Thriving with ADHD: Career Coaching for Black Women Leaders
July 1, 2024
Conquering the Workplace with ADHD: Strategies for Black Women in Mid-to-Senior Careers
Imagine being a highly accomplished Black woman leader, yet facing constant feedback about focus, attention to detail, or timeliness. These could be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But for Black women in mid-to-senior level careers, these challenges can often be misinterpreted as unprofessionalism.

ADHD and Black Women: Unique Challenges and Unparalleled Strengths
Here’s the truth: Adult ADHD in Black women is frequently under diagnosed. This leaves brilliant minds feeling frustrated, misunderstood, and questioning their capabilities. According to the Journal of Attention Disorder Black adults are 77% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as compared to white adults.
The good news? With the right strategies and support, ADHD can become your superpower, not a hurdle. This article explores practical tips and resources specifically designed to empower Black women leaders with ADHD to thrive in the workplace.
Harness Your Brilliance: Strategies for Managing ADHD
- Tame the Executive Function Frustration: Many core symptoms of ADHD fall under the umbrella of executive function challenges. Difficulty planning, prioritizing, and managing time can be particularly disruptive in leadership roles. Utilize apps, planners, or to-do lists specifically designed for visual learners or those with ADHD. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Conquer Time Management: ADHD and time management can be a tricky dance. But remember, Black women already excel at juggling multiple responsibilities! Leverage your existing strengths in resourcefulness and time management. Explore time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves focused work intervals with short breaks.
- Move Your Body: Fidgeting and restlessness are common with ADHD. Take short “power breaks” throughout the day for walks or stretches. Consider a standing desk or a fitness ball chair to keep your body engaged while you work.
- Embrace Your Strengths: ADHD often brings a powerhouse of creativity, problem-solving skills, and boundless energy. Consider career paths that leverage these strengths, such as project management, entrepreneurship, or fast-paced environments.
Building Your Support System: Resources for Black Women with ADHD
- Advocate for Yourself: ADHD is a recognized disability under the ADA. Discuss reasonable accommodations with your employer, such as flexible deadlines, a quiet workspace, or the ability to record meetings for later reference.
- Seek Professional Help: A diagnosis from your doctor unlocks treatment options like therapy, medication, ADHD coaching, and lifestyle changes. Explore alternatives if stimulants aren’t suitable for you.
- Find Your Tribe: Connect with support groups like CHADD or online communities specifically for Black women with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. You’ll find valuable resources and a community that understands your struggles.
- Empowerment Through Coaching: Consider working with an ADHD coach specializing in the unique needs of Black women. They’ll help you implement strategies, master new skills, and navigate the specific challenges Black women face in the workplace.
Leading with Brilliance: Inspiration and Success
Black women like Simone Biles, Solange Knowles, and the Science Maven, Dr. Raven Baxter have showcased how to leverage ADHD for incredible success. Studies have shown that it can present with unique strengths in creativity, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking. You just have to know how embrace it.
You’re a force to be reckoned with, but ADHD might be holding you back. Unlock your full potential and lead with confidence. Invest in a coach who understands.
Ready to take charge of your ADHD and unlock your full potential? Schedule a complimentary 30-Minute Career Solution Consultation today! We’ll discuss your unique challenges as a Black woman leader with ADHD and develop a personalized plan to help you thrive in the workplace. Click to book your 30-Minute Career Solution Consultation!

I’m an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and career coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I failed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my worth in the workplace. It’s why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate change and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a free 30-Minute Career Solution Call today.
Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library
- Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
- Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD
- I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women), Elizabeth Leiba.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
- The Silent Struggle: Taking Charge of ADHD in Adults by W. William Ross-Child M.L.C.
- The Memo, by Minda Harts.
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear
- Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life, by Jamie Kern Lima
- 33 Tools to Remake Your Career by Paul Gabriel Dionne
If you found this blog informative, buy me a cup of coffee.
