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In this episode, Cassie sits down with Vishay Karia, a two-time founder, to explore life with invisible illness; specifically ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Vishay shares his journey from an undiagnosed childhood in London, through years of masking his true self, to a turning point at university where he finally felt accepted for who he was. They discuss the interconnected nature of anxiety, stress, and depression; coping mechanisms rooted in understanding what you can and can't control; and how leaning into ADHD rather than fighting it became a creative superpower in entrepreneurship. The conversation also covers men's mental health, the importance of vulnerability and communication, practical systems for reducing mental load, navigating burnout, and the Eisenhower Matrix for managing attention as a finite resource.

Topics & Timestamps:

• Intro & guest background (~0:40)
• Growing up different: ADHD before diagnosis (~1:30)
• Masking, therapy, and formal diagnosis (~2:45)
• Anxiety, stress, and depression as "worry in different time zones" (~3:20)
• Coping mechanism: focusing on what you can control (~5:00)
• University as a turning point — acceptance and self-worth (~5:40)
• Mental health in South Asian and minority backgrounds (~8:00)
• Men's mental health: sport as the only emotional outlet (~11:30)
• The need for systemic change starting in early childhood (~12:50)
• Practical strategies: leaning into ADHD with systems and routines (~14:30)
• Reducing mental load through calendar systems (~16:00)
• ADHD as a creative superpower in entrepreneurship (~17:00)
• Navigating burnout: the antidote is the opposite of what ADHD wants (~20:00)
• The Eisenhower Matrix and protecting your attention (~23:00)
• Advice for someone struggling: talk to the right people (~24:30)
• Out-of-pocket question: Touch Grass Day (~27:00)

Where to find Vishay:

• Eagle: eagleapp.us

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances.