June 13, 2025

I Didn’t Burn Out. My Mask Did.

9 minutes

What happens when the mask comes off?

In this episode, Coach Cathy dives into the unique challenges faced by high-achieving professionals with ADHD who feel pressured to conform to traditional leadership molds. Through her personal story of exhaustion and the breaking point that led her to quit her executive role, Cathy shines a light on masking—the exhausting effort to hide your struggles and maintain a polished facade.

She unpacks the toll this takes on your mental bandwidth, decision-making, and ability to lead authentically. Cathy offers clear insights into the signs you might be leading from survival mode, why understanding ADHD is a game-changer, and how small, strategic shifts can help you lead with clarity, sustainability, and alignment with your values.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of burnout or navigating your next leadership transition, this episode will leave you with actionable steps to recalibrate your approach in a way that works with your brain, not against it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction: What does it mean to lead with ADHD?

01:09 Personal Story: The moment the mask shattered.

01:31 Understanding Masking: Why it’s so draining and its impact on leadership.

02:46 Survival Mode vs. Authentic Leadership: Recognizing the signs.

04:56 Reflecting on Leadership and ADHD: A new lens for aligned leadership.

07:05 Steps to Aligned Leadership: Practical strategies to start leading differently.

08:37 Invitation to Connect: Learn how ADHD-informed coaching can help you lead authentically.

If you’re tired of performing leadership and ready to step into authenticity, this episode is for you. Tune in to reclaim your energy, find clarity, and lead in a way that feels true to who you are.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to have a conversation about how you can work together. Schedule a call using this link.

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