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