Sophie shares her journey of discovering her autism and ADHD in her thirties after her son's diagnosis, reflecting on how her neurodivergent traits were actually the source of her corporate success rather than a hindrance. Her story highlights the power of self-knowledge and authenticity in creating a fulfilling career that aligns with personal values.

• Growing up undiagnosed with academic challenges despite being intelligent
• Discovering neurodiversity through her son's autism diagnosis at age 7
• Recognising how her neurodivergent traits made her excel in strategy consulting
• Leaving the corporate world after realising a disconnect with her core values
• Creating a business helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs align work with values
• Advocating for workplace needs without necessarily disclosing diagnosis
• Finding community with other neurodivergent women
• Using tools like Remarkable notebook, digital calendar frame, and ChatGPT

"I'm successful because of my neurodivergence, not despite it. The way my brain works, being able to absorb huge amounts of information and data, visualise it, and find insights and root causes super quickly...I have this obsession of connecting dots."

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Hibo Osman, a self-proclaimed ethnically ambiguous chaos coordinator, shares her journey of discovering and embracing her ADHD diagnosis while navigating professional life with sparkle, sleep hygiene, and self-compassion.

• Managing energy is crucial for ADHD brains – Hibo feels her emotions viscerally, visibly dimming when tired
• Sleep hygiene forms the foundation of Hibo's coping strategies including blackout curtains, no phones in the bedroom, and stopping caffeine at midday
• Childhood experiences of being unable to sit still and constantly being told to stop talking shaped Hibo's relationship with her "big energy"
• Learning to accept emotional dysregulation rather than fighting it – sometimes that means crying while walking with a weighted vest
• The "Hibo Hustle" combines authenticity and influence to navigate professional challenges
• Finding career paths that embrace rather than stifle your natural ADHD traits
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome blank page paralysis and boost productivity
• Meditation journey from failed two-minute attempts to a 10-day silent retreat
• Self-compassion as the ultimate goal – somewhere amid the fidgeting and noise, finding a way to love yourself

For more insights on managing ADHD, Hibo recommends "Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff.

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Fatima, an Emirati motorcycle adventurer diagnosed with ADHD at 45, shares her journey of breaking boundaries and discovering her authentic self through radical decisions and solo adventures.

• Diagnosed with ADHD at 45 after recognising similar traits in her daughter
• Misdiagnosed with depression for eight years before discovering her true neurological condition
• Completed a solo 2,500 km motorcycle journey from Dubai to Iraq
• Grew up as one of 19 siblings, always looking for ways to stand out and be noticed
• Believes in calculated risks and not waiting for others' permission to pursue dreams
• Advocates for tolerance as a pathway to authentic living
• Struggles but perseveres with parenting her own ADHD daughter
• Challenges stereotypes about women in the Middle East through her adventures
• Balances pushing boundaries with respecting cultural frameworks
• Lives by the philosophy: "I do it for me, because when I know and understand me, I can do many things for everybody around me"

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Follow us on social @fastbrainedwomen and try Endel : http://endel.io/fastbrains