In this episode of Refined Leadership: ADHD Edition, I’m sharing the story of two career-defining decisions I made at the height of my corporate leadership roles—both of which I now realize were driven by ADHD.

On the outside, they looked like bold, deliberate moves. On the inside, I was in fight-or-flight mode, making fear-based calls that brought short-term relief but long-term consequences.

You’ll hear:

• How ADHD traits like impulsivity, emotional intensity, and uncertainty intolerance can influence leadership decisions under pressure

• Why big life transitions (like parenthood) can magnify ADHD tendencies at work

• The difference between acting from clarity versus acting from discomfort

• What I wish I had done differently—and how you can apply those lessons in your own leadership role

If you’ve ever left a role, made a major career move, or passed up an opportunity only to later question the decision, this episode will give you tools to pause, assess, and choose with strategy, not stress.

If you are at that tipping point—knowing something needs to change, but not sure what—this is where a pause can change everything. My ADHD-Powered Clarity Pit Stop is a focused, one-on-one session to help you slow down, see the full picture, and make your next move from strategy, not stress.

You can learn more here → ADHD-Powered Clarity Pit Stop

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel here: Get leadership insights through the ADHD lens

What happens when the mask comes off?

In this episode, Coach Cathy dives into the unique challenges faced by high-achieving professionals with ADHD who feel pressured to conform to traditional leadership molds. Through her personal story of exhaustion and the breaking point that led her to quit her executive role, Cathy shines a light on masking—the exhausting effort to hide your struggles and maintain a polished facade.

She unpacks the toll this takes on your mental bandwidth, decision-making, and ability to lead authentically. Cathy offers clear insights into the signs you might be leading from survival mode, why understanding ADHD is a game-changer, and how small, strategic shifts can help you lead with clarity, sustainability, and alignment with your values.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of burnout or navigating your next leadership transition, this episode will leave you with actionable steps to recalibrate your approach in a way that works with your brain, not against it.

00:00 Introduction: What does it mean to lead with ADHD? 01:09 Personal Story: The moment the mask shattered. 01:31 Understanding Masking: Why it’s so draining and its impact on leadership. 02:46 Survival Mode vs. Authentic Leadership: Recognizing the signs. 04:56 Reflecting on Leadership and ADHD: A new lens for aligned leadership. 07:05 Steps to Aligned Leadership: Practical strategies to start leading differently. 08:37 Invitation to Connect: Learn how ADHD-informed coaching can help you lead authentically.

If you’re tired of performing leadership and ready to step into authenticity, this episode is for you. Tune in to reclaim your energy, find clarity, and lead in a way that feels true to who you are.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to have a conversation about how you can work together. Schedule a call using this link.

If you’re ADHD and high-performing, here’s what no one tells you — self-leadership is your lifeline.

In this episode, Coach Cathy explores how neurodivergent professionals can lead themselves with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. You’ll learn how to: • Track your energy patterns (instead of forcing productivity) • Identify personal anchor practices • Ask for what you need — without over-explaining

You’ll also hear personal stories, practical tools, and an invitation to connect with others on the same journey.

📍Topics Covered: 0:00 – Welcome 0:32 – What is Self-Leadership? 1:53 – Why Knowing Yourself Changes Everything 4:49 – Owning Your Story 6:59 – Practical Tools That Actually Work 8:39 – Final Thoughts + Community Invite

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