Navigating ADHD and Finding Purpose: An Inspiring Interview with Emma Ward

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the ADHD Goals podcast! In this special edition, Laurence interviews Emma Ward, a fellow ADHD trainee and coach. Emma’s journey through ADHD coaching training at ADHD Works has been a transformative experience, and he is thrilled to share an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Laurence. Let’s dive into their rich dialogue about ADHD, life challenges, and the importance of purpose.

Emma Ward Interview

Discovering Shared Hometowns and Connecting

The interview begins with Laurence expressing his excitement about today’s guest, Emma Ward. They quickly discover a surprising connection—they both hail from Leicester! This shared background sparks joy and memories as they reflect on their East Midlands roots and the distinct Leicester accent.

Emma’s Journey with ADHD

Emma opens up about her ADHD journey, sharing a deeply personal experience from her school years. Despite her recent diagnosis at the age of 46, Emma’s struggle with ADHD symptoms began much earlier. She recounts her difficulty attending school regularly, facing bullying, and dealing with self-doubt. These challenges reveal the systemic issues within educational institutions regarding ADHD recognition and support.

Challenges in the Educational System

Laurence and Emma discuss the struggles of getting a proper ADHD diagnosis and the frustration stemming from underrepresented regions like Leicestershire. Laurence highlights how current education systems often label ADHD children as “naughty” rather than providing the necessary accommodations and understanding. Emma resonates with this, sharing a poignant story about her friend’s efforts to gain support for her daughter in school.

Emma’s Career Path and Self-Employment

Laurence inquires about Emma’s professional journey post-school. Emma shares her diverse career path, from holistic therapy to running a sandwich delivery business, ultimately finding success as a Slimming World consultant. However, self-employment posed its own challenges, including the struggle to stay organised and avoid burnout. Despite these difficulties, Emma made a significant impact in each venture.

The Importance of Purpose in Work

The core of Emma’s story lies in the purpose she found through helping others. Emma explains how her most fulfilling role was as a Slimming World consultant, where she could empathise with individuals battling weight and self-image issues. This role gave her a profound sense of purpose, driving her to provide unwavering support to those in need.

Workplace Accommodations and ADHD

Emma and Laurence explore the nuances of workplace accommodations for individuals with ADHD. They stress that these accommodations are not about making excuses but levelling the playing field. Emma emphasises the importance of recognising strengths and how ADHD traits, like high emotional intelligence and empathy, can be valuable assets in any organisation.

Journey to Becoming an ADHD Coach

The conversation shifts to what inspired Emma to train as an ADHD coach. Emma reveals that her diagnosis and personal coaching experiences significantly influenced her decision. She reflects on her past roles and how she has always been drawn to mentoring and supporting others. Emma aims to leverage her diverse skill set, including neurodiverse coaching and creative therapies, to make a difference in others’ lives.

Exploring Drawing and Talking Therapy

Emma introduces the concept of “Drawing and Talking Therapy,” a unique approach used to help individuals express their thoughts and emotions through art. She explains how this therapy can be particularly effective for non-verbal individuals or those who struggle to articulate their feelings. Emma’s passion for integrating creative therapies into her coaching practice is palpable, promising a holistic approach to mental health and self-discovery.

Connecting and Finding Support

Laurence wraps up the interview by asking Emma how listeners can connect with her. Emma shares her online presence, including her LinkedIn profile, Facebook group “Creating Self Care,” and her business name, “Holistic Creations.” She also promotes her public page for Slimming World consultations.

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Laurence expresses his gratitude to Emma for sharing her inspiring journey and insights. He notes how their conversation has provided free coaching and valuable advice. Emma, in turn, thanks Laurence for his support and looks forward to continuing their professional journey together.

Thank you for joining us on this special episode of the ADHD Goals podcast. If you found Emma’s story insightful and inspiring, please share it with others who might benefit. Remember, if ADHD management feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek professional guidance. Until next time, take care and find your purpose!

Links

Emma Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-ward-41a356187/

Slimming World – Enderby, Leicester: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057479956765

Creating Self-Care: https://www.facebook.com/groups/796607615675287

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