Gifted Unleashed

What if the traditional education system isn't just failing students with ADHD, but also those who are gifted? This week on Gifted Unleashed, we welcome Alícia Couto from Brazil, a twice-exceptional adult who navigates the complex world of ADHD and giftedness. Alícia opens up about her transformative journey, from her sister's initial research into ADHD to her own discovery and acceptance of her neurodivergence. She shares her struggles in college, often misattributed to personal failings, and sheds light on the pervasive underdiagnosis of ADHD in women, particularly those who are gifted.

Join us as we unpack the emotional and educational challenges that come with being gifted and having ADHD. Through my personal encounters with mental health professionals—ranging from validating to deeply frustrating—we underscore the critical need for the right support systems. Alícia offers a candid perspective on how traditional education often overlooks the emotional well-being of gifted students, focusing solely on intellectual capabilities. Together, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive support that addresses both intellectual and emotional needs, and the impact of a proper diagnosis on personal validation and family dynamics.

Alicia also takes us through her career journey, revealing the disillusionment she faced in the profit-driven engineering industry and the significance of developing soft skills. Her story is a powerful reminder of the necessity for workplace accommodations for neurodivergent individuals. Alícia's insights into alternative career paths, her sensory challenges in corporate settings, and the importance of community engagement make this episode a must-listen. We conclude by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our engaged audience, encouraging everyone to stay connected by subscribing to the podcast and the Gifted Unleashed newsletter.

Follow Alícia on Instagram @aliciacouto.english for English Classes or email her
for English Classes and Translation Services: [email protected]

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Unlock the secrets to navigating the maze of giftedness with our guest, Matthew Zakreski, affectionately known as Dr. Matt. As a clinical psychologist and professional speaker, Dr. Matt sheds light on his personal journey from being identified as gifted in second grade to becoming an advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Together, we explore the trials and triumphs of gifted education, the concept of the performance cliff, and the challenges of imposter syndrome. Dr. Matt’s unique insights provide a compelling look into the often misunderstood world of the gifted community.

Discover the critical role of failure in the learning process, especially for those grappling with the "curse of competence." Drawing from his experience as a professional speaker, Dr. Matt shares how embracing failure has been paramount in pushing beyond comfort zones and achieving meaningful progress. We also examine the Yerkes-Dodson law, which highlights the necessity of optimal engagement at varying levels of difficulty. Through personal stories and relatable examples, we illustrate how gifted individuals can turn struggles into stepping stones.

Join us as we dive deep into the intensity and interconnectedness of the gifted mind. Hear the moving story of a child's emotional response to the Australian wildfires and learn why self-care is essential. We address imposter syndrome head-on, offering strategies for overcoming it through self-compassion and recognizing one’s unique strengths. Our candid discussion includes real-time experiences, such as a technical mishap during recording, to underscore the power of vulnerability. Stay connected with our podcast community, and learn how you can support and grow with us at giftedunleashed.com.

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Ever felt like your mind runs on a different operating system than everyone else's? Discover the powerful connection between neurodiversity and their specific coaching needs with my guests, Kate Arms and Tracy Winter, the dynamic duo behind the Neurodiversity Coaching Academy. As we unpack their personal narratives, we illuminate the emotional rollercoaster of living at the intersection of intense intellect and divergent thinking. Kate and Tracy’s candid sharing reveals the often-overlooked psychosomatic layers of giftedness, and their mission to address the unique coaching needs of this underserved community.

This episode takes us behind the scenes of the Neurodiversity Coaching Academy, where Kate and Tracy have crafted an inclusive coaching environment that's all about embracing the rapid learning and distinct needs of neurodivergent minds. Their approach, backed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), is more than just a service—it's a lifeline for those who may have previously encountered the harm of ill-informed professional guidance. From monthly masterclasses to mentor coaching and coaching supervision , we delve into the academy's offerings and discuss the value of our coaching philosophy, designed to resonate with the fabric of neurodivergent thinking.

