Diary of a ADHD Strategist Podcast

When Everything Falls Apart (And You’re Still Expected to Hold It Together)

Jan 2000:00:56Tap to summarize

There’s this thing that happens when you’re neurodivergent and life decides to absolutely demolish whatever fragile systems you’ve built to keep yourself functional.It’s not just that things fall apart—things fall apart for everyone. It’s that when you’re ND, you’ve spent years (decades, really) engineering these incredibly sophisticated scaffolding systems just to do what other people seem to manage automatically. And when crisis hits? That scaffolding doesn’t just wobble. It disintegrates.Last year taught me this in ways I’m still processing.💭 And by “processing,” I mean “occasionally lying awake at 3 AM wondering how I’m still upright.”The Morning Everything ChangedIt started ordinary enough. My partner was taking the dog out—just another morning routine in our carefully constructed life. Except she mentioned her eyesight wasn’t quite right.💬 “But I’m still going to take the dog out.”Ten minutes later, there’s a knock on the door. Which is weird for that time of morning. Strange enough that my brain flagged it immediately—that’s not right, that’s not the pattern—before I even opened it.She fell through the doorway.I caught her. Called emergency services. Watched as the life we’d been building got loaded into an ambulance.Stroke.She was in hospital for weeks. I stayed with her for two months while she recovered, watching someone I love struggle with tasks that used to be automatic. Watching her face the same kind of cognitive challenges I’ve been navigating my whole life, except hers appeared suddenly, traumatically, without the decades of coping mechanisms I’ve had to develop.💭 There’s something particularly cruel about watching someone you love experience a fraction of what you deal with daily and seeing how hard it is for them. It makes you realize how hard it’s been for you all along. And also how resilient you’ve had to become without even noticing.The Impossible EquationHere’s where the neurodivergent experience gets especially fun during crisis:I’m in London because that’s where work is. My partner and daughter are elsewhere. My daughter is three years old and needs her dad. My partner is recovering from a stroke and needs support. I have ADHD and dyslexia, which means sustained separation from my family while maintaining work responsibilities while managing crisis is...Let me put this mathematically, because sometimes numbers help:Executive Function Required = (Work demands × Physical distance) + (Family crisis × Emotional load) ÷ (Support systems - Geographic isolation) × (Neurodivergent processing challenges)The answer? Does not compute.And yet. Here I am. Computing it anyway. Because what’s the alternative?What Isolation Looks Like When Your Brain Already Feels IsolatedThere’s the regular isolation that everyone talks about—being physically separated from people you love, missing important moments, feeling disconnected.Then there’s neurodivergent isolation during crisis, which is... different.It’s not just being alone. It’s being alone while your brain is screaming for dopamine, for routine, for the exact structures that have just been obliterated. It’s needing to talk through your thoughts to process them (hello, ADHD verbal processing) but being physically separated from your people. It’s needing familiar environments to function optimally but being split between two locations because life demanded it.It’s watching yourself struggle with things you “should” be handling better while simultaneously knowing that of course you’re struggling—your entire support infrastructure just collapsed.💭 The cruel irony: I’ve spent years building systems to support other neurodivergent people, teaching them how to construct sustainable structures for their lives. And then life said “lol no” and knocked mine over like a toddler with blocks.The Mythology of ResiliencePeople love to talk about resilience. Especially when talking about neurodivergent people or people facing challenges. “You’re so resilient!” they say, like it’s a compliment.But here’s what resilience actually looks like in practice:It’s trying to be consistent for the people who’ve asked for your help while your brain is doing backflips trying to remember what day it is.It’s showing up for work calls while calculating whether you have enough executive function left to also remember to eat lunch.It’s being present for your three-year-old daughter during precious video calls while part of your brain is spiraling about all the moments you’re missing.It’s holding space for your partner’s recovery while your own mental health is doing that thing where it pretends everything’s fine until it absolutely isn’t.Resilience isn’t strength. It’s the exhausting mathematics of rationing a finite resource (your cognitive capacity) across infinite demands.And sometimes—most times—the equation doesn’t balance.What I’m Learning (While Everything’s Still On Fire)1. Crisis doesn’t care about your neurodivergence.Life will absolutely hand you situations that require exactly the skills you don’t have. Sustained attention? Executive function? Emotional regulation during high-stress situations? Cool cool cool, here’s a family medical emergency across multiple cities.2. But your neurodivergence will absolutely affect how you experience crisis.The isolation hits different. The loss of routine is catastrophic in ways neurotypical people don’t fully grasp. The cognitive load of managing multiple locations, responsibilities, and emotional demands while your brain is already working overtime just to function normally?It’s not just hard. It’s different hard.3. You can’t engineer your way out of everything.💭 This one stings, because I’ve built my entire approach around “engineering solutions” rather than “accepting limitations.”But sometimes life presents problems that don’t have elegant solutions. Sometimes the answer is just: this is terrible, and you’re going to feel terrible, and there’s no system or app or routine that makes it not-terrible.Sometimes you just have to be in it.4. Asking for help is still really hard.Even when you desperately need it. Even when you teach other people to do it. Even when you know it’s the logical thing.Because there’s this voice (internalized ableism is fun) that says you should be able to handle this. That if you were better at managing your ADHD, more disciplined, more organized, less... you... then this would be easier.That voice is a liar, but it’s a persistent one.The Part Where I Try to Be Hopeful (Despite Everything)Here’s what I know: This year has to be different. Not because I’m manifesting positive vibes or whatever, but because the current equation is unsustainable and something has to shift.I’m pushing forward—not in that toxic productivity “hustle harder” way, but in the “I need to fundamentally restructure my life so I can actually be present for my family” way.I’m going to keep helping people. Partly because it’s what I do, partly because supporting others actually helps me feel less isolated (ADHD brain loves being useful for other people even when it can’t support itself), and partly because I’ve been asked specifically to help with tech solutions for neurodivergent folks and that’s genuinely exciting work.💭 Technology and AI for neurodivergent business support? YES PLEASE. This is exactly the kind of engineering-solutions-to-ND-challenges work that lights up my brain.I’m aiming for consistency—which is hilarious given that consistency is perhaps the single hardest thing for an ADHD brain to achieve. But I’m going to try anyway, because my daughter is three and watching her dad model “trying even when it’s hard” matters.I’m going to create educational content about applying technology in ways that actually support neurodivergent processing, because if I’ve learned anything this year it’s that we need better tools, better systems, and better understanding of how to make technology work with our brains instead of against them.What I Want You to KnowIf you’re reading this and you’re also neurodivergent and everything feels impossible right now?You’re not failing.Your brain isn’t broken because it can’t handle crisis the way you think it “should.”The systems you built that worked perfectly fine until they didn’t? They weren’t inadequate. Life just exceeded their specifications.The fact that you’re struggling with things that seem to come easily to others? That’s not a reflection of your worth or capability. That’s the difference between building a life in a world designed for different brains and experiencing that same world during catastrophe.And if you’re isolated—physically, emotionally, cognitively—know that isolation during crisis when you’re neurodivergent is its own special kind of hell. It’s not just you. It’s the intersection of circumstance and neurology and impossible demands.You’re doing better than you think you are.💭 Even when you’re absolutely certain you’re doing terribly.Moving Forward (One Executive Function Crisis at a Time)So here we are. New year. Same brain. Different challenges.I’m still figuring out how to be in London for work while being present for my family. Still navigating the aftermath of crisis while trying to build ...

