Episode 89 - How does ADHD business coaching work?

As an ADHD business owner, how can you be the best CEO, the best boss to yourself, the best employee AND still be a happy human?

All your questions asked and lots more in this episode, where I lay my soul bare as your ADHD business coach: What is ADHD business coaching? How does it work? What’s the point of it? When is the best time to do it? What does it look and feel like?

In this ep, I introduce you to my BIG PICTURE business framework - a recipe distilled down from my hundreds of hours coaching ADHD business owners, and of course, my own experience as a marketer of 20+ years and a business owner of 6 years. This is the definitive list of what you need to run a successful portfolio business (however you define success) with an ADHD brain and side order of caring responsibilities, chronic illness and/or mental health issues. The truth is: there’s no magic “one” way. Your recipe will be unique AND I guarantee there is one out there for you. Even better, I’ve made the definitive list of the ingredients you’re going to need to cook it up, which are:

This is a must-listen for ADHD business owners coming out of therapy, counselling or ADHD coaching, who are curious about what could be next for them and their business, with support from yours truly!

Find out more about Big Picture Business Coaching, book a curiosity call or download my free guide to turning ADHD on its head here: ⁠https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/⁠

Or email me with your questions here: siobhan@revealmarketinguk.com

Episode 88 - Show Up On Socials Without The Ick

Are you tired of feeling like social media is a full-time job? What if you could grow your business in just 30 minutes a day… with zero burnout?

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by social media strategist and all-round powerhouse Alex Broniewski, who’s living proof you can grow a thriving business without sacrificing your wellbeing, values, or family time.

Alex shares how she built a sustainable business that puts life before hustle… and how you can do it too using social media strategically (and simply). 

Here’s what we dive into:

  • The real way to turn social media into a lead magnet

  • How Alex built a business that supports her family and her values

  • Smart, doable daily habits that bring results (just 30 minutes a day!)

  • Why connection > perfection + and how to grow your audience with meaning

  • What redefining success really looks like in 2025 (spoiler: it’s not just about £10K months!)

Ready to learn more? This ep is for you.

To find out more about Alex, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-broniewski/

Episode 87 - Managing Multiple Roles Without Burning Out

Wearing all the hats? Juggling all the things? Never enough time for yourself? Us too!! 

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Claire Quigley Ward, host of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, ADHD coach and fellow parent, to discuss the many and varied challenges of managing ADHD while doing all the things (and trying to be a reasonably well-balanced happy human).

We discuss:

  • The many roles we play in our lives and the many people we want to help, and how we manage our advocacy work on top!

  • Claire’s ADHD aha moment, as a result of a diagnosis for her child

  • The importance of self-care to ensure we can fulfil the many roles we play, along with the real-life challenges of actually making time to do it.

  • The additional challenges of parenting during perimenopause (hello brain fog!) and the ever-lurking issue of avoiding burnout.

  • Claire’s common ‘pinch points’ as an ADHD mum of ADHD kids - why is bedtime so hard!?

  • The constant struggle with our need to feel ‘productive’ vs the need to protect time to just be ourselves, without the demands of our various roles in life.

  • Why we need to come together as a community and support each other, particularly those of us who are neurodivergent, parenting neurodivergent kids.

If you’re wearing all the hats, we get it. The juggle is real and you’re not alone. This episode is for you.

Find out more about Claire, her work as an ADHD coach, and her epic podcast here: https://www.allaboardadhd.com/

Episode 86 - Make Friends With Your Feelings

Do you ever feel like your emotions are dialled up to 100?

This week, we’re making friends with our feelings alongside the brilliant mental health professional Lucy Hine, from Have A Word.

We explore the intense emotional landscape of ADHD and ask: are our feelings really just bigger, or is there more going on beneath the surface?

Lucy shares her own journey of self-discovery, revealing how childhood illness and understanding her ADHD have shaped her life – from a late diagnosis to redefining her emotional world.

