Building an ADHD starter kit

If there’s one thing we’ve learned throughout this show, it’s that people can thrive at work not in spite of their differences, but because of them. People with learning and thinking differences like ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia all have strengths. But sometimes it takes finding the right job — and the right tools — to allow them to shine.  In this final episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?!, host Eleni Matheou looks back at themes we’ve seen from guests in the series. Tune in to learn how taking a chance, experimenting with strategies, and asking for support can help you on your career path.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesHow to ask for a workplace accommodationPerspectives: How did you decide on a career path?Talking about work challenges with co-workers is a game-changer. Here’s how to do it. Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the last interview for How’d You Get THAT Job?! For this special episode, our guest is Nathan Friedman, co-president and chief marketing officer at Understood.org. Nathan was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. Early in his career, he didn’t openly discuss his learning and thinking differences. But now he recognizes the value of being vulnerable and embracing them.  Today, Nathan is helping shape the world so people with learning and thinking differences can thrive.  Nathan went from a political science degree at Washington University in St. Louis to the world of marketing. He started as an assistant account executive at Ogilvy and at 27 became their youngest managing director. He went on to start his own company before joining Understood, where he oversees marketing and provides operational and strategic support.  Listen to Nathan’s insights into the power of advocacy, finding relatable role models, and creating a supportive network.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesWhat is an inclusive workplace?What is self-advocacy?Nathan’s Adweek article: How learning to navigate dyslexia landed me in the C-suite Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Loucresie Rupert is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with ADHD. She wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until she was a medical intern. Now, being open with her patients about her own neurodivergence allows her to connect with them — and be the best doctor she can be.  Loucresie didn’t have an easy time getting her diagnosis as a Black woman. When she first sought an evaluation, she was labeled as narcissistic and told she wasn’t smart enough to be in medical school, even though she was already attending one. After failing a two-day licensing test she had trouble focusing on, she knew it was time to get a second opinion. Now, she’s a co-founder of the organization Physician Women SOAR (Support, Organize, Advocate, Reclaim).  Tune in to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! to hear more about the intersectionality of being a Black woman with ADHD, racism in the medical community, and Loucresie’s upcoming podcast. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesADHD and race: What Black families need to know Why Black girls with learning disabilities need more visibilityDifferent professionals who help kids with ADHDPhysician Women SOAR (Support, Organize, Advocate, Reclaim) Facebook group  Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristjana Williams is a London-based Icelandic artist with dyslexia. She wasn’t diagnosed until she was 25 and attending Central Saint Martins, an art school with many students who learn and think differently. Now, she’s a renowned collage artist with her own studio.  Growing up in Iceland with undiagnosed dyslexia was frustrating for Kristjana. She would try so hard to accomplish her work, but she just couldn’t quite get it without the support that she needed. Today, she knows that her brain works differently, and she leans into her strengths. It’s why her work is so creative and comes together naturally.  Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! to hear more about how Kristjana’s dyslexia affects her memory, and how it led her to the collage art medium.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesUndiagnosed dyslexia, and low self-esteem: Becoming a fashion designer, another How’d You Get THAT Job?! episodeFAQs about bilingualism and dyslexiaKristjana’s studio and art Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aideé Chávez Frescas is a senior social media manager at Understood. She also has ADHD and creates her own social media content that has gone viral again and again. She shares about her life as a Mexican person living in the United States, and the intersection of being Latina and having ADHD. Her videos and posts help end stigma and show others they’re not alone. Understood is the first workplace where Aideé has been open about her ADHD. She felt comfortable disclosing because of Understood’s mission to help people who learn and think differently thrive. In the past, she relied on masking her symptoms, toning her energy and personality down to fit into spaces. Now, Aideé is proud to be herself at work. And she encourages her team to do the same.  Hear how Aideé thought masking her ADHD was code-switching at first — plus her formula for going viral. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesAidee’s personal Instagram account, and her ADHD Instagram account @totallyadhd_Understood’s Instagram accountADHD runs in the family (Michelle’s story) Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Gilbert is a career coach and consultant with ADHD and dyslexia. She helps people with learning and thinking differences navigate their day-to-day work — and play to their strengths. After working in leadership development for years, she pursued her dream and started her own coaching business, Cape-Able Consulting.  Because Alex was diagnosed at age 8, she had accommodations throughout school. During college, she realized that all of these supports would disappear when she graduated. So she started a mentorship program at her university to help those with learning and thinking differences prepare for “real” life. She’s been in love with coaching others ever since. Now, Alex helps others learn about how they work best, try out tools, and advocate for themselves.  Listen to hear more about red flags in the workplace, and how to tell the difference between challenging and hard. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesCape-Able Consulting, Alex’s consulting firm32 examples of workplace accommodations Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Reis is a product designer at an e-commerce startup — and a listener of the podcast! Like many others, Dan saw his coping skills vanish during the COVID-19 lockdown. This led to him finally getting diagnosed with ADHD.  Since then, Dan has made it his mission to explore different tools to build his own “ADHD toolkit.” Through trial and error, he modifies strategies to work for him. And he uses these tools to get his work done. Through self-compassion, routine changes, and experimentation, he’s understanding himself better. And, as is true for so many of us, he knows there’s still a long way to go.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesADHD treatment without medication: What are my options? Understood Explains episodeWorkplace supports: Trouble following instructions and managing deadlinesThe Pomodoro technique Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel Basoco has ADHD, and she works in two very different industries. She’s a full-time director of advancement and growth for digital communities at Fidelity. She also works part time for 11:11 Media, Paris Hilton’s company, building their Web3 community. She considers herself “the finance bro AND the finance bro’s girlfriend.” Having two very different jobs makes planning the workday easier for Rachel. She can be flexible with her schedule, pivoting from one project to another when her brain gets bored. And in both positions, she works on her passion: fostering community.  Listen to this week’s episode to hear how Rachel developed a community among Latina business owners. Plus, gather advice for self-advocating to your managers. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesADHD and boredomWorkplace accommodations fact sheetA day in the life of an employee with ADHD Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gil Gershoni is the founder and creative director of the branding firm Gershoni Creative. He says that everything he does, he does dyslexic.  Gil sees dyslexia as a hyper-ability. His goal is to show the world that dyslexic thinkers can open new doors and innovate anything.  Along with Gershoni Creative, Gil created Dyslexic Design Thinking, a method that helps clients see new perspectives and tell the story of their brand. Gil also hosts Dyslexic Design Thinking, a podcast that explores the link between dyslexia and creativity. Through these outlets, Gil spotlights dyslexic thinkers and ideas.  Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! to learn more about Gil’s approach to changing the dyslexia disability narrative, and how he advocates for neurodiverse teams.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] resourcesDyslexia and creativityEntrepreneurs who learn and think differently“Out of the darkness and into dyslexia” — a for/by article by Gil Gershoni Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Claire Odom has always worked in the disability inclusion world, even before she knew she had ADHD. When she related a little bit too much to everyone’s answers in an ADHD focus group, she knew it was time to get evaluated.  Now, Claire is a psychotherapist at a private practice that embraces neurodiversity. She’s also a disability inclusion consultant for Understood’s Workplace team, which focuses on building stronger, more equitable, and more inclusive work environments.  Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! for advice on how to navigate the workplace with learning and thinking differences. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected].  Related resourcesUnderstood’s Workplace resourcesAccommodations: What they are and how they work32 examples of workplace accommodationsWhat is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.