Overcoming Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome as an Autistic Boss with ADHD
Stepping into management as an autistic professional with ADHD brought a unique mix of strengths—and a lot of anxiety. In this episode, I share my personal story of transitioning from individual contributor to manager, and how I faced professional anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the fear of letting others down.We’ll explore:Why new managers often feel overwhelmed by expectationsThe push-and-pull between micromanaging and letting goHow mentorship helped me move past defensiveness and imposter syndromePractical tools I use to reduce professional anxiety as an autistic leader with ADHDIf you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “good enough” to lead, or you’re navigating management while neurodivergent, this conversation is for you.👉 Subscribe for more real stories and strategies on leadership, ADHD, and autism in the workplace.Links:Newsletter + blog: brettwhitmarsh.substack.comCoaching + resources: audhdboss.comWatch on YouTube: Audio BossADHD in the workplaceAutism in the workplaceAutistic bossADHD leadershipAutistic leadershipImposter syndrome at workProfessional anxietyNew manager anxietyNeurodivergent managerADHD career growthAutism career growthAuDHD bossCorporate leadership strategiesMentorship and managementOvercoming workplace anxietyNeurodiversity at workLeadership for ADHD professionalsLeadership for autistic professionals
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How Coming Out Helped Me Unmask My Autism & ADHD
In this episode, I share my journey of coming out as queer and how it unexpectedly became the beginning of unmasking my autistic and ADHD identity. From growing up in a high-control religious environment to finding safety in the workplace, I talk about the challenges of masking, the fear of showing my true self, and the deep relief of self-acceptance.You’ll hear how coming out helped me step into authenticity, what it taught me about masking and energy, and why creating safe spaces at work matters for neurodivergent professionals.If you’ve ever struggled with masking, people-pleasing, or hiding parts of yourself, this conversation is for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The AuDHD Boss for more episodes on ADHD, autism, and thriving as a neurodivergent professional.📚 Resources mentioned in this video:Dr Neff's The Autistic Masking Workbook (from Neurodivergent Insights.com) *****USE CODE AUDHDBOSS***** FOR A DISCOUNT ON THE WORKBOOK more here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-masking/autistic-masking/Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507223062Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents:https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781626251700Deconstruction and Coming Out Resources from Erica Smith, M. Ed:https://www.ericasmitheac.com/webinars-booksEmbrace Autism – https://embrace-autism.com/audhd-and-camouflaging/👉 Check out my full Autism Masking Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvgCuULIHenWGoJhC5GCubniGTuAt6TkT
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Autistic Masking: Understanding the Signs, Impact, and Why It Matters
In this episode, I explore autistic masking — what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts identity, mental health, and burnout. Drawing from Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s Autistic Burnout Workbook and research from Embrace Autism, I share definitions, examples, and personal insights from my own experience as a high masker. We talk about the conscious and unconscious ways autistic people adapt to fit in, the connection to ADHD camouflaging, and why masking can be both protective and exhausting.Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, or supporting someone who masks, this conversation offers a deeper understanding and practical takeaways.Be sure to use my code AUDHDBOSS for a discount on Dr. Neff's AutisticMasking Workbook : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-masking/autistic-masking/
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Autistic Meltdowns and Shutdowns: What's the Difference?
What’s really happening when an autistic person has a meltdown or shutdown at work? In today's episode I am reviewing the differences between autistic meltdowns and shutdowns. In doing so, I am reading from Embrace Autism's blog on what meltdowns and shutdowns along with my experiences of these descriptions. For more information on this topic read more from Embrace Autism's website here. Please note this episode is audio-only this week. I read from a newly updated Embrace Autism article that explains the BIMS profile: Burnout, Inertia, Meltdowns, and Shutdowns. Then, I share personal stories of how masking, miscommunication, executive dysfunction, and sensory overwhelm have triggered these experiences for me in real-time — sometimes in high-stakes workplace situations.If you’ve ever struggled with emotional overload, gone completely silent in meetings, or felt deep shame after "losing it" at work — this episode is for you. You’ll also learn research-backed strategies for recognizing early signs, completing the stress cycle, and supporting recovery.Topics in this episode include:Meltdowns vs shutdowns: what’s the difference?What overload looks like in the workplaceHow ADHD and masking contribute to dysregulationShame and recovery after a shutdown or meltdownTools to recognize early signs and self-regulate🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on neurodiversity at work, unmasking, burnout, and thriving as a professional with ADHD and autism.🧠 Coaching + resources: https://audhdboss.com📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com#AutisticBurnout #ADHDAndAutism #MeltdownVsShutdown #NeurodivergentAtWork #AuDHD #Masking #ExecutiveDysfunction #WorkplaceAccommodations
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Leadership Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as an Autistic Boss with ADHD
In this episode, I get real about the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a leader—and how being diagnosed with autism and ADHD gave me a new lens on all of them.From reacting too quickly to letting my ADHD hijack team priorities, I share hard-earned lessons that every manager—especially those who are neurodivergent—needs to hear. If you’re in a leadership role and navigating your own neurodivergent traits, this one’s for you.🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube📩 Sign up for my newsletter: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com🌐 More tips at https://audhdboss.com
About The AuDHD Boss: Neurodiversity at Work with Brett Whitmarsh
Helping neurodivergent professionals thrive at work.
Hosted by Brett Whitmarsh—an autistic, ADHD corporate leader—this podcast offers practical advice, unfiltered stories, and expert interviews about navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent employee or manager. Topics include unmasking, burnout, feedback, accommodations, and more.
New episodes weekly.
👉 Visit audhdboss.com + brettwhitmarsh.substack.com
Listen to The AuDHD Boss: Neurodiversity at Work with Brett Whitmarsh, MIDWEEK RISE UP and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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