We chat about the connection between trauma and neurodivergence, and the bumpy but beautiful road to self-acceptance. As Lucy shares: "It’s my ADHD that makes me different, because nobody has a brain like me and perceives the world or the situation like me."

Ever felt like your emotional reactions don’t quite “fit” the situation? You’re not alone. We dive into emotional intensity, dysregulation, and how these patterns can show up in relationships. Could our sensitivity even shape who we attract?

We also explore the importance of emotional self-awareness, co-regulation (especially in parenting), and gentle strategies for tuning into your feelings with curiosity, not judgment.

Ready to embrace your emotional world instead of battling it? This episode is for you.

Find out more about Lucy ⁠here⁠. 

Episode 85 - The ADHD Emotional Experience

Do you feel like you’re either up or down and never in the middle!? Do you tune in with your emotions and express them, or bottle them up?

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, join me to talk all things emotions. We get stuck into the emotional experience of ADHD - the highs, the lows and everything in between! Emotional regulation can be tricky for ADHDers and I want to shed some light on some of the key ingredients of the feelings cocktail, including the impact of your brain function, co-occuring conditions, difficulties identifying emotions - and just being a human in today’s world! 

In this ep, I offer a more empowering alternative to emotional regulation, centred around accepting and making space for emotions rather than trying to regulate them (and feeling like a failure when that feels impossible!) I also talk through some practical strategies for managing emotions include crying, movement, singing, journaling, and seeking support from friends or therapists. 

Ultimately, I want to encourage you to view your ADHD as a difference rather than a deficit. Embracing your emotional experiences rather than trying to control or ‘regulate’ them is actually the key to flattening your ’spiky graph’ and living a calmer, more peaceful life. 

References:

Episode 84 - Drug-Free ADHD

Tired of the same old advice that just doesn’t work for your ADHD brain?

Joseph Pack, founder of Drug-Free ADHD, is here to shake things up! In this eye-opening episode, we explore the world of the ADHD mind. We discuss why controlling our thoughts can be a losing battle, the magic of non-duality, and how to quiet the ADHD mind without medication. 

Joseph shares his journey from a chaotic school experience to a life-changing ADHD diagnosis following a series of seizures and how he discovered the power of meditation as an alternative to medication. Yes - it turns out ADHDers can meditate!

We also dive into unconventional ADHD management approaches, including why traditional methods, like breathwork, meditation and CBT, often fall flat for our busy minds.

If you're ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about ADHD and meditation, this episode is for you!

You can find out more about Joseph and his services ⁠here⁠. I highly recommend signing up for his newsletter, too.

Episode 83 - Get the right help & support in your business

In this candid and insightful episode, I am joined by a fellow ADHD entrepreneur and coach - Susanne Schotanus - to discuss what actually works when it comes to getting the right help and support as an ADHD business owner.

We share our own experiences, reveal why you need to ditch the typical "hustle harder" advice and dive into the real-world strategies and tools that have made a difference in our own businesses. We discuss the pitfalls of generic business advice, the power of self-compassion, and practical solutions to overcome common ADHD challenges.

Settle in with a cuppa and enjoy a refreshing conversation filled with relatable experiences, actionable tips, and a healthy dose of realism.

In this episode we cover:

  • The importance of self-compassion and unlearning negative self-talk.

  • The myth of the "one thing" that will change your business (spoiler: it doesn’t exist!)

  • The inner rebel and how it affects implementing other peoples systems.

  • The "experiment" approach and how it can help you to build systems that work for you and your ADHD brain.

  • The value of outsourcing tasks, even those you enjoy (!) to free up  your time and headspace.

  • The importance of clear communication and setting expectations with outsourced help.

  • The life-changing benefits of AI and automation tools like Calendly, Zapier and Otter.ai.

To learn more about my TOAST framework to free up your time and headspace, head to Episode 68: Take Back Your Time.

