI becomes your go-to thought partner, 24/7.
4. How You Can Take Di AI for a Spin FIRST: Get all the info on joining the beta—free for now!—and help shape this tool for the ADHD business owner community.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

The inspiration for this digital clone project started all the way back in 1996, when Dolly the sheep became the world’s first cloned mammal. Diann Wingert admits her first thought was, “OMG, I can clone myself and finally do all the things!” 😂 Turns out, turning that wish into reality just took about thirty years, a platform called Coach Vox, and a lot of fine-tuning!

About the Host Diann Wingert (she/her)

A former licensed psychotherapist and serial business owner turned business strategist and coach, Diann understands ADHD inside and out. She’s dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurial clients turn their ADHD strengths into strategic advantages —making business success sustainable and tailored to real brains with real challenges.

For years, Diann has wrestled with a challenge: how could she empower more people with her transformative coaching, proven business methodology, and popular podcast content?

Known as “Di” to her close friends, she created Di AI, her own digital clone, using the CoachVox platform. Trained exclusively on Diann’s expertise, Di AI is designed to offer the very same high-impact guidance she’s honed over 30 years—making her unique coaching accessible to more people than ever before.

Mentioned During This Episode:

1. Where it all started: The Story of Dolly the Sheep
2. “How Can I Clone Myself?” 2020 blog post:
3. Will Christensen podcast interview
4. Coach Vox AI
5. “AI Coaching is Not Going Away” article on Medium

How to Sign Up for Di AI:

1. Sign up for Di AI beta access here
2. Agree to the User agreement (seriously, read it!)
3. Try it out and complete the quick feedback form

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

In this lively conversation, serial entrepreneur Megan Eckman shares her delightfully candid journey of starting, scaling, hibernating, and moving on from multiple businesses, offering honest lessons you won’t find in most business books.

We talk about Megan’s recent ADHD diagnosis, the three distinct ways she’s learned to transition in business, the emotional toll and freedom of letting go, and how curiosity and self-awareness have kept her evolving as both a creator and entrepreneur.

Why You’ll Love It:

Megan walks us through the three ways she’s learned to pivot and the circumstances that led to each one, allowing her to follow her curiosity and pursue her creative impulses, without risking her well-being or financial stability:

Test & Build - Learning to listen to your customers, running small experiments, and transitioning into new opportunities

Jump Without a Parachute: The Hard Stop Pivot - When a dramatic, not-so-planned exit from a thriving business is the way to save your sanity —and what it really takes to walk away.

The Hibernate & Resuscitate Pivot - Sometimes the best move isn’t quitting cold turkey, but putting a project “in the freezer” while you work on your next big idea.

Three key takeaways:

1. Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s evolution. Whether you’re testing and building, taking a bold leap, or putting a project into hibernation, each pivot can be a strategic step toward growth and alignment. (Diann said it perfectly: “You can burn out on your own success just as easily. Maybe even easier.”)
2. Curiosity is your greatest asset. Megan Eckman reveals how following her curiosity—not just passion or profit—helped her create unique offers and build true superfans, even when the work didn’t “look” like her dream on paper.
3. Burnout prevention requires boundaries and self-awareness. Recognize when you’ve hit your scale ceiling—or when you’re simply not excited anymore. It’s okay to say “enough,” recalibrate, and design your next chapter intentionally, not reactively.

Mic Drop Moment:

“It was basically a ‘hold my beer, I’ll go build that business for you.’ To be fair, they did wait a month.” Megan Eckman

About today’s guest, Megan Eckman

Megan Eckman is a serial entrepreneur who constantly finds new ways to delight her audiences, from fantastical pen-and-ink illustrations to bold embroidery kits to fantasy rom-coms.

For 14 years, she ran an embroidery kit business, managing revenue streams from wholesale, retail, and subscriptions. She's a published author and now also a podcast co-host for a show all about networking.

When she’s not working, she’s likely out on one of her bicycles exploring new routes in the woods. She lives in Vancouver, WA, with her husband and tri-color cat. Megan was diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s.

Connect with Megan:

Fat Cap Design

PDX Spellbound

The Awkward Handshake podcast

LinkedIn

Email

Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert

Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience.

Known for her candor and her refusal to compromise on what matters, Diann Wingert is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship.

Mentioned during this interview:

Etsy

Colonial Patterns

Lisa Congdon

Simple suggestions for preparing for your next potential pivot:

1) Assess emotional, financial, and market conditions regularly.

2) Define your personal “red flags” for burnout and your criteria for build and grow, hard stop and hibernate, and resuscitate pivots

3) Inventory current and planned activities, noting which are energizing versus draining.

4) Keep communication open with your clients/community during hibernation phases. You never know who might want to be a part of whatever you do next.

If this episode saved you from burnout (or burning your business down…), now would be a perfect time for that 5-star rating and review you keep meaning to leave. Here’s the link to make it happen. Be sure to mention what you loved about the episode or the show in general.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

From emotional tolls and damage to self-worth, to identity crises and financial setbacks, Diann unpacks how the ADHD diagnostic criteria based on the behavior of young boys has resulted in several generations of females going undiagnosed, forcing them to struggle and overcompensate just to get by.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to finally get answers after decades of struggle, and the reckoning that follows. Diann shares her own journey from therapist to entrepreneur, the lessons she learned raising kids with ADHD, and the impact a late diagnosis had on her life and work.

She also introduces listeners to the nonprofit “Find the ADHD Girls,” an organization dedicated to closing the diagnostic gap for girls everywhere, and invites you to make a difference. You can make a donation or simply share this episode to raise awareness.

So grab your favorite drink and settle in, because this week’s episode is about honesty, hope, and shifting the narrative for women and girls who’ve always felt just a little out of step with the world.

3 key takeaways:

1. Masking isn’t thriving. Many women spend years camouflaging their struggles, only to later realize they were “passing for normal” rather than actually okay.
2. Delayed diagnosis has real professional costs. Every ounce of energy spent managing ourselves is bandwidth that’s not going into growth, strategy, or creativity in our businesses—and it adds up.
3. Early awareness changes lives. The sooner ADHD is identified—especially in girls—the fewer years are lost to self-blame and missed opportunities.

About the host

Diann Wingert is a passionate advocate and expert on ADHD, rooted in her own delayed diagnosis, as well as two decades of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, serial business owner, and parent of several children with ADHD.

For years, Diann—and many women like her—carried a persistent sense that “something’s wrong with me,” a quiet conviction fed by a lack of answers and the feeling that everyone else had life figured out. This experience led her to see the reality: women with ADHD were hiding in plain sight, while the world slowly learned to recognize their struggles.

Now, as the host of the podcast ADHD-ish and an internationally recognized ADHD business coach, Diann welcomes a community of listeners searching for understanding and authenticity, promising strategic guidance and an honest exploration into what it means to live and run a business with ADHD

Suggested Listener Action Steps:

1. Donate to Find the ADHD Girls: help close the ADHD diagnostic gap for girls.
2. Share the Episode: If a donation isn’t possible, share this episode with someone who might benefit from it, raising awareness about ADHD in women and girls.
3. Visit the Podcasthon site and support other independent podcasters and non-profit organizations.
4. Visit the Find The ADHD Girls site for additional resources

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Together, they dive into the roots of executive function challenges, drawing on insights from Dr. Russell Barkley, and discuss why traditional ADHD advice doesn’t always translate to real-world results.

Jeff Copper explains the concept of “cognitive illiteracy” and shares how his attention scope experiences can help make the invisible struggles of ADHD tangible. You’ll hear practical strategies—like the power of direct, oral conversations in problem-solving—and fresh perspectives on mindfulness for busy brains.

Why You’ll Love It

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep in your ADHD self-awareness journey, or have “tried all the things,” this episode invites you to see your challenges—and strengths—through a radically new, pragmatic lens. If you geek out on intellectual curiosity and want to see what’s “under the hood,” check out Jeff Cooper’s Cognitive Ergonomics resources (link below).

What you’ll learn:

1. Cognitive Ergonomics, Explained: No engineering degree required—Jeff Copper breaks down this powerful new way to understand how your brain REALLY operates.
2. The Concept of “Cognitive Illiteracy”: What does it mean to be cognitively illiterate? Why is it not as negative as it sounds? Spoiler: it’s about discovering things you couldn’t see before!
3. Experiencing Attention Scope: Learn how using your non-dominant hand during everyday tasks can help you feel executive function challenges—and practice self-awareness.
4. Mindfulness, Reimagined: Forget trying to get your mind to go blank—get practical tips for being present in the now (and why that matters for your productivity and focus).

Fun Fact from the Episode:

If you’ve ever solved a problem just by voicing it to someone (or even sending a voice note!), you’re already practicing cognitive ergonomics. In fact, Jeff Copper says some folks can process and solve their own issues simply by “downloading” a problem out loud—even if nobody responds!

About today’s guest, Jeff Copper

Jeff Copper is a cognitive engineer, thought leader, and ADHD coach. He is the founder of DIG Coaching, Attention Talk Radio, and Attention Talk Video, and holds professional designations from ICF and PAAC and certifications from ADD Coach Academy and Coaches Training Institute. Jeff developed Cognitive Ergonomics From the Inside Out®, a radical departure from the current ADHD intervention paradigm. In recognition of his contributions, he received the ACO's 2022 Professional Excellence Award. Jeff continues to innovate in attention coaching, helping individuals understand and manage their ADHD challenges.

Connect with Jeff:

DIG Coaching Practice - Attention Talk Radio Podcast - LinkedIn - Email

Cognitive Ergonomics From the Inside Out

Your ADHD-ish host, Diann Wingert

Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and is now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience.

Known for her candor and her refusal to compromise on what matters, Diann Wingert is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship.

Mentioned during this interview:

Russell A Barkley, PhD - Dr. Charles Parker - The Four Tendencies - John Maxwell

Now what?

If this episode got you thinking in a new way about your ADHD, now would be a perfect time to leave that 5-star rating and review you keep meaning to leave. Here’s the link to make it happen. Thank you!

And, if you are connected with Jeff Copper, or are going to start now, be sure to reach out and let him know your thoughts on cognitive ergonomics: jeff@digcoaching.com

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Most founders don’t realize their business “vibe” is a mirror of their brain. ADHD traits like chasing dopamine, avoiding conflict, or struggling with structure aren’t just personality quirks– they ripple through your team, processes, and business operations.

Whether you’re a founder, team lead, or anyone building something from scratch, this episode will deliver a clear framework to assess your current culture, recognize what’s working (and what’s not), and take the first practical steps toward building a company that truly fits and supports the neurodivergent way you do business.

Organizational Psychologists Quinn & Cameron identified that 90% of companies worldwide fall into one of these four types of company cultures in their Competing Values Culture Model:

1. Clan (Family): Collaborative, relationship-focused, but slow to make tough calls.
2. Adhocracy (Innovators): Fast-paced, risk-taking, constant brainstorming – but often unstable and unfinished.
3. Market (Competitors): Results-driven, clear metrics, high stakes – can burn people out.
4. Hierarchy (Machine): Structured, predictable, rule-heavy – can stifle creativity.

Most founders with ADHD unintentionally create either:

1. “Accidental Adhocracy”: Innovative (read: scattered), chasing novelty for dopamine, team struggles with chaos and change, projects rarely get finished.
2. “Accidental Clan”: Warm, fuzzy, avoiding confrontation, underperformers stick around, roles are blurry, you feel more like a therapist than a CEO.

3-Step Plan to Build Your Business Culture on Purpose

1. Honestly Assess Your Current Culture

Ask tough questions—from “Who really solves problems here?” to “How many projects did we actually finish this quarter?”

2. Get Real About What’s Working… and What’s Not

List out where your accidental culture is winning—and where it’s burning you or your team out.

3. Pick ONE High-Leverage Change

Don’t try to overhaul it all. Make one intentional hire (like a project manager or COO) or put a single new process between your ideas and your team. Act, observe, and iterate.

You get to choose your culture.

The question isn’t if your ADHD is shaping your business, but how.

About the Host, Diann Wingert:

Drawing from her experience as a psychotherapist and serial business owner and her understanding of ADHD, Diann empowers founders to understand the default culture their ADHD brain creates, and shows them how to transform it into a purpose-driven environment that supports both their goals and the well-being of their team.

Sharing is Caring

Know a fellow ADHD founder who’s quietly fighting fires (or fighting themselves) every day? They might need this wake-up call, too, so be a pal and share the episode.

Want one-on-one support?

If you’re ready to intentionally design a company culture that works with your ADHD, click here to book a free consultation. It’s the first step to transforming what you’re building intentionally through expert ADHD entrepreneur coaching.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Rather than waiting for motivation, seek and design pockets of joy to unlock creativity and productivity. Social connection is powerful dopamine:

For Alexis Hope, sharing small wins, positive feedback, and a sense of community at Focus Space transforms even mundane tasks into meaningful, motivating experiences.

According to the philosopher, Spinoza, joy has “sharp edges”: Joy isn’t about ignoring challenges or “just being happy.” As Alexis Hope shares, it’s about cultivating the capacity to act—and can coexist with struggle. Even during tough times, intentionally seeking joy helps us stay engaged and resilient.

Whether you identify as neurodivergent or just want more purpose in your day-to-day, this conversation is a must-listen. Bring more joy into your work—your brain (and business) will thank you.

You’ll discover:

1. Why joy isn’t optional for neurodivergent/neurospicy brains
2. Neuroscience behind task initiation and real talk about dopamine
3. Smart practices for remote work, creative teams, and fighting burnout
4. Permission to collect ideas, objects, and “joy units”—no shame, just inspiration
5. Why “play” isn’t just for kids and how adult creativity is more essential than ever

Get ready to shake off the “just be happy” platitudes and find out what it really takes to keep your momentum and your mood up—especially when the work gets hard.

About Our Guest

Alexis Hope, PhD, is a designer, musician, and organizer whose work focuses on creating playful experiences that help people find joy, self-compassion, and connection with others.

She received her PhD at the MIT Media Lab in 2021. As a designer, she has worked on projects across a variety of domains, including cameras for deep-sea exploration, creative learning technologies for children, artistic tools for zero-gravity environments in orbit, low-cost ultrasound machines for prenatal care in areas with limited resources, and more.

Alexis is co-founder and head of product at Focused Space, a technology company that provides the building blocks for a productive and fulfilling day, helping people cut through the noise and accomplish their goals through the power of “body doubling.”

Connect with Alexis Hope, PhD - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexishopeg/

About the Host

Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits.

Known for her candor and her refusal to compromise on what matters, Diann Wingert is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship.

Mentioned during this interview:

Spinoza’s philosophy on happiness vs joy: https://joyfulmilitancy.com/2017/10/20/happiness-is-bullshit/

Focused Space: Body Doubling with Community

Discord: group chat platform

Trash Club Seattle

Ep #293: Why Entrepreneurial ADHD Traits Don’t Always Mean You Should Start a Business

If you struggle to get things done on your own but thrive with the accountability and social support of a community, Use the ADHD-ish affiliate link for a free trial and a discount on the regular membership of Focused Space. Your membership includes sessions throughout the day for productivity, planning, and deep work, with an app to track and celebrate your progress.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Promises made in the car, at a networking lunch, in a Zoom chat, or even running into someone at Target, all exist in separate universes—voice memos, post-its, texts—but rarely make it into your actual task system.

This isn’t just about a single “dropped ball.” It’s juggling 17 balls in six places with zero strategy—a hallmark of ADHD’s impact on executive function. And these follow-up fumbles aren’t just inconvenient; they can chip away at your credibility and your self-trust.

Six Reasons Why ADHD Brains Fumble on Follow-Throughs

1. Impulsive Generosity: ADHD brains crave the dopamine hit of being helpful. Before thinking through whether a promise can be fulfilled, we say “Yes!”—and mean it—without considering bandwidth or logistics.
2. Working Memory Deficits: As explained in Episode #299, ADHD reduces how many mental “sticky notes” you can hold. A neurotypical person might juggle seven or eight promises; with ADHD, it’s three or four. Most commitments simply never get “filed.”
3. Time Blindness: The moment feels manageable (“I’ll send it later today!”), but later is swallowed by whatever fires need putting out, leaving the commitment lost in time.
4. Context Fragmentation: Commitments happen everywhere—car, coffee shop, Zoom, networking lunches—but task management systems live in one place. ADHD brains struggle to bridge that gap.
5. Object Permanence Issues: Out of sight, out of mind. That voice memo recorded in the car vanishes from mental view once you sit at your desk.
6. The Shame Spiral: When forgotten commitments resurface—often at 2 AM—shame and avoidance kick in. Some people even ghost contacts out of embarrassment.

Fixing the Fumbles: The 3 Stage Follow-Through Filter

Stage 1: Before You Promise—Hit Pause

Stop defaulting to “Yes.” Try the 3-second rule: pause and ask yourself, “Can I do this in the next two minutes, or do I need a system?” If not, set a realistic timeline and use a pre-memorized script to acknowledge the request and buy yourself time (“Let me check my bandwidth and follow up by Friday”). This small delay protects you from impulsive overcommitment. Episode #297 is all about ADHD overcompensating, so check it out here.

Stage 2: During—Context-Specific Capture Systems

Don’t rely on a single capture tool. Customize your approach for the context:

1. Driving/Traveling: Use voice memos—with all details, not just “email Sarah.” Set a reminder to process them at your desk.
2. Video Calls: Use chat features in real time, or review AI-powered transcripts the same day.
3. In-Person Meetings: Use your phone’s notes app, or even a physical notebook (but only if you have a consolidation ritual).
4. Casual Encounters: Send yourself a text, voice memo, or use visual cues (move ring/hair tie).
5. Async Communications (Voxer, DMs): Flag messages or add commitments directly into your project management tool.

Stage 2.5: Consolidation Ritual

This is the missing link: a daily download. Set aside 10–15 minutes to process all those voice notes, texts, chat exports, and handwritten scribbles. Move tasks to your main management system. Out of sight means out of mind—make sure everything lands where you’ll see it.

Stage 3: After—Clarify and Reality-Check Commitments

Review: Is the task “in scope,” or are you picking up unneeded extras? Can you delegate? What’s the minimum viable follow-up? Set realistic deadlines and buffer time; use a timer to limit over-investment.

When (Not If) You Fumble: Damage Control

Nobody gets it perfect. When you drop the ball, acknowledge it fast—“I promised that resource and spaced. Here it is.” Skip the drama and excuses, don’t mention your ADHD, just deliver and move forward.

Follow-Through Builds Reputation—and Self-Trust

Your professional reputation and personal confidence aren’t built on intentions—they’re built on consistent, visible follow-through. The good news? With systems tailored for ADHD brains, you can turn scattered promises into completed commitments.

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned coach, consultant, and the creator/host of ADHD-ish. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, serial business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and business ownership.

Ready for more strategies? Subscribe to Diann Wingert’s ADHD-ish newsletter on LinkedIn for episode highlights and actionable tips in written form, helping you make real progress every week.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Rather than a feel-good celebration, this episode delivers the hard truths that other neurodivergent entrepreneurs need to hear—no sugar-coating, no apologies, just authentic wisdom earned through real-world experience.

If you’re ready for tangible insight (and a few uncomfortable truths), this is your episode.

Here are the 3 Hard Truths Every Entrepreneur with ADHD Needs to Hear:

Your self-doubt isn’t wisdom—it’s unaddressed trauma.

That overthinking, need for certainty, and analysis paralysis? It’s not you being “strategic”—it’s the residue of years spent feeling “not enough.” The real challenge is rebuilding self-trust so you can act boldly, even if you’re terrified of being wrong.

There’s no magic pill or “perfect” system.

Stop believing the next planner, project management tool, or “ADHD-friendly” hack will make entrepreneurship comfortable. Success means tolerating discomfort, not shopping for something to eliminate it.

ADHD is not your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Acceptance isn’t hiding behind your diagnosis—it's doing the tough, creative work to adapt and grow. “I have ADHD, so I need to figure out how to do this differently” is where real progress begins.

Zero F*cks Given:

To “fulfilling my potential” (an ever-moving target designed to keep you feeling not enough).

To being “too niched” (connection and impact mean more than pleasing the masses).

to ADHD diagnosis gatekeeping (if this content helps and you see yourself here, you belong).

What I WON’T apologize for:

1. Being unmasked and openly ADHD.
2. Holding ADHD coaches to real standards.
3. Being selective about coaching clients (it’s about the right fit—not the right paycheck).

The bottom line? Consistency doesn’t come from trying to “fix” yourself—it comes from radical self-acceptance, messy action, and getting honest about what really stops you.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment, the perfect plan, or permission, the only way to get clarity is to take action.

About the Host

Diann Wingert brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist and now a sought-after coach to entrepreneurs with ADHD traits. Her style is direct, strategic, and always honest—peppered with the insight of someone who lives and breathes the neurodivergent experience.

Known for her candor and her refusal to compromise on what matters, Diann Wingert is a fierce advocate for self-acceptance and meaningful growth at the intersection of neurodivergence and entrepreneurship.

If this episode inspired or challenged you, Diann wants to hear about it! Links to several ways to let her know are right here:

Leave a review and let Diann know what resonated, challenged, or inspired you.

Send Diann an email, DM her on LInkedIn or leave a voice message on her website. Diann responds personally to everyone.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

She unpacks what working memory is (and how it's not just short-term memory), why ADHD brains often struggle to keep pace in business, and why brain games probably won't fix the problem.

But it’s not all doom and gloom—Diann shares honest strategies that actually work, from building reliable external systems to reducing cognitive load with templates, checklists, and automation.

If you’re tired of forgetting your best ideas or fumbling through processes you’ve done a hundred times, this episode will empower you with practical tips to actually work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Working memory vs. short-term memory: Get clear on the difference (hint: it’s not just about forgetting phone numbers!).
2. Where working memory trips up your business: From client calls that go haywire to onboarding step mix-ups — see if any sound familiar!
3. Why brain games aren’t your magic ticket: Diann gives it to you straight about apps that overpromise and underdeliver.
4. Practical, game-changing strategies: Discover ways to reduce your cognitive load and externalize what your brain shouldn’t have to hold onto (checklists FTW!).
5. How entrepreneurs with ADHD actually build smarter businesses: Find out why having to systematize things can become your secret advantage over neurotypical competition.

Actionable Strategies to Outsmart Your Working Memory

Build External Systems:

1. Use voice memos obsessively to capture ideas instantly.
2. Write everything down—client notes, tasks, processes.
3. Use checklists for multi-step processes, every single time.
4. Offload information for others; don’t be their external hard drive.

Automate and Template:

1. Batch similar tasks to minimize context switching.
2. Use templates and SOPs for recurring processes and emails.
3. Automate scheduling, reminders, and follow-up wherever possible.

Optimize Your Cognitive Capacity:

1. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management—your working memory tanks when these are out of whack.
2. If you take ADHD medication, schedule your heavy-thinking work when it’s at peak effectiveness.
3. Try meditation to increase basic focus and reduce mental noise.

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned coach, consultant, and the creator/host of ADHD-ish. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and business ownership.

Resources Mentioned During the Episode

1. Tidy Cal - online scheduler to eliminate the email tango (lifetime offer)
2. Voxer - walkie-talkie app for voice notes (free)
3. Fathom - AI notetaker (free)
4. Dual N’Back brain training for working memory
5. Brain Workshop open source working memory training

Let’s put insight into action:

Ready to make your business less chaotic and way more effective? Pick ONE recurring task you’ve been trying to keep in your head and turn it into a system — make a checklist, create a template, whatever works for you. Your future self will thank you!

And if you loved this episode (or you’re new to ADHD-ish), follow/subscribe right now so you don’t have to remember to search for it next time.

For 1:1 customized help building ADHD-friendly systems that stick, check out Diann Wingert’s coaching at www.diannwingertcoaching.com.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

This convo is all about pop-up offers—and how adding a dose of novelty can transform your business. Inspired by her own ADHD-driven creativity, Erin shares the thought process behind developing two unique, time-limited offers just before a major launch.

What sets these pop-ups apart? They’re quick, strategic, easy to implement, and build on skills and systems Erin already uses in her daily work.

Together, Diann and Erin unpack the benefits and pitfalls of pop-up offers, the importance of strategy, and why a well-designed “quick win” can boost both business and client satisfaction.

You’ll hear how Erin’s ADHD-fueled ability to make rapid decisions, build connections, and see opportunity in white space on her calendar led her to a set of mini-offers that serve both her capacity and her clients’ need for immediate results.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between launching new programs or just want to shake things up in your offer suite, this episode is gold.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

1. What the heck is a pop-up offer? Erin breaks down how these limited-time, ultra-focused offers work—and why they’re not just a glorified sale.
2. Why pop-up offers are a dream for ADHD entrepreneurs. Ever feel compelled to act on a spark of creativity? Learn how to channel that energy in ways that actually make sense, earn money, AND feel fulfilling.
3. The strategy behind a successful offer It’s not just about the excitement; Erin is all about blending impulsivity with real business strategy so your pop-ups support your bigger vision.
4. How to create quick wins for your clients (and for YOU!) Discover ways to design services that give instant gratification and long-term results—yes, even for things like SEO and content strategy.
5. What to do when things don’t go as planned Real talk: Erin and Diann discuss what happens when nobody buys right away and how to adapt without losing your momentum.

About our Guest:

Erin Ollila is a content strategist & conversion copywriter with 15+ years helping brands and publications connect through strategic content. She’s the founder of EO Copy Co., the host of the “Talk Copy to Me” podcast, and a fellow entrepreneur with ADHD.

Connect with Erin:

Website - LinkedIn - Instagram

Was this episode THE ONE that is prompting you to leave a 5-Star rating and review? Do it! Here’s the link for Apple or Spotify: https://lovethepodcast.com/adhd-ish

Already left your review and want to share a comment on Spotify? I’d love to hear from you and respond personally to every one!

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

This episode goes deeper than productivity advice; it’s about safety, self-worth, and learning what sustainability truly requires.

I share the real reason our inner “enoughness meter” is so hard to find—and how you can start recalibrating it for sustainability (not burnout).

Sometimes, the pursuit of “above and beyond” is really about chasing safety, not satisfaction.

What you’ll learn:

1. Why your “enoughness meter” is so damn hard to read.

Diann Wingert explains how, for entrepreneurs with ADHD, it’s not about laziness or lacking motivation—a lot of us just genuinely can’t judge when a task is finished.

2. The two main tracks that shaped your patterns:

Are you the “overachiever” always collecting gold stars, or the “compensator” trying to cover every base (and then some) out of fear of dropping the ball? Maybe both? You’ll discover your origin story—and why it matters.

3. The “Enough Already” Framework (it has five parts!).

Get real, actionable tools—like calibration questions and the Enough Algorithm—to help you finally stop overdoing and start celebrating what’s truly “good enough.”

4. How to tell the difference between flow state and fear state.

If you keep working because you’re energized, great! If you’re pushing through out of anxiety or fear, Diann Wingert shares how to spot the signs and what to do instead.

5. How to set micro-commitments and collect EVIDENCE that enough really is enough.

Try out the practical scripts and journaling prompts, and learn to recalibrate that internal workload meter (it CAN be done!)

Mic Drop Moment:

"Enough isn't about lowering your standards. It's not about doing mediocre work, striving for the bare minimum, or simply not caring enough to do better. It is about directing your excellence strategically instead of indiscriminately."

Try It With Me

Pick your area. Make a micro commitment. Collect your evidence. And then—here’s my ask—email me and tell me what happened when you stopped at enough. I want to hear where you struggled, what surprised you, and how it felt when it finally got easier.

We’ve run past the finish line for too long, measuring our value by exhaustion instead of impact. Now’s the time to recalibrate.

And if you want the full road map, join me on ADHD-ish—I’m here every week, sharing the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), and cheering on every step you take towards “enough.”

Ready to try? I’d love to hear your story. Email me at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com or DM me on LinkedIn

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned coach, consultant, and the creator/host of ADHD-ish. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and business ownership.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Today, host Diann Wingert is joined by psychologist and viral TikTok creator Dr. Dante for a raw, insightful look at the "Neurodivergent Edge"—how ADHD traits transform not just personal relationships but entrepreneurial success.

In this conversation, Dr. Dante shares the story behind his celebrated term "neuro baddies," celebrating the honesty, intensity, and creativity that neurodivergent women bring to the table.

Together, Diann & Dante explore why society’s negative perceptions of ADHD traits miss the mark, how trauma bonds form, and how rejection sensitivity and perfectionism can be reframed as superpowers in both love and business.

You’ll hear candid stories, hard-hitting truths about justice sensitivity, and practical wisdom on breaking free from toxic relationships—plus, a message for neurodivergent women struggling with self-acceptance.

If you’ve ever wondered how your different way of thinking can be your biggest asset, this episode will inspire you to name it, claim it, and embrace the title of“neuro baddie” proudly.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in today’s convo:

1. The Origin of "Neurobaddies": How a spontaneous ADHD thought in the grocery store parking lot became a viral, empowering movement for neurodivergent women.
2. Why Neurodivergent Women Make Amazing Partners: Honesty, hyperfocus, and genuineness—discover why these traits are actually super attractive (not quirks to hide!).
3. The Narcissist Trap: Neurodivergent traits can make women more vulnerable to toxic relationships, but knowing the signs gives you real power to protect yourself.
4. Entrepreneurial Superpowers: How “all-in” energy, justice sensitivity, and relentless action drive success in business (yep, your ADHD traits are an asset!).
5. Healing Starts With Self-Trust: Why learning to trust yourself is the real game-changer, despite years of negative feedback.

Guest Bio:

Dante Assad Williams, PsyD (Dr Dante) is a Minneapolis-based psychologist, adjunct professor, entrepreneur, and social media influencer who highlights the unique strengths of neurodivergent women in relationships and in business.

With lived experience as a neurodivergent (ADHD) man, and a viral TikTok following built on his unapologetic appreciation for "neuro baddies," Dr. Dante brings authenticity, deep understanding, and hope to every conversation about mental health, relationships, and business. His body of work is centered on neurodivergence, trauma, and holistic masculinity.

Connect with Dr Dante:

TikTok - Instagram - 5 Keys to Know if You’re a Neurobaddie

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Dr. Dante named “neurobaddies” on a whim in a 10-second TikTok video? He didn’t expect it to go viral—but now, it’s a movement with merch on the way! (Yes, T-shirts are coming!)

Is it time to build more balance and sustainability into your business?

I have two openings for one-on-one coaching engagements, starting this month. The first step is scheduling a free consultation where we talk about your goals and see if we are a good fit. Click here to book yours now.

And, don’t forget to leave a comment on Spotify (I personally respond to every one) or leave a review so more ADHD-ish business owners can find THE podcast full of real talk and real solutions for neurobaddie business brains.