As the conversation unfolds, we examine the nuances of coaching neurodivergent clients, from navigating their unique 'stuckness' to leveraging their out-of-the-box solutions. We highlight how coaching diverges from therapy, focusing on the forward momentum and actionable change that clients can enact in their lives. Kate and Tracy also reflect on the profound impact that earlier awareness of gifted complexities could have had and the transformative power of coaching informed by their own journeys. For those eager to learn more about our Neurodiversity Coaching Academy’s resources, the episode wraps up with where to find our masterclasses and how to connect for mentorship opportunities.

Resources:

neurodiversitycoachingacademy.com

Sign up for the Neurodiversity Coaching Academy Newsletter

Kate Arms at katearms.com

Tracy Winter at nerdcoa.ch

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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When Kaitlin Smith and I sat down to unravel the complex world of giftedness and twice-exceptionality (2e), our conversation ventured deep into the heart of what it means to be labeled 'gifted,' particularly for those navigating the dual challenges of exceptional intellect and being part of a minority. Kaitlin shares her battle against the stereotypes that sought to undermine her journey during her studies in psychotherapy. This episode promises to be a beacon for anyone who's felt too intense, too passionate, or simply too much for the mainstream narrative.

The path to self-empowerment is often obscured by the fog of cultural misconceptions. A moment of stark confrontation during Kaitlin's psychotherapeutic training brought the issues of race and identity to the forefront, leading to the creation of Our Wild Minds. This venture seeks to celebrate and uplift gifted and BIPOC adults. Our discussion peels back the layers of cultural competency, urging a move beyond broad-stroke assumptions to embrace the unique stories that shape every individual's experience. Join us as we confront these issues head-on, championing the rich interior lives of those who don't fit comfortably into society's predefined boxes (or dare I say stereotypes).

Our final thoughts cluster around the creation of sanctuaries for underrepresented voices, specifically black adults in the gifted community. Kaitlin shines a light on the Our Wild Minds Community and the Black Brilliant Circle, spaces designed to offer refuge and fellowship for gifted adults of color. Inspired by the work of Dr. Joy Lawson Davis and Dr. Donna Ford, these platforms offer twice-weekly calls, networking opportunities, and a guided journey to help members navigate giftedness and racial trauma. By sharing these stories and resources, we hope to offer a tapestry of support that recognizes the full spectrum of giftedness, fostering inclusive environments where intellectual and emotional growth can thrive.

https://www.ourwildminds.com/

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Feeling misunderstood or out of place can be a common experience for twice-exceptional (2e) individuals. This episode of Gifted Unleashed welcomes Julie Skolnick, author of "Gifted and Distractible," to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this remarkable group. Driven by self-love and understanding, Julie navigates us through the wide spectrum of conditions under the 2e umbrella and the importance of focusing on the strengths of these individuals.

Through an enriching conversation, we delve into the fascinating concept of 'masking', a coping mechanism often adopted by 2e individuals. Julie generously shares her "cycle for success" and provides a checklist that can help you find professionals who truly understand and support 2e individuals. We also discuss her much-anticipated book dedicated to adults in the 2e community, a beacon of hope and understanding for many.

Julie's passion for supporting and advocating for 2e individuals is further reflected in her website, withunderstandingcomescalm.com, offering free resources and a membership program for 2e adults. She also shares her upcoming course for parents, a priceless resource for those seeking guidance. As we round off our discussion, Julie emphasizes the importance of validating effort over outcomes or external motivation, a mantra not only for 2e individuals but applicable to all. So, join us on this journey of understanding and loving the twice exceptional individuals in our lives. Don't forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and stay connected with our newsletter for all things Gifted Unleashed.

WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com
GiftedandDistractible.com
The Hay Stack A community for 2e adults

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Ever felt like a square peg in a round hole? Maybe it's not you, maybe it's your giftedness. I, Nadja, once wrestled with this notion, but through my journey of self-discovery, I've come to embrace my giftedness and ADHD, viewing them as unique strengths rather than limitations. Join me on this exciting journey of Gifted Unleashed, where we talk about personal experiences of how we navigate the world as gifted and 2e individuals.

