ADHD Isn’t Just Distractibility, The Truth About Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD is often misunderstood as mere distraction or restlessness, yet for women it frequently shows up in more invisible ways: emotional overwhelm, chronic masking, and a lingering sense of being misunderstood. Emotional dysregulation—the quick shifts between joy, frustration, and sadness—can complicate relationships and fuel rejection sensitivity, often leading to misdiagnosis as anxiety or mood disorders. But alongside these struggles lie remarkable strengths: curiosity, creativity, and a playful perspective that drives innovation and resilience. By naming and validating these experiences, we not only rewrite the ADHD narrative for women but also highlight the strengths that make neurodivergent minds essential in work, life, and leadership.
ADHD Rejection Sensitivity: How to Handle It When Prospects Ghost You
Ghosting can feel crushing for ADHD entrepreneurs, triggering rejection sensitivity and endless mental “open loops.” But most of the time, it’s not personal—it’s about the prospect’s circumstances, not your skills. The key is reframing ghosting as data, setting clear expectations, and closing loops for yourself with professional follow-ups and boundaries. By strengthening your pipeline, limiting rumination, and leaning on systems, you protect your energy while staying focused on what you can control. Ghosting doesn’t diminish your value; it’s just part of the process of finding the right clients.
Why Weird Works: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs, ADHD Strengths, and Real Success
Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path, and for those of us with ADHD, it often feels like a winding road full of detours, dead ends, and unexpected scenic routes. Yet, it’s on these unconventional paths that our unique strengths shine brightest. Early in my journey, I struggled to fit into standard business practices—long meetings, linear plans, and rigid expectations left me restless and frustrated. It wasn’t until I embraced my ADHD that I realized my brain’s natural tendencies could become powerful business assets.
ADHD gives us the ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles. My mind thrives on novelty, spontaneity, and creative problem-solving, which has allowed me to craft innovative solutions and build systems that align with my natural workflow. Facilitated sprint sessions, a technique I learned from Evan Sargent, became a game-changer. Structuring work in quick, focused bursts with intentional breaks allows ADHD entrepreneurs to channel restlessness into productivity without burning out.
Being part of a community of like-minded, neurodivergent entrepreneurs has been equally transformative. Sharing strategies, celebrating wins, and navigating setbacks together fosters camaraderie and reinforces the value of our ADHD strengths. The biggest revelation? “Weird” is not a liability—it’s a competitive edge. By leaning into our differences and designing systems that honor our neurodivergent wiring, we can redefine success on our own terms and turn challenges into opportunities for creativity, innovation, and growth.In this episode of the ADHD-ish Podcast, I explore why embracing your so-called “weirdness” is the secret to thriving as a neurodivergent entrepreneur. Joined by Evan Sargent, we dive into strategies like facilitated sprints, self-acceptance, and building systems that amplify your creativity instead of fighting against it. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the traditional business mold, this episode is for you.
Healthy Startups: Beyond Profit, Mental Health Matters
Entrepreneurship often glorifies hustle, profit, and relentless growth—but Mina Raver’s story shines a light on a different path. As a trailblazing female entrepreneur and innovator, she has transformed personal adversity into a mission to redefine productivity, authenticity, and mental health in the startup world. Her journey demonstrates that success is not only about scaling quickly or satisfying investors, but also about creating sustainable systems that honor our well-being—especially for neurodivergent minds navigating executive functioning challenges.
Through her work, including the creation of adaptive tools like the Better CEO app, Mina is pushing for inclusivity in industries that often overlook the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Her perspective challenges the status quo, offering an alternative vision where resilience, authenticity, and balance drive innovation. Mina’s philosophy reminds us that the health of a founder is just as vital as the success of their business—and perhaps the most important foundation for long-term impact.
ADHD Leaders: Powerful Strategies for Women in Charge
Leadership can feel overwhelming for women entrepreneurs with ADHD, but stories like Kirsten Beukes’ prove that balance and impact are possible when we lean into our strengths. As the owner of a thriving group occupational therapy practice in South Africa, Kirsten has learned to navigate the challenges of being both practitioner and business leader, while also honoring the realities of ADHD. Her journey highlights the tension many ADHD leaders face—managing the demands of daily operations while still making time for big-picture strategy.
Through trial and insight, Kirsten discovered the importance of setting boundaries, adjusting expectations for her team, and creating intentional “owner days” for strategic focus. Her story is a powerful reminder that ADHD leadership is not about fitting into traditional molds, but about channeling creativity, empathy, and resilience into building organizations that reflect both personal values and team well-being. For women in business, especially those navigating ADHD, this narrative offers strategies, encouragement, and proof that our unique wiring can be an asset when we embrace it fully.