CEO Mindset: Become the Leader Your Business Needs
If you are a neurodivergent business owner, one of the biggest challenges can be leading a team, especially if you lead an all-female team in a female-dominated industry like occupational therapy. For ADHD leaders, these challenges can be even more complex as we navigate our unique executive functioning differences while guiding others.
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 members of her team, what her business needs from her (not working harder), and how to reduce burnout and increase joy through doing less, not more. Her journey illustrates the transformation that's possible when ADHD leaders learn to work with their neurodivergence rather than against it.
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, rather than just addressing immediate needs. This type of strategic thinking is essential for ADHD leaders who often struggle with emotional regulation and can take business challenges personally.
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 step back, focus on bigger-picture issues, and reclaim her time. This shift not only brought more balance to her work-life integration but also empowered her team to step up and grow. Creating structured time for strategic thinking is particularly valuable for ADHD leaders who can get caught up in the daily urgency trap.
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. Self-acceptance is foundational for ADHD leaders because it allows them to build systems that support their strengths while accommodating their challenges, rather than constantly fighting against their natural wiring.
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?
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.