The Gifted Unleashed podcast is not just about me and my guests sharing our stories. It's a platform for all of us to connect, support, and be our authentic selves. I'm thrilled to announce the relaunch of our space, where we'll explore thought-provoking topics that challenge stereotypes and stigma surrounding giftedness and twice exceptionality. Here's a little teaser for you: the upcoming episodes include an intriguing conversation with Julie Skolnick about her book "Gifted and Distractable". So, gear up for some insightful dialogues that promise to inspire and enlighten your perspectives about giftedness.

https://www.mytrudesign.com

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Eshwari is a young woman who grew up in India, feeling out of place and intense. She learned about giftedness and Overexcitabilities through the Unleash Monday podcast and got inspired to learn more about the topic and is on her journey of finding her way in the space and field of neurodiversity.

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Your job title doesn't define you
• Currently there is no gifted psychologist in India (yet!)
• (Existential) Depression is not just in your head! And you need support from like minded minded is critical.
• Gifted brains are not better but they are wired differently from the majority.
• Overexcitabilites are your supper powers, not a faults!
• Learning about your own (gifted) needs is essential and existential! Giftedness needs are not about being smarter but it is about being able to live according to your values.
• Gifted people usually doubt that they are gifted in the beginning. It is not something that is obvious or comfortable to embrace.
• As a gifted person we try and do a lot of things, make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks.
• Take take to recharge! Make sure your energy level as a gifted person does not run low.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

If you would like to send Eshwari a message, you can send it to [email protected], I will pass it forward.

Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way 

More about Overexcitabilites in episode 33 with Chris Well

Join the Unleash Monday Community

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Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP uses her extensive experience with global, cultural, demographic, and ability diversity to help create inclusive and equitable workplaces. She is a Professor of Psychology and the founding Director of Graduate Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California. Prior to her academic career, she built and led successful intercultural relations programs in global organizations. Her current consulting is focused on supporting organizations in creating systemic inclusion informed by an understanding of neurodiversity. Her other areas of expertise include organizational culture assessment and change, workplace justice and civility, and training and training evaluation. She is a contributor to Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and SHRM blog, the editor of the upcoming book “Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity” (Cambridge Scholars), and the editor of upcoming special issue of the Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research on Disability inclusion in the workplace: From “accommodation” to inclusive organizational design.

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Diversity at work includes different aspects such as race, gender but also neurodiversity.
• Autism Autism Doesn’t Hold People Back at Work. Discrimination Does. (HRB)
• The unemployment rate amongst college graduates with Autism in the US is 85 %! The discrimination might not be intentional but it is systemic!
• If you met one Autistic person, you have met one Autistic person.
• There is a misconception that autistic people are not empathic. However, autistic people might be so overwhelmed with empathy that they don’t have energy to express it or it might be too overwhelming to express.
• Autistic people might develop trauma patterns due to the way people react to them over and over again.
• Having an Autistic diagnosis can be empowering and helpful for self advocacy.
• Moral injury can happen at work and we need to address it! This might be more prevalent in neurodivergent people. Sign up for the newsletter to be updated on the results on the study!
• Even if you didn’t now things earlier, you know now and you can implement and change from this day forward! Your life experience is what it is and now you can move from this point forward!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Connect and learn more about Ludmila and her work on LinkedIn | Twitter

Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University

Read her articles: Autism does’t hold people back at work. Discrimination does. - Harvard Business Review | Neurodivergent people make great leaders, not just employees - Fast Company |

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Dr. Sarabeth Berk is the leading expert on hybrid professional identity, and a hybrid professional herself. She was featured in Forbes, and is a TEDx speaker, author of More Than My Title, and recipient of a Colorado Inno on Fire award for her innovative work. Her hybrid title is Creative Disruptor because she works at the intersection of being an artist, researcher, educator, and designer.