© 2026 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

If you're feeling absolutely nothing (or, let's be real, maybe a little guilty it's not working for you), I’m right there with you.

So, instead of one more system to make you feel “less than,” I’m serving something totally different—a simple, honest inventory. Just three lists: Energy, Money, Time. Here’s the breakdown:

Energy Inventory

1. What gave you energy this year? What absolutely drained you—even if it was profitable or “successful”?
2. Which tasks, clients, or projects left you jazzed up… and which made you want to flee the building?
3. Notice the patterns. Pattern recognition tends to be a skill that ADHD brains excel at.

Money Inventory

1. What actually made you money, versus what you thought should make you money?
2. Which offers did people really buy? Where did revenue flow in from? What’s gathering dust (subscriptions, courses, tech) in your digital library?
3. If most of your money came from one thing, but you spent all your time on everything else—this is info, not failure.

Time Inventory

1. When did you do your best work? Was it in performance windows that don’t match “normal” business hours?
2. Was your magic at 10 pm in the car, Friday mornings, or after a walk or shower?
3. This is about gathering intelligence, not shaming yourself. Design your days around your actual brain, not someone else’s ideal.

Subtraction is Strategy

Every time I let go of what wasn’t working, the good stuff got even better. So maybe your “stop doing” list is more important than any “to-do” list. Eliminate the clients, offers, or systems that drain you, no matter how much they pay. Permission granted to not start that newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel you’ve been “planning” for two years.

Final step:

Commit to ONE thing that’s already working and carry it forward. Whether it’s sticking to your creative window or leaning into your night owl energy, just one thing that fits your brain. For me, it’s this podcast.

No pressure, no massive goals, no breakthroughs required. 2026 is happening no matter what. Go in knowing what energizes, pays, and fits your unique brain—and that’s your built-in advantage.

Mic Drop Moment:

“We're great at building these complex offers that we think people want. We spend months perfecting the positioning, creating the fancy framework, building out the whole fricking thing. And then we're genuinely shocked when that simple little thing we threw together in an afternoon is the one that actually makes more money.”

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned coach, consultant, and the creator/host of ADHD-ish. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and business ownership.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Have you been enjoying ADHD-ish in 2025? Leave a review and let Diann know what resonated, challenged, or inspired you. Your feedback helps ADHD-ish reach more listeners who need to hear more honest conversations about being a neurodivergent entrepreneur.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

If your brain generates ideas faster than you can execute them, this conversation will make you feel seen. Sarah runs five businesses and has developed a systematic approach to managing what I call the "burden of creativity"—that relentless flow of inspiration that can fuel or derail you, depending on how you work with it.

This isn't about picking one lane or shutting down your creative engine. It's about building frameworks that let you honor your ideas without drowning in them.

Who This Episode Is For

1. Founders juggling multiple business ideas or revenue streams
2. Creatives who struggle with follow-through despite abundant inspiration
3. Consultants and coaches who feel scattered across too many offers
4. Anyone who's been shamed for having "too many interests."
5. Serial entrepreneurs who want to build interconnected businesses without burning out

The Big Idea

Having an ADHD brain means you're wired for abundant creativity. The challenge isn't generating ideas—it's knowing which ones deserve your energy and how to move them from concept to completion without burning out or abandoning ship halfway through.

Sarah's approach: treat your ideas like they matter, but give them structure so they don't hijack your focus.

What to Listen For

The Reality of Being a Creative Polymath

For many ADHD entrepreneurs, being interested in multiple things isn't a distraction —it's how they’re built. Sarah explains why being a polymath is actually an advantage in today's business landscape, as long as you set boundaries around what gets your attention.

The "Catching Butterflies" System: Capture, Connect, Structure, Iterate, Express, Reflect

Sarah walks through her six-stage process for managing creative output. It starts with capturing every idea without judgment, then moves through connecting related concepts, building structure around the keepers, iterating on them, expressing them in the world, and reflecting on what worked. Simple in concept, powerful in practice.

Using AI as Your Digital Thought Partner

Both Sarah and I use AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude) to externalize our thinking. Instead of letting ideas swirl in our heads, we dump them into our AI assistants to help us organize, connect dots, and build project folders. It's like having a patient colleague who never gets tired of your tangents.

The 3D Jenga Model for Interconnected Projects

Rather than treating each business or project as a standalone tower that could topple, Sarah visualizes her work as a 3D Jenga structure. Each piece supports the others. When one idea doesn't work out, the whole thing doesn't collapse—the remaining pieces actually get stronger.

Energy Management Over Time Management

Reflection isn't self-indulgence—it's how you build a feedback loop that keeps you moving forward. Regular check-ins about how you feel, what your vision is, and whether your projects still serve that vision help you stay aligned instead of spinning your wheels.

Why This Matters

If you've ever been told you're "too much," or felt guilty about having too many interests, this episode offers permission to work with your brain, instead of trying to conform to any norms. You'll walk away with practical strategies for managing creative chaos and the confidence that being a polymath entrepreneur isn't a problem to fix—it's a creative operating system that needs the right infrastructure.

Connect With Our Guest, Sarah Dowd

Sarah Dowd is a cultural strategist and creative entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience transforming heritage and culture into immersive, inclusive experiences and developing cultural organizations.

She is the founder of The Tricolor Collective – a £1m-turnover agency behind pioneering initiatives such as the UK’s first social-impact heritage disposals program– as well as Les Raconteurs and Heritage, Culture & Crafts for All.

Navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, Sarah champions neurodiverse leadership, proving that creativity, joy, and disruption are powerful tools for lasting change.

Sarah’s Substack on Chasing Butterflies: https://substack.com/inbox/post/177719859?r=pzapf&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Sarah’s website - Podcast - Instagram - LinkedIn

"I believe the key to happiness is someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to."

-Elvis Presley

How do YOU capture your creative ideas and see them through to the finish line? I’d love to hear from you!

Share your comment on this episode on Spotify

DM me on LinkedIn

Leave a voice message on my SpeakPipe

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

This insightful episode flips the script on the common narrative in both the ADHD and business worlds: that entrepreneurial traits automatically mean you should start your own business. 

Instead, host Diann Wingert explores the concept of intrapreneurship—bringing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit into an existing organization—and how this path might be the most strategic decision for many ADHDers.

If you’re wrestling with the decision to go solo or stay employed, give this episode a listen. It just might give you permission to build a life—and career—that truly works for your brain.

Three key takeaways:

Entrepreneurial traits ≠ Entrepreneurial career: 

You can be creative, visionary, and disruptive without having to start your own business. Don’t fall for the myth that employment is “settling.”

Intrapreneurship unlocks impact & stability: 

Express your entrepreneurial strengths inside an organization. Lead without authority, innovate processes, and treat your role like you own it—while benefiting from structure, resources, and a steady paycheck.

Signs that traditional employment isn’t right for you:

Not everyone is meant to shine as an intrapreneur. If every manager is a nightmare, structure feels suffocating, or your best ideas die in committee, maybe going solo is your move. But it’s all about matching your brain and real life with the right path—not shame, not hustle-culture FOMO.

Workplace roles & cultures where ADHD-ish traits thrive:

Look for product development, business strategy, internal consulting, startups, project-based work, or innovation labs. Go where experimenters are rewarded, hierarchies are flatter, and outcomes matter more than bureaucracy.

Mic Drop Moment:

“Infrastructure isn't the enemy of innovation. Structure, when it's the right structure, is what lets your brain do what it does best without getting derailed by all the shit you hate doing."

Action Step:

Take 10 mins for honest self-reflection. Where do you really do your best work? What structure supports you? Then, make the choice that serves your life—not LinkedIn optics or anyone else’s expectations.

About the Host:

Diann Wingert is a seasoned business coach, consultant and speaker. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, serial business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," ADHD-ish host, Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and the world of work.

Enjoyed the Episode?

Share your thoughts! Leave a review and let Diann know what resonated, challenged, or inspired you. Your feedback helps ADHD-ish reach more listeners who need to hear these honest conversations.  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this interview, Cat reveals her unique approach to business—one that centers curiosity, genuine connection, and meeting people where they are (with a little tech magic to make life easier and more fun). 

You’ll hear not just the triumphs, but also the complex, sometimes messy moments of “unmasking” and designing a business that fits your actual brain and values, not someone else’s idea of success.

Episode Highlights:

Strategic Relationship Marketing vs. Automation

Cat breaks down why automation and relationship-building aren’t mutually exclusive—and how smart systems can let neurodivergent business owners focus on authentic, meaningful connections.

Attract, Don’t Chase

Move over “hustle culture.” Cat and Diann discuss how building genuine relationships and letting people self-select nurtures business without the creepiness or pressure of hard selling.

Neurodivergent Thriving in Business

How Cat’s ADHD and autism traits fuel her ability to notice patterns, create unique solutions, and support her clients in efficiently reaching their goals.

Automating the Human Touch

Learn how emails, follow-ups, and event workflows can be automated, freeing up energy for one-on-one connections with those who are ready for deeper engagement.

Ethical Reciprocity & Non-Bro Marketing

Cat outlines how heart-centered reciprocity builds lasting relationships and why neurotypical tactics often miss the mark for neurodivergent individuals.

Meet our Guest: Cat Orsini

Cat Orsini has an MBA, is a master-certified coach, an entrepreneur, and co-author of the book "Experts Never Chase." 

She specializes in relationship marketing, strategic conversations, and building automated systems that allow her—and her clients—to focus on human connection over busywork. 

Through radical acceptance of her neurodivergence and trauma history, Cat has crafted a career and life that honors her strengths and refuses to squeeze herself into a neurotypical mold.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Cat on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Cat Orsini and her work
• The Book Cat Co-Authored  - Experts Never Chase

Know someone who identifies with ADHD + Autism (officially diagnosed or not…)? 

Think this episode would inspire them? Here is the link to share it with them, in the most comfy way possible: https://bit.ly/episode-blog-292

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

Originally hired to help Steph Cotrell grow and scale her successful business, Diann quickly uncovered some uncomfortable truths about her business model, specifically how her notion of collaboration revealed a lack of boundaries, which led to burnout. 

Their coaching journey took an unexpected turn as Steph was faced with redefining her work, grappling with exhaustion, and eventually reshaping her business to prioritize authenticity, personal connection, and family in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.

Together, they explore the challenges of managing emotional labor, the reality of ADHD-driven blind spots, and the courage it takes to rethink your path when everything changes. 

If you've ever felt caught between ambition and overwhelm or questioned how your neurodivergence shapes your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is for you. 

Here are 3 key takeaways from this conversation:

Scaling “as-is” can scale your problems, not just your profits: Before trying to grow, pause to check if your foundation—relationships, workload, boundaries—truly supports the life you want.

• Give yourself permission to redefine success: It’s not all-or-nothing. You can reshape business relationships and paths to fit changing needs, values, and energy levels.
• Clarity fuels action: The sooner you move from overthinking to taking action (even messy, uncertain steps), the faster you learn, adapt, and build the business—and life—that truly work for you.

Mic Drop Moment: 

"You don't have to be the glue holding all of this together.  If you enjoy working with them, work with them, and if you don't, don't."

Connect with Steph Cottrell: 

Website: https://www.blueelephantcreative.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluelecreative/

How Steph discovered me: 

ADDItude Magazine webinar:  “How to Build a Business That Works for Your ADHD Brain” 

Want to hear more Client Success Stories?  Click here for the custom playlist 

Is it time to redefine your success as a business owner with ADHD? 

I have two openings for one-on-one coaching engagements, starting in January.  The first step is scheduling a free consultation where we talk about your goals and see if we are a good fit.  Click here to book yours now.

And, don’t forget to leave a comment on Spotify (I personally respond to every one) or 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. 

Jessica shares her journey from Harvard, McKinsey, and Nike to the wild world of entrepreneurship, revealing how even with such impressive credentials, she found herself trapped in the endless loop of online business tactics, quick fixes, and shiny promises.

Drawing on her upcoming book, Leaving the Casino: Stop Betting on Tactics, and Start Building a Business That Works, Jessica explains why so many of us end up gambling away our sanity (and savings) on the latest tactics, instead of building actual strategies that work for our lives and brains. 

Get ready for frameworks, real talk about defining your own version of success, and practical advice on bringing more intentionality and enoughness into your business (and life). It’s time to leave the casino behind—and reclaim your agency.

Top Takeaways from this Episode:

Start with Strategy, Not Tactics: 

The endless cycle of purchasing the latest digital course or marketing hack often leads to overwhelm, wasted resources, and lost confidence. Sustainable businesses are built on strategy and thoughtful decision-making, not reactive, one-size-fits-all tactics.

Ask Yourself the Big Questions: 

Before chasing the next big thing, get clarity on key fundamentals:

• What type of business do you really want to run?
• What stage are you in?
• What is the right pace and amount for your life and brain?
• What level of responsibility and commitment matches your reality?
• What does “enough” look like for you? These questions ground your business in reality instead of fantasy.

Don’t Compare Your Solo Journey to the Big Players: 

The polished marketers often have large teams and structures flattening out the chaos. If you’re a team of one (especially with an ADHD-ish brain), your output and path will—and should—look different.

There’s power in slowing down, cutting through the noise, and building a business that fits you—not a casino of empty promises.

About Jessica Lackey 

Jessica Lackey is the founder of Deeper Foundations, a consulting and training firm that helps expertise-based business owners grow and scale sustainable companies rooted in stronger business foundations.

She brings a unique blend of corporate expertise and soulful business building, drawing on an MBA from Harvard Business School, a coaching certification from iPEC, and experience at McKinsey & Company and Nike, Inc.

Jessica has supported over 200 entrepreneurs through her programs, blending systems thinking, operational rigor, and deep values alignment. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband.

Jessica can be reached at https://deeperfoundations.com/

Buy the book, or get a free chapter: Leaving the Casino by Jessica Lackey

Mentioned during this episode:

• Digital Course Academy - Amy Porterfield
• Gary V - Gary Vaynerchuk
• Codie Sanchez
• Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass
• Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic 

Want to share this episode with a friend who's still in the entrepreneurial casino? https://bit.ly/episode-blog-290 



© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this straight-talking solo episode, Diann Wingert unpacks why boredom hits hardest when your business finally starts working—and what to do about it. 

7 Things You’ll Learn From This Episode:

The Real Reason You Get Bored: Learn the neuroscience of ADHD boredom and why your brain craves novelty (hint: it’s about dopamine, not discipline).

The “PROOF” Framework:

A practical tool to help you decide if it’s time to renew or release your business offers.

How To Build Boredom-Proof Systems: Discover strategies to rotate, redesign, and reinvent your business model so you stay engaged long term.

Strategic Delegation & Role Redesign: Find out how letting go of the dull stuff (or handing it off!) can reignite your passion—and even grow your business.

Permission to Evolve: Why shifting your focus is not failure, but good business and good self-care.

Want your entrepreneurial journey to last? Build boredom-proofing in from day one.

• Alternate focus areas each quarter.
• Design offers so they evolve or rotate naturally.
• Proactively plan breaks, new challenges, or learning cycles.

And, most importantly, give yourself grace when you need to pivot, change, or retire offers. Evolution isn’t failure; it’s strategic adaptation.

Fun Fact from This Episode:

Did you know that constraints—NOT unlimited freedom—are actually better for the ADHD brain? Giving yourself playful “rules” can boost creative energy and bring the spark back to your work.

Next Steps: 

Download the FREE cheat sheet and put the PROOF framework to work today. 