Transcribe →

S5 EP17: ADHD as an Entrepreneurial Superpower - Conversation with Stephanie Hayes

May 7, 202500:54:14Tap to summarize

This episode tells the compelling story of Stephanie Hayes, a seasoned business strategist who has spent years immersed in the world of startups and small businesses. She's known for helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of growth and plan for their future, including exit strategies. But there's another crucial layer to Stephanie's journey: her experience with ADHD.For much of her life, Stephanie was a high performer, excelling in various fields, even while navigating certain types of work that felt like a "slog" or presented difficulties with initiation. It wasn't until later, in 2021, that she received her ADHD diagnosis. This understanding brought a profound shift in perspective.Today, Stephanie doesn't view her ADHD as a deficit, but rather as her superpower. She sees that the very traits often associated with ADHD – a need for stimulation and a love for solving problems – are powerful drivers in the entrepreneurial landscape. The constant learning and overcoming challenges inherent in building a business resonate deeply with her. She has developed specific systems and found tools, like medication and even AI, that enable her to function effectively and channel this energy into productive work.This episode delves into how embracing neurodivergence – understanding and leveraging how your unique brain works – can be a powerful business strategy. Stephanie highlights that for neurodivergent individuals, aligning their business with who they are is not just personally beneficial, but strategically smart. Many of her clients also live with ADHD, finding common ground and shared understanding in this approach.Join us for a down-to-earth and insightful conversation with Stephanie Hayes as she shares her personal journey, practical strategies, and the powerful belief that ADHD can indeed be an entrepreneurial superpower, unlocking potential when you learn to work with your brain, not against it, and truly embrace neurodivergence for success.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP16: ADHD and Narcissistic Patterns with Mariana Martinez Vamplew

