Why it Matters to Work with an ADHD-Friendly Business Coach

Why neurotypical coaches bring fresh perspectives to ADHD-friendly coaching

Stephanie shared that despite her doubts about coaching those with ADHD—due to not having the condition herself—client feedback praised her outsider perspective and her ability to provide a secure space

I recently connected with two fellow business coaches who specialize in working with solopreneurs with ADHD traits and challenges.  What was immediately fascinating to me is the fact that both of these women are neurotypical.  

Most of the coaches I know who choose to work with clients with ADHD do so because they have ADHD themselves, and deeply understand what their clients are struggling with.  But, this can be hit or miss, due to over-identifying with the client and because we all have biases and blindspots.  I was eager to get to know Stephanie and Justine and hear both their reasons for choosing this niche and their approach to working with clients. 

As we kicked off the conversation, I emphasized an often-overlooked truth: while ADHD undoubtedly influences our identity, it should never completely define us. Both neurotypical individuals and those with ADHD wrestle with issues like disorganization and forgetfulness. ADHD may be the case of many of our struggles, but we are not the only one who have these specific challenges. 

One of my “soapbox rants” is that II caution others against forming an exclusive identity based on ADHD, as it can create distance from the wider neurotypical society. This distance rarely benefits an entrepreneurial journey and can lead to missed opportunities. 

Stephanie Wasylyk brought forth an invaluable perspective on creating ADHD-friendly spaces that cater to diverse learning styles. She ensures that her community and coaching practices are inclusive and welcoming. I affectionately call Stephanie and her peers "ADHD enthusiasts" for their dedication to fostering inclusive environments for entrepreneurs with ADHD traits, even though they are not neurodivergent, 

Stephanie shared that despite her doubts about coaching those with ADHD—due to not having the condition herself—client feedback praised her outsider perspective and her ability to provide a secure space. This underscores the essential role of empathy and adaptability in coaching practices.

The high percentage of entrepreneurs displaying ADHD characteristics is a vital consideration, as many of them have never been diagnosed or even considered that ADHD is part of their makeup. Ensuring that our environments support their unique needs is not just about addressing their ADHD traits—it's about empowering them to thrive holistically.

Justine Clay ventured into ADHD coaching due to her personal and familial experiences as both her husband and son have been diagnosed with ADHD.  Over time, she has evolved in her coaching business from initially  heavily branding her services around ADHD, but later realizing it limited her reach.By shifting to a more inclusive approach, asking clients about their learning and processing preferences, she tailored her methods for greater effectiveness. Rather than making ADHD the defining characteristic that her clients share,  she now centers her work on helping “creatives” (many of whom have ADHD.) 

During our conversation, I voiced my concerns regarding the ADHD coaching industry. Far too often, newly diagnosed individuals market themselves as “experts” with very little client experience and also without adequately managing their own condition. Simply because we have ADHD and may have completed an ADHD coach training program does not make us an instant expert.  There is so much variability among individuals with ADHD that true expertise can take years and working with hundreds of clients.  Ongoing supervision and peer review is not required of coaches, but is an excellent way to identify potential blind spots and maintain professional growth after certification. 

You can’t talk about the impact of ADHD on business without talking about the "love-hate" relationship many of us have with structure,  Those with ADHD require systems of support that offer both structure and flexibility. Stephanie added that clients often struggle not with the tools they use but with aligning those tools to their personal preferences. 

I have had so many clients ask me for the “perfect” calendar, project management system or productivity tracker, but they truly don’t exist.  We need to accept the necessity of trial and error, which allows for the discomfort of the learning curve.  There are hundreds of options and we will find what works best for each of us if we have patience and the willingness to experiment. 

The discussion reiterated that there's simply no "magic pill" for managing ADHD. It's crucial to customize approaches by understanding individual needs and motivations. Providing tailored resources and flexible interaction frameworks ensures effective and meaningful support for business coaches who work with clients who have ADHD. 

Justine shared her mantra, "you are creative, resourceful, and whole," and it resonated deeply. Combating the myth of being "broken," this affirmation empowers entrepreneurs to move forward confidently. The idea inspired me so much that I am even considering a tattoo symbolizing this mantra, linking it to my journey of overcoming scars—both literal and figurative.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.