ADHD at Work: Why Working Harder Isn’t Helping

You’re delivering good work, but it’s taking more time and energy than you can keep giving. Is working harder still the answer?

In this opening episode, executive and ADHD coach Cathy Rashidian introduces Patterns of Divergent Minds at Work, a special five-part series within Refined Leadership: ADHD Lens.

We explore five recurring work patterns: the Architect, Rescuer, Visionary, Adapter, and Imposter. These approaches can help neurodivergent professionals organize complex work, solve problems, collaborate, and earn trust. They can also become difficult to sustain.

In this episode:

• What your work patterns contribute—and what they require from you.

• How workplace expectations, changing priorities, and unclear responsibilities affect your effort.

• Why these patterns are tools for reflection rather than fixed personality types.

• How to choose one situation and try a practical adjustment.

This conversation includes ADHD, autism, and broader neurodivergent experiences at work.

Explore your own patterns: Take the free Patterns of Divergent Minds at Work inventory. Its 25 statements provide a starting point for reflection; it is not a diagnostic assessment.

Series: Patterns of Divergent Minds at Work · Part 1 of 5.