If ADHD Meds aren't an option, what else is there?

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I chat with the inspiring Tom Davis, founder of Your Own Roots, a business specialising in natural supplements for ADHD brains.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism at 25, Tom shares his unconventional journey - from struggling with jobs and routine to creating a product that helps him and others navigate their ADHD challenges. Tom talks openly about his experience with medication, his sense that "there had to be something else" and how an impulsive decision led to the launch of his company.

If you've ever questioned traditional ADHD treatments or struggled to find something that works for you, Tom’s story will deeply resonate. Tom is passionate about raising awareness and creating a supportive community. He wants to empower others through education and natural solutions, providing stability for neurodivergent brains. Tom offers valuable insights into managing ADHD with a mix of structure, supplements, and embracing his impulsive side: "That's when we thrive, when we just go with it!"

Tune in to hear Tom’s empowering thoughts on navigating ADHD, and why finding what works is a journey worth taking…

Find out more about Tom:

Learn more about Tom and his supplements, visit https://yourownroots.com/ 

--

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Is cold water exposure really as good as all that?!

In the latest episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast - we DIVE deep into the world of Adam Clowes, a senior implementation consultant and fellow ADHDer cold-water junkie!

Join me as Adam takes us on an inspiring journey through his life with ADHD, revealing how this often-misunderstood difference has impacted his life.

From his ADHD diagnosis later in life to discovering the environments where he thrives, Adam shares his experiences openly and honestly. Get ready to be inspired by his perspective on embracing individuality!

And… that’s not all! 

Adam’s passion for cold water therapy will leave you invigorated - and I get right in there with him! We discuss our adventures with cold showers, ice baths, and wild swimming, sharing the incredible physical and mental health benefits that come with braving the chill. As a fellow cold water enthusiast, I'm not exaggerating when I say cold water has changed my life.

Find out more about how breaking free from societal norms can lead to incredible achievements. This episode is full of insights that will challenge your thinking and inspire you to embrace your unique path.

Find out more about Adam:

To connect with Adam, head to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-clowes/

--

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Your business is thriving, but you've hit a ceiling with your income. Sound familiar?!

Your work-life balance is now more work than life. You keep telling yourself you're not doing enough, despite running yourself ragged and burning out. And let’s face it, being stuck in that constant loop is exhausting.

Trust me, I've been there too. In today’s episode, I’m going to dig into why this happens to so many ADHD entrepreneurs and what you can do about it. Spoiler: It’s not because you’re doing something wrong! This is part of the journey, and I’ll show you how to break through that revenue ceiling, get your work-life balance back, and ditch the “not enough” story for good.

I’ll share the game-changing shifts that helped me build a £70K business, working just 24 hours a week—and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of mistakes along the way. You’ll learn how to pay yourself properly (yes, even before you’re “profitable”), why doing less can actually lead to greater success, and how to stop measuring your worth by your output.

By the end of this episode, you’ll come away knowing how to reclaim your time and energy while growing your business with more ease. So, if you’re ready to shift from freelancer mode to founder mindset, hit play, and let’s get started! You CAN have a business you love and a life you enjoy - and I really, really, REALLY want to show you how.

Further resources & links

• Real Hourly Rate Calculator + Loom walkthrough (uncover your real hourly rate and fix your pricing): https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/resources/realhourlyratecalc
• Connect with me on LinkedIn for the latest on my upcoming masterclasses - and of course, more “unconventional business” conversations and behind‑the‑scenes shares: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/⁠

--

Curious to know more?

• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Are you tired of feeling stuck in the grind of building your business, like you're running on a hamster wheel?

Meet Lu Castello, a business co-pilot with a mission to help six-figure founders escape the chaos and build stable, aligned businesses. Lu brings a unique approach, blending strategic planning with something much deeper: leadership, self-awareness, and even "decolonizing the brain."

In this episode, Lu shares how they help women and gender-diverse founders tackle the challenges that are often overlooked... Challenges rooted in systemic issues and personal growth. It's not just about the business strategy; it's about who you are whilst leading your business.