Apr 29, 202500:51:45Tap to summarize

Well, listeners, what a conversation! I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mariana Martinez Vampiew, a strategist whose energy really caught my eye recently. Mariana's got this incredible blend of deep academic background – she's studied psychological studies, history, and education – coupled with powerful, real-world lived experience. As she shared, she's even got a past in cabaret, which was fascinating to hear how it connects to talking to a camera.I was curious about what drives her work. Mariana partnered with Fahim at narcissismexposed.com because they're both fellow survivors, and they're focused on helping people heal from all sorts of toxic relationships – not just romantic ones, but family, bosses, and friends too. They're really aware that terms like "NPD" can get overused these days, so their focus is broader, looking at toxic people, relationship dynamics, and attachment disorders.Now, the title of the Podcast episode was "ADHD and Narcissistic Patterns", and Mariana drew some really insightful parallels. Having been diagnosed with ADHD herself later in life, after years of building coping mechanisms, she knows firsthand how varied the presentation of ADHD can be. She explained how, much like ADHD, narcissistic traits aren't always the obvious "grandiose peacocks" you might imagine; there are also more covert, subtle "flavours".We got into the heart of spotting those patterns. Mariana made a key distinction: someone with ADHD might share their own story when you share yours because they're genuinely trying to commiserate and show support. But someone with narcissistic traits might share to "one up" you, making their story seem more important or using what you shared later. It's about the underlying motivation and the overall pattern.She also spoke quite openly about the emotional side of things, sharing her own experience with ADHD and anxious attachment. She explained how something like Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), which often comes with ADHD, can tie into those anxious attachment dynamics, especially when navigating potentially challenging relationship patterns. It really is a "stew" sometimes, as she put it, but something you can work on.One of the most practical takeaways was her advice on setting small, healthy boundaries early on in any relationship – work, friendship, or romantic. It's not about testing people; it's just part of healthy interaction. But how they react – with guilt-tripping, anger, or dismissal versus simple disappointment – can be a huge indicator of potential unhealthy dynamics and whether it might be part of a pattern like love bombing. She gave some clear examples, like needing to leave by a certain time or setting boundaries around uncomfortable topics.Mariana's passion for this work is clear; she wants to use her experience and knowledge to help people heal and protect themselves. They offer resources at different price points, from free content to one-on-one sessions, because they know toxic relationships can be financially draining too.It was a conversation filled with insights, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those behaviour patterns, trusting your gut, but also allowing yourself to remain open to healthy connections.If you want to learn more and find support, you can find Mariana and Fahim at narcissismexposed.com, or check out their YouTube and TikTok channels under the same name. They welcome feedback and ideas, too.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Mariana DetailsWebsite: NarcissismExposed.com Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcissism.exposed?_t=ZN-8vYVHTP1PT4&_r=1 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcissismExposed-w9p Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/doads Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP15: From ADHD Daydreaming to Doing: Understanding and Cultivating Focus with Sylvia Hall