Read my latest blogs
- The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in LeadershipEven the Most Successful Executives Secretly Struggle with This… Have You Ever Felt Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success? You walk into the boardroom, prepared and confident. At least, that’s how you appear on the outside. Inside, however, a small but persistent voice whispers: “What if they find out I’m not as competent as they… Read more: The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
- Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes RolesDid you know that 42% of women leaders report burnout, struggling to balance high-pressure careers with personal fulfillment? For Black women in leadership, the challenges are even greater—navigating workplace microaggressions, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated spaces. These obstacles can leave even the most accomplished professionals feeling stuck, undervalued, and exhausted.… Read more: Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
- The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go UnnoticedHave You Ever Felt Invisible at Work? Like an Invisible Leader? You’re the one everyone relies on. You lead teams, solve problems, and drive results. So why does it feel like no one notices? Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion despite your stellar performance. Maybe you watch less-experienced colleagues get recognized while your… Read more: The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
- How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs Deciding whether it’s time to leave a job can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path will lead to growth, fulfillment, and success. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’ve invested time, energy, and passion into your career. However, staying in a role that no longer aligns with your values, aspirations, or… Read more: How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs
- Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Transition – Learn How to Pivot Without Starting Over Considering a career transition but worried about starting from scratch? The truth is, you don’t have to! Your transferable skills—those versatile abilities you’ve developed across roles—are your secret weapon for pivoting seamlessly into a new career. Whether you’re seeking greater fulfillment, better work-life balance, or a leadership role, mastering the art of leveraging these skills… Read more: Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Transition – Learn How to Pivot Without Starting Over
- 📉Avoid the Layoff Trap! How to Check an Employer’s Financial HealthLanding a new job offer can be exciting, but before signing that contract, there’s a critical question to ask: Is this company’s financial health strong enough to support your career stability? You don’t want to accept a dream role, only to find out a few months later that your employer’s financial health has resulted in… Read more: 📉Avoid the Layoff Trap! How to Check an Employer’s Financial Health
- Struggling to Change Careers? This 8-Step System Makes It EASY!You Deserve a Career That Aligns with Your Worth Does this sound familiar? ✔️ You’ve built a successful career, but now you feel unfulfilled, overlooked, or simply ready to change careers. ✔️ You know you want something better, more aligned with your skills and passions, but you’re not sure where to start. ✔️ You keep… Read more: Struggling to Change Careers? This 8-Step System Makes It EASY!
- Time Blocking 101: Stress-Busting Productivity Hacks You Can’t IgnoreYou’re sitting at your desk, already five minutes late for a meeting, with emails piling up, deadlines looming, and your phone buzzing incessantly. You’re exhausted just thinking about how much there’s left to do, let alone how to actually get it all done. Sound familiar? For many executives, navigating the high-pressure demands of leadership, this… Read more: Time Blocking 101: Stress-Busting Productivity Hacks You Can’t Ignore
- What Is Mental Fitness: Why It’s the Key for Our Well-BeingImagine this: You’re preparing for a high-stakes board meeting. Deadlines are looming, emails are flooding in, and your team is looking to you for answers. On the surface, you’re calm and composed, but beneath it all, stress and self-doubt are building. Maybe even some self-sabotage in the mix as well. Did you know? According to… Read more: What Is Mental Fitness: Why It’s the Key for Our Well-Being
- How to Identify Your Time Wasters and Eliminate Them FastHave you ever ended the day exhausted but with little to show for it? Your to-do list still has unchecked tasks, and you feel like time slipped through your fingers. The culprit? Time wasters. Time is one of your most precious resources, especially as a high-achieving Black woman juggling career goals, family responsibilities, and self-care.… Read more: How to Identify Your Time Wasters and Eliminate Them Fast
- The Ultimate Guide to Decision Making in Management: 10 Game-Changing TipsIn the fast-paced world of leadership, decision making in management is the foundation of success. Whether you’re setting strategic goals, addressing team conflicts, or navigating organizational changes, the ability to make confident and effective decisions sets exceptional managers apart. For Black women, this critical skill is often tested by additional challenges like workplace microaggressions, and… Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Decision Making in Management: 10 Game-Changing Tips
- Why Rest Is a Productivity Tool Every Executive Needs to EmbraceAs Black women navigating executive roles, we’re often told that to succeed, we must constantly work harder, smarter, and longer. While resilience and hard work are important, there’s a vital tool often overlooked in our pursuit of excellence: rest as a productivity tool. Rest isn’t a luxury. Rather rest is a productivity tool that can… Read more: Why Rest Is a Productivity Tool Every Executive Needs to Embrace
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment