You’ve done everything "right." Built a successful career, earned a high income, and provided your family with stability, comfort, and opportunity. From the outside, it looks like you’ve made it.

So why does it feel like a trap?

If you're a high-earning professional who’s beginning to question the sustainability or fulfillment of your current career, you're not alone. Many executives and mid-career professionals reach a point where success becomes suffocating—and the idea of a change feels both urgent and impossible.

As a licensed mental health counselor and life coach working with entrepreneurs and executives navigating ADHD and burnout, I’ve seen a powerful, often overlooked intersection emerge in my practice: the convergence of perimenopause and ADHD. If you’re a high-performing woman in your 40s or 50s suddenly struggling with focus, energy, and emotional regulation—despite years of managing ADHD—you’re not alone. There’s a physiological shift happening beneath the surface, and understanding it is the first step to reclaiming your clarity and vitality.

What Does It Mean to Be a Cycle-Breaker?

As a therapist and coach for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and executives, I have the privilege of working with remarkable individuals who have achieved incredible success. Many of them are what we call "cycle-breakers." But what does it truly mean to be a cycle-breaker, and why does it matter, especially in the context of entrepreneurship and leadership?

For neurodivergent entrepreneurs and executives—especially those with ADHD—understanding the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) can be a game-changer for improving focus, productivity, and preventing burnout. Let’s dive into what the DMN is, how it impacts work, and how you can harness it to your advantage.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood, especially in high-performing individuals. While it’s estimated that 4-6% of people in the U.S. have ADHD, research suggests that 1 in 5 c-suite executives may have undiagnosed ADHD. Why? Because the very traits of ADHD often align with qualities that drive success in leadership roles . . .

As a neurodivergent entrepreneur or executive, you may often find yourself working late into the night. Your brain doesn't always follow the typical "9-to-5" rhythm. There’s a unique, internal drive that pushes you to keep going long after conventional work hours have ended. For many neurodivergent professionals, this late-night focus can feel like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you're ultra-productive; on the other, this pace often leads to burnout, fatigue, and the erosion of personal well-being . . .

Entrepreneurs and executives with ADHD often face unique challenges in the workplace that can put them at higher risk for burnout. While ADHD can come with traits that foster creativity, innovation, and resilience, it also presents certain hurdles that can drain energy, reduce productivity, and take a toll on mental and physical health. In this post, we’ll explore four key reasons why ADHD entrepreneurs and executives are more susceptible to burnout, and why understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining long-term well-being and success