Lessons in Leadership for Women with ADHD

Leadership, Boundaries & Growth as a Female Entrepreneur with ADHD

Kirsten’s decision to adopt 'owner days,' where she steps away from the office to focus on business strategy and planning instead of being perpetually mired in the daily operations, was particularly inspiring.

As a business strategist and coach who works exclusively with solopreneurs, creatives, and small business owners with ADHD traits, I find myself continually inspired and challenged by the stories and insights shared by my clients.  This post is about one of my favorites,  Kirsten Beukes. 

Kirsten, hailing from South Africa, is the owner of a successful group occupational therapy practice. In a recent conversation, recorded for the ADHD-ish podcast as a Client Success Story episode, Kirsten and I explored what it means to be a female entrepreneur juggling the responsibilities of being both a practitioner and a business owner. 

Kirsten's narrative struck a chord with me, particularly when she shared how overwhelming it was to balance running the practice while also being one of the leading “producers” on her team. This is a common theme in the life of female business owners: the dance between nurturing our business ambitions and managing the myriad of tasks that threaten to overwhelm us.

One of the more dramatic “ah-ha moments” Kirsten had during our work together was when she realized she had been setting standards for her team based on her own high expectations and ADHD-driven work ethic, assuming her example alone would inspire the same in others. My insights into the necessity of recognizing the different mindsets between business owners and employees were enlightening for Kirsten. It reminded me of how crucial it is for us female entrepreneurs to distinguish between our drive and the motivations of our team, ensuring we lead by understanding rather than assumption.

As Kirsten reflected on her journey, she candidly discussed how her ADHD influenced her approach to business, often leading her to take on too much while feeling the weight of people-pleasing tendencies. Listening to her was a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing balance. Kirsten’s decision to adopt "owner days," where she steps away from the office to focus on business strategy and planning instead of being perpetually mired in the daily operations, was particularly inspiring. It’s a strategy that many of us could benefit from, allowing room for reflection and big-picture thinking.

Moreover, the narrative touched upon the internal and external pressures female entrepreneurs face. In South Africa, as Kirsten explained, the competitive job market for occupational therapists means there's a constant worry about retaining talent. Her fear of losing team members if she didn't meet their expectations was a sentiment that resonated deeply. It underscored the necessity for maintaining a healthy business environment where both leaders and team members feel valued and inspired.

Ultimately, this conversation reinforced the reality that as female entrepreneurs, we must continuously learn and adapt. It’s about embracing our unique qualities, including ADHD, as strengths that shape our leadership style. The journey of entrepreneurship isn't solitary; it's about building a business that reflects our values while fostering a culture that thrives on diverse strengths.

Kirsten's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of female business owners. Her journey serves as both a comfort and a challenge — comforting in knowing that others share this complex journey, and challenging us to continuously grow, adapt, and lead with both our hearts and our heads. This conversation would be a valuable listen for business owners with ADHD who want to develop their leadership skills, especially those who are in healthcare.  If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.