In this powerful episode of the ADHD-ish Podcast, I sit down with psychiatrist and entrepreneurship researcher Dr. Michael Freeman to unpack how ADHD traits—often seen as deficits—can actually be superpowers in business. From crisis-thinking to creative resilience, we explore how neurodiverse entrepreneurs (especially women) thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. If you’ve ever wondered whether your brain is wired for success on your own terms, this is a must-listen.

In this episode of the ADHD-ish Podcast, I pull back the curtain on how ADHD entrepreneurs can move from brilliant-but-buried ideas to real, repeatable success. From dopamine scheduling to shiny object parking lots, I’m sharing the exact strategies that have helped me (and my clients) finally finish what we start—without smothering creativity or burning out. If your brain lights up with every new idea but struggles to see things through, this one’s for you.

Many neurodivergent entrepreneurs feel pressured to scale, hire teams, or chase seven-figure dreams—but that’s not the only path to success. In this conversation with Maggie Patterson, host of the ADHD-ish Podcast explores why staying solo can be the ultimate form of freedom and self-care. Maggie shares how designing a business around your actual life, capacity, and values can protect your energy, reduce stress, and create a more sustainable future. By challenging the hustle culture and rejecting one-size-fits-all business models, she empowers entrepreneurs to embrace simplicity, autonomy, and meaningful work over endless growth.

For many entrepreneurs—especially those with ADHD—the "Default Yes" can be a fast track to burnout. Years of people pleasing, driven by rejection sensitivity, fear of disappointing others, and impulsivity, can leave you overextended and undervalued. In this blog, you'll discover how to replace automatic yeses with intentional boundaries using strategies like buffer phrases, guilt-free responses, and practical follow-up habits. By learning to pause, assess requests, and protect your time, you’ll not only reduce stress but also gain more respect from clients and collaborators. The journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, self-respect, and creating space for what matters most.

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.

Living with ADHD as a solopreneur often comes with what’s called the “ADHD Tax”—those hidden costs in time, money, and energy caused by missed deadlines, late fees, or overlooked opportunities. For years, I thought these mistakes reflected personal failings, but what I’ve learned is that they’re tied to how the ADHD brain approaches task initiation. Instead of fighting against it, I discovered how to design systems that work with my wiring, allowing me to show up with more clarity, creativity, and confidence.

Through intentional rituals, cues, and calendar blocking, task initiation stopped being a roadblock and became a launchpad for meaningful progress. Scheduling well-being blocks and recovery runways not only preserved my energy but also created natural transition points that made starting tasks far less overwhelming. By reframing ADHD task initiation as a neurological challenge instead of a flaw, I built strategies that support my strengths while honoring the ebb and flow of focus.

This shift hasn’t just saved me from paying the ADHD Tax—it’s given me a framework for sustainable entrepreneurship and self-compassion. And I’ve learned that connection is just as important as systems; being part of a community of ADHD entrepreneurs offers solidarity, encouragement, and collective wisdom. With the right tools and mindset, task initiation doesn’t have to drain your energy or your wallet—it can become the foundation for a thriving business built on your unique strengths.

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.

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.

Entrepreneurship with ADHD often means navigating challenges while uncovering unique strengths that can transform the way we do business. In this episode, Iris Goldfeder shares how she leverages her ADHD traits as entrepreneurial superpowers. From hyperfocus and systems thinking to strategic listening and authenticity, Iris demonstrates how neurodivergent strengths can fuel creativity, innovation, and stronger client relationships.

One of her most powerful insights lies in the concept of client fit—choosing to work only with clients who align with her values and business vision. By embracing authenticity, even if it means walking away from misaligned opportunities, she’s built a practice rooted in integrity and sustainability. Iris’s approach reminds us that success isn’t just about hard skills or scaling faster—it’s about cultivating courage, empathy, and emotional intelligence to create partnerships that thrive. For neurodivergent entrepreneurs, these qualities aren’t just helpful; they’re essential tools for building meaningful, lasting businesses.

For ADHD solopreneurs and small business owners, the inbox can quickly become a trap—a place where urgency and novelty hijack focus and derail productivity. Emails feel important, but in reality, they’re often just other people’s priorities. With ADHD, the brain craves stimulation, making constant email checking a hard-to-break cycle that drains energy and executive functioning.

In this post, I share simple, ADHD-friendly inbox organization strategies that shift your relationship with email from reactive to intentional. From scheduling specific check-in times, to using folders, templates, and autoresponders, these strategies help you set boundaries, protect deep work time, and reduce task-switching fatigue. The goal isn’t just inbox zero—it’s reclaiming your time, focus, and confidence as a business owner. Because when you stop letting emails run your day, you finally create the space to focus on what matters most.

Leading a revolution with your business isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about aligning your work with purpose, passion, and impact. Whether you’re carving out a niche, challenging outdated narratives, or redefining industry norms, small but intentional steps can create lasting change. By embracing your genius zone, narrowing your focus, and building authentic connections, your business becomes more than just a service—it becomes a movement. Ready to claim your space and lead with clarity? Listen to my latest ADHD-ish Podcast episode with Rochelle Moulton and start your revolution today!