Apr 20, 202500:52:11Tap to summarize

I was truly excited for this solo podcast featuring the wonderful Sylvia Hall. It had been a while since my last solo show, but having Sylvia on made the wait worthwhile. We had such a great conversation!Sylvia has a fascinating story. She described herself as someone who "waltzed out of the corporate world as an entrepreneur," and it's clear traditional 9-to-5 jobs weren't for her due to their lack of autonomy and heart. She's built several successful businesses, most notably Lifted Naturals, her mood probiotic company that's been thriving for seven years. She also mentioned other ventures like Honeypot Publishing with its coloring books and gratitude journals, and she's currently launching her personal brand.What impressed me about Sylvia is her perspective on working with others. She champions collaboration over competition, using that brilliant analogy of "ovens all around and there's more pies that we can bake." She doesn't believe in taking someone else's slice—instead, she's convinced there's enough for everyone.We discussed how she balances everything, including her family and children, which have always been her priority. Her philosophy of "give from the overflow" truly resonated with me. She believes you must "fill your own cup first" to properly love and serve those around you. In fact, she agreed with the idea that you need to be "selfish to actually be able to give because... you cannot give what you do not have."Sylvia also shared her experience with her ADHD diagnosis, which came when her children were young—a time she described as both the "hardest time of my life and the most beautiful." She talked about experiencing daydreaming as a child, apparently more common for women with ADHD. While she tried medications like Ritalin and Adderall, they weren't right for her due to her "highly sensitive nature." She had strong reactions, going from "squirrels at a rave to ducks in a row," but with difficult side effects. This led her to embrace more natural management methods, which connects to her work with Lifted Naturals.For managing overwhelm, Sylvia has effective strategies. She uses the phrase "outer calm is inner calm," meaning that organizing her physical space helps quiet her mind. She also uses "trigger music"—specific playlists she only listens to when needing to focus on writing.Looking ahead, Sylvia is returning to helping people directly through her personal brand. She's focusing on digital products, beginning with a 10-day email challenge called "The Frequency Framework" designed to help people get unstuck. She keeps communications brief because, as she noted, we have "information out the wazoo... We don't need more information but we could sure use a little transformation." Interestingly, she's intentionally moving away from social media for her personal brand, finding it something of a "brain drain."If you'd like to connect with Sylvia, visit SylviaHall.com. For her supplements, check out lifted.naturals.com, and for coloring books and journals, look up Honeypot Publishing. All links will be in the description below.Sylvia, thank you so much for your time—it was absolutely wonderful having you on the podcast. I felt we could have talked for hours! That's all for this episode, everyone. Sayonara!Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP14: Living with ADHD an Entrepreneur's Journey with John Torrens

Apr 15, 202500:43:57Tap to summarize

Alright, so in this particular episode of "Diary of a ADHD Strategist PODCAST", you're tuning in to hear me, the ever-so-slightly clueless Eli Dervonté, have a proper natter with a fascinating chap called John Torrens. Now, John's a busy man, juggling life as a professor of entrepreneurial practice at Syracuse University – a top-notch department in the US, no less – where he coaches students with their new business ideas. But that's not all; he also runs a therapy company that supports young children with disabilities, which sounds absolutely brilliant because he's clearly driven by something more than just making a few quid.What I love about these chats is you never quite know where they're going to go, and John's story is a prime example. He was an entrepreneur first, selling his business back in '08 and then finding his way into academia. Interestingly, he then bought part of his company back, so he's been brilliantly balancing both worlds, using his business experiences to inform his teaching and vice versa.Now, what really struck me was when we got onto the topic of ADHD. It turns out John was diagnosed in his 40s, which I found incredible considering he'd already scaled his business to over 250 employees. He reckons that the early chaotic stages of growing a company are actually where folks with ADHD can really thrive. He even mentioned doing research and writing a book on the link between ADHD and entrepreneurship.It wasn't all plain sailing though. John shared a pivotal moment where he realised his team was relying on his limited financial knowledge, which spurred him to go back to university for a PhD in business. He felt a real need to get a proper grip on that side of things.Later on, his employees actually nudged him towards considering ADHD, which led to his diagnosis. Looking back, it all made sense – the report card comments about not focusing and shouting out answers in class. He feels that understanding his ADHD helped him reframe how he approached his work and, importantly, his relationships with his employees.We also touched upon the "what ifs" of an earlier diagnosis. While it might have presented challenges in a less understanding era, John also sees how early awareness could have been beneficial. Interestingly, he tried medication but ultimately found alternative ways to manage his ADHD, focusing on his consumption – food, media, information – and his output, like daily movement, and delegation. He even delved into meditative and breathwork practices.His decision to pursue a PhD in finance, even though he could have just delegated the financial side of his business, resonated with me. John candidly admitted it stemmed from a feeling of not being "enough" and a desire to master that area. Despite this, he's a big advocate for delegation now, seeing himself as the least important person in his successful business.Thinking back to his childhood, John could see those ADHD traits as early as primary school, particularly his initial struggles with reading and the impulsive moments like shouting out answers in class. He highlighted the research showing how ADHD traits can be highly functional in the context of entrepreneurship, with a much higher percentage of successful entrepreneurs identifying with these traits compared to the general population. However, he also stressed the flip side – how those same strengths can become liabilities if not managed.Growing up, getting the boring stuff done was a real challenge for him, and he admitted to being an average student who prioritised fun and experiences over top grades.We then got chatting about his book, "Lightning in a Bottle, How entrepreneurs can harness their ADHD to win". It came about from his research into the link between ADHD and entrepreneurship and the overwhelming response he received after giving a TEDx talk on the subject. Writing the book was a challenge from a discipline perspective, and recording the audiobook proved even more difficult, leading him to delegate that task to a professional. He doesn't have immediate plans for a follow-up book but hasn't ruled out the possibility of his podcast transcripts forming the basis of one in the future.John's now running a new podcast called "The Total Entrepreneur Mind, Body Spirit", focusing on the holistic well-being of entrepreneurs. He's also thinking about transitioning his company to employee ownership and eventually spending more time surfing in Costa Rica. He seems to be in a really content phase of life, appreciating the present rather than constantly striving for more.What keeps him grounded is a focus on healthspan over lifespan – wanting to live a healthy and vital life for as long as possible. He also identifies as spiritual, believing in being part of something bigger.His one piece of advice for neurodivergent listeners is to focus on their strengths and find a path that allows them to tap into those, while also recognising and managing the potential downsides of those same strengths.It was a cracking conversation, and if you're keen to learn more, you can find John on LinkedIn, his website johntorrens.com, and his book "Lightning in a Bottle" on Amazon. Do have a listen to his podcast too – I reckon it's going to be full of valuable insights. John, cheers for your time – it was a real pleasure.Thanks for reading Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP13: The ADHD Flow: Mastering Flexible Strategies with Stephanie Camilleri

