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What if your ADHD wasn’t the problem, but your business model was?

This blog is inspired by a deeply nourishing conversation with ADHD coach and former school teacher, Alannah, who shares her personal journey from burnout to alignment. Diagnosed as an adult, Alannah didn’t just stop at understanding ADHD, she built an entire practice helping women work with their brains, rather than force themselves into productivity models that don’t fit.

If you’re a high-achieving woman who has ever felt like you’re constantly falling short, even though you’re giving everything you’ve got, this is for you.

The Misunderstood Reality of ADHD in Women

For decades, ADHD has been misrepresented as “that hyperactive boy who can’t sit still.” But for women, especially those in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s, it shows up differently…masked, internalised, and often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.

Alannah didn’t suspect she had ADHD. She was a burnt-out primary teacher, ticking all the boxes for exhaustion and overwhelm. It wasn’t until someone gently asked, “You’ve got ADHD, don’t you?” that she even considered the possibility.

Diagnosis changed everything. Not because it offered a quick fix, but because it gave her the language to understand her nervous system, her energy, her capacity and ultimately her potential.

ADHD Isn’t a Flaw, It’s a Framework

We often hear people describe an ADHD diagnosis as a huge exhale. A sigh of relief that finally explains the daily struggle, the chronic overwhelm, the never-ending internal shame cycle.

But Alannah’s message is clear: you’re not broken.

In fact, ADHD may be your greatest strength once you learn how to work with it.

Holistic Support, Not Just Strategy

Too many people assume that after diagnosis comes a pill, some strategies, and suddenly, all is well. But the truth is far more layered.

Alannah doesn’t offer quick fixes, she offers holistic support.

“It’s not just about learning strategies. It’s about understanding your energy, your needs, your cycles—and creating a business and life that supports those.”

From sleep and hydration to cycle tracking, movement, and self-compassion every piece matters. It’s about tuning into your body, instead of overriding it.

Signs You May Be Masking ADHD

Masking is a huge part of undiagnosed ADHD in women. It often shows up as:

• Chronic overwhelm

• Anxiety and internalised hyperactivity

• Starting but not finishing projects

• Feeling like a “hot mess”

• Constant guilt for not doing enough

• Difficulty relaxing or resting without shame

Sound familiar? You’re not lazy. You’re living in a system that wasn’t built for your brain.

Rejection Sensitivity and Business Paralysis

One of the lesser-known, but most impactful, aspects of ADHD is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD); the fear of real or perceived rejection or criticism.

RSD can manifest in business as:

• Fear of showing up online

• Overthinking every client interaction

• Avoiding sales calls or launches

• Spiralling after a catch-up, convinced you said something wrong

The antidote? Awareness + regulation. Alannah teaches her clients to name it, tame it, and challenge the story. Is there actual evidence? Or is this an old belief, triggered by a dysregulated nervous system?

Running a Business with ADHD and a Baby

Alannah’s lived experience brings even more depth to her work. As a new mum navigating postpartum, breastfeeding, and the return of her menstrual cycle, she’s learned the power of cyclical planning.

“I know the first two weeks of my cycle are when I’m most focused and creative. That’s when I do the heavy lifting. The week before my period? That’s repurposing content, automatic replies, and outsourcing.”

She structures her business around her energy, not a rigid to-do list. This is where systems come in, not to add pressure, but to support spaciousness.

“Systems allow you to stay in flow. They let your business keep moving, even when your energy dips.”

Burnout, Guilt & The Permission to Pause

Many women push through burnout, clinging to outdated beliefs about worth and productivity.

Alannah’s message? You’re worthy just for being here.

You don’t need to prove yourself. You don’t need to earn rest. And yes, sometimes your 20% is your 100%, and that’s okay.

“Rest is not just sleep. We need social rest, sensory rest, emotional rest. We need to redefine what rest looks like."

What Happens If You Don’t Listen to Your Energy?

You burn out.

You spiral.

You disconnect from your power and your purpose.

Alannah invites us to ask: What would this look like if it were easy? Instead of fighting your energy, how can you support it? Instead of over-giving, how can you honour your needs?

Do You Need a Formal Diagnosis?

No. A diagnosis can be validating and it’s necessary if you want to explore medication—but it’s not essential for support.

Alannah works with many women who are undiagnosed or still waiting. Her coaching helps them build systems, self-awareness and compassion right now.

“You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start understanding your brain and working with it.”

The Identity Shift: You Are Enough

At its core, ADHD coaching with Alannah isn’t just about executive functioning—it’s about identity.

It’s about healing the inner child who masked her needs.

It’s about rewriting the story that says “I’m not doing enough.”

And it’s about realising you are worthy, not when you finally get everything done, but right now.

Want to Go Deeper?

Alannah offers 1:1 coaching for women navigating ADHD (diagnosed or not), as well as consultation for families supporting neurodiverse children. She also hosts The ADHD Deep Dive Podcast and shares deeply helpful, relatable content across Instagram and TikTok at @adhd.with.alannah.

Healing isn’t always about fixing what’s broken. Sometimes it’s about seeing that you were never broken to begin with. You just needed a business that fits your body, your brain, and your truth.

Let this be your permission slip to stop forcing and start flowing.

Let your healing lead your success, not delay it.