Embracing Neurospiciness | ADHD, Entrepreneurship, & the Female CEO
Today’s CEO musing is brought to you by meandering thoughts, my sore ass (from sitting on the floor for the last 10 hours of hyperfocused work), and a desire to overshare.
This is where we’re going to explore the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and neurodiversity. We’re about to dive into the world of ADHD, celebrating the unique qualities that come with it, and how female entrepreneurs can turn their “too much” into powerful assets in the business realm.
A Quick Note
This is for you if… you’re diagnosed, not diagnosed, self-diagnosed, don’t care about a diagnosis. We’re all a little neurospicy in our own ways, so hopefully this helps you embrace that part of yourself even more. Life is easier when you can learn to work with yourself and that incredible brain of yours, instead of against it.
Neuro-huh?
As a website designer, I proudly identify as neurospicy.
Neurospicy is a term used by people who are neurodivergent (meaning people with ADHD, autism, etc.) that encapsulates the vibrant, energetic, and sometimes unpredictable nature that ADHD brings to the entrepreneurial table. In my opinion, it’s just a sassy word that’s way more fun and light-hearted.
ADHD is often seen as a challenge, but what if we reframed it as a spicy superpower? 🔥
A Spicy Journey
ADHD wasn’t even on my radar until early 2021. Once I started piecing together my own neurodivergency, and looking retrospectively at what was basically my whole life, I realized that there wasn’t ever anything wrong with me. My brain just worked differently.
It’s taken some time, but over the last couple of years I’ve realized that my ability to hyperfocus and think outside the box allows me to create designs that stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
While my path may be peppered with occasional challenges (not to mention navigating this new approach to who I am and how I work), it is the uniqueness of my spicy little brain that sets my work apart.
Harnessing Hyperfocus
One of the hallmark traits of ADHD is hyperfocus, the ability to intensely concentrate on a task that captures our interest. In the world of website design, this intense focus can lead to innovative and highly creative solutions.
Hyperfocus in Action
Last month, I found myself immersed in a website redesign project. For an entire week, I dedicated every available hour to perfecting the user interface. The result? A visually stunning and highly intuitive website that exceeded both mine and the client's expectations. (Am I pumping my own tires? Yes, yes I am. Because when I came out of that intense-focus trance, I was shocked at what I’d accomplished.)
Navigating the Maze of Multitasking
Entrepreneurship often demands multitasking, and ADHD individuals are known for their ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. While it may seem chaotic to some, the neurospicy entrepreneur thrives in this dynamic environment.
The Multitasking Maestro
In the midst of managing client projects, responding to emails, and brainstorming new design concepts, I discovered that my ADHD-induced multitasking tendencies were not a hindrance but a powerful tool. I effortlessly navigated the maze of responsibilities…
But… sometimes it means I’m also tending to laundry, or petting a cat that’s trying to crawl on my laptop.
Building a Community
In the world of entrepreneurship, embracing neurodiversity fosters innovation and inclusivity. Female entrepreneurs with ADHD or autism can find strength and support in a community that celebrates their unique perspectives.
Fortunately for me, my journey with ADHD began because of kind, compassionate individuals within a virtual coworking cohort, AND I’ve opened myself to meeting more spicy individuals along the way.
☝️Find the friends and fellow CEOs that you can be YOU around. Silly, spicy, vulnerable… find your ‘safe’ people so you can lean into all the things that you might have been hiding from the world… but are the things that ultimately make you stand out. 👉
EMBRACE THE SPICe
In the realm of CEO Musings, I think we need to CELEBRATE the fiery spirit of neurospicy entrepreneurs.
ADHD and autism are not roadblocks but rather pathways to creativity, innovation, and success. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, let's redefine challenges as opportunities and turn our unique intellect and insight into a driving force for change.
Embrace the journey, spice up your business, and revel in the vibrant tapestry of neurodiversity.