Re-listen to Ep #277_ “The Soulmate Phenomenon: How ADHD Fuels Idea Infatuation In Your Business”  It’s the other side of the same coin! 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Episode # 288 “ADHD is Not Just in Your Head: Exploring Embodied Neuroscience” with Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas 

About the Host

Diann Wingert is a seasoned psychotherapist-turned-business coach who blends neuroscience, entrepreneurial strategy, and real-life ADHD experience.

Her specialty? Helping entrepreneurs design businesses around their brains, instead of fighting them.

She’s the creator of The Boss Up Breakthrough coaching framework, where she brings actionable wisdom to entrepreneurs with ADHD who want a stand-out, sought-after, profitable business built on their unique brilliance, without burning out.  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

ADHDers often spend years trying to “fix” themselves from the outside in—through medication, planners, routines, and hacks—only to discover that true thriving might come from learning to listen to and trust their bodies. 

Dr Miguel introduces the concept of embodied neuroscience and explains why ADHD is far more than a brain-based disorder, unraveling the complex interplay between our nervous system, gut health, hormones, and emotional regulation.

Get ready to rethink what it means to support ADHD—from the inside out.

Episode Highlights:

• It’s Not Just Dopamine: Sure, dopamine’s part of the story. But Dr Miguel reminds us it’s just one instrument in a much bigger orchestra of brain and body chemistry. ADHD isn’t just a “brain disorder”—it’s an embodied experience, affected by everything from our gut health to our hormones and daily rhythms.
• Stop Trying to “Hack” Yourself: Instead of endless hacks, planners, and productivity tools, what if we tuned into our internal signals? Think: listening to hunger cues, taking movement breaks, honoring our need for rest—a holistic approach that begins on the inside.
• Self-Trust Is Everything: If you’ve ever struggled to trust your thoughts, feelings, or impulses, you’re not alone. The conversation offered hope: as we learn to regulate (and accept!) our unique internal ecosystem, intuition and awareness can flourish.
• Bringing it Back Home: Instead of survival mode, Dr. Miguel encourages us to “come back home” to ourselves—filling our cups with connection, nourishment, movement, and acceptance, rather than burning out on outside fixes.
• ADHD as an Advantage: Messy, complex, and beautifully curious—these traits can be assets in business and life. Don’t let anyone oversimplify you! 

Meet Our Guest 

Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutritionist whose work bridges brain, body, and lived experience. For over 2 decades, he has explored how the gut, nervous system, and microbiome shape mood, focus, and emotional balance.

Dr. Miguel is an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and lectures in nutrition at the University of West London. His forthcoming book, “ADHD Body and Mind” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) will be published in 2026. 

 Website - LinkedIn - Instagram - Substack - Thrive With ADHD Course 

Make it Practical: 

Practice Tuning Into Your Body: Notice and respond to basic bodily needs (hunger, thirst, bio breaks, rest, or movement) instead of ignoring or suppressing them during hyperfocus or stress.

Shift from External Fixes to Internal Awareness: Take time to notice what your body and emotions are asking for and explore activities that help you feel grounded and present (e.g., walks in nature, nourishment, movement, or connection).

Work on Rebuilding Self-Trust: Reflect on ways to start trusting your instincts, signals, emotions, and intuition around food, rest, motivation, and needs—especially if you have a history of doubting yourself.

Let Go of Perfectionism and Pathologizing: Recognize that ADHD is messy, complex, and unique to each person. Practice self-compassion and radical self-acceptance, instead of striving to“fix” yourself.

Integrate, Don’t Eliminate: You don’t have to choose between mainstream (medication, structure) and holistic (nutrition, mindfulness, nature) approaches. Blend what serves you best.

Was this episode THE ONE that is prompting you to leave a 5-Star rating and review?  Do it!  Here’s the link for Apple or Spotify:  https://lovethepodcast.com/adhd-ish

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this episode,  we are getting real about the very real challenges ADHD business owners face when emotions take the wheel.  No HR department, no middle manager… and nowhere to run when your brain decides to get unhinged.

I’m introducing the SPACE Framework, a practical, easy-to-remember tool designed for ADHD brains to manage those high-intensity situations. (If you love frameworks and acronyms, you’re in for a treat— your activated brain will actually remember it. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:

Spot Your Patterns: Start by noticing your personal triggers—client feedback, high-stakes moments, unclear expectations, time pressure, or those awkward money conversations. I’m sharing physical, emotional, and environmental early warning signs, so you can spot trouble before it hits.

Pause the Escalation: Meet the powerful 90-second rule. Emotional chemicals peak and recede in just 90 seconds—if you don’t feed them.  I share micro-pause techniques you can use in the moment (think hydration breaks, “Let me think for a second,” or strategic note-taking) to ride out the waves.

Act in the Moment: When you’re already activated, it’s about damage control, not perfection. Lower your voice, slow your speech, stick to the facts— I’ve got you with scripts and tips for how to stay in control when you feel anything but.

Clear the Air: Messed up? (We all do!) Learn how to take professional accountability—without over-apologizing or spiraling in shame. Clear, direct language for addressing emotional incidents and a real-world repair timeline are included.

Evolve Your System: Set up prevention tools, emotional “first aid,” and recovery supports so you’re not always in crisis mode. From environmental tweaks (noise-cancelling headphones, standing desks) to business systems that support your brain, this episode covers it all.

Grab Your Free Resource! 

To make this episode even more actionable, I created a downloadable PDF that breaks down the SPACE Framework with easy-to-use scripts and examples. Get your copy here

Try ONE thing from the episode this week—maybe it’s noticing your triggers, preparing a “pause phrase,” or just putting a big water bottle on your desk before calls. Small steps, big changes.

You got this!

Have a friend this would be great for, but they have a job, not their own business? I introduced the SPACE framework for employees in a webinar for ADDItude magazine in September. You can share it with this link: https://bit.ly/4gMEkn4

About the Host

Diann 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 business 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.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Focusing on making ADHD easier to manage (and avoiding the traps we so often fall into), Diann and Alan break down what really sabotages our brains and share actionable tools to turn things around.

Alan shares practical tips and science-backed insights on why sugar and simple carbs can sabotage focus, how movement (not just "exercise") is essential for managing ADHD, and why consistent sleep hygiene is often the missing link for better mental clarity. 

They also get real about the seductive pull of screens, the pitfalls of "revenge bedtime procrastination," and how to set up healthier habits even if you struggle with planning ahead.

Episode Overview & Key Topics

• Why Sugar and Simple Carbs Are So Tempting (and Toxic)
• The neuroscience of sugar, dopamine, and ADHD brains
• Why people with ADHD reach for snacks more often
• Portable proteins, smart snacks, and what to keep out of your pantry
• The "Immediate Gratification" Trap
• How impulsivity and habit shape eating and lifestyle choices
• Simple prepping strategies for making healthier choices easier
• Exercise Without the Pressure
• How movement supports the ADHD brain (hint: it’s more than fitness!)
• The real benefits: BDNF (“Miracle-Gro for the brain”), focus, and mood
• How to start (or restart) with what you're “willing” and “able” to do
• The Underrated Power of Sleep
• How sleep deprivation mimics ADHD and worsens executive function
• The role of “revenge bedtime procrastination” and the “second wind” 
• Huberman Lab-inspired tips for honoring circadian rhythm and better rest
• Screen Sucking & The Modern ADHD Saboteur
• How screens (phones, apps, streaming) are addictive false friends
• The myth of “restful scrolling” and how screens prevent true breaks
• Guilt-free social media windows and restorative breaks
• Quick Self-Check: Alan’s One-Simple-Step Approach
• Rate yourself in three key areas: diet, sleep, and exercise (scale of 0–10)
• Identify your lowest score and add ONE actionable change 
• Use sticky notes and gentle accountability to turn intention into habits

Guest Bio: Alan P. Brown

Alan P. Brown created the award-winning ADD Crusher™ video program for ADHD teens/adults. Undiagnosed for decades, his untreated ADHD manifested in underachievement, substance abuse, and worse. 

Once diagnosed, he found it difficult to learn coping strategies from books, so he researched his own evidence-based “brain hack” strategies to fuel a successful advertising career and two start-ups.  In addition to his successful coaching program, Alan is also a best-selling author and a conference and TEDx speaker. 

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Books by John Ratey:  Driven to Distraction, SPARK 

BJ Fogg: The Fogg Behavior Model 

The Huberman Lab: #1 Health Podcast 

Merlin Mann Inbox Zero 

BrCin-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF)

We covered sugar, sleep, and screens in this interview, but there are two more!  Get Alan’s eBook, “5 Things We're Doing Every Day that Make Our ADHD Worse”  

Love this podcast and haven’t left a review yet?   Here’s a link to make it easy,  and hey, thanks! 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved.

At first glance, more offers seem to promise more income and greater accessibility. But each new program isn’t just something else to sell—it’s a whole new decision tree to keep track of, pitch, deliver, and market. 

But the reality is that running multiple offers often leads to decision fatigue and distracts from delivering great results.

Worse, entry-level offers can attract clients who aren’t quite ready, resulting in disappointments all around—a classic case of “people pleasing dressed up as accessible business strategy.”

Enter the Single Offer Solution. A singular offer means holding cleaner boundaries—with yourself and your clients.

It reduces mental clutter, allows you to pour your energy into one area of expertise, and makes marketing beautifully simple. Every piece of content, every referral, every case study supports one clear transformation.

5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why more isn’t always better — Learn how the mental load of multiple offers can multiply (not just add) to your overwhelm.

When a single offer makes strategic sense — What life circumstances and business seasons call for focusing on one thing?

How a singular offer can clarify your marketing — No more juggling messages for different audiences. Say hello to SIMPLICITY and being memorable!

Building flexibility within one offer — Diann shares real tactics (payment plans, pacing choices, modular components) so “single” doesn’t mean “rigid.”

Taking care of your brain (and your business) — Get honest about energy, boundaries, and sustainable growth—especially if you’re neurodivergent.

Fun Fact from the Episode

Repetition actually builds mastery AND your reputation! Focusing on just one offer can skyrocket client results and make you the go-to expert—and much easier to refer to without a f*ck-ton of marketing.

About the Host

Diann 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 business 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.

Next steps: 

Grab Diann's self-assessment to help you determine whether a single-offer model is right for your business right now. Click here for your free copy.

Coming soon:

Don’t miss the next episode! Diann is joined by Alan P. Brown of ADD Crusher to discuss what you’re doing every day that is making your ADHD worse. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Together, they explore the complex ways our overlapping identities, including neurodivergence, sexuality, race, and disability, shape how we experience the world and present ourselves to others. 

Ron shares his personal journey navigating multiple identities, including being a white, gay, hard-of-hearing man with both ADHD and autism, and opens up about the nuanced decisions behind which identities he chooses to “lead with” in different settings.

The episode delves into real-life challenges like masking, passing, and code-switching, examining how these adaptive behaviors can be both empowering and exhausting—depending on whether they’re chosen or enforced out of necessity. 

Diann and Ron discuss the complicated layer of “family secrets”, the constant mental calculations neurodivergent and marginalized individuals make around safety and acceptance, and offer powerful insights about reclaiming agency in how we self-identify. 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Identities Stack and Interact: Ron walks us through how he thinks about and organizes his different identities—ADHD, autistic, white male, gay, and hard of hearing—and the personal and social factors that influence which aspects he shares in different situations.
• Navigating Safety and Disclosure: The conversation highlights the calculation involved in deciding which identity to disclose, considering factors like safety, context, and anticipated reactions from others.
• Invisible and Visible Disabilities: Ron shares honest experiences about masking, particularly with his hearing impairment, and the additional challenges posed by disabilities that are not immediately visible.
• Masking as Tool vs. Survival Mechanism: Diann and Ron discuss the difference between masking as a conscious, empowering choice and masking as a depleting necessity, including how the need to “pass” or “camouflage” can both protect and exhaust someone with multiple marginalized identities.
• Passing, Code-Switching, and Camouflage: The benefits and drawbacks of being able to “pass” in certain environments, including the emotional toll and moments of empowerment when one can choose how and when to reveal their authentic self.

Guest Bio:

Ron Sosa is a neurodivergent, gay, hard-of-hearing leader who has walked unconventional paths through veterinary medicine, coaching, and leadership development. From the client service desk to executive roles, his story isn’t linear, and that's a testament to resilience, reinvention, and radical empathy.

Too many leaders feel like they’re wearing a mask and are exhausted from trying to fit into outdated expectations. They’re stuck managing overwhelm, struggling with conflict, and questioning whether they belong in leadership at all. They are not broken; the system is. Ron helps leaders unlearn what leadership “should” look like and rebuild from a place of clarity, confidence, and alignment with their neurotype, values, and rhythm through Syn-APT Neuroinclusive Leadership.

Find Ron Sosa online:

Website  -  LinkedIn 

Mentioned during the episode:

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' Stages of Grief model

The movie “Rainman” & how our views of autism have changed 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Can’t get enough of insights from other neurodivergent experts? 

Join Meredith Carder, Jesse J Anderson, Tayla Blair, Alice Draper and me for a FREE live roundtable discussion on “Visibility & Branding with ADHD” - October 15th at 9 AM Pacific/ 12 PM Eastern. 

Register NOW to attend LIVE or watch the replay! 

Ever wish you had been diagnosed with ADHD sooner? Want to open up a conversation about ADHD with your daughter, mother, or niece?  Get your FREE copy of “Letters to My Younger Self” (22 letters from ADHD experts, including ME!)  https://findtheadhdgirls.org/repository/

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

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 Host

Diann 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. 

Here are three key lessons from CherylAnn’s story for anyone managing multiple responsibilities while living with neurodivergence:

Embrace the “Nooks and Crannies” of Time: 

You don’t always need a full day or a perfect schedule to make progress. CherylAnn leverages unexpected gaps in her day to move projects forward—proving that momentum can be built in the margins.

Growth Can Mean Letting Go: 

Sometimes leadership requires making tough calls, like sunsetting a beloved business. CherylAnn shared how being honest about capacity and leading family and team members through disappointment is true leadership—and it’s okay to grieve business decisions. She also shares some vulnerable moments while talking about letting go of ego in service to growth. 

Confidence Can Be Cultivated (at Any Stage): 

Even as an experienced therapist, CherylAnn found new confidence by being open to coaching, embracing affirmations, and reframing challenges as opportunities to grow.  

A Different “Take” on a Delayed ADHD Diagnosis

Cheryl Ann reflects on her midlife ADHD diagnosis and discusses how learning to build life strategies before even knowing she had ADHD turned out to be a hidden blessing.

For me, some of the most satisfying things about sharing the experience and outcomes from our work are how CherylAnn came to see herself in a new way, how she embraced the role of being “the boss,” and why finding the right support (and having a little fun) is essential when choosing the right coach, especially for someone who is accustomed to figuring things out on their own. 

Client Bio

CherylAnn Crego is the co-founder of Chef Kent Getzen, a consulting business she started with her husband, whom she lovingly refers to as “the talent.” Together, they travel across the country teaching schools how to cook from scratch, source ingredients locally, and develop essential cooking skills. 

Like many individuals with ADHD, CherylAnn is multi-passionate and multi-talented.      In addition to being the CEO (and business brain) of the consulting business, CherylAnn is also a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, is in the midst of writing her first book, and has an extensive background in the performing arts. 

Mentioned during the interview 

• John Sovec - Diann’s friend and therapist who used to work for Disney
• Disney Front of House & Back of House distinctions
• Neurodiversion 2025 - the conference in Austin, where we hung out in person
• ADDitude Magazine - the leading website for resources and support for ADHD 

Want to hear more Client Success Stories?  Click here for the custom playlist 

Is it time to build YOUR  confidence as a business owner with ADHD? 

