ADHD Isn’t Laziness: Understanding Neurodivergence at Work, in Parenting & Within Yourself with Kristen Pressner

For so many women, ADHD has been misunderstood for decades — often internalised as laziness, failure, or not trying hard enough. But what if that story was never true to begin with? In this week’s episode of the ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, I’m joined by Kristen Pressner, Global Head of People & Culture, TEDx speaker, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity for a conversation on ADHD, leadership, parenting, and why understanding your brain can change how you live, work, and relate to yourself. Kristen brings both professional insight and deeply personal experience to this conversation, sharing what it’s been like raising four neurodivergent children while navigating a high-powered career, and how this journey has reshaped the way she understands ADHD, both at home and in the workplace. This is a conversation that gently challenges some of the narratives many of us have grown up with, particularly the idea that ADHD is about laziness or lack of discipline, and instead invites us to explore what might be possible when we approach ourselves (and others) with more curiosity, compassion, and understanding. In this episode, we explore: Kristen's experience of supporting her family through their neurodivergence diagnosis The different emotions that can come with an ADHD diagnosis Why understanding the biology of ADHD can help us work with our brains The impact of undiagnosed neurodivergence on mental health and relationships Why so many people may not recognise themselves in traditional narratives How creating non-judgmental environments can reduce shame in those with ADHD How to feel safe to survive, which allows you to thrive Why knowing your needs can be tricky, and how to gently explore this Practical ways workplaces and managers can support neurodivergent employees with meaningful, individualised accommodations How Kristen has brought her lived experience into her leadership work to support others more effectively The concept of a “brain friend” and how having someone alongside you can make navigating life with ADHD feel less overwhelming How tools like AI can support neurodivergent people to process thoughts, communicate needs, and better understand themselves This episode is a reminder that there is nothing “wrong” with your brain, and that with the right support, understanding, and space to explore what actually works for you, things can begin to feel a little more possible. Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction to ADHD Women's Wellbeing 00:48 - Kristen's Family's Journey of Neurodivergence 12:30 - Navigating Neurodivergence in Family Dynamics 29:40 - Navigating Neurodivergence in Parenting 37:51 - Understanding Neurodivergence and Its Impact on Relationships This week’s episode is sponsored by Understood.org, the leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering the millions of people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, I’d recommend listening to their podcast, Everybody Gets a Juicebox, as it’s full of relatable stories and practical tools to help your family thrive while protecting your own wellbeing, too! The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Event Recording is here! My first-ever ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live event sold out, and now the full experience is available to you wherever you are, whenever it feels right. Alongside three neuro-affirming experts, we spent four hours exploring the questions that matter most to late-diagnosed women. Get lifetime access here! Inside the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Recording, you'll find: Kate Moryoussef on post-diagnosis growth and her gentle framework for what comes next Dr Hannah Cullen on the neuroscience of ADHD and why your brain works the way it does Hannah Miller on reconnecting with purpose through a neurodivergent lens Adele Wimsett myth-busting on hormones, HRT, progesterone and perimenopause Understand yourself more deeply, feel less alone, and finally access the expert knowledge you deserve. Because every woman with ADHD deserves access to the knowledge, expertise and understanding that for too long simply hasn't been available to us. To get lifetime access for £44, click here. Join the More Yourself Community - the doors are now open! More Yourself is a compassionate space for late-diagnosed ADHD women to connect, reflect, learn and come home to who they really are. Sign up here! Inside the More Yourself Membership, you’ll be able to: Connect with like-minded women who understand you Learn from guest experts and practical tools Receive compassionate prompts & gentle reminders Enjoy voice-note encouragement from Kate Join flexible meet-ups and mentoring sessions Access on-demand workshops and quarterly guest expert sessions To join for £26 a month, click here. To join for £286 for a year (a whole month free!), click here. Links and Resources: Find my popular ADHD workshops and resources on my website [here]. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_pod You can connect with Kristen via her website, LinkedIn (Kristen Pressner), Instagram (@kristen_pressner), Facebook (Kristen Pressner), X (@kpressner) or TikTok (@kristenpressner). Kate Moryoussef is a women's ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity and clarity. This week’s episode is sponsored by Understood.org, the leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering the millions of people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, I’d recommend listening to their podcast, Everybody Gets a Juicebox, as it’s full of relatable stories and practical tools to help your family thrive while protecting your own wellbeing, too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices