Running on Coffee, Dedication, and 14 Tabs
Running on Coffee, Dedication, and 14 Tabs DEIB with ADHD–a Chat with Dr. Jen” was a mind-blowing talk on ADHD that I attended on 9 September 2025.
I thought that ADHD has to be diagnosed and then medication will do the rest. I have a child who is a young adult already and who has been diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9, and 20% of my coach clients are ADHD. I always thought that I knew enough about ADHD until I attended this talk by Dr Jen Koster. She has ADHD and completed her doctorate with the assistance of a very understanding ADHD mentor. She is the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Manager at the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She described the nonlinear thinking, drift versus total focus, time blindness, and creativity and chaos as part of the life of someone with ADHD.
People with ADHD have Superpowers that include Pattern Recognition and Creativity.
Pitfalls include Missed Deadlines and the risk of Burnout.
Managers and Colleagues of ADHD Colleagues could focus according to Dr Jen Koster the following: Let the colleague think out loud. Give clear deadlines and grace periods. Follow-up is support (They do not mind micro-management). They should be asked how they want help. Non-linear progress should be normalised. Shared notes, and visual agendas could be used to assist. Time and energy struggles should be validated. Success could be reframed.
Challenging ourselves Policy Makers and Managers: How do we support neurodivergent colleagues?
Challenge for neurodivergent colleagues: What do you “need” that you have not asked for?
My challenge: Dive deep into this topic and find out more!