I have two openings for one one-on-one coaching engagements, starting in October.  The first step is scheduling a free consultation where we talk about your goals and see if we are a good fit.  Click here to book yours now.

And, don’t forget to leave a comment on Spotify (I personally respond to every one) or 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. 

This week on ADHD-ish, Diann Wingert breaks down the problem of context switching for ADHD entrepreneurs and introduces the concept of “focus days” with three different models to choose from.

Get ready to discover practical, customizable models to help you protect your time, boost your productivity, and work with your brain, lifestyle, and stage of business.  

About the Host

Diann 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.

Here’s your quick guide to Focus Days, ADHD-style:

The Single Focus Scheduling Method

Think of this as giving every day its own “job”—Mondays are CEO days (big picture, strategy only!), Tuesdays and Thursdays are for clients, Wednesdays for content creation, and Fridays for building connections.

The magic? You get to deeply immerse in one type of work at a time—no more multitasking burnout.

The Essential Three Model: Create, Connect, Consume

Perfect if you don’t want to lock yourself into a five-day structure. Allocate days based on energy: Create (any kind of output work), Connect (people-focused work like client calls), and Consume (input tasks like learning or admin).

You can spread these across your week however you like—and it totally honors both structure and spontaneity.

The Split-Screen Approach

Not all of us can devote a full day to a single focus. With the Split Screen model, you match tasks with your daily energy: deep work when your brain’s sharpest, creative or relational work when it feels right, and breaks when you need them. It’s about flowing with your energy patterns, not fighting them.

Which one to try?

• Are your days packed with interruptions? Go for the Essential Three.
• Thrive with structure? Try Single Focus Scheduling.
• Need max flexibility or have health/family stuff? Split Screen’s your friend.

Protect your boundaries (and sanity):

Most “emergencies” can actually wait. Create clear expectations and communicate your availability so you’re not always on call—this protects your energy, time, and creative spark.

Embrace experimentation over perfection:

Whether you need more structure or more flexibility, give yourself permission to tweak any system. Growth comes from iteration, not rigid adherence. Try one approach for a few weeks, then adjust as needed.

Not-so-fun fact:

Research shows it can take UP TO 25 MINUTES to fully recover your focus after switching tasks. And with ADHD? Yep, it can take even longer. It’s like trying to cook five different cuisines at once—the results are always a little…messy. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Changes Diann made based on her quarterly review during a CEO Day:

• Zoom Pro to Google Meet_savings: $160
• Loom to Konvey_savings: $71
• Calendly to TidyCal: $91

Links to Diann’s three-part momentum series:

• Starting Strong
• Stopping Smart 
• Shifting Smoothly
• Start, Stop, Shift Toolkit for ADHD Entrepreneurs 

If you tried one of the three Focus Day models shared in this episode, let Diann know!  Leave a comment on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Whether you crave more structure or more flexibility, you’ll leave this episode with permission to tailor your week—and your business—to what actually works for your ADHD-ish brain.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

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, PhD

Guest Bio

Gilly 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 Dodson

Russell Barkley

Want 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. 

ABOUT THE HOST

Diann 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 register

Don’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. 

Enter serial entrepreneur and fellow ADHD-er, Will Christensen, who has been called “The Tony Stark of Software” in the field of automation.  In this fast-paced episode, Will and I unpack the challenges of scaling a business and how AI, automation, and what Will calls “top-tier human talent” are the elegant solution you may be looking for.  

If you’ve struggled with overcomplicated, clunky systems that slow you down and failed to find team members who match your drive, creativity, and commitment, this candid conversation is packed with practical strategies that move the needle and boost your bottom line.  

Guest Bio

Will Christensen (he/him) is a systems thinker and automation expert who helps entrepreneurs take back their time and scale their business.  Will is the founder of The Entrepreneur’s Apprentice and host of Automation Hunter. He specializes in building teams and tech stacks that let visionary minds focus on what they do best.

Will is also a champion of the “Automate, Delegate, Eliminate” approach and has a brilliant strategy for hiring “entrepreneurial apprentices” who help founders scale without burning out.  Will’s revolutionary“15-1-1-5” framework, which he developed to manage his own executive functioning challenges, is an ADHD-friendly alternative to traditional time management strategies. 

Episode Highlights

• You Don’t Need a Clone—You Need Your Opposite: Will reveals that hiring someone just like you might double your chaos, not your output. The real solution? Find an apprentice or two who complements your weaknesses and excels where you struggle. Sometimes, your best partner is someone with a different brain!
• Automate, Delegate, Eliminate—In That Order: Learning to let go is harder than it looks, so start with identifying what can be automated (especially now that AI makes it easier than ever). Save your executive functioning and cognitive energy for the big, creative stuff rather than routine busywork.
• Equity and Ownership Breed Commitment: Want your team to “own” their work? Will recommends offering phantom equity to empower top-tier talent to act as “mini-CEOs.” This transforms their sense of responsibility and buy-in, leading to loyalty and drive you can’t just hire for.

Mentioned by our guest 

• Automation Hunter YouTube Channel
• Entrepreneur’s Apprentice
• Kolbe Assessment  
• RemoteWork.com 
• Books referenced:
• The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
• The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Want to Find Out More?

Will is offering a FREE 15-minute call for ADHD-ish listeners to jumpstart your “Automate, Delegate, Eliminate” journey. And if he doesn’t blow your mind, he’ll give you a $50 Amazon gift card. (Spoiler: it never happens!)

Book your call now, for listeners of ADHD-ish only: EntrepreneursApprentice.com/adhd-ish/

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. 

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 HOST

Diann 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 ADHD

• Romancing the Idea: attraction, infatuation, honeymoon, and reality
• Why falling for new ideas isn't about lack of commitment or follow-through
• How dopamine cravings and novelty-seeking drive this cycle
• Concrete examples: coaching, consulting, and creative service businesses
• Key questions to ask yourself when a new idea lands
• Why the honeymoon phase is creative gold and how to use it intentionally
• Four 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 high

TIMESTAMPS 

• 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 Plan
• 32:10 — 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.

SUMMARY

ADHD 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. 

In this thought-provoking episode, host Diann Wingert welcomes Lisa Lackey, a licensed therapist, coach, speaker, and community builder, to candidly explore their parallel journeys of late diagnosis, high achievement, and the transformative power of midlife self-discovery.

Together, they unpack what it means to awaken to neurodivergence after decades of "successful" living, the intersection of menopause and mental health, and the unique journey women take as they move from striving and struggle toward authenticity and fulfillment in their second act.

Guest Bio: Lisa Lackey (she/her)

Lisa Lackey is a licensed psychotherapist, coach, and speaker with decades of experience supporting high-achieving individuals facing addiction, anxiety, depression, and now, navigating the complexities of neurodiversity and midlife transitions. 

After being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Lisa transformed her approach—creating supportive spaces for women, particularly Black women, to rediscover their authentic selves, reclaim joy, and build community in the second half of life. Lisa is passionate about spiritual growth, legacy work, and helping others write their own rules for fulfillment.

Episode Highlights – What You’ll Learn

• Why ADHD is often missed in high-achieving women, and how self-awareness—and even reading the “right” book—can be a game changer.
• How hyper-competence, overachievement, and the ability to "make it work" can hide ADHD symptoms for decades.
• Understanding how hormonal changes bring ADHD and identity struggles front and center for so many women in midlife.
• Lisa’s concept of the “second knowing”-  waking up in midlife, letting go of societal shoulds, and connecting to your true purpose and inner wisdom.
• How women—especially women of color—can build new definitions of success, heal generational burdens, and lift each other up.

Connect with Lisa Lackey

• Website: Inside Out Recovery
• LinkedIn: Lisa Lackey on LinkedIn

Mentioned by our guest:

Driven to Distraction by Ned Hallowell, MD - the book Lisa read in 2 hours & recognized her own ADHD 

Bell Hooks - Black author, best known for her work on race, feminism & social class 

Sankofa - a word in the Twi language of Ghana, meaning “to retrieve” 

If something in this episode struck a chord, share it with a friend,  leave us a review, or drop a comment on Spotify about your own late diagnosis and mid life awakening. 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Host Diann Wingert is here to reimagine business planning in a way that's actually ADHD-friendly—lean, flexible, visual, and, most importantly, useful. 

Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or tired of winging it and hitting hidden roadblocks, Diann guides you through a business planning approach that celebrates how the ADHD brain works best.

Get ready to create a plan you'll actually want to use!

Episode highlights: 

The Big Lie:

Your ADHD brain thinks planning cramps your style—but done right, the opposite is true. Planning can be the external structure that fuels freedom, creativity, and calm in your business.

The trick? Ignore the boring templates and create a plan tailored to how your brain truly operates.

Why Traditional Business Plans Don't Work for ADHD Brains:

• The pitfalls of rigid, lengthy plans and how they trigger resistance and procrastination.
• Why our tendency to wing it isn’t always as productive (or painless) as it feels.

The Hidden Costs of ‘Winging It’:

• Missed opportunities
• Wasted energy
• Unfinished projects.

Introducing the ADHD-Friendly Minimal Business Plan Framework:

• Four simple pillars (instead of 40 pages)
• North Star: Your “why,” distilled for everyday decisions.
• Revenue Reality Check: Getting real with three simple numbers.
• Zone of Genius: Maximizing what energizes you and minimizing the rest.
• Next Three Moves: Concrete, short-term steps—no five-year forecasts here!

Making Your Business Plan Visual & Flexible:

• Why a one-page, visual dashboard beats a document you’ll never open again.
• Tools and formats—Trello, Canva, voice-to-text, and more—that play to ADHD strengths.

Get it Done (Without Overwhelm) with The Sprint Method

• 25 minutes a day, one pillar at a time, over four days.
• Walk away when the timer rings—even mid-sentence.
• No giant blocks of time, no perfectionism, no overwhelm.

Homework:

Take 25 minutes this week and pick ONE pillar to focus on—whichever feels easiest or most fun. (Money anxiety? Start with your North Star instead!)

Next week, another pillar. Within a month, you’ve got an ADHD-friendly business plan that you will actually use! 

Share your ADHD-friendly  business plan with Diann 

• Email: diann@diannwingertcoaching.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/
• SpeakPipe voice messaging: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskDiannAnything

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a former psychotherapist turned business strategist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs.

With real-world experience as both a clinician and a business owner—and her signature no-BS, motivational style—Diann specializes in helping business owners find strategies and systems to balance their passion and purpose, with profit, and avoid burnout in the process. 

Be sure to subscribe/follow so you don’t miss future episodes full of practical, ADHD-friendly business advice!

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

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 Sword
• ADHD 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 It
• Many 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 Saboteurs
• Uncomfortable 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 Diagnostic

Mentioned 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. 

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:

1. What Emotional Dysregulation Is: Learn why it’s way more than just “being sensitive”—it’s a real neurological challenge for ADHD brains.
2. Solopreneurship’s Perfect Storm: Discover how running a business solo can amplify emotional ups and downs, thanks to isolation and rejection sensitivity.
3. How Emotional Intensity Can Hijack Business Decisions: Find out how unchecked emotions can affect your pricing, negotiations, and every tough conversation.
4. 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.
5. 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 Host

Diann 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.com
• LinkedIn: 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, 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 Schumacher

Mikey, 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 Forward

Mikey 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 Community

Discover how But Cute’s Discord became a safe haven for people to share insecurities and get massive support, no judgment.

4. Practical Advice for Overthinkers

Hear 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 Friend

Peek into Mikey’s wild idea process: fusion-creature brainstorming, accidental croissant claws, and the beauty of letting go of perfection.

Mentioned during this episode:

Squishmallows

Labubu

Connect with Mikey & But Cute

• But Cute Website 
• TikTok: @butcutetoys
• But 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. 

In this final episode of the three-part Momentum Series, the focus is on the overlooked but critical skill of shifting smoothly. I share practical strategies, frameworks, and rituals to help you master transitions—whether between clients, projects, or shifting from creative to administrative tasks—in a way that reduces friction and avoids brain drain. 

Of course, no system’s perfect. Illness, emergencies, or just a bad day will derail even the best intentions, so I’ll also share my three-step strategy for re-entry that totally sidesteps the usual overwhelm. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Cost of Context Switching

Switching between tasks and roles eats up your energy and time, especially with ADHD. Listen for why transitions feel SO exhausting and what’s really happening in your brain.

The Transition Bridge System

Trade your mental cliff-jumping for supportive “bridges.” Learn how building small systems makes every future switch easier and less energy-draining.

Breadcrumbs You Won’t Want to Sweep Up

From one-sentence task summaries to two-minute project recaps, discover the magic of leaving yourself notes (not novels) that make picking up where you left off a breeze—and why voice memos count too!

Micro and Macro Rituals for Seamless Shifts

Reset your brain with quick mini-rituals, and get step-by-step on bigger resets when shifting between wildly different projects or after a disruption (hello, post-vacation slump).

Quick Tip from the Episode: Back-to-back client meetings on Zoom? Simply saying your client’s name out loud before opening the meeting room can help your brain switch gears and avoid those “oops, wrong person” moments. 

Ready to go from learning to implementing?

Click here to download your free “Start Stop Shift Toolkit” for all the strategies shared in the three-episode momentum series, including listener challenges with getting started, knowing when to stop, and dealing with competing priorities, juggling projects, and getting interrupted, solved!  

Don’t know Diann Wingert?

ADHD coach, former psychotherapist, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diann combines her professional expertise with lived ADHD experience to offer practical strategies for entrepreneurs whose brains work a little differently. Through her podcast and coaching, she’s passionate about helping others embrace their unique strengths and build sustainable businesses while avoiding boredom and burnout. 

Loved this episode?

Share it with your entrepreneurial friend—the one who’s always saying, “Wait, what was I doing again?”  Here’s a link to make it easy. 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

If you’ve ever found yourself in the dreaded “improvement vortex”—tweaking, reworking, and researching just a little bit more instead of actually finishing, publishing or launching—this episode is for you.

We’ll explore the three major ways we get stuck when it’s time to stop: perfectionist tweaking, fear of rejection, and getting lost in endless research.

Discover why “good enough” is often more than enough, and learn practical strategies—including my Completion Compass—for diagnosing your type of project stuck-ness and moving forward.

Whether you avoid launching because you’re terrified of what people will think, or you endlessly tweak in hopes of creating the perfect product, today’s episode will give you permission—and a clear plan—to stop digging and start delivering. 

Stick around as we reframe launching as a learning experience, talk about managing rejection sensitivity, and give you real-world solutions for finishing what you start. 

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

The Real Reason We Don’t Finish - three sneaky forms of “stuck” - perfectionist tweaking, fear-driven stalling, and getting lost in the research rabbit hole. Yep, she names names.

The Exit Strategies That REALLY Work You’ll learn how to diagnose your type of stuck and use my “Completion Compass” to escape the improvement vortex for good.

How to Write Your Own ‘Good Enough’ Rules (Before You Start Anything!) Set smart, clear criteria BEFORE you begin your next big project to keep perfectionism at bay.

Emergency Protocols for When You Hit That Mid-Project Panic Practical, step-by-step advice—including my golden rule for ADHD entrepreneurs: you’re not allowed to learn anything new until you put what you already know into action.

Real-World Smart Stopping Tips for Every Biz Project Whether it’s a course, website, community, or service—I’m serving up examples of what “smart stopping” actually looks like so you can stop tweaking and start shipping.