And to download Susanne’s epic guide and reclaim your focus, head to https://passionatewritercoaching.com/siobhan/

Episode 82 - So you're ADHD AF! What's next?

Ever wondered what happens after that 'penny drop' moment when you realise you might have ADHD? 

This week, I'm chatting with the wonderful Wendy Gannon, incredibly talented photographer and 'Queen of angles' – a title given by others, she insists (although I reckon she should totally claim it!). In this ep, Wendy and I have a refreshingly honest conversation about her ADHD journey. We explore the initial realisation, the decision (or indecision!) around seeking a diagnosis, and the often frustrating process of actually getting one. 

Wendy shares her experiences of navigating the 'Right To Choose' pathway within the NHS, the challenges of lengthy waiting lists, and the importance of self-advocacy. We also delve into the impact of ADHD on her life, the importance of community and self-compassion, and what she's learned along the way. 

From navigating those daunting assessment forms, to finding the right support and understanding, Wendy's story is both relatable and empowering. Whether you’re ADHD AF or still just ADHD-curious, this episode is for you. 

Additional resources:For those interested, here’s the link to ⁠NHS ADHD Symptoms⁠ and the ⁠Right to Choose page⁠ which we mention in the podcast. As always, if you’d like to discuss this further, please get in touch.

Episode 81 - Why don't ADHDers ask for help?

Join me on this episode where I’m going old skool… just me, a mic, and my thoughts. 

I’m tackling a big question: Why don’t ADHDers ask for help?

As someone who has been hyper-independent for most of my life, I’ve come to realise that this isn’t a strength - it’s a response to trauma. Many ADHDers struggle to reach out for support, whether in life, business, or personal relationships, and my intention for this episode explores is to explore why that might be and crucially, what we can do about it.

What you’ll discover in this episode: 

  • How hyper-independence develops and why it’s not always a good thing.

  • The hidden shame and beliefs that stop ADHDers from seeking support.

  • Why we’re not supposed to do life alone (and how history proves it).

  • The real-life challenges myself and my ADHD clients face daily.

  • How to start identifying the help you need and overcoming the guilt of asking for it.

  • Small, practical steps to lighten your cognitive load and reduce overwhelm.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should be able to handle this on my own,” this episode is for you!

To find out more about my work coaching ADHD business owners, https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/

Episode 80 - ADHDers: You Can Write!

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I sit down and chat with Vicky Quinn Fraser, a non-fiction writing and book coach who loves helping unconventional business owners find their voices. From her diverse career path to harnessing the power of ADHD, Vicky offers actionable advice and inspiration for writers navigating creative challenges.

Key takeaways that make this episode a must-listen for aspiring ADHD writers:

  1. Learn about Vicky’s unconventional journey, from trapeze artistry to coaching, proving there’s no "right" way to do life - or to reach your own version of success!

  2. Discover how having an ADHD brain can help with creativity and problem-solving.

  3. Learn how to ditch perfection and embrace the 'compost heap'!

  4. Feel inspired to build your own flexible writing routine tailored to your energy and lifestyle.

  5. Pick up some fab tools and strategies for staying motivated - that don't involve eating the frog!

Tune in now to hear Vicky’s story and find out more about Vicky ⁠here⁠.

Episode 79 - How To Set Goals That Actually Stick

How do you feel about goal-setting? If you're an ADHDer, like me, the thought of setting SMART goals or objectives probably brings you out in a rash and gets a hard 'NOPE' from your brain.

So if we want to get anything done, how do we best choose our direction and navigate our way there, without getting blown off course along the way?

Welcome to emotional-based goal setting. In this podcast ep I talk through:

  • The key reasons rigid, numerical targets and and traditional goal-setting approaches often don't work for our brains

  • The power of intention and how you can align your actions with your deeper motivation, by focusing on the desired feelings and emotions around your goals rather than what they will be measured by

  • How to overcome procrastination and impulsive decision-making along the way and stick with your goals

  • The importance of having a general direction or destination without rigidly adhering to a specific plan, and why this kind of flexibility and adaptability is crucial for ADHDers to set goals that stick - and actually achieve them!

