Embracing Your 'Weird': Why Standing Out Is the Secret to Thriving as a Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

Your “Weird” Is Your Winning Strategy—Here’s How to Embrace It

Over time, I learned to be kinder to myself, to accept that unconventional does not mean incapable, and to recognize that my unique wiring is what fuels my innovative spirit.

As a female entrepreneur navigating the complexities of business ownership, I've learned that the path to success is rarely a straight line. For those of us with ADHD, that path can often resemble a winding road with many detours and scenic routes that weren’t on the original map. Yet, it is on this unconventional journey that I’ve discovered the real magic of embracing my unique brain and leveraging it as a powerful business asset.

I remember the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, feeling a constant sense of being out of place in the world of standard business practices. Meetings filled with endless talk and little action left me restless and frustrated.  It wasn’t until I embraced my ADHD that I began to see it not as a hindrance but as a unique perspective that set me apart in the entrepreneurial world.

Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that my ADHD gave me the ability to see possibilities where others saw problems. My penchant for thinking outside the box allowed me to craft innovative solutions and approaches that others might overlook. It was this realization that led me to develop systems and processes that work with my ADHD, not against it. 
One of the reasons I started the ADHD-ish podcast is that it gives me the opportunity to meet with other entrepreneurs who are like-minded and like-brained and learn from them.  One of my recent guests, Evan Sargent, introduced me to the concept of facilitated sprint sessions, which she uses in her business model. This approach aligns perfectly with her fast-paced mind, allowing her to move from vision to implementation swiftly and efficiently while keeping the energy and spontaneity that fuels her creativity.

The concept of facilitated sprints became a revelation. By structuring work in quick, focused bursts, Evan has found a way to not only manage her ADHD restlessness but to use it to her advantage. She designed her days around periods of intense focus on specific tasks, interspersed with breaks to rest and recharge. This method has been invaluable in maintaining Evan’s productivity without succumbing to the burnout that so often accompanies the ADHD experience.

Being a female entrepreneur has its unique set of challenges, and adding ADHD into the mix can make it feel even more daunting. However, these challenges can become our greatest allies when we approach them with the right mindset. Over time, I learned to be kinder to myself, to accept that unconventional does not mean incapable, and to recognize that my unique wiring is what fuels my innovative spirit. Evan shared during our interview that she learned to embrace her “weirdness” a long time ago and now realizes it can be her competitive edge. 

Surrounding myself with other ambitious female entrepreneurs who understand and appreciate the ADHD experience has been transformative. It’s a space where we can share strategies, celebrate our wins, and navigate the setbacks with humor and resilience. This sense of camaraderie is invaluable, turning what could easily feel like isolation into a shared journey of growth and empowerment.

Ultimately, the most profound lesson I’ve learned is that ADHD doesn’t need to be a barrier to success; it can be a bridge to innovation and inspiration. By embracing my ADHD, I’ve redefined what it means to be a successful female entrepreneur on my terms. I encourage all of us in this space to lean into our differences, find systems that work for us, and harness the creative power that makes us uniquely capable of redefining the business landscape. 

This blog post is just a snapshot of my ongoing journey, and I hope it inspires fellow female entrepreneurs to explore and embrace their unique paths. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and lead with creativity, authenticity, and courage.

If you'd like to hear my interview with Evan Sargent on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.