Refined Leadership - ADHD Lens

"I know what I need to do, but I don't trust that I'll do it when I need to do it." If that sentence lands, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Refined Leadership: ADHD Lens, I sit down with Dr. Russell Ramsay, one of the leading voices in adult ADHD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We talk about his new book, Once I Get Started, and the cognitive theme he believes runs beneath much of adult ADHD: self-mistrust. This is not a productivity conversation. It is a conversation about what actually happens between knowing what to do and doing it — and why that gap shows up so often for capable, high-performing professionals. What we explore: Self-mistrust as a possible central cognitive theme of adult ADHD, and how it shapes self-worth, decisions, and follow-through Why ADHD is better understood as a performance problem than a knowledge problem Motivation as an emotion, and why deadline pressure stops being a sustainable strategy Self-regulatory efficacy: why some people disengage early, and what protects against it How thoughts, feelings, and behaviors operate as a braided cord rather than a linear chain People-pleasing, social capital, and why ADHD professionals may overestimate their relational debts Procrastivity, or productive procrastination — when it is adaptive, and when it is avoidance Taskidermy tasks: the items that keep reappearing on your to-do list without moving forward The SAP Method: Specific, Actionable, Pivot Points for getting unstuck How CBT for adult ADHD differs from CBT for depression or anxiety, and why the implementation focus matters Masking, intentional self-presentation, and the difference between coping and concealment This episode offers language for patterns that often go unnamed at work — and a more grounded way to think about why standard advice keeps falling short. About Dr. Russell Ramsay: Dr. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist who specializes in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. He has lectured internationally, published widely, and authored six books on adult ADHD, including his most recent, Once I Get Started. He is a CHADD Hall of Fame inductee. Pre-order Once I Get Started by Russell Ramsay, Ph.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/783710/once-i-get-started-by-russell-ramsay-phd/ Connect with Cathy Rashidian: ReadySetChoose.com Resources: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist Instructions https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf

Join us in a special episode featuring a review of the Quantum Thinkers ADHD community. Discover how this unique space empowers professionals with ADHD by transforming challenges into leadership strengths. Learn about the community's structure, coaching methodology, and the wealth of resources available to help members thrive in their careers. Whether you're seeking enhanced leadership skills or a supportive network, this episode provides an insightful look into how Quantum Thinkers can guide your journey toward success. Tune in and uncover the potential within you. We kickoff the community as of April 1 - Join us at QTCommunity.com

Welcome to Refined Leadership ADHD Lens with Credentialed Coach Cathy Rashidian, where we delve into refining leadership skills through the ADHD perspective. In this episode, Coach Cathy builds on foundational strategies from the previous discussion, offering actionable steps to clarify and sustain progress despite ADHD challenges. Discover the MATTER framework - Milestones, Attitude, Tasks, Team, Evaluation, and Revision - designed to help you create a flexible planning system that accommodates change and unpredictability. Move away from perfectionism and embrace a mastery orientation for continual growth. Witness how Jennifer, a tech product manager, transformed her approach using this framework and achieved success by focusing on progress over perfection. Remember - Join our Quantum Thinkers ADHD community for tailored insights and support, and learn to lead with confidence and clarity. Celebrate each step as you build a life where you thrive, not just survive.

Join Cathy Rashidian on a transformative episode of Refined Leadership ADHD Lens, where we explore the intricate world of career transitions for those with an ADHD brain. Unlock practical strategies to leverage your unique strengths, gain clarity, and set yourself up for success in your professional journey. Discover how to balance the excitement and overwhelm of career changes, focusing on what truly aligns with your goals and values. Learn to declutter your career experiences and approach new opportunities with confidence and a clear mindset. Equip yourself with actionable steps, such as identifying core strengths and advocating for your needs strategically to foster a positive and flourishing work environment. DOWNLOAD WORK BOOK HERE

