Episode

Episode 112: Late ADHD Diagnosis, Parenting & Productivity with Lou Zoanetti

Podcast
Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks
Published
Nov 10, 2025
Duration seconds
3023
Processing state
processed
Canonical source
https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d10ddf3
Audio
https://media.transistor.fm/6d10ddf3/4c8af547.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/focus-and-chill-productivity-tactics-for-audhders-and-other-neurodivergent-folks-5667584/episodes/episode-112-late-adhd-diagnosis-parenting-productivity-with-lou-zoanetti
Markdown
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Summary

Welcome to episode #112! We’re thrilled to be joined by Lou Zoanetti today. Lou Zoanetti is the CEO and Founder of Brightworks , an early careers consultancy helping organizations attract, develop, and retain emerging talent. With over 15 years in HR and graduate recruitment, Lou bridges the gap between Gen Z professionals and the world of work. In this episode, she opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, parenting, productivity, and the systems that keep her grounded. JN: What led you to explore ADHD for yourself? – Her son’s autism diagnosis made her re-evaluate her own patterns. – Learned about inattentive ADHD and verbal hyperactivity. – Realized many long-standing habits matched ADHD traits. JN: How did it feel receiving the diagnosis? – A mix of validation and sadness for her younger self. – Recognized how much effort it took to “hack” her way through school and uni. – Relief at finally understanding her lifelong struggles. JN: What coping systems did you use in school and work? – Constant scaffolding: last-minute sprints, deadlines as motivation. – Found focus in structured work environments with performance goals. – Realized later that she was masking exhaustion under discipline. JN: What has changed since the diagnosis? – Started ADHD coaching and therapy to manage energy and boundaries. – Reframed “productivity” to include rest and flexibility. – Learning to delegate and let go of rigid work hours. JN: What strengths does ADHD give you? – High energy, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. – Excellent memory for people, faces, and details—helps with business growth. – Hyperfocus drives rapid learning and strong client relationships. JN: Tell us about Brightworks and your work. – Early careers consultancy supporting corporate grad and intern programs. – Focu…