Apr 12, 202501:01:14Tap to summarize

"" Tired of focusing on the challenges? Eli and Stephanie reveal how to leverage your unique ADHD abilities for success in life and business.Ever feel like you're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole? That's a feeling Eli Dervonté knows all too well. For years, he masked his difficulties with memory and writing, feeling "sick" when faced with letters on a page. It wasn't until later in life that he truly accepted his ADHD, a turning point that came from being "sick to death" of other people's expectations.This journey of self-acceptance is a key starting point, as Eli and Stephanie Camilleri, The ADHD Advocate, discuss in their podcast conversations. They both firmly believe in a strength-based approach to ADHD. Stephanie's coaching is built on this "strength space", and Eli advises everyone to "use your strengths to your strengths and don't get hooked on your weaknesses". In the business world and in life, it’s your strengths that will shine.Stephanie’s own journey involved a slow but steady increase in awareness and acceptance of ADHD. Starting her coaching business nearly seven years ago felt a bit "out there", with significant pushback initially. This highlights how understanding, or the lack thereof, deeply impacts the experience of ADHD. In families, a lack of understanding can even create "toxic" environments, as Stephanie experienced before diagnosis brought a crucial "relevant lens" through which to understand each other.But understanding isn't just about diagnosis; it's about leveraging interdependence and collaboration. Eli stresses that "networking is very important not just for business but for personal growth, allowing individuals to use others to complement their weaknesses". Learning and progress happen much faster through working together. He even pushed himself to overcome his tendency to isolate because he recognised the value of external perspectives.Today Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful ally. Eli sees AI as a "virtual assistant" that can handle tasks like writing, where individuals with ADHD might struggle. This frees them up to focus on their inherent strengths, like creativity and problem-solving. Stephanie is a "big proponent of AI", seeing it as the "ultimate body double".Throughout their conversations, the concept of "going with the flow" comes up frequently. While this can represent adaptability, Stephanie points out it doesn't suit everyone, especially those with co-occurring autism who might need more structure. However, Eli also believes that their ability to uniquely understand what people need, rather than sticking to rigid structures, is a "greater gift".Ultimately, the journey with ADHD is unique to each individual. But by embracing self-acceptance, focusing on strengths, building supportive networks, and utilising available tools like AI, individuals with ADHD can not only navigate challenges but truly thrive in both life and business. As Eli passionately states, "We're great leaders and we're great leaders because we quite we're from the point of view we're quite creative". It’s about seeing your neurodiversity not as a deficit, but as a unique set of abilities waiting to be unleashed. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP12: The ADHD Advantage: Creativity, Focus Hacks with Emily Guerra

