In this episode, I am joined by ADHD coach Christian Ehmen to discuss his unconventional approach to working with founders and executives with ADHD. We explore the differences between traditional coaching and ADHD coaching, along with the critical importance of self-discovery and "inner work" before diving into business strategy.
Christian Ehmen is an ADHD coach who specialises in helping mission-driven founders and executives “get the fuck unstuck," gain clarity, and grow their businesses. His coaching philosophy is built on the belief that personal development is the foundation for professional success.
The Unconventional Approach
Christian shares what makes his coaching unconventional. While many business coaches focus on immediate, surface-level strategies like marketing and lead generation, Christian’s method starts with "inner work." He believes that for individuals with ADHD, a lack of self-awareness and emotional regulation often holds them back. He encourages his clients to understand their unique brain and how it functions, rather than jumping straight into goal setting. As Christian says, "You can't build a house on a shaky foundation." Another key part of the inner work is identifying your narratives and patterns. Christian uses the analogy of a "monster under the bed" as something you're afraid of, but once you get a peek at it, you realise it's not as scary as you thought.
The Problem with "Shoulds"
Our conversation also touches on the overwhelming pressure for business owners to follow a rigid set of rules or templates. For example, Social Media is filled with advice from "hustle bros" who often don't share a founder's circumstances, such as having children or other commitments.
ADHD Coaching vs. Traditional Coaching,
We also dive into the key distinctions of ADHD Coaching vs. Traditional Coaching, for example, how ADHD coaching provides an educational lens through which our clients can understand their unique challenges, such as executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. This helps them realise their struggles aren't personal failings but just characteristics of their neurotype. We discuss the importance of providing a judgment-free zone, where clients can drop their "mask" and be their authentic selves. This allows them to openly discuss their struggles and unique ways of doing things.
Finding the Right Coach
Finally, we share some advice on how to find the right coach for you, such as looking for a coach who is aligned with your personal values and has similar experiences or demands on their time. Their advice will be much more relevant to your life. We also discuss the importance of paying attention to how a coach makes you feel during an initial call.
Finally, we conclude with the powerful idea that investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. When you invest in your personal growth, you're not just improving your business; you're unlocking your full potential.
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To find out more about Christian and his work, head to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ehmen-adhd-coach/