Fun Fact! 

I recorded an episode after a botched launch—and guess what? It’s one of the most downloaded shows ever.

Turns out, real talk and imperfection win every time! So, stop fearing messy launches. Your people seriously want your honest journey.

🎙️Mic Drop Moment: 

"Put it out into the world when your main point is clear and actionable, even if there are three more things you could add. There always will be. Your audience will tell you what they want to know more about, I promise."

Help me help you

I am creating a FREE starting-stopping-switching gears toolkit. Click here to complete an anonymous 30-second survey on your STOPPING PROBLEMS to let me know what you need most. 

Don’t know Diann Wingert?

ADHD coach, former psychotherapist, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diann combines her professional expertise and lived ADHD experience to offer practical strategies for entrepreneurs whose brains work a little differently.

Through her podcast and coaching, she’s passionate about helping others embrace their unique strengths and build sustainable businesses.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

I’m your host, Diann Wingert, and today we’re kicking off “The Momentum Series,” a deep-dive into what I like to call the “unholy trinity” of ADHD business struggles: starting, stopping, and switching gears.

Ever find yourself stuck in a never-ending planning phase, or maybe leaping headfirst into a project before you’re actually ready?

You’re not alone—it’s what I call the ADHD starting paradox, and it’s a challenge so many of us face. In this episode, we’ll break down why we get trapped in either over-planning or impulsively diving in, and explore the real fear that’s driving both: “What if I can’t keep this up?”

I’ll introduce you to my messy start method—a practical, low-pressure approach that ditches perfection and procrastination for real results. You’ll learn the 2% + 20% formula for action and discover foolproof systems that don’t depend on your mood.

Plus, I’ll walk you through concrete steps, emergency protocols for when you’re stuck, and real-world examples to get you moving—whether your challenge is launching a course, starting a podcast, or finally reaching out to those dream clients.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies to overcome your biggest starting hurdles, and set yourself up for momentum that actually sticks. So if you’re ready to get your ass in gear, let’s jump in!

Episode Overview — What to Expect:

The Two ADHD Starting Problems:

• Analysis paralysis: Getting stuck in endless planning and research
• Cannonball starting: Diving in impulsively without enough prep

Why Both Approaches Set Us Up For Failure:

• Perfectionism and over-planning create pressure and stall action
• Impulsivity leads to chaos, burnout, and stopping problems

The Real Root: Sustainability Fear

• Why ADHD entrepreneurs fear they can’t keep things going—and why this fear is rational (but surmountable!)

The Messy Start Method:

• Diann’s proven “2% + 20%” formula to get unstuck
• How to combine just-enough planning with tiny, immediate action

The Five-Minute Blind Spot Check:

• Five quick questions to avoid overthinking or reckless starting

Mood-Independent Starting Systems:

• How to set up external cues and “pathetically small” first steps
• Using the two-minute rule for unstoppable momentum

Built-in Course Correction:

• How to schedule check-ins and adjust your approach without self-judgment
• Emergency protocols for when you’re frozen or tempted to leap in blindly

🎙️Mic Drop Moment: 

"The more you practice starting small and adjusting as you go, the more sustainable, quite literally, everything becomes. Because you're not depending on the perfect conditions, or the perfect mindset, or the perfect motivation. You're depending on real systems that work even when you're tired, distracted, or overwhelmed."

Help me help you

I am creating a FREE Start -Stop-Switch toolkit. Click here to complete an anonymous 30-second survey on your Starting Struggles to let me know what you need most. 

Don’t know Diann Wingert?

ADHD coach, former psychotherapist, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diann combines her professional expertise and lived ADHD experience to offer practical strategies for entrepreneurs whose brains work a little differently. Through her podcast and coaching, she’s passionate about helping others embrace their unique strengths and build sustainable businesses.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

We tackle the tricky balance between accepting yourself as you are and believing you can change, as well as the incredible (if not a little controversial) freedom that comes with having the courage to be disliked. If you've ever found yourself spiraling over a colleague's tone in Slack or questioning whether your boss thinks you're incompetent, this conversation about ADHD rejection sensitivity will hit different.

Top 3 takeaways for anyone navigating work or life with ADHD (or just being human):

• You are not responsible for how others feel. Adler’s “separation of tasks” is a game-changer—do your part authentically, but let go of trying to control what others think or feel about you.
• You can change—if you want to. It’s easy to blame your ADHD or circumstances (hello, fixed mindset!), but the real magic starts when you open yourself to possibility, even if change is slow and non-linear.
• All problems are (ultimately) relational. Whether you’re late to a meeting or starting a business,  our challenges almost always revolve around other humans. Building healthier boundaries and self-acceptance opens the door to genuine connection—and some serious peace of mind.

Dave Greenwood is a repeat guest and friend of the ADHD-ish podcast, known for his authenticity and sense of humor. He is the host of the Overcoming Distractions podcast and author of two popular books on living with ADHD. Though Dave jokingly calls himself a “welding school flunk-out,” he brings a wealth of lived experience, professional insight, and a pragmatic approach to living well with ADHD, especially for the self-employed

🎙️Mic Drop Moment:

Whether it’s with your boss, your partner, your clients, or even your business software (yes, really), most of our challenges come down to relationships - with others and ourselves. Listen for insights on how “people-pleasing,” unhelpful narratives, and unresolved childhood scars shape our work and our lives.

Next steps:

• Buy The Courage to Be Disliked audiobook 
• Listen to the other podcast episodes that complement this one (links below) 
• Schedule a consultation to work with Dave Greenwood or Diann Wingert 

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Courage to Be Disliked by Kishimi & Koga 
• Dave’s Book “Overcoming Burnout”
• The Four Tendencies worksheet 
• Dave & Diann talk about The Four Tendencies: Part 1  -  Part 2 
• Dave & Diann talk about rejection sensitivity on Dave’s podcast 
• ADHD-ish episode on Cognitive Bias 
• The Big Leap 
• Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset 
• ADHD & Meditation episode on ADHD-ish 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

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. 

My guest today is one of my favorite people, Jess Malli Mercier, the creative genius behind my podcast and business rebrand. You’re in for a raw and honest conversation about being a creative solopreneur, wife, and mama—and how we worked together to find focus, consistency, and self-acceptance without taming the wild genius of her brain.

Jess opens up about lessons learned, including letting go of perfectionism, honoring brain-based rhythms (hello, hyperfocus sprints and creative rest!), redefining consistency outside of hustle culture, and the life-changing freedom of making her business fit her life, not the other way around.

We get real about the unlearning process, too—wrestling with guilt for stepping away, rethinking “should,” and discovering the value of fully present moments (even if that means building pillow forts with your littles before getting back to work).

Highlights of this episode:

The Magic of Collaborative Branding: 

Jess reveals why the best branding isn’t transactional—it's about deep collaboration that reveals what makes you (and your business) truly unique.

Owning Your Brain—Labels or Not: 

We talk candidly about labels like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and why the label itself might not matter as much as learning to work with your “big beautiful brain” (as Jess calls hers) 

Making Space for Joy, Mess, and Rest: 

Ultimately, the episode is a reminder not to confuse hustle with success, or routine with progress. The goal is to create a life and a brand that reflects your truest self, even when that looks different from the mainstream. Jess and I both agree: eat the cake, savor the little moments, and let your business be as unique as the brain behind it.

Jess’s superpower: Jess’s approach to branding involves making her clients step into their metaphorical red stilettos— pushing them out of their comfort zone so they can find their x-factor. In her words, “I don’t want small talk. Show me your fucking soul.”

Want to connect with Jess?  Here’s how:

Brand Transformations Private Podcast  -  Instagram  -  Website 

Mentioned in this episode:

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way 

Want to hear how Jess helped me rebrand my podcast and business? ADHD-ish episode # 226 - The Transformational Power of Rebranding with Jess Malli Mercier 

Thinking about working with me?  I have many more Client Success Stories you can check out for inspiration! 

Click here to explore

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

We are talking about cognitive biases, those sneaky mental shortcuts that shape our decisions, our stories, and, often, our downfalls.

Cognitive biases aren’t unique to ADHD brains; they’re a universal human feature. They are one of the tools evolution handed us to allow for snap decisions instead of getting overwhelmed by information.

But for those of us with ADHD, these shortcuts don’t always get us where we want to go. Sometimes, they spark innovation, but other times, they lead us straight into frustration or failure.

Drawing inspiration from Vicki Tan’s book “Ask This Book a Question,” we’ll break down why our ADHD brains are uniquely wired to fall into these “mind traps,” from relentless optimism and the sunk cost fallacy, to judging ourselves and others with double standards. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom: you’ll find out how understanding these biases can help you harness them as tools, create better decision-making habits, and transform your relationship with your business and your team.

Let’s unravel the stories we tell ourselves—and learn how to write better ones.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What cognitive biases are, and which ones our ADHD brains are most prone to 
• The Optimism Bias - why we are grossly unrealistic about how much time and energy things take, and how to calibrate your big dreams.
• The Fundamental Attribution Error—why we give ourselves grace but judge our team, clients, and competitors
• Sunk Cost Fallacy— why we can’t let go of things we’ve worked hard at, even when they are doomed to fail 
• My personal hacks for reality checking, perspective shifting, and accountability building, and my four-step “fresh start” framework.
• Tools to reset your decision-making: decision journals, external accountability, and Post-its that help you keep your eye on those sneaky bias blindspots 

Spoiler alert: Cognitive biases aren’t a bug; they are a feature. These mental shortcuts are part of the brain’s operating manual. The key isn’t to eliminate them, but to learn how to spot them and flip them into tools for smarter (and kinder) entrepreneurship.

🏆 Want to get better at spotting your cognitive biases and make better decisions as a result?

I created a free companion handout with the various patterns discussed in this episode, plus my four-step framework for rewiring your biases. Grab your copy right here. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Vicki Tan’s “Ask This Book a Question” 

Goblin.tools Estimator 

🎙️And be sure you're following/ are subscribed to ADHD-ish on your favorite podcast app, so you don’t miss a single episode. 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

But what if there is a better way, like listening to this conversation between two seasoned ADHD coaches? Meredith and I have both struggled with our own untamed ambition and learned that not all ideas need to be pursued, and how to stretch your capacity without snapping like a rubber band.  

I met speaker, writer, and fellow ADHD coach Meredith Carder at the Neurodiversion 2025 conference in March, although we had known of each other for years.  I knew she’d be the perfect guest to discuss drive, ambition, shame, and self-compassion. 

Like most women, Meredith was diagnosed well into adult life and even wrote a book about it, called “Now Everything Makes Sense.” 

If your ADHD includes hyperactivity and impulsivity, and you’re one of those people who has been coming up with business ideas since you were a kid, this inspiring and vulnerable conversation is for you. 

5 Things You’ll Learn from This Episode:

ADHD Ambition: The difference between having the impulse to chase a goal and the drive to see it through

Dealing with Expectations (Yours & Others): We share the steps to untangling your self-worth from traditional measures of success.

Bandwidth, Burnout & Self-Compassion: Our ideas may be unlimited, but our ability to execute them isn’t.  Adapting to your actual energy (not what “should” be possible) is a game-changer.

How to Decide What Deserves Your Focus: Meredith & I share practical, down-to-earth advice for “vetting” your ambitions, resisting impulsivity, and learning to stretch (not snap!) your capacity.

Shedding Shame & Rewriting Your Story: Hear Meredith’s journey from hiding her pivots to embracing her multi-passionate path—yes, you can experience both radical self-acceptance and constant reinvention.

Fun Fact From the Episode!

Both Meredith and I have been nicknamed “hummingbird” thanks to our tendency to quickly flit from one idea to the next, and both of us live where hummingbirds visit frequently.  

How cool is that? 

Mentioned during our conversation: 

Neurodiversion 2025 - where Meredith and I met 

Want to connect with Meredith Carder?

Website  - Book - Instagram - Membership 

Do you want to help future generations of girls and women get identified and diagnosed sooner?  Join the #FindTheADHDGirls coalition.  Click here for more information. 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

One of the most challenging things about being neurodivergent is learning to accept ourselves in a world where being different often marks you as an outsider. 

Using my obsession with Wicked and exploring four of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic songs  —from the hopeful longing of "The Wizard and I" to the defiant liberation of "Defying Gravity"—my goal in this episode is to connect them to the distinct stages of our ADHD journey in learning to embrace our differentness. 

So, grab your broomstick and let’s go on an adventure to Oz. 

Episode Highlights:

Let's take a trip through four major songs from “Wicked” that map out the ADHD journey to self-acceptance:

• “The Wizard and I”: The bittersweet hope that someone or something outside of us will finally fix what feels broken.
• “Popular”: The pressure to fit into neurotypical molds, no matter how unnatural it feels, and why those “helpful tips” so rarely work.
• “Defying Gravity”: The exhilarating breakthrough of embracing your true self and rejecting systems that were never built for your brain.
• “For Good”: Honoring everyone who contributed to your journey, finding peace with imperfection, and stepping into deeper self-acceptance.

Whether you’re still searching for that magic fix, trying to fit into neurotypical norms, or learning to soar with your own brand of brilliance, this episode is an invitation to recognize the real magic within yourself. 

Join me as I encourage us all to “keep defying gravity together”—and celebrate just how far we’ve come, thanks to a little help from our friends in Oz.

Inspired by this episode?  Click this link to share it with a friend. 

Complete song lyrics for “The Wizard and I”, “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good” can be accessed here for reference.  Used with permission by Scribd. 

All songs from “Wicked” were written by Stephen Schwartz and the clips used in this podcast recording were performed by various artists from The Studio Allstars 

Used with permission from One Media Publishing

Digital distribution label based in Pinewood Studios, UK ©2008 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast

I recently sat down with Dr. Michael A. Freeman, an acclaimed psychiatrist, professor, and serial entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research uncovers the fascinating relationship between ADHD, bipolar spectrum conditions, and the entrepreneurial drive. 

In this lively conversation, we get real about what makes entrepreneurs with ADHD different—and what it takes to turn those differences into undeniable strengths instead of exhausting liabilities. 

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

Why do so many entrepreneurs have ADHD tendencies

Dr. Freeman breaks down fascinating research on why we’re more likely to go solo in our careers—and why we struggle in traditional workplaces.

The double-edged sword of the ADHD entrepreneurial brain

We chat about superpowers and vulnerabilities, with a big emphasis on how to recognize your “zone of genius” (and when to call in backup!).

Building your own ADHD-friendly toolkit for sustainable success

From teams and routines, to handling sleep and “offloading the boring stuff,” we talk actionable strategies (yes, including coaching and medication).

The myth vs. reality of the entrepreneurial life

Spoiler: it isn’t all glamor and “get rich quick”—and Dr. Freeman shares why radical self-awareness and resilience are must-haves.

Why fun is non-negotiable for the entrepreneur with ADHD

Turns out, fun isn’t just a bonus—it’s the main event for the ADHD brain, and Dr. Freeman explains how to keep your business (and life) playfully sustainable.

Make it actionable: 

• Take three minutes to reflect: what feels fun, energizing, or “flow-y” in your own work? What support do you need more of?
• Feeling inspired to start, pivot, or quit? Get a “personal board of directors” before you make big decisions or take big risks.

Get to know Michael Freeman, MD 

Michael A. Freeman, MD, is a clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine, a researcher and mentor at the UCSF Entrepreneurship Center, a psychiatrist and executive coach for entrepreneurs, and an integrated behavioral healthcare systems consultant.  His current research focuses on the identification of emotional overwhelm with early intervention and support. 

