Discovering ADHD: Insights from Elle O’Flaherty on the ADHD Goals Podcast
In our latest episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, we’re thrilled to bring you a conversation with Elle O’Flaherty, an executive coach specialising in ADHD, performance optimization, and productivity. Elle shares her journey from being a litigator to becoming a coach and founder of Interlace Solutions. Throughout the episode, she offers valuable insights and practical tools for managing ADHD and thriving both personally and professionally.
Elle O’Flaherty’s ADHD Journey
Elle discovered she had ADHD as an adult after navigating a career as a litigator. Growing up in the 80s, when ADHD was predominantly associated with boys, made her diagnosis journey lengthy and challenging. Once she understood her condition, Elle made significant changes, pivoting from a niche legal career to start her own executive coaching firm, Interlace Solutions. She now dedicates her work to helping others, especially those with ADHD, achieve growth and find joy.
Challenges and Diagnosis
Elle explains the difficulties she faced, particularly the stigma surrounding ADHD. As a litigator working on dense WTO disputes, Elle found herself struggling with tedious tasks that drained her energy. She pursued a diagnosis after learning coaching skills and eventually embraced her ADHD. Many adults diagnosed later in life experience a period of grief for what could have been, but Elle has found a way to leverage her condition positively to help others.
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is often overlooked. Elle emphasises how societal norms and biases have long ignored symptoms in females, leading to underdiagnosis and misunderstanding. She highlights how even today, professional women often discover their ADHD only after their children are diagnosed. Elle’s advocacy includes drawing attention to the unique challenges that women with ADHD face and the importance of proper diagnosis and support.
Comparing ADHD Diagnosis in the US and UK
Interestingly, Elle points out that the UK might be ahead in some diagnostic techniques, such as using eye-tracking technology to identify ADHD. In contrast, the US primarily relies on symptom inventories, which may be skewed toward hyperactive types. This difference in approaches showcases how various diagnostic tools can offer more comprehensive insights into ADHD and help break down misconceptions about the condition.
Coaching and Productivity Strategies
Elle believes in the power of coaching to help individuals with ADHD harness their unique strengths. She uses methods tailored to the ADHD brain, focusing not only on productivity but also on incorporating joy and rest into daily routines. Elle emphasises the importance of understanding one’s natural rhythms and incorporating rest periods to avoid burnout. Coaching helps clients build meaningful connections, develop new skills, and improve self-esteem.
Transitioning from Work to Personal Life
One of the significant struggles for ADHD individuals is transitioning from work to personal life. Elle offers practical tips to create a seamless transition, such as setting clear markers between tasks and using simple tools to capture thoughts and to-dos effectively. She suggests adopting an approach of leaving “micro chunks” or precisions for the next day to minimise overwhelm and improve productivity.
Tools and Techniques for ADHD Management
Elle is a strong advocate of using AI tools to enhance productivity. She recommends Fathom, a Zoom add-on that records meetings, generates transcripts, and provides annotated notes. This tool allows individuals to fully engage in conversations without worrying about note-taking. AI, she argues, is a powerful ally for those with ADHD, helping manage information overload and facilitating better focus.
The Importance of Leaning into Strengths
Elle stresses the critical importance of leaning into one’s strengths rather than focusing solely on areas of difficulty. She encourages her clients to identify their strengths and delegate or automate tasks that aren’t aligned with their natural talents. This approach not only improves productivity but also enhances overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Elle O’Flaherty’s journey and expertise provide invaluable insights into managing ADHD effectively. By focusing on strengths, utilising modern tools, and fostering a community where individuals can be their true selves, people with ADHD can thrive. Through coaching and understanding, we can turn ADHD into an asset rather than a hindrance.
For more information about Elle O’Flaherty and her work, visit Interlace Solutions or contact her at [email protected]
Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the multifaceted world of ADHD and share strategies to help you achieve your goals. If you’re interested in personalised coaching, visit our website at ADHD Goals to get in touch.
Links
Interlace Solutions: https://www.interlacesolutions.com/
Timeline
- 00:00 Introduction to the ADHD Goals Podcast
- 01:04 Elle O’Flaherty’s ADHD Journey
- 02:23 Challenges and Diagnosis
- 05:15 ADHD in Women and Girls
- 07:03 Comparing ADHD Diagnosis in the US and UK
- 11:52 Coaching and Productivity Strategies
- 19:24 Hyperfocus and Rest Patterns
- 26:52 Transitioning from Work to Personal Life
- 31:51 Tools and Techniques for ADHD Management
- 37:14 ADHD and Stress in Neurotypical Brains
- 38:01 The Impact of Modern Technology on Dopamine Levels
- 39:25 Coaching for ADHD and Neurotypical Productivity
- 40:12 Strategies for ADHD Success in Careers
- 40:51 The Importance of Leaning into Strengths
- 41:50 Navigating Workplace Accommodations
- 44:21 The Power of AI Tools for ADHD
- 52:00 Identifying and Leveraging ADHD Strengths
- 01:04:46 The Value of Community and Understanding
- 01:11:13 Challenging ADHD Labels and Perceptions
- 01:14:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- 01:16:21 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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