My name is Dr. Terry L. Southern, and I’ve dedicated my life to understanding the intricacies of ADHD, especially in the context of professional development. With a doctorate in organizational development emphasizing ADHD in the workplace, you’ll find out just how deeply this condition can impact professionals and how my expertise can help.
My ADHD journey began during the turmoil of the 2007 Great Recession. As a realtor in the picturesque landscape of Boulder, Colorado, I watched my income evaporate as swiftly as a mountain stream. During those challenging four years of economic uncertainty, I made a pivotal decision that altered my career trajectory and personal growth.
Faced with the harsh reality of a dormant job market, I bet on the future and embarked on a degree in Business Management. Little did I know this path would unveil a deeply personal connection to ADHD. It was during this time, grappling with academic demands, that I sought the guidance of a school counselor specializing in ADHD. The direction I received didn’t just rescue my grades—it sparked an unprecedented zest for learning.
With every successive semester, my passion for academia was reinforced by the gratifying ascent of my grades, culminating in an impressive 3.85 GPA over seven years. I became a beacon of hope in the Extra Help Room, sharing the strategies that propelled me to academic excellence with fellow struggling ADHD students.
You And Me And ADHD: Our Mission and Vision
In creating ‘You And Me And ADHD,’ my mission was to carve out a sanctuary where newly diagnosed ADHD adults could find solace and enlightenment. I envisioned it as a beacon, casting a much-needed light on mastering professional and personal success with ADHD.
This isn’t just about providing information; it’s also about offering a transformative journey through mentorship and coaching. Remember how I mentioned that without guidance, the average professional with ADHD might spend 15 years just finding his or her footing? With a mentor, that number can dramatically decrease to as few as two years.
My site and services are designed to be that mentor. Through ‘You And Me And ADHD’, I share tried-and-true insights and practical strategies that are more than just tips; they’re life-changers, enabling you to harness your unique ADHD strengths and gifts.
We are also cultivating a vibrant community—a community where ongoing learning and growth happen not just from my contributions but through the dynamic exchange of stories, strategies, and support among its members. The bonds that form here reinforce the belief that with the right approach, ADHD doesn’t have to be a barrier—it can be an asset.
I’m here to tell you that my drive to understand and help others with ADHD led to an enriching career — and to demonstrate that yours can, too. Your first attempt to manage your ADHD professionally doesn’t need to be a struggle. It can be a victory, a success story that we celebrate together and use to inspire others.
Turning the spotlight onto our community, you’ll find success stories and heartfelt testimonials that showcase the real-world impact of our shared journey through ADHD. Don’t worry too much about whether you can achieve similar results. Because with a passionate and experienced mentor at your side, you’re already on the right path.
Beyond Professional Life: Personal Interests and Hobbies
But my life isn’t solely about academic achievements or professional milestones. Beyond work and study, my interests and experiences are as varied as the many roles I’ve embraced over the years.
My love for learning extends beyond formal education. I am interested in a wide range of subjects that pique my curiosity. Among my favorites are leadership, teaching, coaching, pushing boundaries, and organizational psychology.
Reflecting on my 70-plus years, which ranges from serving eight years in the Army to diving into the worlds of computers, programming, electronics design, and aircraft maintenance, I realize these experiences have shaped my approach to ADHD in profound ways. I’ve had my share of run-ins with various management styles, often witnessing the discord between highly creative professionals and the constraints of traditional corporate structures.
Through my academic research and personal encounters, I’ve understood the importance of balancing our personal and professional lives. You can always adjust your approach down the road, and that adaptability has been key in learning to thrive with ADHD.
I hope my story encourages you to choose something that resonates with you, allowing you to toss aside the fear of imperfection and embrace the ongoing process of growth and discovery. Remember, your journey with ADHD is unique and filled with endless opportunities for reinvention, resilience, and success. Your journey will have many crossroads when you’ll need to decide. Learn to trust your gut.