Dr. Freeman’s thought leadership on entrepreneurship and mental health has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall St. Journal, Fortune Magazine, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNN Money, Financial Times, and Bloomberg News.



Mentioned in this episode:

UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, Stanford University,  the Gallup Organization 

Connect with Michael A Freeman, MD

Website - LinkedIn 

🎙️ Fun Fact From the Episode:

Did you know? For most of human history, people with ADHD traits were actually high-status in hunter-gatherer societies! We were the original “economic first responders.” (So if you’ve ever felt out of place, maybe you’re just in the wrong era!)  To learn more: Thom Hartmann’s ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s World or John Dini’s Hunting in a Farmer’s World: Celebrating the Mind of an Entrepreneur. 

Every guest on ADHD is hand-picked and invited personally by you-know-who, so if you enjoyed this interview,  let me know:

Leave a review 

Share the episode 

Thank you! 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Shiny Object Syndrome is not a quirky personality trait; our ADHD brains are hardwired for novelty, so creating consistency takes self-awareness and strategy. Lucky for you, this episode is full of candid stories, neuroscience-backed insights, and actionable advice on how to do just that.

Loan me your ear holes for the next 25 minutes for: 

🧠The Neuroscience-Based Truth

Why your ADHD brain is forever thirsty for dopamine—and why trying to force yourself to focus just doesn’t work for us.

🏃‍➡️The Cost of Chasing Novelty

The sneaky ways shiny object syndrome drains your revenue and energy (and how to recognize it hiding in your business).

📋5 Practical Strategies

Including: dopamine scheduling and reframing the “messy middle” to creating shiny object parking lots and setting up accountability that actually works.

🎨How to Enlist (Not Resist) Your Curiosity

Specific ways to channel your creative bursts into profitable execution, instead of abandoned projects.

📇Systems That Make Space for New Ideas (Without Derailing Your Progress)

Learn how a “shiny object fund” can keep your creativity alive while protecting your core business

Fun Fact from the Episode: 

ADHD expert William Dodson, MD, coined the expression “interest-based brain” to explain how we operate differently. Here is an article from ADDitude magazine that explains it ( including a one-minute YouTube video with a “House of Cards” style soundtrack). 

🏆Ready to start creating more consistent business success—and work with your interest-based brain?

To make it extra easy to go from innovation to implementation, I created a free companion handout with all the go-to strategies mentioned in this episode. Grab your copy right here. 

🎙️And be sure you're following/ are subscribed to ADHD-ish on your favorite podcast app, because next week, I’m chatting with Dr. Michael Freeman, a leading psychiatrist, entrepreneur, researcher, and consultant.  Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss it.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

My returning guest, Maggie Patterson, joins me to chat about the significance of intentionally staying small as a solopreneur and why this approach can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. 

Together, we challenge the notion that choosing a small business is a sign of playing small or self-sabotage and instead highlight the strengths and preferences that can come with choosing to remain a team of one.

Episode Highlights:

• The Solo Advantage: Maggie explains why being an intentionally small business owner can be the best option for neurodivergent individuals, offering greater flexibility and reducing stress.
• Cultural Conditioning and Entrepreneurship: Maggie & I unravel how the cultural celebration of hyper-successful entrepreneurship models can be misaligned with many neurodivergent experiences.
• Recognizing Personal Capacity: Our conversation explores the importance of understanding one's own sensory and emotional capacities and why it's crucial for sustainable business operations.
• Reality of Business Growth: We discuss the myths around scaling businesses and the reality of what it means for the entrepreneur's role to shift from creator to manager and marketer. 
• Dismissing Magical Thinking: Maggie emphasizes the importance of discerning which ideas to pursue and recognizing that not every new venture has what it takes to succeed.
• Navigating Neurodivergence and Business: With personal anecdotes, the episode highlights the importance of understanding one's unique neurodivergent traits and leveraging them for business success.
• Challenging Toxic Advice:  You’ll find yourself nodding along to our critiques of the flawed business advice often targeted at women and neurodivergent individuals, encouraging you to trust your own judgment.

Maggie Who?

Maggie Patterson is a seasoned entrepreneur, consultant, and small service business owner who is passionate about demystifying societal conditioning around business success and encouraging entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being.

She is also a blogger, podcaster, and author of the long-awaited new book,  “Staying Solo: Your Guide to Building a Simple, Sustainable Service Business.”  

🎙️ Mic Drop Moment: 

”So often we think about getting support in the context of our business, but what about our friendships, the communities we're in, and the personal supports we're getting?" 

Maggie Patterson 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ideation StrengthsFinder theme
• Our mutual friend Michelle
• Duped, Maggie’s Podcast with Michelle Mazur

Connect with Maggie Patterson:

Website - Podcast - Instagram - LinkedIn 

Buy the book “Staying Solo: Your Guide to Building a Simple, Sustainable Service Business.”  

Does Maggie sound familiar?  

That’s because she’s a returning guest.  Check out our first conversation on ADHD-ish, Episode # 196 “Why Opting to Stay Small Doesn’t Mean Limited Success.” 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

This solo episode is packed with actionable tips for unlearning the Default Yes, starting with identifying the role of our unique neurological wiring in this dynamic. 

With insights into the "reciprocity myth" and the emotional aftermath of asserting oneself, this episode is packed with valuable tools for anyone seeking to say a purposeful yes to the things that truly matter. Let’s get started!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The Default Yes: Why impulsively saying yes is more than just people pleasing and how it ties to ADHD brain wiring.
• Deer in the Headlights Effect: Unexpected requests often leave individuals with ADHD feeling frozen and overwhelmed.
• The Reciprocity Myth: The misconception that saying yes will always lead to reciprocal benefits in a professional setting.
• Setting Boundaries as a Muscle: Strengthen your ability to say no with practice, patience, and a bit of training.
• Practical Techniques: The buffer phrase technique, physical resets, and guilt-free language patterns to help you say no and not feel bad about it.
• Handling Emotional Aftermath: Insight into managing the guilt and anxiety that can follow after setting boundaries.
• Forgiveness and Progress: Shifting away from the default yes with self-compassion and patience.

Mic drop moment: 

 "People who consistently get what they want are often those who clearly communicate boundaries, not those who say yes to everything."

Start here:

Physical Reset Technique: Practice taking a deep breath, pressing your feet into the ground, and rolling your shoulders back when under social pressure to help redirect your focus (and buy a little time before answering.) 

Climb the No Ladder: Start by saying no to small, low-stakes requests, gradually moving to more significant ones as you gain confidence.

What’s next?  

In order to rewire your brain from the default yes to more intentional answers takes practice, so be sure to grab my free worksheet that combines all the strategies shared in this episode, including practice scripts with guilt-free responses. 

Good intentions will not change the situation, but a handy guide that reminds you exactly what to do will. Click here to get your copy. 

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In today’s episode, I sit down with ambitious outlier, Evan Sargent to discuss how she built a business that allows her to thrive, stand out from the competition and honor her ADHD attributes and gifts.  

With a background in graphic design and advertising, Evan transitioned from a fast-paced agency environment to the entrepreneurial world.

Her company, Leap_Year Branding creates brand strategy and design for disruptive, service-based businesses, employing hyperfocused sprint days to deliver projects efficiently and collaboratively. 

Her innovative approach has been featured in Forbes, Crunchbase, Pop Sugar and more.  

Episode Highlights:

• Embracing ADHD in Business (00:00:01): Evan and I discuss the initial challenges and realizations that led her to work with an ADHD coach, ultimately embracing her unique brain to improve her business approach.
• Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur (00:00:50): Evan shares her transition from a career in advertising to freelancing, then to starting her own business, and how this shift allowed her flexibility and helped avoid burnout.
• Vision and Strategy with ADHD (00:21:15): Evan explains her innovative business model based on sprint days, eliminating inefficiencies she faced in traditional settings and how this dynamic approach leverages her ADHD traits.
• Overcoming Challenges as an ADHD Entrepreneur (00:11:37): This part of our conversation covers the struggle for structure after leaving traditional employment and the importance of having processes and support systems in place.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life (00:16:15): Evan candidly discusses working with her husband, managing a household with three kids, and the personal growth she and her partner experienced through therapy and self-awareness.
• Future Endeavors and Adaptation (00:38:40): Evan shares her plans for evolving her business offerings, emphasizing business development as a new avenue, particularly in response to changing economic conditions.

Fun fact about today’s guest:  

Evan Sargent co-authored a book for young people called “We the People: the US Constitution Explored and Explained.”  How timely is THAT? 

Connect with Evan Sargent:

LinkedIn -  Website -  Contact 

Want to be part of the movement to help girls get identified with ADHD in childhood, instead of struggling for years before getting a “late diagnosis?” Join me in a mission to #FindTheADHDGirls by clicking on this link. 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

From late fees and impulse buys to missed deadlines and opportunities, these ADHD-related financial and time-related costs pile up. But it's not just about the money; health and relationship costs make this tax even more significant. 

Hyperfocus, high energy, and boundless creativity are enviable traits for entrepreneurs that those of us with ADHD have in abundance, but the flipside is that we are paying the ADHD tax in multiple different ways, and ignoring them is creating dangerous blind spots in your business. 

This fast-moving solo episode is full of relatable metaphors and analogies so you won’t forget the message, plus easy-to-implement strategies to patch up the "leaks" in our resource bucket. 

We’ll explore time-saving techniques, task initiation rituals, and much more. Whether you want to protect your health, nurture relationships, or stop springing costly resource leaks in your business, I’m love to help you pay less ADHD tax and enjoy life more!

Mic drop moment: 

“Now, for entrepreneurs and small business owners with ADHD, this invisible tax doesn't just drain your bank account. It taxes your well-being, your relationships, and your ability to show up as the business owner you so want to be."

Mentioned in this episode:

• Goblin.tools Magic To Do - free app to break things down into smaller tasks
• ChatGPT - free thinking partner 
• Claude - my favorite thinking partner 
• Ned Hallowell, MD - why connection is essential for adults with ADHD 
• Jessica McHabe water bottles - hydration prevents ADHD brain jerky 
• Neurodiversion 2025 Conference - My first conference in 2025 
• Time Timer - available in digital and analog format 
• Voxer - my favorite app for leaving myself reminders 

Now What?  

Does paying less ADHD tax sound appealing?  Be sure to grab my free worksheet that combines all the strategies shared in this episode. Good intentions won’t move the needle,  but a PDF you can save on your desktop or print out and pin to your corkboard means you actually benefit from these strategies. Click here to get your copy.  

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

As a female of color from an unstable family, today’s guest Mina Raver dropped out of high school after being identified as gifted and diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  

This set her on a non-conventional path that has dramatically accelerated her growth.

Mina has been developing solutions for neurodivergent individuals for years, but being selected as a Techstars participant in 2024 taught her the importance of doing things her way, which has led to the Better CEO app. 

Better CEO leverages neuroscience, human learning modalities, and machine learning to create the world's first individually adaptive productivity software, designed for the 30% of entrepreneurs who struggle with productivity due to ADHD. 

Better CEO is available now in the mobile version and will soon be available in the desktop version as well. 

Because so many adults with ADHD struggle to find software and other tools that actually work for us, I consider becoming an early adopter of Better CEO to be an opportunity to contribute to making this app everything we need it to be, through sharing our feedback with a developer who actually cares. Once you listen to this interview, I bet you will too. 

Episode Highlights:

1. Disruptive AF: With no technical background, Mina taught herself to code and is building tools to revolutionize productivity for neurodivergent brains. 
2. Redefining Productivity: Dive into Mina's holistic approach to understanding brains and hear why she believes current productivity standards just aren't cut out for neurodivergent folk.
3. Passion Over Profit: Discover why Mina opted out of traditional funding pursuits and chose to pave her distinctive path, focusing on genuine impact rather than investor expectations.
4. Own Your Narrative: Mina liberated herself from people-pleasing and permission-seeking, setting an example for other neurodivergent visionaries ready to claim their space and impact the world on their terms.

Mic Drop Moment: 

🎙️"I learned early that no submission is ever enough for reprieve." Mina Raver 

Mentioned in this episode: Anastasia Simon - Techstars 

Connect with Mina Raver:

Website 

Email 

LinkedIn

Try the Better CEO mobile app (desktop version in development) 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Today’s Client Success Story features Kirsten Beukes, who is the owner of an OT group practice in South Africa. Through our work together, Kirsten came to understand how her ADHD affects her business and her team, what her business needs from her, and how to reduce burnout and increase joy through doing less, not more.  

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Leadership Mindset Shift: Transitioning from a practice owner to a business owner mindset allowed Kirsten to differentiate her personal identity from the needs of the business. This distinction has been crucial in making decisions that benefit long-term success, not just immediate needs.

Using Owner Days to Create Boundaries & Perspective: By designating one day a week away from the practice for strategic planning and decision-making, Kirsten was able to focus on bigger-picture issues, and reclaim her time. This shift allowed for better work-life integration and also empowered her team to step up and grow.

The Power of Self-Acceptance: Recognizing and accepting how her giftedness and ADHD were affecting her business has been a game-changer. This self-awareness has made Kirsten a more effective leader and manager.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Due to her change in perspective and shift in priorities, Kirsten recently adopted a puppy named Lemon. Not only is Lemon an adorable new addition to her life, but she’s also training to be a therapy dog for her practice! 🐾❤️

Want to connect with Kirsten? 

Website -  LinkedIn

Are you ready to become one of my Client Success Stories?  Let’s connect and see if now is the time.  Click here to schedule a free consultation. 

Are you Going to Neurodiversion 2025 in Austin, TX March 27-29th? 

I’ll be there too, and hosting a Meetup for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.  DM me on LinkedIn or send me an email to let me know. I’d love to meet you there! 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

My friend, Iris Goldfeder is a marketing strategist and owner of Gas Stove Creative.  She joins us today to talk about how she leans into her ADHD strengths of empathy, systems thinking, strategic listening, and radical authenticity to run her successful marketing agency.  

Iris lives in Indiana with Heather, her wife of 22 years. In addition to her rather impressive collection of Star Wars memorabilia, Iris is a musician and member of the band “The Infringements,” a dog mom and fellow enthusiast of F-bombs and radical authenticity.  

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

👉 Systems Thinking as an ADHD Strength: Iris emphasized the importance of having team members who understand the interrelated pieces of the puzzle. This holistic approach ensures smoother operations and greater overall success.

👉 Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy is a crucial skill for understanding and addressing client needs effectively. Iris shared how truly listening enables you to envision solutions and build deeper, more meaningful client relationships.

👉 Authenticity Over People Pleasing: Being true to who you are not only attracts the right kind of clients but also allows you to bring your best, most creative self to your work.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Iris has a "fuck jar.” It's an oh-so-relatable way of managing those moments when you just run out of fucks to give. A must-have for any ADHD entrepreneur, if you ask me!  Jar of F*cks

Recommended reading/listening:

“The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins - how to break free from letting other people’s opinions and judgments affect you. And, in case you didn’t know,  Mel was diagnosed with ADHD at age 47.  

Want more Iris in your life?

Website - Podcast - LinkedIn - Free website audit 

Are you going to Neurodiversion 2025 in Austin, Tx March 27-29th? 

I’ll be there too, and hosting a Meetup for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.  DM me on LinkedIn or send me an email to let me know. I’d love to meet you there! 

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Email acts as a digital slot machine for those with ADHD, creating a dopamine-driven cycle of constant checking in search of novelty and stimulation. 

