How to Write Your Annual Review When You’re Neurodivergent
Annual review season can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re ADHD, autistic, or otherwise neurodivergent. Memory gaps, freeze responses, stalled processing, panic, and the pressure to recall a whole year of work can make self-evaluations feel impossible.In this episode, I walk you through a neurodivergent-friendly, step-by-step process for writing your annual self-review — even if you didn’t track anything all year. This is the exact method I used during my 12+ years in leadership, and it’s the same process I taught my teams to help reduce overwhelm, increase clarity, and build confidence during annual review season.ou’ll learn how to do a brain dump that supports ND memory, how to use your calendar and colleagues to fill gaps, how to align your accomplishments with company OKRs and KPIs, and how to advocate for a raise, promotion, or new responsibilities using real evidence — all without masking or losing your authentic voice.Whether you’re aiming for growth, stability, or simply want to get through this process without melting down, this episode will help you approach your review with clarity and self-trust.Why annual reviews trigger freeze mode for ND brainsHow to start your self-review (even from zero)Using your calendar to rebuild the yearGetting memory support from trusted colleaguesHow to align your accomplishments to goals you forgot you setHow OKRs and KPIs actually matter in your reviewUsing AI tools without losing your authentic voiceHow to make the case for raises, promotions, or new titlesWhat managers look for and how to prepare effectivelyHow to set realistic expectations to avoid RSD spiralsWhy ongoing alignment with your manager is the secret to long-term growth https://www.audhdboss.com or https://substack.com/home/post/p-180356961
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Finding a Workplace Where You Belong — Queer and Neurodivergent Career Advice with Alex Lahmeyer
Career coach Alex Lahmeyer joins Brett Whitmarsh (The AuDHD Boss) to talk about finding a workplace where you can truly belong as a queer and neurodivergent professional — from navigating interviews to building inclusive Employee Resource Groups and sustaining psychological safety at work.In this episode of The AuDHD Boss, Brett sits down with career coach and talent consultant Alex Lahmeyer (they/them) to explore how LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent professionals can find workplaces that honor who they are — not just what they do.You’ll learn:How to spot psychological safety during an interviewSmart questions to ask about inclusion and company cultureHow to start and sustain Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)Why networking is really about community-building for neurodivergent brains🔗 Connect with Alex: https://linktr.ee/boundlessarc🔗 Follow Brett ( @AuDHDBoss ): audhdboss.com🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on neurodiversity, leadership, and belonging in the corporate workplace.
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When You Lose Your Job: Grieving Burnout and Identity as a Neurodivergent Leader
After being laid off, I learned that you can’t skip the grieving process — especially when your work was tied to your identity.In this episode, I share what it’s been like to process grief, burnout, and identity loss as an autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) leader after job loss. From losing community and structure to rediscovering creativity and unmasking, this is an honest look at what recovery really feels like.🔹 Why layoffs hit differently for neurodivergent professionals🔹 How burnout recovery overlaps with grief and self-worth🔹 What happens when leadership identity disappears overnight🔹 Finding rest, creativity, and new purpose after burnout🎧 This episode pairs with a YouTube video and a written reflection on Substack — complete with a bonus “beach story” that didn’t go as planned!➕ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@audhdboss📝 Read the companion essay + bonus video: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com
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Panic Applying, AI Resumes & ADHD Job Searches with Liora Natania
I recently lost my job leaving me staring at a blank resume wondering “where do I even start?” — especially with an ADHD brain.So I turned to career coach Liora Natania, founder of Colorful Futures, a neurodivergent queer-run HR and career consulting business. They bring a more holistic approach this job search process.Liora has a background in recruitment and their company is dedicated to helping neurodivergent and queer professionals navigate job searching, career growth, and self-employment—without burnout, masking, or corporate BS. Specifically, Liora specializes in resume and LinkedIn optimization, interview prep, and job search strategy.And that’s where we focus our conversation today. We talk about how to manage panic applying that chases dopamine, executive function walls we hit, and how to navigate AI with our resumes. I got so much out of this conversation with Liora and I am so excited to share it with you.We explore:✅ Why ADHD brains jump into urgency and panic applications✅ Career discovery as the first step — not job boards✅ Whether AI actually screens out resumes (and how to write for both AI and humans)✅ Simple, ADHD-friendly resume strategies✅ Networking without forcing small talk✅ Building a job search routine that doesn’t destroy your nervous systemIf you're navigating ADHD, burnout, job loss, or career confusion, this episode will help you restart with intention, clarity, and self-trust.🎙️ Guest: Liora Natania, Career Coach | Colorful Futures📍 Follow Liora: @colorfulfutures👋 I’m Brett, The AuDHD Boss — helping neurodivergent professionals thrive at work without masking or burning out.🔗 Coaching & newsletter: https://substack.com/@brettwhitmarsh
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What to Say (and Not Say) When Employees Share ADHD or Autism
When an employee shares that they have ADHD or autism, how should a manager respond? What words build trust, and what words damage it?In this episode, Brett — The AuDHD Boss — shares a manager’s guide to responding with empathy, professionalism, and support when someone discloses ADHD or autism at work. Drawing on 12+ years of leadership experience as an autistic manager with ADHD, Brett breaks down:✅ What to say (and what NOT to say) when employees disclose ADHD or autism✅ Why every ADHD and autistic experience is unique — and why curiosity matters✅ Common mistakes managers make that harm trust and productivity✅ How simple accommodations can improve performance for everyoneThis episode is both a guide for managers and a resource for employees who want to share this with their bosses or HR teams. If you’re working toward a more inclusive workplace, this conversation will help.🌐 More from Brett:Website → audhdboss.comSubstack → brettwhitmarsh.substack.comYouTube → YouTube.com/@audhdboss
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, All Ears English Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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