What role does coaching play in helping people with ADHD thrive in the workplace and why does a non-directive approach make all the difference? Co-hosts Diane Williams and Diane are joined by ADHD coach, educator, and advocate Sally Cater, returning to the podcast for a deeper exploration of how coaching can empower neurodiverse talent. In this third episode of our ADHD Awareness Month series, we spotlight the practical, emotional, and leadership lessons at the heart of truly inclusive workplaces. The episode also brings actionable insights for managers on busting myths, listening deeply, and getting educated from credible sources.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction: Why ADHD at work needs a new conversation

01:45 Meet Sally: Coach, trainer, and advocate with first-hand experience of ADHD

04:54 The freedom of a non-directive coaching approach

07:21 Reclaiming “permission”: Owning needs and differences at work

09:04 Key ways coaches can support clients with ADHD

12:32 Navigating workplace adjustments and disclosure

14:03 Helping managers understand ADHD—and what not to do

17:54 Small changes, big impact: Doodling, walking, and adjusting meetings for focus

22:08 Education matters: Busting myths and going beyond stereotypes

25:43 How to have better conversations and ask “How does it show up for you?”

28:05 Sally’s big tip: Open dialogue is everything

About Sally Cater:

Sally has been an accredited coach for 10 years and is a champion for inclusivity and understanding in the neurodiverse community.

After uncovering her own late diagnosis of ADHD and and realising that the derogatory labels she had given herself over the years were a result of a lack of understanding of what her neurodivergent brain was struggling to do as she forced herself to fit into a neurotypical world, she has since redefined her narrative, shedding past misconceptions and now helps other coaches expand their confidence and knowledge of ADHD.

She runs two brilliant programmes which help coaches seamlessly integrate ADHD-informed strategies into their coaching practice, enhancing their ability to support and empower clients.

• ADHD in Focus for Coaches course, our ICF-accredited group coaching program
• ADHD Foundations for Coaches course, our self-paced course

Prior to becoming a coach Sally spent 25 years leading and managing teams across the private and third sectors. And had the privilege, in her own words, "of working with teams of all shapes and sizes, brimming with unique and brilliant minds."

Connect with Sally:

Website: https://sallycatercoach.co.uk/

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Produced by Winter Audio

How can workplaces support parents of children with ADHD? In this episode, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane are joined by PR consultant and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) advocate, Nicola McKelvey, as part of our ADHD Awareness Month series exploring “The Many Faces of ADHD.” Nicola shares her personal journey as a working parent of a child with ADHD, uncovering the unique challenges, unexpected moments, and crucial workplace support that can make all the difference.

They dig into the unpredictability of parenting a child with ADHD while balancing a career, the importance of open conversations with employers, and creative approaches like “adjustment leave.” Nicola also shares practical examples of flexibility and “scaffolding,” and why these matter so much for retaining talented employees. The conversation highlights the value of empathetic leadership, real partnership between employers and parents, and offers encouragement for organisations to be truly flexible not just ticking the box.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the “Many Faces of ADHD” series

01:22 Meet Nicola: Working in communications and parenting two boys, one with ADHD

02:03 Why being a working parent of a child with SEND is “doubly hard”

03:47 Navigating unpredictable moments: From school emergencies to flexible work arrangements

06:35 The power of advocacy and peer support

08:13 “Scaffolding” children and employees: Building supportive structures at home and work

11:00Flexibility redefined: From face time to outcome-based working and the need for a “menu” of support options

14:03 Redefining success at work while parenting a neurodiverse child

16:27 Challenges with shared parental responsibility and lack of summer childcare provision

18:25 The need for communication and understanding: Flexibility ≠ underperformance

19:51 Nicola’s advice: Be truly flexible, listen, and tailor support to individuals

About Nicola:

With 25 years’ comms experience, Nicola has worked both in-house and in agencies across multiple sectors such as financial services, FMCG and retail and in countries including the UK, Nordics and Australia and New Zealand.

For the past ten years, Nicola has been self-employed, working with a range of clients including Women’s Sport Trust and ASICS as well as freelancing with different PR agencies on projects including Women's Ashes and Women's Rugby World Cup 2021.

Nicola is a mum of two boys, the youngest of whom has a diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. In her spare time, Nicola set up and runs a women’s football team which won the inaugural season of the Surrey FA Women's Flexi-League in 2022/2023.

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-mckelvey/

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Produced by Winter Audio

What does living and working with ADHD truly look like? We are launching our “Many Faces of ADHD” series for ADHD Awareness Month. This week, co-hosts Diane and Rebecca chat with Thomas Woodhams: tech recruiter, host of the Be You. podcast, LinkedIn Top Voice, and passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community.

Thomas shares his candid story of adult diagnosis, challenging misconceptions about ADHD, navigating employment hurdles, and the power of self-awareness. Our conversation explores how workplaces can create genuinely safer, more inclusive spaces for neurodivergent colleagues not by ticking boxes, but by starting with empathy, curiosity, and small, practical changes.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the “Many Faces of ADHD” series

05:24 Self-awareness and diagnosis can clarify unmanageable life issues

07:52 Embrace your ADHD diagnosis and get comfortable with it

11:43 Identify neurodivergent colleagues and address challenges collaboratively

14:17 Supporting neurodivergent staff benefits everyone

19:27 Start with self-improvement; clarify points discreetly without revealing neurodivergence

20:00 AI note takers in meetings are game changers for neurodivergent staff

26:10 Be honest in staff surveys and exit meetings to drive positive change

27:10 ADHD friendly workplaces benefit everyone.

About Thomas Woodhams.

Thomas Woodhams is the owner and co-host of the Be.You Podcast Show, a platform built to share honest stories around careers, mental health, and neurodiversity. Working in Talent Acquisition for Sony Sports Businesses, and diagnosed as neurodivergent (ADHD) six and a half years ago, he uses his own journey to help others feel seen and supported. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Thomas has grown a community by speaking openly, with humour and heart, about the challenges and wins that come with both work and life.

Connect with Thomas:

Website: https://careers.hawkeyeinnovations.com/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/thomas-woodhams

Be You. Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ha3ffq8zgxWyRSSGIrZd0

Email: hello@headflex.co.uk.

Website: www.headflex.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/head.flex/

Produced by Winter Audio