Curious to learn more? Tune in as we dive into topics like self-education, systemic change, and the power of pronouns. As Lu says, "It's not just about the business, it's about the person behind it." I loved this conversation. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Reading List

Want to do more reading on some of the subjects raised? Links to books mentioned in the podcast are below:
Alok Vaid-Menon - Author of "Beyond Their Gender Binary"
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Gender-Binary-Pocket-Collective/dp/0593094654. 
Janice Gassam Asare - Author of "The Centering Whiteness in the Workplace." 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decentering-Whiteness-Workplace-Equity-Inclusion/dp/1523005556
Shereen Daniels - Author of "The Anti-Racist Organization." 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anti-Racist-Organization-Dismantling-Systemic-Workplace/dp/1119880629 

Find out more about Lu:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lulimuni/

--

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Can nature really help an ADHD brain go quiet?!

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Charlie Daly, to explore how embracing the great outdoors has been a game-changer for his ADHD-pinball-machine-brain.

In this ep you’ll discover how kayaking, writing, and even a little bit of maths have helped him thrive not only in life, but also in his unconventional business as a ghostwriter and developmental editor.

Charlie and I share some insights into the benefits of the great outdoors for ADHD brains. Whilst Charlie’s passion has always been for kayaking, which he discovered at a young age, mine is very much for cold-water swimming. In both cases, the ‘high stakes’ nature of our chosen extreme sports is a massive driver in why we build our lives around them. 

As well as discussing the many and varied benefits of the great outdoors for an ADHD brain, Charlie also touches on the therapeutic aspects of writing his father's memoir and the spiritual connection of being a ghostwriter. 

Want to tap into the power of nature to boost your productivity and creativity (and soothe your racing ADHD brain)? This ep is for you!

Find out more about Charlie:

https://dalyprose.com/

--

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Money or time? Which is more important to you? What about the bigger question: why should you have to choose??

In this podcast episode, I’m sharing an unconventional approach to balancing money and time for business owners, particularly those with ADHD. I share examples of the two main types of business owners I tend to see in my work coaching ADHD Business Owners: working all the time for not enough money, and working all the time for more than enough money! I dig into the differences between the two, the pitfalls they often fall into, but also the one striking thing they tend to have in common. 

I also share some insights about the hidden beliefs that tend to hold ADHDers back when it comes to creating the right work-life balance, along with three key areas you can work on to start making a shift for yourself right now.

How do you feel about your current balance of money and time? Is it where you want it to be? If not, this episode is a must-listen.

If only there was someone you could go to who could help you do all of those things, and so much more, so you could find the right balance of time and money for you? Oh yeah. It's me 😃 I’m even my own best case study - I built my business based on a 24-hour week.

-----

Curious to know more?

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Could sobriety hold the key to business success!?

In this episode, I chat with Chloe Myers, a coach who helps people "take a booze break" to boost their businesses. Chloe shares her refreshingly unconventional perspective on sobriety as "the route, not the destination" to unlocking more time, energy, and confidence.

We dive into the common myths Chloe has dispelled through her work - like the idea that not drinking is boring, will make you lose friends, or hurt your social confidence. Chloe explains how quite the opposite is true in her experience.

As someone four months into being booze-free myself, I connect with Chloe over the liberation of the absolute relief of giving up hangovers! We discuss the "superpower" of having more energy and intentional focus for goals like writing, exercising or growing a business.

Chloe offers an insightful take on why those with ADHD may be more prone to unhealthy drinking patterns, from the "dopamine-chasing" effect to not feeling like you fit in without alcohol. I relate to this, hard!

Chloe's journey shows it's possible to still have fun, maintain solid friendships AND belong - all without numbing out with booze. For any ADHD entrepreneurs looking to do more with their time and energy, this is a must-listen on rethinking your relationship with alcohol. It might be uncomfortable but we promise, it's worth it!

Find out more about Chloe:

You can connect with Chloe on her Instagram.

--

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

Is an ADHD diagnosis really worth it, in this age of endless waiting lists? Or is there another way?

In this episode, I get into this question and so much more: what ADHD is, what it isn't, and my own ongoing journey to get an official ADHD diagnosis through the NHS system in the UK.

While initially I felt the need for a "rubber stamp", the lack of a formal diagnosis has become less of an issue for me over time. I share some insights with you that have helped me, such as looking beyond the typical symptom lists and dismantling descriptions like "carelessness" and "inability to focus."

