As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent, my journey has been a wild ride. But it has also given me a unique perspective on life and how to help others find the connections and fulfilment they crave.
I too had been searching for these elusive things - connection and fulfilment - and my experiences have allowed me to embrace the divergent parts of myself without feeling overwhelmed by them.
Now, I am able to bring this perspective to my coaching clients and help them find their own paths to connection and fulfilment.
In fact, I have come to realise that my spicy brain is actually an asset when it comes to coaching. Now that I know more about how my brain works, I can see that many of the things that make me a great coach come from the way I see the world.
While some people might see being autistic and having ADHD as a double whammy of challenges, it has actually made me a better coach in five very magical ways.
Hyperfocus Hocus-Pocus: When I get interested in something, I go all in. My brain turns into a curious cat, eager to explore every nook and cranny of the subject matter.
I delve into multiple rabbit holes of research, strategy, discovery, and wanting to understand things from different perspectives.
But that's not all - when I work with clients, they become my hyperfocus!
Now, don't worry, I won't show up at your doorstep unannounced, but I will become your biggest fan and cheerleader. I take the time to really get to know and understand who you are, what makes you tick, and what you want from life, so I can help you go after it with everything you've got. It's like having a superhero on your side, with my ADHD brain locking on and refusing to quit until we've achieved success.
Crystal Ball Clarity: Whilst ADHD is fired up by becoming an all-out superfan, my autism gives me the ability to see beyond the surface level and see things that others often miss.
I see patterns and connections, and that allows me to take a more holistic approach to coaching.
This means I can identify areas where my clients might need extra support or encouragement, and tailor my coaching to their unique needs. It's incredibly rewarding to see that "aha!" moment when a client gains a fresh insight on a problem that had previously seemed insurmountable.
Seeing things from a fresh perspective, asking unexpected questions that break open old stories and encouraging clients to ask themselves "What if....?" is a joy!
Empathy: Autism and ADHD can both make it harder to read social cues, but that doesn't mean I'm lacking in empathy.
If anything, I think my challenges have made me more attuned to the emotions of others. I have spent a lifetime observing others and feeling highly attuned to what may be going on for them and can often feel the echoes of that feeling myself.
This means I have had to get really good at looking after my own energetic and emotional well-being; having healthy boundaries and noticing when people's words don't match their energy. So, not only is my bullshit detector super strong, it's really important to me that I do all I can to create spaces, offerings and services that empower others to make bold choices and prioritise their needs and wants.
Creative Problem-Solving: Being both autistic and ADHD has turned me into a problem-solving badass.
When faced with a challenge, I'm able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions that are tailor-made for who you are and what you need.
Whether it's helping them overcome a mental block or finding a new approach to a business problem, I'm always looking for ways to innovate solutions that are both effective and aligned with their intentions, and that don't conform to icky burnout-inducing hustle culture that pervades our society.
Weird is Wonderful. I've spent my whole life feeling like an edge dweller who doesn't quite belong.
It's made me really good at playing roles in an attempt to fit in, blend in and go undetected, all whilst keeping a lid on my weirdness (because, heaven forbid one should stand out and be different!). Boring!
Now? I'm embracing that weirdness and I'm celebrating it in others too! I adore it when people share their special interests with me, when I get to be part of them finally embracing their passions and really owning who they are. Self-acceptance is a superpower that brings such empowerment and it's an honour for me to help others find that for themselves.
Because, when we can know, understand and accept ourselves more, then we can judge ourselves and each other less and spend more of that energy enjoying being who we really are.
Being autistic and having ADHD makes me a really good coach. Sure, there are challenges that come with these conditions, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. They've helped me develop skills and perspectives that make me a more effective and empathetic coach, and that's something I'm proud of.
So, if you're looking for a coach who can help you overcome challenges, think creatively, and find innovative solutions that feel good and are in alignment with your values, look no further. I'm here to help you connect with who you truly are and live a fulfilling life, without sacrificing your mental or physical health.
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