How to transition to your dream career | Guest: Betty Kempa

What happens when the mask comes off?

In this episode, Coach Cathy dives into the unique challenges faced by high-achieving professionals with ADHD who feel pressured to conform to traditional leadership molds. Through her personal story of exhaustion and the breaking point that led her to quit her executive role, Cathy shines a light on masking—the exhausting effort to hide your struggles and maintain a polished facade.

She unpacks the toll this takes on your mental bandwidth, decision-making, and ability to lead authentically. Cathy offers clear insights into the signs you might be leading from survival mode, why understanding ADHD is a game-changer, and how small, strategic shifts can help you lead with clarity, sustainability, and alignment with your values.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of burnout or navigating your next leadership transition, this episode will leave you with actionable steps to recalibrate your approach in a way that works with your brain, not against it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction: What does it mean to lead with ADHD?
01:09 Personal Story: The moment the mask shattered.
01:31 Understanding Masking: Why it’s so draining and its impact on leadership.
02:46 Survival Mode vs. Authentic Leadership: Recognizing the signs.
04:56 Reflecting on Leadership and ADHD: A new lens for aligned leadership.
07:05 Steps to Aligned Leadership: Practical strategies to start leading differently.
08:37 Invitation to Connect: Learn how ADHD-informed coaching can help you lead authentically.

If you’re tired of performing leadership and ready to step into authenticity, this episode is for you. Tune in to reclaim your energy, find clarity, and lead in a way that feels true to who you are.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to have a conversation about how you can work together. Schedule a call using this link.

Prior to my diagnosis of ADHD, I always wondered why my emotions were always so intense. Once I learned that Adults with ADHD have emotional regulation challenges my whole approach to understanding and managing my emotions has been life-changing.

In this episode, I invited back ADHD/Attention Coach Jeff Copper, to share his views on Emotional Dysregulation and also share my perspective on this topic. Midway through this talk we also share our point of view on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria which is different than what is out there

I hope you enjoy this episode and this is another episode that you might want to share with your loved ones who are trying to understand why you have such big emotions.

This episode is brought to you by Adult ADHD Group 3C Activation – to apply for this group coaching go to https://calendly.com/coachingwithbrooke/3-c-activation-1-1-application?month=2021-03

Want to know more about 3C Activation? Click here >> https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/3cactivation

About Jeff Copper:

Email: jeff@digcoaching.com | Website: www.digcoaching.com

Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG, is an attention coach and expert on attention issues. He is the founder of DIG Coaching Practice and founder/host of Attention Talk Radio and Attention Talk Video. He coaches individuals with ADD/ADHD symptoms who are seeking personal and business results by helping them realize their potential. As someone who has had to learn to manage attention and deal with his own challenges, Jeff helps his clients understand themselves and how their minds work. To this end, Jeff developed his anatomy of attention construct to help them regain control of their attention and move past barriers. Using his anatomy of attention construct, they can achieve what they are capable of faster, with less stress, and create productive environments they need to succeed.

In part 2 of this conversation, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired Coaches Kat Hoyer and Kristin Marts!  Janelle Augustin, who is also an ADHD reWired Coaching group Alumni member, also joins all of the ADHD reWired Coaches in the hot seat to figure out actionable items to keep track of multi-step tasks and not lose steam while tackling unfinished projects.  ⭐ If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, go back to episode 469 to listen in from the beginning!  Janelle was born in Jamaica but grew up in South Florida and joins us in this episode from Tampa!  As a mom who enjoys gardening and has a love for cooking, Janelle is also an entrepreneur with her business called Nelly’s Fried Creamery, specializing in deep-fried ice cream.   Not long after being diagnosed with ADHD at age 32, Janelle joined ADHD reWired’s Coaching & Accountability Groups and continued her support with the Alumni community.  Through the coaching groups, she developed the self-awareness she needed to learn to advocate for herself and learned what she needed for that self-advocacy.  Questions/Topics in this Episode: [00:02:13] “Do you think everything needs to be finished?” [00:05:07] Kat talks about borrowing from previous successes  [00:07:20] “What do you tell your child about making mistakes?” [00:08:32] Different ways to think about “done”   [00:17:19] More tool suggestions for writing / creating processes [00:20:42] What did ChatGPT spit out?  [00:23:37] A helpful acronym [00:34:02] Kristin talks about POPs – the Point-of-Performance [00:34:41] Janelle shares her action steps, commitments, & wrapping up Other Coaching Questions from today’s episode:  Would you be able to prioritize the things you want/need to finish vs. the things that “would be nice” to finish?  If you were to say, “What’s the TOP thing right now, in your life, that you want to get to ‘done’ to earn the right to work on the next thing?” Then, “What would be that next thing?” What did you say to yourself when something didn’t go right?  What lessons did you learn from that?  Other Resources & Honorable Mentions: Tool: Process.st   Tool: Chat GPT   Tool: Jasper.ai   Website: Fiverr   Book: E-Myth Mastery – The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World-Class Company   Book: The E-Myth Revisited   Check out the Other Podcasts on the ADHD reWired Podcast Network: with Brendan Mahan with Will Curb with MJ Siemens