Need help setting goals that stick?

Book in a one-off intention-setting session with me - this is your opportunity to set your destination for the next 12 months and create the map to get you there. Email me to find out more and book yours at siobhan@revealmarketinguk.com

As of December 2024 I have a few slots left, or if you’d like to give January 2025 you a gift, book one in for when you’re back at your desk in the new year. Equally if you’re listening to this in 2025, you can give yourself this gift at any time. Setting intentions can happen at any time during the year, not just the end!

Episode 78 - Create Your Own Roots

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I chat with the inspiring Tom Davis, founder of Your Own Roots, a business specialising in natural supplements for ADHD brains.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism at 25, Tom shares his unconventional journey - from struggling with jobs and routine to creating a product that helps him and others navigate their ADHD challenges. Tom talks openly about his experience with medication, his sense that "there had to be something else" and how an impulsive decision to led to the launch of his company.

If you've ever questioned traditional ADHD treatments or struggled to find something that works for you, Tom’s story will deeply resonate. Tom is passionate about raising awareness and creating a supportive community. He wants to empower others through education and natural solutions, providing stability for neurodivergent brains. Tom offers valuable insights into managing ADHD with a mix of structure, supplements, and embracing his impulsive side: "That's when we thrive, when we just go with it!"

Tune in to hear Tom’s empowering thoughts on navigating ADHD, and why finding what works is a journey worth taking…

To find out more about Tom and his supplements, visit ⁠https://yourownroots.com/⁠

Episode 77 - Cold Water - What Is All The Fuss About?

In the latest episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast - we dive deep into the world of Adam Clowes, a senior implementation consultant and fellow ADHDer cold-water junkie!

Join me as Adam takes us on an inspiring journey through his life with ADHD, revealing how this often-misunderstood condition has helped him navigate life.

During our conversation, Adam shares his unconventional insights and experiences that have transformed his career. From his diagnosis, to discovering the environments where he thrives, he unlocks the secrets to fuel success. Get ready to be inspired by his perspective on embracing individuality

And… that’s not all! 

Adam’s passion for cold water therapy will leave you invigorated. He’ll recount his adventures with cold showers, ice baths, and wild swimming, sharing the incredible physical and mental health benefits that come with braving the chill. As a fellow cold water enthusiast, I can assure you - - it’s a game changer.

Find out more about how breaking free from societal norms can lead to incredible achievements. This episode is full of insights that will challenge your thinking and inspire you to embrace your unique path.

To connect with Adam head to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-clowes/

Episode 76 - Can you do less and achieve more?

Does this sound familiar? Your business is thriving, but you've hit a ceiling with your income. Your work-life balance? It's now more work than life. You keep telling yourself you're not doing enough, despite running yourself ragged and burning out. And let’s face it, being stuck in that constant loop is exhausting.

Trust me, I've been there too. In today’s episode, I’m going to dig into why this happens to so many ADHD entrepreneurs and what you can do about it. Spoiler: It’s not because you’re doing something wrong! This is part of the journey, and I’ll show you how to break through that revenue ceiling, get your work-life balance back, and ditch the “not enough” story for good.

I’ll share the game-changing shifts that helped me build a £70K business, working just 24 hours a week—and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of mistakes along the way. You’ll learn how to pay yourself properly (yes, even before you’re “profitable”), why doing less can actually lead to greater success, and how to stop measuring your worth by your output.

By the end of this episode, you’ll come away knowing how to reclaim your time and energy while growing your business with more ease. So, if you’re ready to shift from freelancer mode to founder mindset, hit play, and let’s get started! You CAN have a business you love and a life you enjoy - and I really, really, REALLY want to show you how (really!).

