Fast Brained Women

Clinically Dead To Fully Alive with Sharon Pakir

Sharon, a linguist and executive coach, shares how spending 9 months in bed recovering and being a later diagnosed ADHDer, reshaped her views on language, shame, self-worth and leadership. We explore how to build humane workplaces, draw boundaries without apology and design lives that fit fast brains. • linguistics applied to leadership and culture • shame as a brain shutdown and how to avoid it • feedback that guides growth not fear • neurodiversity as a universal design principle • ROI of empathy via reduced attrition • self-coaching lists to build identity and values • unapologetic boundaries and ending self-justification • executive function workarounds and memory journalling • reframing midlife as long runway for impact • celebration, preference and permission to stand out If you love this episode, it would mean the absolute world to us and also ease our rejection sensitivity. If you hit subscribe, share it with a fast brain friend, or if you loved it, leave us a quick review. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501539/support] Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen [https://www.instagram.com/fastbrainedwomen] and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains [http://endel.io/fastbrains]

From braces to brave: TikTok, AuDHD, and owning the room with Emma Ward

We sit down with Emma, a marketeer, creator, and refreshingly candid voice, to trace a path from TikTok braces updates to an AuDHD diagnosis, the relief of effective meds, and the reality of being told to “tone it down” while delivering standout work. It’s a fast, funny, and honest tour through chaos, clarity, and the tools that make the day workable. • braces story to creator growth and audience trust • ADHD awareness via TikTok and late diagnosis in women • therapy, CBT, and the moment meds bring peace • autism plus ADHD interplay: alone vs with people • masking at work and being “too loud” feedback • strategy brain in retail and 360 marketing • intuition, ethics, and learning softer delivery • notebooks, lists, and interview pacing as systems • exercise as regulation and “waiting mode” honesty • empathy, protecting quieter voices, and boundaries If you love this episode, it would mean the absolute world to us, and also it will ease our rejection sensitivity. If you hit subscribe, share it with a fast brain friend, or if you loved it, leave us a quick review Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501539/support] Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen [https://www.instagram.com/fastbrainedwomen] and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains [http://endel.io/fastbrains]

Rainbow Brains in Business with Sophie Thomas

Sophie shares her journey of discovering her autism and ADHD in her thirties after her son's diagnosis, reflecting on how her neurodivergent traits were actually the source of her corporate success rather than a hindrance. Her story highlights the power of self-knowledge and authenticity in creating a fulfilling career that aligns with personal values. • Growing up undiagnosed with academic challenges despite being intelligent • Discovering neurodiversity through her son's autism diagnosis at age 7 • Recognising how her neurodivergent traits made her excel in strategy consulting • Leaving the corporate world after realising a disconnect with her core values • Creating a business helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs align work with values • Advocating for workplace needs without necessarily disclosing diagnosis • Finding community with other neurodivergent women • Using tools like Remarkable notebook, digital calendar frame, and ChatGPT "I'm successful because of my neurodivergence, not despite it. The way my brain works, being able to absorb huge amounts of information and data, visualise it, and find insights and root causes super quickly...I have this obsession of connecting dots." Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501539/support] Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen [https://www.instagram.com/fastbrainedwomen] and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains [http://endel.io/fastbrains]

Embracing Your Electric Blue Energy with Hibo Osman

Hibo Osman, a self-proclaimed ethnically ambiguous chaos coordinator, shares her journey of discovering and embracing her ADHD diagnosis while navigating professional life with sparkle, sleep hygiene, and self-compassion. • Managing energy is crucial for ADHD brains – Hibo feels her emotions viscerally, visibly dimming when tired • Sleep hygiene forms the foundation of Hibo's coping strategies including blackout curtains, no phones in the bedroom, and stopping caffeine at midday • Childhood experiences of being unable to sit still and constantly being told to stop talking shaped Hibo's relationship with her "big energy" • Learning to accept emotional dysregulation rather than fighting it – sometimes that means crying while walking with a weighted vest • The "Hibo Hustle" combines authenticity and influence to navigate professional challenges • Finding career paths that embrace rather than stifle your natural ADHD traits • Using AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome blank page paralysis and boost productivity • Meditation journey from failed two-minute attempts to a 10-day silent retreat • Self-compassion as the ultimate goal – somewhere amid the fidgeting and noise, finding a way to love yourself For more insights on managing ADHD, Hibo recommends "Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501539/support] Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen [https://www.instagram.com/fastbrainedwomen] and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains [http://endel.io/fastbrains]

Motorcycling Through Boundaries with Fatima Alloghani

Fatima, an Emirati motorcycle adventurer diagnosed with ADHD at 45, shares her journey of breaking boundaries and discovering her authentic self through radical decisions and solo adventures. • Diagnosed with ADHD at 45 after recognising similar traits in her daughter • Misdiagnosed with depression for eight years before discovering her true neurological condition • Completed a solo 2,500 km motorcycle journey from Dubai to Iraq • Grew up as one of 19 siblings, always looking for ways to stand out and be noticed • Believes in calculated risks and not waiting for others' permission to pursue dreams • Advocates for tolerance as a pathway to authentic living • Struggles but perseveres with parenting her own ADHD daughter • Challenges stereotypes about women in the Middle East through her adventures • Balances pushing boundaries with respecting cultural frameworks • Lives by the philosophy: "I do it for me, because when I know and understand me, I can do many things for everybody around me" Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501539/support] Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen [https://www.instagram.com/fastbrainedwomen] and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains [http://endel.io/fastbrains]