As female entrepreneurs, most of us are juggling a multitude of responsibilities, from managing our businesses to looking after our families. This intense balancing act can be particularly daunting for those of us with ADHD. ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact our daily lives and our ability to focus and manage our tasks. Add the uncertainty of entrepreneurship and lack of structure that comes with working from home and distractions multiply.

If you have ADHD, you are no stranger to emotional dysregulation and overwhelm and if you are a female entrepreneur, you are no stranger to the ups and downs of running a business, which can be a major source of stress and overwhelm. Some of the techniques and strategies that are most helpful to me and other female entrepreneurs was the subject of my recent discussion with ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Coach, Kate Moryoussef.

As a former psychotherapist with firsthand experience of both diagnosing others with ADHD as well as being diagnosed myself, I’d like to open up a dialog about embracing a more inclusive discussion about who fits under the ADHD umbrella, and importantly, why acknowledging our varied experiences is crucial for our identity and our journey.

This post was written based on my recent conversation with Cathy Rashidian, my friend, content collaborator and fellow ADHD coach. We noted that many of our choices are driven by forces that seem to be outside our control, but when we apply insight and awareness, we can identify and change our unconscious patterns.

In this blog post, I want to demystify the ADHD-boredom connection. I'll take you through the reasons behind it from a neurobiological perspective and share actionable strategies and real-life examples for dealing with it from my own experience and those of my clients. When we can manage our boredom more effectively, we can protect our productivity, relationships, and our very businesses.

As a female entrepreneur with ADHD, burnout isn't an unlikely occurance—it's a clear and present danger that can derail both the personal and professional. I recently had an insightful conversation with David Greenwood, author, podcaster and ADHD coach, who shares his lived experience and expert advice on effectively reducing the risk of burnout for brains like ours.

If you have ADHD, whether it was discovered in childhood or many years later, you have spent a lot of time trying to manage your symptoms so that they don’t interfere with your success. But, it’s not just about structure, systems, strategies and supports, your mindset also matters. Instead of focusing on your ADHD symptoms, you can try thinking of them as traits and even assets. Let me tell you what I mean by using examples of people close to me.

Being a entrepreneur with ADHD is undoubtedly challenging, especially when we have to push ourselves to do tasks that may not seem appealing at the moment. To overcome this, we need to understand the four primary drivers that stimulate our ADHD brain: interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency. Let's unpack each of these drivers, discuss examples, and explore how to implement them strategically in your business.

Today, I'd like to delve into a fascinating and controversial question: Do all entrepreneurs have ADHD? This question is particularly relevant for female entrepreneurs, who face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With increased awareness about ADHD thanks to the Internet and social media, there has also been a surge of misinformation that can lead to confusion or even harm. My aim is to provide clarity and meaningful insights based on my own experiences as a licensed psychotherapist, business coach, and yes, a female entrepreneur with ADHD.

I recently had the pleasure of having an in-depth conversation on an area that holds tremendous personal and professional interest to me—ADHD traits and their correlation to success in female entrepreneurship with Dr. Johan Wiklund, professor of entrepreneurship at Syracuse University. Dr Wiklund focus of research and publication as well as teaching is the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health, with a special emphasis on ADHD, a diagnosis that Dr Wiklund and I share.

I'm always on the lookout for other entrepreneurs and personal brands that stand out in a crowded market. These connections usually result in insightful discussions that not only inspire but also provide practical advice those of us who are still finding our own unique path. I sat down with two of my favorite creative business owners, Annie P Ruggles and Deanna Seymour to see what they had to say about aligning their brand with their quirky, original selves.

For many female entrepreneurs, success is not measured as much in revenue or profit, but in aligning their business with deeply-held values, energy, and personal lifestyle. During a period of business soul-searching, my client, Jen Liddy reached out to work with me. We have known each other for several years and she knew what she needed most was not traditional business coaching, but rather a true thought partner.

As female entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves on a quest to balance self-care with the demands of our businesses. During the current Self-Care Series, we have been focusing on topics that are fundamental for both our mental health and the health of our businesses.

Meditation and mindfulness are often overlooked by adults with ADHD due to the many myths and misunderstandings. I recently sat down with fellow therapist, meditation teacher, and adult diagnosed with ADHD, Jude Star. One such myth is the belief that meditation is solely about concentration. Jude debunks this by emphasizing relaxation and slowing down as the true essence of the practice. Contrary to feeling triggered by the effortfulness that 'concentration' suggests, I found solace in Jude's guidance that meditation is about experiencing greater ease.

As a female entrepreneur, I know firsthand the multitude of challenges we face on our path to success. From the moment we awake to the closing of our laptops at the end of our work day, we juggle the fine balance between nurturing our businesses and honoring our personal well-being. Our roles are numerous, but amidst the chaos, we often neglect the most crucial component of our productivity: self-care. I recently sat down to interview Marisa Moon, where she discusses this very topic in relation to ADHD, intermittent fasting, and deep work – a conversation aligned perfectly with what so many of us need to hear.

In my quest as a female entrepreneur to find balance and healthy routines that fit within a busy schedule, the simple act of walking reveals itself as a hidden gem for both physical and mental well-being. In my enlightening conversation with Carolyn Cohen, it became apparent that walking, often overshadowed by high-impact exercise trends, is not just a means of movement, but a metaphor for progression and balance in life and work.

The insights shared on the podcast resonated deeply with me and reinforced the critical importance of self-care, especially during the transformative perimenopausal period. It's something that I, and so many fellow female entrepreneurs, can relate to but often overlooked in the daily rush of running our businesses.

As a female entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize the profound impact that quality sleep has on my overall wellness and success. I recently had the opportunity to delve into the topic on an episode of 'The Driven Woman Entrepreneur' podcast, where we were joined by my friend Morgan Adams, MSW. Our thoughtful discussion shed light on the importance of sleep, particularly for those juggling the many hats of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and an active personal life.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or burnt out by the demands of running a professional services business? The struggle is real, and I totally get it. Whether you're an attorney, graphic designer, or copywriter, providing 1:1 client services can be immensely rewarding, yet draining at the same time. That's why in this blog post, I want to address the issue of energetic drains in our businesses and offer some solutions to help us close those open loops and reverse the drain.

As I reflect on the recent milestone of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur podcast, reaching its 200th episode, I am invigorated by the wealth of insights and candid musings shared by our generous guests.