Apr 8, 202500:45:46Tap to summarize

Alright, ever felt like your brain is a whirlwind of brilliant ideas and scattered thoughts? You're not alone. Welcome to the podcast where we flip the script on ADHD, moving away from the challenges and diving headfirst into "The ADHD Advantage: Creativity, Focus Hacks with Emily Guerra."Join us for a down-to-earth chat with Emily Guerra, an ADHD strategist and the founder of The Productivity Flow. Emily isn't just talking theory; she's lived it. Growing up not knowing she had ADHD, Emily found herself constantly battling to stay organised and focused. It wasn't until later in life that the pieces clicked.But here's the inspiring part: Emily didn't let that define her. Instead, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, learning to understand how her brain works differently and, crucially, how to work with it, not against it. This led her to become a certified productivity life coach, helping other self-employed women unlock their own potential.In this episode, we delve into the surprising positives of ADHD. Forget the notion of being "broken"; Emily shares how her fast-thinking brain fuels creativity and the ability to connect dots in unique ways. We also explore practical focus tools that have been game-changers for her. Ever heard of binaural beats? Emily explains how this type of music can scientifically help your brain get into the flow. And then there are her trusty cube timers – simple yet incredibly effective for staying on track with time blocking.This isn't about quick fixes; it's about understanding your own neurodiversity and discovering the power of working with your brain's natural rhythms. Emily's story is a testament to embracing who you are, quirks and all. So, if you're ready to explore a different perspective on ADHD and pick up some real-life strategies to thrive, you're in the right place. Get ready to discover your own ADHD advantage.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP11: ADHD and the Burnout Myth

Apr 4, 202500:48:49Tap to summarize

Alright, ever felt like the world expects you to run a marathon at a sprint? This week on the podcast, we're diving into something a bit spicy: "ADHD and the Burnout Myth: Are We Blaming Neurodiversity for Systemic Overload?" You might be thinking, "ADHD and burnout, yeah, that makes sense." But our guest, the insightful Sally Holden, asks a really important question: are we too quick to point the finger at neurodiversity when the real culprit might just be the relentless pressure of modern life?Sally, as you know, isn't just talking theory. She's been through the wringer herself, battling burnout not once, but three times, with a particularly tough episode back in 2020. This personal experience gave her a deep understanding of what burnout truly feels like – that overwhelming exhaustion physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. She knows firsthand how it can hit you, even when you think you have all the tools.Now, Sally works as a kinesiologist and an intuitive holistic thrive coach, helping women, in particular, who are feeling utterly burnt out to find their way back on track. Through her own journey, she realised just how prevalent burnout is, and she's made it her mission to equip others with the strategies to recover.So, in this episode, Sally isn't shying away from a potentially controversial take. Could it be that the intense focus and sensitivity often associated with ADHD are being unfairly linked to burnout, when perhaps the real issue lies in the constant state of "fight or flight" many of us are living in? Sally's personal struggles and her work with clients have led her to believe that while there might be overlaps, we need to be careful about attributing burnout solely to neurodivergence. Maybe, just maybe, the system itself is overloaded, and we're all feeling the strain, neurodivergent or not.Get ready for a down-to-earth but thought-provoking chat with Sally. She brings her lived experience and her holistic coaching approach to the table, offering a fresh perspective on why so many of us are feeling the crunch. Is burnout an inherent part of having ADHD, or is it a sign that something bigger needs to change? Tune in for a discussion that might just shift how you think about both ADHD and burnout. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP10: ADHD Late to the Party with Neena Perez

