Debunking the "ADHD Superpower" Myth (and What to Do Instead) - Cathy Rashidian

Is ADHD really a "superpower"? Or is that just a toxic label that sets high-performers up for a massive crash?

In this episode, Dr. Jody sits down with executive coach Cathy Rashidian (aka The Candid Empath) to dismantle the popular "superpower" narrative. They unpack the visceral reality of leading with a "fast brain"—from the dopamine-fueled highs of hyper-focus to the crushing "hangover" that inevitably follows.

They also tackle the "Accidental Leader" trap: why so many of us are promoted eight years before we’re actually trained, why we become "self-appointed fire marshals" just to get our dopamine hits, and why "resilience" has become a dirty word for leaders who are tired of bouncing back.

In this conversation

• The "Superpower" Trap: Why Cathy views her brain as a "messy roommate" rather than a superhero—and why that distinction matters.
• The Hyper-Focus Hangover: The biological cost of flow states and why you need a "body budget."
• The 8-Year Gap: The "peer-to-boss" transition and why you’re likely DIY-ing your leadership style.
• Marination vs. Procrastination: Why doing nothing is actually when the real work happens.
• Toxic Resilience: Why we need to stop proving we can handle it all and start setting boundaries that fuel us.

If you’ve ever felt like your "genius" comes with a heavy price tag, or if you are tired of being the most resilient person in the room, this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Cathy Rashidian, ACCG, PCAC, PCC - ADD Coach Academy (Coach Directory): https://addca.com/adhd-coach-directory/coach/cathy_rashidian/
• From Peer to Boss: How New Managers Overcome the Challenges: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/management-tips/from-peer-to-boss-how-new-managers-overcome-the-challenges
• How to Prevent Burnout in Leaders | DDI: https://www.ddi.com/blog/prevent-burnout
• Leadership Fatigue: Burned Out Leaders Are Quiet Quitting At Work Too: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianehamilton/2025/02/03/leadership-fatigue-burned-out-leaders-are-quiet-quitting-at-work-too/
• ADHD Coaching for Professionals | Ready Set Choose: https://www.readysetchoose.com/
• Cathy Rashidian - PAAC: https://paaccoaches.org/cathy-rashidian/

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