In this episode I am speaking with Melissa Doman, MA, Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why And How To Do It Really Well). We talk about mental health in the workplace and why now more than ever this is so important to be talked about in the workplace. Her book is a fantastic handbook on how to approach this sensitive conversation in the workplace. We addressed the approach of self-advocacy in the workplace as an individual contributor and a leader, the “toxic positivity trend”, and so much more. This episode is dedicated to all who are in the workplace and managing mental health. I genuinely wish I had Melissa’s book back in the day in my corporate life, her book is a must-have in each team. From the amazon book listing: Taking a realistic approach, through research, stories of lived experience and applied techniques that anyone can use, the book includes information on:- How we bring our beliefs and experiences around mental health and mental illness into the workplace The importance of understanding how the language we use, consciously or unconsciously, impacts us Ways to manage the challenges around having mental health conversations at work ‘How-to’ conversation guides Concrete tips on ways to action this education individually or at a team level After reading this book, you'll feel empowered and equipped to have constructive, meaningful conversations about mental health in your workplace About Melissa: Melissa Doman, MA is an Organizational Psychologist, Former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, & Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why And How To Do It Really Well). Melissa works with companies across industries around the globe – including clients like Google, Dow Jones, Microsoft, Salesforce, Siemens, Estée Lauder, & Janssen. She’s been featured as a subject matter expert in Vogue, the BBC, CNBC, Inc., and in LinkedIn’s 2022 Top 10 Voices on Mental Health. Having lived abroad in South Korea, England, Australia and traveled to 45+ countries, Melissa calls upon her global experiences to inform how she works with companies around the world. She has one core goal: to equip companies, individuals, and leaders to have constructive conversations about mental health in the workplace. Her work and book aim to accomplish just that.

Those with ADHD brain wiring feel emotions intensely, it actually may feel like we are constantly living in a state of emotional flood. In this state, all we can do is be on guard, be defensive and look for ways to survive and push through. No wonder we are not able to get shi%t done! In this episode, I am delighted to have Tamara Rosier Ph.D., back with us where she shares an effective tool for managing our big emotions so that we can go from fight or flight to present and calm! The Emotional Health Ladder created by Tamara Rosier and Cameron Gott, can be used as a daily checkpoint for quick check-in before you start a task, navigate a difficult conversation and so much more. I consider this tool foundational to managing ADHD. +++++++ About Tamara Rosier, Ph.D - is founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she and her staff work with individuals with ADHD (and their families) to learn strategies and develop new skills to live effectively with ADHD. Dr. Rosier is also the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. She is a popular conference and keynote speaker a frequent guest on podcasts and has published numerous articles about living with ADHD. She lives in West Michigan. https://www.tamararosier.com ++++++ Check out my previous episode with Dr. Rosier, where we go in-depth on the Solve It Grid and her book, Your Brain's not Broken. To see visuals of the Emotional Health Ladder visit her Instagram account @dr.tamararosier Visual of Level 3 on the Emotional health Ladder Visual of Level 4 on the Emotional Health Ladder

ADHD and Burnout!!! I can not get enough of this topic, so I decided to have a candid conversation about it with my special guest Brendan Mahan, host of ADHD Essentials Podcast and ADHD Coach. “Is it the Fish or the Water? Is the fish sick because the fish is sick? or is the fish sick, Because it's swimming in a toxic ocean.” Brendan unpacks this concept so beautifully in this episode. (Yes we do get into politics in this talk) We covered various aspects of how those with ADHD might experience burnout and how to move through it. Thank you Brendan for being an amazing guest, really enjoyed this rich conversation and your wisdom. #ADHD About: Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., an internationally recognized ADHD/Executive Function coach, a highly engaging, sought-after speaker, and the host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. A former teacher, mental health counselor, and principal, Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and neurodiversity through an approach that blends education, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, a focus on strengths and growth, and his trademark “Wall of Awful™” model. He has been featured in The Washington Post, ADDitude Magazine, How To ADHD, and Speaker Magazine. Contact him at brendan@ADHDessentials.com.

It was my absolute pleasure to have this candid, most genuine conversation with Dan Roth. He is so damn relatable and lays down some serious truth about job hunting and recruiting for professionals with ADHD. “I don't think that job seekers should be so desperate to take any job that they can. Now I understand that finances are. I am not saying that it is not difficult, but if we do a better job in our communication between the recruiter and the job seeker, then at the end of the day, you're going to be put in the best position where you don't have to worry about being there a year from now, because you have the long-term to look at.” Dan Roth Dan shared his personal experience with ADHD, his view as a recruiter supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. Towards the end of this talk, he shares three success tips when looking for a new job. Dan, is an internationally recognized recruiter and professional speaker. Having recently been named one of the Top 25 Job Search Experts to Follow by Jobscan, Dan uses his platform to encourage continuous discussions surrounding mental health while being a strong neurodiversity and women's empowerment advocate and an abolotionist. Follow Dan on Linkedin