Through groundbreaking research, Sarabeth developed a one-of-a-kind approach that takes personal branding and career development to a whole new level. Today, she helps professionals discover and articulate their hybrid professional identity and unique value in the workforce. As a result, her clients feel more seen, empowered and confident, and teams recognize each other as more than their job titles, valuing the critical yet different roles of experts, generalists, and hybrids in the workforce.

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• What is your professional identity? This is different from your job title!
• There are three different types of worker identities: 
  • Singularity: Single professional identity
  • Multiplicity: Having many different but separate professional identities
  • Hybrid: Having intersections of different professional identities which form a new identity (as a result from reintegration via Debrowski’s positive disintegration)
• Having a hybrid career personality is common in gifted people
• It takes a bit of work to identify your primary set of identities vs. your non primary identities (secondary and tertiary identities)
• Vann Diagrams help to visualize and understand the intersectionalities of your hybrid professional identity
• You have the permission to have a hybrid professional identity!
• We go through multiple cycles of (career) identities throughout our lives: Phases of explorations followed by achievements of a certain identity.
• a/r/t (artist, researcher, teacher)
• Hybridity is a choice and it is developmental.
• Work is like a three legged stool: 
  • 1. Knowing your passion 
  • 2. Your purpose, why you do what you do 
  • 3. Your identity, who are you when you fallow your passion and purpose.
• You need to make sense of yourself first! No one is going to make sense for you. Especially in the gifted space. 
• Prefixes:
  • Intra discipline = single
  • Cross  and multi disciplinary = separate
  • Inter (between) and trans (beyond) disciplinary = hybridity

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn more about Sarabeth Berk and her work: morethanmytitle.com | TEDx Talk

Connect on Instagram: @morethanmytitle | LinkedIn

Venn Diagram

Learn more about Dabrowski’s theories: Episode 33

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Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

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Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Using lessons from his experience as a math teacher, later as an attorney, and now as a keynote speaker, contributor to Forbes and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students and Tangible Equity: A Guide for Leveraging Student Identity, Culture, and Power to Unlock Excellence In and Beyond the Classroom, Colin founded thinkLaw, to help educators leverage inquiry-based instructional strategies to close the critical thinking gap and ensure they teach and reach all students, regardless of race, zip code or what side of the poverty line they are born into. In 2021, Colin launched The BEE Project, a non-profit organization redefining who qualifies as gifted and who gets to teach gifted children by inspiring, training, and certifying Black and Latinx educators to equitably design and lead gifted programs. These programs identify and meet the unique needs of brilliant Black and Latinx children and their families who have been overlooked and underestimated by our current system. When he’s not serving as the world’s most fervent critical thinking advocate, Colin proudly serves as the world’s greatest entertainer to his two young children.

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• We are all neurodivergent. But some of us are part of the outliers.
• Children can have behavioural challenges because they are not being challenged at school! 
• The order of being identified can have a big impact of how we get support! 
• The label doesn’t matter, the support matters!
• High achieving is not the same as being gifted.
• It’s not about the achievement, it’s about the performance of the achievement!
• Critical thinking skills is crucial but we treat it like a luxury good! What if we gave all kids access to critical thinking?
• Recognising that none of our learning was actually objective.
• Although brilliance is distributed equally, opportunity is not!
• Doing right is more important than being right!
• We came to normalise inequity
• There is no master plan.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn more about Coline Seale and ThinkLaw here: thinklaw.us and raisingcriticalthinkers.us

Follow Colin on Twitter @ColinESeale @thinkLawUS | Instagram @ColinSeale @thinkLawUS | facebook thinklawUS and the facebook group tangibleequity | LinkedIn Colin Seale and his company ThinkLaw

Colin Seale’s books: Thinking like a Lawyer and

Would you like to work with me 1:1 as your gifted and 2e coach? Please send me an email at [email protected] or find more information about my coaching offer on my website giftedunleashed.com/coaching

Support the show

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