Hi Dr. Southern,
I absolutely loved your article—it’s both insightful and inspiring! Your journey into the world of ADHD is fascinating! I’m curious, what was the biggest surprise you encountered while transitioning to a focus on ADHD in the workplace? Also, how do you see the future of ADHD awareness evolving in professional environments? Lastly, what advice would you give to someone just starting their journey with ADHD, especially when it comes to career growth?
Looking forward to hearing your insights!
Best regards,
Gabriel John
Hi Gabriel, thank you for the review and questions.
The biggest surprise for me, studying ADHD, was that the ADHD professional struggles for an average of 15 years before getting it right! If that same professional added a coach or mentor to the mix up front, that struggle could be reduced to as little as 2-3 years! The second most surprising takeaway is that within the most creative organizations, such as advertising or graphic arts, the top most valued employees were the artists, of whom the vast majority are ADHD!
As public awareness of ADHD expands, so will the acceptance within the workplace. While on a more personal level, we will still be ridiculed and ostracized, within the workplace, we will hold our own as long as we’ve honed our gifts to a razor’s edge. Adults with ADHD are not broken but different, and different scares normalized society.
As for what advice I would give to the newly diagnosed ADHD adult, two things would place them on the right track in their journey to success and fulfillment:
1. The most essential activity would be to take several personality tests. They will all say the same thing but in different words. Personality tests will affirm what you already know, but more importantly, will tell you what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. Knowing what you’re good at will save you much heartache while on your journey because you will concentrate on learning your best skills while leaving the rest to others who are better suited.
2. Read Dr. Edward Hallowell’s book Driven to Distraction from cover to cover. Between activities 1 and 2, you will be well on your way to creating seven, thirty, ninety, 180, or 365-day projects to become a better you.
For team leaders or anyone interested in learning to be a better leader, I highly suggest reading Mark Divine’s book The Way Of The Seal. This book is not for those seeking an easy path to life, but for those who want to wring all life offers while leaving the world a better place when they depart. Mark has many exercises that will make you look hard at who you are and what you stand for.
Well done in exploring this often misdiagnosed territory, as when I was young, children were just naughty if they had ADHD and nobody understood them or what it was like for them.
ADHD is also very common in adults to varying degrees and sometimes I think we all show what we feel are symptoms in our over busy lives. At least now there are places to turn to for help, unlike yesteryear when people just had to grin and bear it.
Do a lot of children outgrow ADHD as it seems a lot better as they hit their teens in the children I teach dance to?
Thank you for your review.
Unfortunately, ADHD is hereditary, with more than 50 genes attributed to ADHD! If you have ADHD, you die with ADHD. The only other known way to have ADHD is through a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). The reason many children “appear” to lose ADHD is that they figure out how to mask it better.
Dr. Southern, your journey is both inspiring and deeply motivating, especially how you’ve transformed your personal challenges with ADHD into a beacon of hope for others. Your diverse experiences and the insights you’ve gained are invaluable. I’m curious, what advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with ADHD who is just beginning to navigate their professional life?
– Scott
My first piece of advice is to take several free personality tests to determine what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. My second piece of advice is to read Dr. Edward Hallowell’s book Driven to Distraction. These two activities would be a great starting point for your journey to success and fulfillment.
Hi
I really enjoyed reading about your personal journey and experiences with ADHD on your “About Me” page. Your openness and insight are truly inspiring and offer a valuable perspective on navigating life with ADHD.
I’m curious, have you found any specific strategies or tools particularly helpful in managing ADHD that you would recommend to others? Additionally, how has sharing your story impacted your approach to advocacy and support for the ADHD community?
Thank you for sharing your story and contributing to a greater understanding of ADHD!
Best, Aris
Hi Aris,
This will repeat several other feedbacks for other comments. While repeating oneself is rarely a good thing, in this case, it is vital to success and fulfillment.
1. The most essential activity would be to take several personality tests. The results will surprise and delight you, and the tests will affirm what you’re good at and not good at. Knowing what you’re good at will save you much heartache while on your journey because you can concentrate on learning your best skills while leaving the rest to others who are better suited.
2. Read Dr. Edward Hallowell’s Driven to Distraction from cover to cover. Don’t let the publication date fool you! Everything in the book is timeless and will provide a great foundation for your journey to a better life.