“Rather than be defined by a label, I choose to challenge the boundaries of its perceived limitations.” Shawn Smith I had the pleasure of speaking with Shawn Smith, M.Ed., CCC about ADHD, ASD and his personal journey with it all, and how he supports his clients as a counselor/therapist. This conversion was such a delight, Shawn has an amazing way to capture your attention and get to the heart of the discussion. I enjoyed talking about ADHD and Medication, the long journey to finding treatment that supports ADHD, and how his own experience of medication He shares a unique approach to building confidence through creating challenges Shawn was recently diagnosed with ASD in addition to his ADHD, he shares how this diagnosis shows up in his life Navigating friendships as a neurodivergent thinker How to manage rigid thinking I especially enjoyed his view on masking in social settings and setting boundaries “no one said being awesome is going to be easy”, Shawn Smith. More About Shawn Neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) Psychotherapist, Consultant, and founder of Don’t dis-my-ability®, a multifaceted company that utilizes my unique gifts that come by way of being uniquely gifted and neurodivergent. Website: www.ddmacs.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ddmacs.ca Twitter: https://twitter.com/dontdismyabilit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DdmacsCa Don’t dis-my-ability Podcast: http://ddmacs.ca/podcast/

In this episode, Coach Cathy shares an update on the podcast and some personal reflections on her journey as a coach and mental health advocate. She also offers some tips and insights on how to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Segment 1: Podcast Update (0:43) Cathy gives listeners an update on the podcast and shares some exciting news about upcoming guests and topics. She also invites listeners to share their feedback and suggestions for future episodes. Segment 2: Personal Reflections (4:16) Cathy reflects on her journey as a coach and mental health advocate, sharing some of the challenges she's faced and the lessons she's learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations for yourself. Segment 3: Staying Motivated and Focused (12:06) Cathy offers some tips and insights on how to stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when facing obstacles or setbacks. She talks about the power of positive thinking, self-talk, and visualization, and offers some practical strategies for staying on track. Conclusion: Cathy thanks listeners for tuning in and sharing their support for the podcast. She encourages listeners to stay connected and engaged with the community and to continue striving towards their own mental health and wellness goals. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode, I am delighted to be reviewing the book, "Taking Charge of Adult ADHD", - 2nd edition with author Russell Barkley, PhD. This is a must-have book for all adults with ADHD! and a must-listen conversation We talked about: - Latest research in ADHD - Medication and ADHD - what's on the horizon - Emotional dysregulation - How to move past the diagnosis and take charge of your ADHD and sooo much more. Be sure to order the 2nd edition of Taking Charge of Adult of ADHD Additional resources - http://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets.html The ADHD Report - http://www.russellbarkley.org/newsletter.html About Dr. Barkley Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (2016-present). He is also a retired Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (1985-2002) and subsequently worked as a Professor of Psychiatry and Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (2003-2016). In semi-retirement, he continues to lecture widely and develop continuing education courses for professionals on ADHD and related disorders, as well as consult on research projects, edit The ADHD Report, and write books, reviews, and research articles. He is board-certified in Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP). Dr. Barkley is a clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner who has published 27 books, rating scales, and clinical manuals numbering more than 43 editions, and creator of 7 award-winning professional videos. He has also published more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters related to the nature, assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders. He is the founder and Editor of the clinical newsletter, The ADHD Report, now in its 29th year of publication. Dr. Barkley has presented more than 800 invited lectures in more than 30 countries and appeared on nationally televised shows such as 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many others. He has received numerous awards from professional societies and ADHD organizations for his lifetime achievements, contributions to research and clinical practice, and the dissemination of science. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.

In today’s episode, we speak with Trey Vives, an entrepreneur in the jewellery and lifestyle industry. Among many topics, we talk about his encounters with suicidal thoughts and how faith saved him, why he views his diagnosis as getting a playbook to his brain, and self-sabotage in pursuit of success. Detailed show notes: In today’s episode, we speak with Trey Vives https://www.instagram.com/trey_dhd/ , an entrepreneur in the jewellery and lifestyle space https://www.instagram.com/1881g_/. We talked about: Trey’s journey: how he went from multiple encounters with suicide to owning his jewellery and lifestyle brand. How his Afro-Cuban household played a role in his development and acceptance of himself. The ultimate playbook: why he views diagnoses in general as an advantage to the individual. Self-sabotage and masking - waning interests, task paralysis, and the art of unmasking.