In this episode, I highlight some less-discussed aspects of how ADHD can manifest, such as differences in communication style, struggles with social cues, sensory issues, difficulties listening to bodily cues, and challenges with emotional regulation. I also highlight ADHD strengths, such as the ability to hyperfocus on passionate interests, risk-taking that allows innovative ideas to emerge, deep empathy, and intuition.

I briefly weigh some potential pros and cons of pursuing an official ADHD assessment, for example, access to medication and workplace accommodations. But also weigh up the risks of long waiting times and internalising an overly deficit-based view.

Overall, I aim to provide a different perspective on how ADHD shows up in real life. If you'd like to make friends with your ADHD brain and find simple, do-able strategies to 'do life and business' in a way that works for you, please do get in touch. I'd love to support you to embrace your uniqueness, discover your ADHD strengths and create what you need to thrive!

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email if this episode brought something up for you. And as always, please don't forget to follow us and leave a rating/review if you're enjoying the podcast!

-----

Curious to know more?

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

What does it mean to be highly sensitive?

In this episode, I'm joined by Nina Khoo, the sensitive leadership coach. Nina first introduced me to the concept of being a highly sensitive person (HSP) - which low key changed my life! Nina provides a fantastic explanation of what it means to be an HSP - from processing information and emotions deeply, to being easily overwhelmed by too much stimuli, to noticing subtleties that others miss, plus having an innate ability to see the bigger picture.

As Nina describes it, being highly sensitive is not a flaw at all, but rather an evolutionary gift found in about 20-30% of the population across species. HSPs were naturally designed to be the guardians and advisers, exquisitely attuned to their environment in order to alert the rest of the group to potential threats or issues.

However, Nina acknowledges the challenges modern society poses for us HSPs, with the constant overstimulation and fast pace. She emphasises the importance of self-care practices, such as time in nature, mindfulness, healthy eating, and finding community with fellow HSPs. Only from this grounded, safe space can we then embrace our role as the modern-day "advisers" by speaking up about patterns and problems we notice that others may miss.

I really resonate with Nina's own personal journey - from leaving the corporate world after realising she was an HSP, to now coaching other highly sensitive leaders and entrepreneurs. She offers such wise insights for how we HSPs can tune back into our needs, honour our intuition, and lean into the gift of our sensitivity rather than viewing it as a perceived weakness.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email if this episode brought something up for you. And as always, please don't forget to follow us and leave a rating/review if you're enjoying the podcast!

Find out more about Nina:

If you suspect you may be a highly sensitive person too, I cannot recommend Nina's work enough. You can connect with her and learn more at ninakhoo.com

—

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]

What is branding? And why is it essential for your business identity?

In this episode, I'm joined by the lovely Katie Cope from Keppel Leopard Creative. Katie helps female founders find, create and embrace their true personal and business identities through branding.

Katie shares her incredibly unconventional path into the world of branding, from a background in events, animation, theatre, and eventually high-end TV production. As a fellow ADHD entrepreneur, I love hearing how Katie's neurodivergent brain allowed her to make bold sideways career moves that others may not have considered.

We dive into the common myths Katie encounters around branding, like the belief that it's just a "nice-to-have" expense. Katie powerfully reframes branding as a core part of your marketing strategy and overall business identity.

She also shares the key ingredients for a successful brand - storytelling to connect with your audience, truly knowing that audience, and critically, focusing first on brand strategy before visuals. I loved Katie's insights on how a clear brand strategy acts as a guiding framework for ADHD entrepreneurs, preventing us from endlessly chasing new ideas down "rabbit holes."

Katie also offers loads of valuable tips for neurodivergent business owners looking to represent themselves authentically through their brand - without feeling like they need to pretend. This is a must-listen for any ADHD entrepreneur seeking to find more focus and consistency in how they show up in the world.

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please don't hesitate to drop me an email if this episode brought something up for you. And as always, please don't forget to follow us and leave a rating/review if you're enjoying the podcast!

Find out more about Katie:

Website: Keppel Leopard Creative.

—

Step into Siobhan's Unconventional World

• Connect with Siobhan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/
• Learn more about ADHD business coaching: https://bigpicturebusinesscoach.com/
• Get in touch: [email protected]