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.

Brittany Herzberg’s journey—from massage therapist to SEO copywriter—shows how powerful curiosity can be in shaping a business that feels authentic and sustainable. Instead of forcing herself into a narrow niche, she followed the threads of what fascinated her: caring for people, storytelling, and the connection between SEO and copywriting. Her willingness to explore led her to a marketing SEO strategy that blends social proof, narrative, and searchability in a way only she could create. For female entrepreneurs, her story is a reminder that curiosity is not chaos—it’s clarity. When you follow what genuinely interests you, you uncover opportunities that align with your strengths and build a business that grows with you, not against you.

True thought leadership requires a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and challenge long-held beliefs. It's not about preaching to the converted—it's about pushing boundaries and sparking debates that lead to growth and progress. Thought leaders bring a fresh viewpoint to their industries, challenging conventional wisdom and offering innovative solutions. Take Gabor Mate as an example—his unique perspective and bold communication position him as a sought-after authority who doesn't hold back from sharing controversial opinions. But being a thought leader goes beyond expertise—it's about creating projects and platforms that enhance your brand authority and amplify your message. It can be frustrating to see individuals with limited knowledge calling themselves experts and thought leaders, which is why you need a legitimate body of work and depth of knowledge before positioning yourself this way. Thought leadership is not about empty self-promotion but rather about sharing genuine insights, wisdom, and expertise that can impact people's lives. Your voice matters, and the time to make a difference is now.

Nicole Kalil wrote "Validation is For Parking" to bring balance to the fact that 92% of business books are written by men. Her message challenges the "confidence con"—the false and mixed messages women receive around how to look confident versus how to be confident, which can lead to self-loathing and perfectionism. A crucial insight from chapter 5: understanding what you're not meant for is just as important as knowing your passions and talents. Building confidence starts by taking action and challenging yourself to grow, but you need to look inside yourself—not to external validation or approval—to find lasting confidence. For women 50+, navigating ageism and sexism in the workplace becomes a form of self-empowerment. By understanding and addressing discrimination, you can take charge of your career path, assert your worth, and ensure your skills and experience are valued. Remember: saying yes to something means saying no to something else. Choose intentionally, embrace who you're not, and recognize that confidence is an inside job.