To register for my upcoming free Masterclass on October 14th 2024, click below (or if you are reading this after 14th October, you can still click the link and register to be added to the waitlist for my next Masterclass)

Episode 75 - Build Your Business Without The Overwhelm

Are you tired of feeling stuck in the grind of building your business, like you're running on a hamster wheel?

Meet Lu Castello (they/them), a business co-pilot with a mission to help six-figure founders escape the chaos and build stable, aligned businesses. Lu brings a unique approach, blending strategic planning with something much deeper: leadership, self-awareness, and even "decolonizing the brain."

In this episode, Lu shares how they help women and gender-diverse founders tackle the challenges that are often overlooked... Challenges rooted in systemic issues and personal growth. It's not just about the business strategy; it's about who you are whilst leading your business.

Curious to learn more? Tune in as we dive into topics like self-education, systemic change, and the power of pronouns.

As Lu says, "It's not just about the business, it's about the person behind it." This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Want to do more reading on some of the subjects raised? Links to books mentioned in the podcast are below:

Alok Vaid-Menon - Author of "Beyond Their Gender Binary" ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Gender-Binary-Pocket-Collective/dp/0593094654⁠. 

Janice Gassam Asare - Author of "The Centering Whiteness in the Workplace." ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decentering-Whiteness-Workplace-Equity-Inclusion/dp/1523005556⁠

Shereen Daniels - Author of "The Anti-Racist Organization." ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anti-Racist-Organization-Dismantling-Systemic-Workplace/dp/1119880629⁠

Episode 74 - ADHD & The Great Outdoors

Can nature really help an ADHD brain go quiet?

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Charlie Daly, to explore how embracing the great outdoors has been a game-changer for his ADHD-pinball-machine-brain. In this ep you’ll discover how kayaking, writing, and even a little bit of maths have helped him thrive not only in life, but also his unconventional business as a ghostwriter and developmental editor.

Charlie and I share some insights into the benefits of the great outdoors for ADHD brains. Whilst Charlie’s passion has always been for kayaking, which he discovered at a young age, mine is very much for cold-water swimming. In both cases, the ‘high stakes’ nature of our chosen extreme sports is a massive driver in why we build our lives around them. 

As well as discussing the many and varied benefits of the great outdoors for an ADHD brain, Charlie also touches on the therapeutic aspects of writing his father's memoir and the spiritual connection of being a ghostwriter. 

Want to learn how to harness the power of nature to boost your productivity and creativity? This ep is for you!

To learn more about Charlie and his work head to: https://dalyprose.com/

Episode 73 - More money, more time, or both?

Money or time? Which is more important to you? What about the bigger question: why should you have to choose??

In this podcast episode, I’m sharing an unconventional approach to balancing money and time for business owners, particularly those with ADHD. I share examples of the two main types of business owners I tend to see in my work coaching ADHD Business Owners: working all the time for not enough money and working all the time for more than enough money! I dig into the differences between the two, the pitfalls they often fall into, but also the one striking thing they tend to have in common. 

I also share some insights about the hidden beliefs that tend to hold ADHDers back when it comes to creating the right work-life balance, along with three key areas you can work on to start making a shift for yourself right now.

How do you feel about your current balance of money and time? Is it where you want it to be? If not, this episode is a must-listen.

If only there was someone you could go to who could help you do all of those things, and so much more, so you could find the right balance of time and money for you? Oh yeah. It's me 😃 I’m even my own best case study - I built my business based on a 24-hour week and I’m on track to reduce to 20 by the end of this year.

Email me at siobhan@revealmarketinguk.com if you’re curious about ADHD business coaching and let’s have a natter.

Episode 72 - Break Up With Booze And Boost Your Business

Money or time? Which is more important to you? What about the bigger question: why should you have to choose??