This behavior is about immediate gratification and coping with executive function challenges like task initiation and priority setting. By understanding how your brain responds to these stimuli, you can begin to develop more intentional habits.

The cost of this unconscious compulsion is a lot higher than you realize because compulsive email checking acts as a crutch for avoiding more significant tasks. The perceived productivity of responding to emails is misleading and can detract from meaningful work.

The worst part?  Email-induced task-switching destroys focus. It takes up to 23 minutes for neurotypical brains to refocus after a switch, and for ADHD brains, it’s even longer. 

A key takeaway from the episode is that being constantly available via email is often unnecessary and can be counterproductive. Setting specific email hours can actually enhance client perceptions of professionalism.

Shared in this Episode: 

Dedicated Email Blocks 

Start by setting two defined email blocks per day. This limits distractions and prevents email from dictating your schedule. Use autoresponders to set client expectations and provide alternative contact methods for emergencies.

The 3-Folders System

Simplify your inbox with three primary folders — “Action Required,” “Waiting For,” and “Archive.” This method streamlines email management, reducing the clutter and stress of a crowded inbox.

Leveraging Email Templates:

Create templates for routine responses. This reduces cognitive load and enhances efficiency. Customize these for common client questions, project updates, and scheduling queries.

Ultimately, email management is not merely about efficiency but about owning your worth as an entrepreneur. Running a business should offer freedom, not bind you to other people's priorities.

By fostering better boundaries, entrepreneurs can build better work habits, which in turn boosts confidence and productivity. It's essential to remember that you are not always at others' beck and call.

Your time and attention are invaluable, so it’s time to let your inbox serve you, not the other way around.

Mentioned in this episode:

TidyCal - the online calendar that prevents me from overscheduling & sends reminders to my clients so I don’t have to 

Now What?  

Ready to start dealing with your Inbox? Be sure to grab my free worksheet that combines all the strategies shared in this episode.

It’s a simple to implement, step by step approach that will begin to free up time and attention for what matters most, which is not going to be found in your Inbox. Click here to get your copy.  

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

I sat down with Rochelle Moulton, a brand strategist, author, podcaster, and advocate for soloist consultants doing work that truly matters to discuss what it really means to have a mission-driven business. 

Unlike the political or violent imagery often associated with the term, we discussed revolution in the context of business and life. A revolution, as Rochelle defines it, is about driving change with a purpose.

Whether you aim to support queer-owned businesses, protect undeveloped land, or empower the neurodivergent community, your business can be a vehicle for transformative impact.

Practical Steps to Start Your Own Revolution

Identify Your Mission: Reflect on what passionately bothers you about the status quo in your area of expertise and what change you want to lead. 

Experiment & Iterate: Don't jump in without a plan. Start with small, manageable steps. Evaluate what works and build on that. This allows you to maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed or losing your drive.

Align With Allies: Build a network of like-minded individuals who support your mission. This can involve collaborations with other businesses, partnerships with influencers in your field, or joining relevant communities.

Monetize Wisely: Ensure your revolutionary idea can sustain you financially. Balance your passion with market viability. Think about how to price your services, the channels to reach your audience, and how to scale sustainably.

Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is key. Match your revolution to your genius zone. Play to your strengths, whether it's writing, speaking, or connecting deeply one-on-one.

Fun Fact:

Rochelle introduced the concept of a “situational extrovert”, describing people who are usually introverted but light up and slay the room when discussing their passions and expertise. This describes many mission-driven business owners, Is it you, too?

Mentioned in this episode: 

Michael Kitces financial advisor 

Want more Rochelle in your life?

Website - The Soloist Life Podcast  - The Authority Code Book 

Did you love this episode? 

If this episode really spoke to your mission-driven heart, won’t you let me know?  Here’s the link that makes it super easy to leave a review and helps spread the word to other neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the world.  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this episode, I share common triggers for disappointment, from overloading yourself with too many clients to underestimating how long things will take. When every missed deadline or forgotten email feels like a tidal wave of emotion, it’s well worth the effort to figure out how to reduce their frequency. 

This episode is filled with actionable solutions to help you craft systems that suit your ADHD brain, and after listening, don’t forget to grab your copy of my free handout so you can begin to implement them in your business. 

Here's what you'll learn:

1. The Emotional Amplifier Effect: Discover why disappointments hit us harder and how to manage them.
2. The Time Blindness Tax: Understand our unique perception of time and how it impacts our ability to get things done. 
3. The Interest Intensity Paradox: Learn to navigate the highs and lows of hyper-focus, so you don’t get hijacked and disappoint yourself & others. 
4. Common Disappointment Triggers: Identifying the usual suspects to avoid being tripped up or caught off guard. 
5. Disappointment Prevention Protocols: Practical strategies to sidestep common traps, bolster resilience, and bounce back faster and stronger.

Fun Fact: 

Berkeley Robotics & Lockheed Martin developed an exoskeleton called the HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) for the US military that boosts speed and endurance while reducing injury — a metaphor for the business system scaffolding I teach in this episode (unlike the one that had to be surgically attached to Matt Damon’s character in Elysium. )  

Mentioned in this episode:

ADHD-Friendly visual platforms:

• Trello
• Monday.com
• G-Queues
• Sunsama 

TidyCal - the online calendar I use that prevents me from overscheduling & sends reminders to my clients so I don’t have to 

Episode #241 - Quit Overcommitting by Stretching Your Time Horizon

Now What?  

Ready to make a change in your business routine? Be sure to grab our free worksheet that combines all the strategies shared in this episode. You'll find valuable tools to uplevel your systems, prevent disappointments, and manage your energy effectively. Grab it here.

Know you won’t do it on your own or don’t know where to start?  I work 1:1 with ADHD-ish entrepreneurs and creatives to make their businesses more ADHD-friendly.  Click here to book a free consultation to see if we’re a fit and if the timing is right.  

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Over time, and by allowing herself to follow her curiosity and pivoting in response to changing market conditions, Brittany was able to create a business that is as unique as she is, forming authentic connections in the often impersonal online world. 

Brittany has not been diagnosed, but in this conversation,  we highlight several of her traits that are very ADHD-ish. Listen for how many you identify with, too. 

5  Things You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Ikigai + Market Demand: It's not enough to just be passionate! Learn why it's crucial to align your passion with market demand for true success.
2. Optimizing Instead of Creating: Discover how tweaking and optimizing your existing digital profiles can be more beneficial—and less exhausting—than constantly creating new content.
3. SEO as an Ecosystem: Britney deconstructs SEO into simple, actionable steps, turning what many consider a daunting task into a fun and easy process.
4. Using Case Studies to Build Trust: Understand the power of testimonials in building trust and expediting your clients' decision-making process.
5. Managing ADHD-ish Tendencies for Business Success: Learn strategies for managing the flood of ideas and maintaining focus, a must-know for anyone entrepreneurial with ADHD-ish tendencies. 

Relatable Fact From Brittany’s Journey:

Did you know it took a persistent nudge from a retired businessman client to kick start Brittany on her entrepreneurial journey?

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Ikigai in Business 
• Wicked Peloton ride
• Strengths Finder 

Want More Brittany? 

• The Basic B Podcast with Brittany Herzberg
• SEO & Grow, a Private Podcast 
• The Business Owners Guide to Blogging 

If you’ve noticed that you remember things better when you hear them and read them,  Did you know you can sign up for the ADHD-ish LinkedIn newsletter and get episode highlights in writing?  Just click here and they’re all yours.  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

We have countless decisions to make and without a decision strategy in place, our defaults of impulsivity, overthinking, and self-doubt will be running the show. The good news is that there are simple ways to not only make better decisions now, but gain decision confidence for future choices. 

Your ADHD brain is not broken, but it does need the right systems and supports to make more good decisions and develop decision confidence for the future.

So grab your notepad or better yet, just grab my free guide (link below) with all the tools in this episode.  

What to Listen for:

• Speedboat vs. Anchor Mode - Understand your natural decision-making tendencies and how they affect your choices.
• The Traffic Light System - Learn how to categorize decisions into green, yellow, or red lights by their level of risk and impact 
• Setting Time Boundaries for Decision Making - Tips on how to avoid the dreaded research rabbit hole and diminishing returns 
• The Good Enough Rule - Discover how aiming for "good enough" can save you from perfectionism paralysis.
• Tracking Your Decisions- The importance of a decision journal and how it can boost your confidence.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Making impulsive decisions can sometimes be an ADHD superpower, because dopamine can open up creative problem-solving in surprising ways. 

Next Steps: 

Are you ready to put these strategies into action? Click here to grab your copy of my FREE "Decision Making with ADHD Guide" which includes journal prompts, the traffic light system, and a weekly decision review.

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

After hearing today’s guest share insights from her latest best seller, The Procrastination Playbook, in a webinar for Focused Space, I knew you had to meet her too. 

Risa Williams is an award-winning self-help book author, a licensed psychotherapist, a psychology professor, and a productivity coach. She's also the host of award winning “The Motivation Mindset Podcast.” 

Like her books and podcast, this episode is full of actionable insights and strategies you can apply right away.

Episode Overview:

Introducing the "Task Intensity Meter":

• Tool to manage energy and productivity by identifying personal limits for high-intensity tasks.
• Helps rearrange tasks to minimize stress by accounting for individual differences in energy levels.
• Encourages communication within families to better understand each other's stressors.

Strategies to Outsmart Procrastination:

• Identify sneaky forms of procrastination like the "halfway drift."
• Starting with the smallest, easiest steps to build momentum.
• Breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts.

Building Skill & Celebrating Progress:

• Small Steps Journal: Encourages listing three daily accomplishments.
• Reviewing accomplishments monthly to boost confidence and combat imposter syndrome.
• Building habits and confidence through recognizing achievements.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Focused Space (ADHD-ish code for 1 mo free + 30% off after that)

Focus Mate 

Want more Risa Williams in your life?  

Website - Instagram - Podcast 

If you are striving to manage your ADHD tendencies, it really helps to know which one is your biggest obstacle. Is it Time Blindness, Distractibility or Procrastination?  Click here to take my free quiz, “What’s Holding You Back?” to find out and get customized solutions for business and life.  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

In this solo episode, I'll be sharing seven strengths frequently associated with ADHD and how you can identify if you possess them. But that's not all—I'll also provide you with practical techniques for validating these gifts, so you can turn them into powerful business assets.

📖 Episode Highlights:

1. Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Are you able to pick up on others' moods effortlessly? You might have this gift!
2. Intuitive Problem Solving: Are you often the one finding unconventional yet effective solutions that others miss?
3. Creative Self-Expression: Do you communicate complex ideas through stories, analogies, or visuals that make everything click for others?
4. Pattern Recognition: Do you spot trends and predict outcomes before anyone else notices them?
5. Rapid Adaptability: Are you someone who thrives in rapidly changing situations 
6. Crisis Management: Do you think clearly in emergencies when everyone else is in a state of panic? 
7. Innovation Through Divergent Thinking: Do you generate multiple ideas effortlessly and combine them in unique, valuable ways?

This episode is packed with real-life examples of how these gifts have transformed the businesses of other neurodivergent solopreneurs and actionable techniques to help you validate your own strengths.

👉 Next Up:

Don’t miss our upcoming episode featuring neurodivergent author and therapist, Risa Williams, where she'll share insights from her bestseller, The Procrastination Playbook. Also, stay tuned for the companion episode to this one, focusing on turning your ADHD strengths into tangible business assets!

If you haven’t already, make sure to follow and subscribe to our podcast. Exciting episodes are on the horizon, and you won't want to miss out!

Apple Podcasts  - Spotify  -  Castbox  -  Overcast 

© 2024 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

If one of your 2025 goals is to be more intentional about inclusive practices, this episode is full of simple but meaningful examples you can begin implementing right away. 

Expect some delightful conversational tangents typical of chats between two entrepreneurs with ADHD.  

3 Key Takeaways from our Conversation:

• The Power of Alignment: 

Meg shared how aligning business practices with personal ethics not only creates a more fulfilling work experience but also resonates more deeply with clients and communities.

• The Importance of Accessibility: 

From camel case for clarity to adaptable color contrasts, making content accessible benefits everyone. Meg emphasizes small, intentional changes can lead to significant improvements in inclusivity.

• Designing for the Edges: 

We discussed the concept of "designing for the edges," where focusing on those with specific needs (like using alt text or providing captions) ultimately benefits a broader audience, making the world more just and inclusive.

Get started with these free accessibility tools: alt text generator,   caption generator,   color contrast checker

Laugh Out Loud Moment from the Episode:

Remember Susan Boyle’s epic fail announcing her album party on Twitter 🫣? Listen to Meg hilariously explain why you should always use camel case in your hashtags. 

Mentioned during the interview: 

Mina Raver - Better CEO app 

Canaries in the coal mine

Wicked - the movie 

Want more Meg’s in your life?  

Website - LinkedIn - BlueSky

Meg’s interview on the Talk Copy to Me podcast 

Ready to use your ADHD strengths as business assets, like Meg? My coaching framework, The Boss Up Breakthrough was designed to help you do just that.

Take advantage of my fast-action bonus by booking a free consultation with me during January. Click here to find out more.

Thank you for joining Meg & I on ADHD-ish. Remember, fairness, inclusivity, and just marketing are not just buzzwords—they are actionable paths to a more ethical and thriving business. Join us next time, and until then, stay focused, stay curious, and stay you.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

With a passion for integrating past successes into new ventures, Anne Levine specializes in guiding clients through the complexities of ADHD and personal growth challenges. 

For a number of reasons, many individuals with ADHD struggle with substance abuse, and achieving long term sobriety requires a deep understanding of not only how to change our beliefs and behaviors, but how to sustain them. With 30 years in recovery, Anne brings a profound understanding about achieving lasting change to her coaching practice. 

Because her background is so varied and her experience is rich, Anne was struggling to hone in on her specific niche and unique coaching framework.  As a former therapist with several careers under my belt,  who also has ADHD, I understood her challenge and knew exactly how to help her. 

And, I knew she was ready, when she said:

"I want to deliver something so clear so that my client can say, 'This is what I did. If you want to do this, talk to her.'"  Anne Levine 

📌 Key Insights

• Nailing the Niche:
• Anne initially faced confusion and shifts in focus. Her breakthrough? Realizing that her expertise in time and energy management—especially for those with long-term sobriety—was her true calling.
• Creating Legacy Work:
• To uncover our unique gifts and strengths, we need to avoid adopting someone else’s approach, which often lacks personal authenticity.
• Conviction in Coaching:
• Standing out long-term necessitates conviction. Establishing and understanding one’s “inner compass” leads to sustainable growth and genuine connections with clients.

To connect with Anne Levine and learn more about her work: 

Website -  Instagram - LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:   Dr Michelle Mazur - 3 Word Rebellion

Thinking about becoming one of my future Client Success Stories?  It starts with a free consultation to talk about our goals and challenges and to see if it makes sense to work together. 

No fee, no obligation, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with actionable insights,  whether we decide to work together or not.  No brainer, right?  Click here to find out more. 

And, don’t forget to rate and review and let us know your biggest takeaway from today's conversation!  

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops  / All rights reserved. Outro music by Vladimir /  Bobi Music / All rights reserved. 

Those who have been able to figure out where their ADHD strengths fit best often did so after years of trial and error or were lucky enough to have a coach, mentor or parent who pointed them in the right direction.  

But what if job crafting for ADHD strengths was accessible for all?  

I came across an article in ADDitude magazine about ADHD and job crafting and decided to reach out to the author.