Entrepreneurial Strengths & Vulnerabilities with Psychiatrist, Researcher & Serial Entrepreneur
Ever wondered why the idea of working for someone else just never quite fit, or why chaos seems to call your name (and you answer with gusto)? If you’re an entrepreneur who’s found yourself drawn to the thrill of building your own path—and maybe even stumbled more than a few times along the way—you are going to love this week’s guest interview. I recently sat down with Dr. Michael A. Freeman, an acclaimed psychiatrist, professor, and serial entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research uncovers the fascinating relationship between ADHD, bipolar spectrum conditions, and the entrepreneurial drive. In this lively conversation, we get real about what makes entrepreneurs with ADHD different—and what it takes to turn those differences into undeniable strengths instead of exhausting liabilities. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:Why do so many entrepreneurs have ADHD tendenciesDr. Freeman breaks down fascinating research on why we’re more likely to go solo in our careers—and why we struggle in traditional workplaces.The double-edged sword of the ADHD entrepreneurial brainWe chat about superpowers and vulnerabilities, with a big emphasis on how to recognize your “zone of genius” (and when to call in backup!).Building your own ADHD-friendly toolkit for sustainable successFrom teams and routines, to handling sleep and “offloading the boring stuff,” we talk actionable strategies (yes, including coaching and medication).The myth vs. reality of the entrepreneurial lifeSpoiler: it isn’t all glamor and “get rich quick”—and Dr. Freeman shares why radical self-awareness and resilience are must-haves.Why fun is non-negotiable for the entrepreneur with ADHDTurns out, fun isn’t just a bonus—it’s the main event for the ADHD brain, and Dr. Freeman explains how to keep your business (and life) playfully sustainable.Make it actionable: Take three minutes to reflect: what feels fun, energizing, or “flow-y” in your own work? What support do you need more of?Feeling inspired to start, pivot, or quit? Get a “personal board of directors” before you make big decisions or take big risks.Get to know Michael Freeman, MD Michael A. Freeman, MD, is a clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine, a researcher and mentor at the UCSF Entrepreneurship Center, a psychiatrist and executive coach for entrepreneurs, and an integrated behavioral healthcare systems consultant. His current research focuses on the identification of emotional overwhelm with early intervention and support. Dr. Freeman’s thought leadership on entrepreneurship and mental health has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall St. Journal, Fortune Magazine, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNN Money, Financial Times, and Bloomberg News.Mentioned in this episode:UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, the Gallup Organization Connect with Michael A Freeman, MDWebsite - LinkedIn 🎙️ Fun Fact From the...
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How Shiny Object Syndrome Sabotages Business Success
ADHD-ish is THE podcast for business owners with big ideas and busy brains, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis, or not.
We have expanded our focus so regardless of your gender or whether you identify as an entrepreneur, soloist, small business owner, creative, independent professional, freelancer, etc) if you are driven and distracted, color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you.
People with these traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But, running a business can be lonely and exhausting.
Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to catch and release is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish.
Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success.
From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by
embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning passion and purpose into profit.
If you're new here, I’m your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and ADHD-ish serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance.
In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my own businesses and working with clients who are like-minded and like-brained.
Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself.
So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Oh, and if you love the show, reviews are appreciated and so is sharing ADHD-ish with others!