For self-employed entrepreneurs with ADHD, disappointment can hit harder than expected. Our brains amplify emotions, struggle with time perception, and get lost in hyperfocus, making setbacks feel overwhelming. But by implementing business systems, energy management strategies, and a "Minimum Viable Day" plan, we can prevent and recover from disappointment faster. The key isn’t avoiding failure—it’s learning how to bounce back and keep moving forward. Want practical strategies? Grab my free worksheet on disappointment prevention and ADHD-friendly business systems!

Traditional advice tells us to niche down and stay in our lane, but what if curiosity is actually our biggest business asset? Brittany’s entrepreneurial journey—from massage therapist to SEO strategist—proves that following curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities. Instead of resisting change, she leaned into her evolving interests, allowing them to shape her business in ways she never anticipated. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t have to be linear. By embracing curiosity, female entrepreneurs can build businesses that are both fulfilling and uniquely their own.

For entrepreneurs with ADHD, decision-making can feel like swinging between two extremes—acting on impulse or overanalyzing to the point of exhaustion. I’ve experienced both, and over time, I developed a traffic light system to help balance these tendencies. Green light decisions? Trust your gut and act fast. Yellow light decisions? Set clear boundaries and a time limit. Red light decisions? Take your time but avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis. By tracking decisions and seeing them as experiments rather than definitive successes or failures, we can build confidence, make smarter choices, and keep moving forward in business.

If you're waiting for motivation to strike before taking action, you might be stuck in a self-sabotaging cycle. In my conversation with Risa Williams, psychotherapist and productivity expert, we explored how procrastination sneaks into our lives—whether through "halfway drift" or the illusion that we need to feel motivated before we begin. Risa's "task intensity meter" offers a fresh approach to managing energy and avoiding burnout, challenging the toxic hustle culture that keeps so many entrepreneurs overwhelmed. By breaking tasks into small, manageable steps and celebrating progress, we can cultivate sustainable success without sacrificing well-being.

ADHD isn’t just about challenges—it comes with powerful strengths that can be game-changers in business. From heightened emotional intelligence to intuitive problem-solving, ADHD entrepreneurs often excel in areas that others struggle with. Whether it’s the ability to spot patterns before they emerge, break down complex ideas into digestible concepts, or stay cool under pressure, these gifts can set you apart in your field. By recognizing and harnessing these strengths, you can transform the way you work, connect, and innovate. It’s time to stop seeing ADHD as a limitation and start embracing it as your business superpower.

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. In my conversation with Meg Brunson, we explored the power of “designing for the edges,” a principle that prioritizes accessibility for those who need it most while benefiting a broader audience. Meg shared her journey from Facebook ads to a more holistic and ethical marketing approach, emphasizing the importance of aligning business practices with personal values.

We discussed practical strategies for making digital content more accessible, like using Camel Case in hashtags, ensuring large and accurate captions, and leveraging color contrast checkers. Meg also touched on the ethical challenges of marketing, including the importance of transparency and the delicate balance of expanding accessibility without unintentionally misleading audiences.

Her entrepreneurial journey—shaped by her experiences living in an RV, working with the deaf community, and navigating business with ADHD—offered powerful insights into the intersection of inclusivity and business success. For female entrepreneurs, Meg’s approach is a reminder that true impact comes from creating spaces where everyone can engage fully.

Anne Levine’s remarkable journey from therapist to coach is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Like many female entrepreneurs, Anne faced the challenge of defining a new professional identity while navigating the habits of her past roles. Her experience underscores the importance of leveraging past successes as stepping stones, not shackles, and aligning your work with your unique strengths.

Through our work together, Anne refined her "inner compass," gained clarity on her goals, and developed strategies to create lasting change for her clients. Her story is a powerful reminder for solopreneurs: authenticity and self-definition are the keys to building a legacy that resonates and endures in a saturated coaching industry.

Navigating the workforce with ADHD can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be limiting. Through "job crafting," you can align your career with your unique strengths and create a fulfilling work life. By focusing on tasks that play to your ADHD-driven creativity, hyperfocus, and adaptability, while establishing supportive structures for areas of struggle, you can thrive professionally. This compassionate and strengths-based approach not only empowers individuals but also enhances workplace productivity and creativity. Discover how to craft a career that supports your ADHD traits and allows you to shine authentically.

Traditional resolutions often fail because they rely on rigid methods that don't align with the ADHD brain. Instead, consider ADHD-friendly alternatives like theming your year or incorporating gentle nudges. Theming offers flexibility and meaningful direction, while nudges act as supportive reminders to maintain balance and prevent burnout. These adaptable strategies prioritize progress over perfection, helping you live a life that feels authentic and aligned. Whether it's through embracing a yearly theme or setting up small reminders, 2025 can be a year of intentional living and sustainable growth.