Apr 1, 202500:51:45Tap to summarize

Welcome to ADHD Late to the Party with Neena Perez, a podcast that delves into the often-untold stories of individuals who received their ADHD diagnoses later in life. Join your host, Neena Perez, as she navigates the complexities of this newfound understanding, drawing from her own personal journey and the insightful conversations she shares.Have you ever felt like you were living life on a different wavelength? Perhaps things that seemed easy for others felt like monumental challenges, or maybe your mind raced with a million thoughts, making focus an elusive dream. For many, these experiences remain a mystery until a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis sheds light on a lifetime of seemingly unrelated struggles.In this podcast, we pull back the curtain on what it means to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. We examine the contrasting experiences, much like the open and honest discussion between Neena and Eli Dervonté on the "Diary of a ADHD Strategist PODCAST". Their conversation highlighted the moment of realisation, the sense of things finally making sense, and the subsequent journey towards self-acceptance.Each episode explores a central question: does this newfound understanding empower self-acceptance or inadvertently impose limiting self-perceptions? We delve into the stories of guests who, like Neena and Eli, navigated years of life without this crucial piece of the puzzle. They share how their late diagnosis has impacted their understanding of past experiences, their relationships, their careers, and, most importantly, themselves.We explore themes of not being 'broken' but 'different' , echoing Eli's powerful statement. We discuss how individuals learn to manage their neurodivergent traits, the masking strategies they employed unknowingly for years, and the liberation that can come with finally understanding why their brains work the way they do.Through candid conversations and relatable anecdotes, ADHD Late to the Party with Neena Perez aims to foster a sense of community, offer validation, and empower listeners to embrace their neurodiversity. Whether you suspect you might have ADHD, have recently been diagnosed, or simply want to understand the diverse ways our minds can function, this podcast offers a down-to-earth and professional exploration of a significant and often overlooked aspect of neurodiversity. Join us as we unpack the late arrival to the ADHD party and discover the profound impact it can have on how we see ourselves and the world around us.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

S5 EP9: The Consistency Myth: How ADHD Minds Achieve More by Breaking All the Rules WITH Sarah Ennor

Mar 27, 202501:14:37Tap to summarize

Welcome to "Diary of a ADHD Strategist," the podcast that dares to question everything you thought you knew about getting things done, especially if your brain works a little differently.This isn't your typical podcast. Forget the rigid schedules and the endless to-do lists that leave you feeling more overwhelmed than accomplished. Here, we're diving deep into the world of ADHD and exploring a radical idea: perhaps achieving more means breaking all the traditional rules.Inspired by conversations with individuals like Sarah Ennor, the ADHD strategist featured on the "Diary of a ADHD Strategist" podcast, we uncover the reality that neurotypical standards of consistency simply don't align with how many brilliant minds operate. Sarah's own late diagnosis in 2023 illuminated a lifetime of experiences, revealing that her unique way of thinking and working – often marked by last-minute bursts of productivity and an "interest-based nervous system" – wasn't a deficit, but a different wiring.Each episode of "The Consistency Myth" will take you on a journey, sharing stories and insights from individuals who've learned to redefine success on their own terms. We'll explore how the power of urgency can be a potent motivator, why traditional planning sometimes falls flat, and how self-acceptance is the crucial first step towards unlocking your full potential.Drawing directly from candid discussions like the one with Sarah, we'll challenge the notion that consistent has to mean "every day at the same time". Instead, we'll explore the idea that progress can look like waves crashing against a rock, uneven but ultimately transformative.If you've ever felt like you're constantly fighting against the clock, struggling to maintain a consistent routine, or being judged by neurotypical standards of productivity, then "The Consistency Myth" is for you. Join us as we dismantle the myth of one-size-fits-all productivity and celebrate the diverse and powerful ways that ADHD minds truly thrive. We'll learn that you're not broken, but simply wired differently, and that your unique approach might just be your greatest strength.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/subscribe

Transcribe →

All episodes

When Everything Falls Apart (And You’re Still Expected to Hold It Together)

S5 EP17: ADHD as an Entrepreneurial Superpower - Conversation with Stephanie Hayes

S5 EP16: ADHD and Narcissistic Patterns with Mariana Martinez Vamplew

S5 EP15: From ADHD Daydreaming to Doing: Understanding and Cultivating Focus with Sylvia Hall

S5 EP14: Living with ADHD an Entrepreneur's Journey with John Torrens

S5 EP13: The ADHD Flow: Mastering Flexible Strategies with Stephanie Camilleri

S5 EP12: The ADHD Advantage: Creativity, Focus Hacks with Emily Guerra

S5 EP11: ADHD and the Burnout Myth

S5 EP10: ADHD Late to the Party with Neena Perez

S5 EP9: The Consistency Myth: How ADHD Minds Achieve More by Breaking All the Rules WITH Sarah Ennor