In this podcast episode, I’m sharing an unconventional approach to balancing money and time for business owners, particularly those with ADHD. I share examples of the two main types of business owners I tend to see in my work coaching ADHD Business Owners: working all the time for not enough money and working all the time for more than enough money! I dig into the differences between the two, the pitfalls they often fall into, but also the one striking thing they tend to have in common. 

I also share some insights about the hidden beliefs that tend to hold ADHDers back when it comes to creating the right work-life balance, along with three key areas you can work on to start making a shift for yourself right now.

How do you feel about your current balance of money and time? Is it where you want it to be? If not, this episode is a must-listen.

If only there was someone you could go to who could help you do all of those things, and so much more, so you could find the right balance of time and money for you? Oh yeah. It's me 😃 I’m even my own best case study - I built my business based on a 24-hour week and I’m on track to reduce to 20 by the end of this year.

Email me at siobhan@revealmarketinguk.com if you’re curious about ADHD business coaching and let’s have a natter.

Episode 71 - The ADHD Diagnosis Dilemma

In this episode, I discuss ADHD diagnosis - what it is, what it isn't and my own ongoing journey to get an official ADHD diagnosis through the NHS system! While initially feeling the need for a "rubber stamp", the lack of a formal diagnosis has become less of an issue over time. I wanted to share some insights with you that have helped me, such as looking beyond the typical symptom lists and dismantling descriptions like "carelessness" and "inability to focus."

In this episode, I hope to highlight some less-discussed aspects of how ADHD can manifest, such as differences in communication style, struggles with social cues, sensory issues, difficulties listening to bodily cues, and challenges with emotional regulation. I also examine ADHD strengths, such as the ability to hyperfocus on passionate interests, risk-taking that allows innovative ideas to emerge, deep empathy and intuition.

I briefly weigh some potential pros and cons around pursuing an official ADHD assessment, for example access to medication and workplace accommodations. But also weigh up the risks of long waiting times and internalising an overly deficit-based view.

Overall, my aim is to provide a different perspective on how ADHD shows up in real life. If you'd like to make friends with your ADHD brains and find simple, do-able strategies to 'do life and business' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. I'd love to support you to embrace your uniqueness, discover your ADHD strengths and create what you need to thrive! You can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: ⁠www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com

Episode 70 - What is the Highly Sensitive Personality?

In this episode, I'm joined by Nina Khoo, the sensitive leadership coach who first introduced me to the concept of being a highly sensitive person (HSP). Nina provides a fantastic explanation of what it means to be an HSP - from processing information and emotions deeply, to being easily overwhelmed by too much stimuli, noticing subtleties that others miss, and having an innate ability to see the bigger picture.

As Nina describes it, being highly sensitive is not a flaw at all, but rather an evolutionary gift found in about 20-30% of the population across species. HSPs were naturally designed to be the guardians and advisers, exquisitely attuned to their environment in order to alert the rest of the group to potential threats or issues.

However, Nina acknowledges the challenges modern society poses for us HSPs with the constant overstimulation and fast pace. She emphases the critical importance of self-care practices like time in nature, mindfulness, healthy eating and finding community with fellow HSPs. Only from this grounded, safe space can we then embrace our role as the modern-day "advisers" by speaking up about patterns and problems we notice that others may miss.

I really resonate with Nina's own personal journey - from leaving the corporate world after realising she was an HSP, to now coaching other highly sensitive leaders and entrepreneurs. She offers such wise insights for how we HSPs can tune back into our needs, honour our intuition, and lean into the gift of our sensitivity rather than viewing it as a perceived weakness.

If you suspect you may be a highly sensitive person too, I cannot recommend Nina's work enough. You can connect with her and learn more at ninakhoo.com

And if you'd like to understand how to embrace your ADHD strengths and find effective strategies to 'do life' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. Let’s discover approaches that embrace your uniqueness and give you what you need to thrive! You can find out more about my ADHD Business Coaching here: www.bigpicturebusinesscoach.com