In this episode of ADHD reWired, Eric Tivers is joined by Mattia Mauree, an award-winning composer, poet, and host of the AUDHD Flourishing Podcast. Mattia shares their insights into the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as they navigate trauma, self-expression, and what they describe as “attention tunnels.” Mattia opens up about their personal journey, discussing the impact of complex PTSD, disordered eating, and their late diagnoses of ADHD and autism. They explain how monotropism—having a narrower field of focus—shapes their experience as a neurodivergent person. Through the lens of monotropism, Mattia explores how being stuck in an attention tunnel can make transitioning to different tasks or social situations feel overwhelming and distressing. Eric and Mattia dive deep into the intersections of trauma and neurodivergence, examining how neurodivergent brains may be more easily traumatized, especially in environments that fail to meet their unique needs. They discuss the profound impact of neurodivergent parents raising neurodivergent children and the challenges of navigating systems that don’t support their differences. This conversation also highlights the importance of self-expression in healing and flourishing. Mattia explains how self-expression, rather than achievement, has become central to their definition of success, emphasizing the importance of creating work that resonates emotionally, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional metrics of success. Other topics discussed include: The connection between hyperfocus and monotropism in ADHD and autism   How Mattia balances creativity, self-care, and flourishing as a neurodivergent individual   The complexity of navigating trauma in neurodivergent families   The importance of community and support systems for neurodivergent creatives and entrepreneurs This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay of trauma, neurodivergence, and flourishing. Whether you identify as neurodivergent or are simply curious about these experiences, this conversation offers valuable insights into the importance of creating space for self-expression, healing, and growth. Connect with Mattia Mauree: Website:   Podcast: Support ADHD reWired on Patreon: If you’ve enjoyed this episode and want to support the podcast, consider becoming a patron at . Your support helps keep the podcast going and brings more episodes to listeners like you! Join ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Groups: Our coaching groups return this fall! Learn how to manage your ADHD more effectively in a supportive, community-based program. Visit to get all the details.

Join the ADHD reWired Team every second Tuesday of the month for our monthly Live Q&A!  Get this episode uninterrupted by ads when you become a Patron at $5.00 a month or more by going to adhdrewired.com/Patreon!  Questions/Topics:  [00:01:06] Welcome & introductions [00:02:44] A listener, who has treatment-resistant depression and asks for tips (other than exercise) to help manage ADHD, moods, and depression [00:13:29] “How are you using ChatGPT and how do you think it is most beneficial to someone with ADHD?” [00:22:14] “Why is it that, with ADHD brains, we can think really fast and great in some situations, but fail in traditional work situations?  If our brains work fast, why do we struggle in the real world?”  [00:28:50] A listener asks about non-prescription nootropics [00:34:43] “What is a good password manager?” [00:36:56] One of the panelists asks for tips to help the transition between seasons easier  [00:44:45] “How should I handle the fact that my ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) – Level 1 diagnosis dismissed my ADHD-combined diagnosis in 2019 as being better explained by autism? Am I ADHD or not? And should I stop by ADHD therapy and focus on Autism therapy, in that it might help indirectly with ADHD?”  [00:50:47] “Is there any research that indicates baseline dopamine levels are negatively impacted, over time, by taking stimulant medication?”  [00:52:44] Closing thoughts 🌟 Have you heard about our Adult Study Hall Community? Go to adultstudyhall.com to join our ADHD-friendly body-doubling community! 🌟 Interested in group coaching and want to take your ADHD management to the next level? Go to coachingrewired.com to get all the up-to-date information on the upcoming season of ADHD reWired’s award-winning Coaching & Accountability groups!

📣Registration is OPEN for our Summer Coaching and Accountability Groups – Learn more at  🏳️‍🌈Free Neurodivergent Pride Month Panel is this Thursday at 1:30 PM PT / 4:30 PM ET – Register at   This week we focused on the importance of planning for the future and prioritizing meaningful activities, with what Eric likes to think of as “Big Heart Week.” The coaches emphasized the need to direct energy towards activities that provide a sense of purpose and emotional fulfillment and shared their personal experiences with setting and achieving goals. The discussion also revolved around creating and reviewing bucket lists as a way to connect with one’s inner desires and plan for meaningful experiences. Prioritizing Meaningful ActivitiesIn the latest episode of the Adhd Rewired podcast, Eric, Coach Kristen, and Coach Brian discussed the importance of planning for the future and prioritizing meaningful activities. The theme of the week was “Big Heart Week,” focusing on issues that might be difficult to confront. Brian emphasized the significance of directing energy towards activities that provide a sense of purpose and emotional fulfillment rather than just productivity. Eric concurred, stressing the need to recognize the unpredictability of life and carve out time for activities that matter. The coaches shared their experiences of helping clients approach these topics and encouraged listeners to reflect on their own priorities. Discussing Personal Bucket Lists and Goals Eric encouraged members to plan for their long-term goals and dreams, and initiated a discussion about personal bucket lists. Coach shared that she has noticed a pattern among members where practical considerations, such as creating a will or planning for children, often come up when making bucket lists. This realization has led to more intentional goal-setting and planning. The group also recognized the value of sharing and knowing each other’s dreams and aspirations.   Shared Projects, Accomplishments, and Motivation An anecdote was shared about a person’s enthusiasm and eagerness to move forward with a shared project. Eric then discussed the joy he found in seeing group members sharing their accomplished bucket list items, finding it both entertaining and inspiring. Brian, who participated in an annual bikeathon fundraiser for the Aids Life Cycle, shared his personal experience of setting a goal to participate in the event, initially hesitant due to self-doubt, but eventually realizing his capability to achieve it. His accomplishment provided him a sense of enrichment and motivation in all areas of his life.   Creating and Celebrating Bucket-List Experiences Eric emphasized the importance of creating and reviewing a bucket list as a way to connect with one’s inner desires and plan for meaningful experiences. He suggested that people should be intentional about their bucket lists, allowing themselves to enjoy the anticipation of upcoming experiences and celebrating achievements along the way. Coach Kristin added that unexpected experiences also qualify as bucket-list items and should be recognized and celebrated. The team also shared personal bucket-list items, including Eric’s story of a delightful experience at a clothing-optional campsite.