What happens when you finally understand your ADHD and how can that insight reshape how you see your past, your work, and your parenting?
In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Emma Sayle, one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs and founder of the global female empowerment brand Killing Kittens, which now has over 200,000 members with events across the globe. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s, Emma shares her personal story of growing up undiagnosed, building multiple businesses, and parenting three neurodivergent children, all while learning to understand her own ADHD brain.
Emma reflects honestly on how receiving an ADHD diagnosis helped her reframe decades of lived experience, from school and relationships to risk-taking, ambition, and burnout. She explores the cost of masking, the pressure placed on high-achieving women, and how traits once labelled “too much” have become core strengths in her adult life.
Together, Claire and Emma explore:
What led to Emma’s ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, and how finally having an explanation reshaped her understanding of herself
How reflecting on childhood and school experiences through an ADHD lens brought clarity, compassion, and perspective
Why ADHD in girls and women is so often missed, and how gendered expectations influenced how Emma was perceived
The ADHD challenges Emma experienced growing up that later became strengths in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship
How stimulation-seeking, future-focused thinking, and high energy shaped Emma’s career path and business success
Why environment plays a crucial role in focus, wellbeing, and balance, often more than motivation or discipline
How understanding her own ADHD has transformed the way Emma parents her children, particularly around empathy and connection
A reassuring message for parents navigating the ADHD journey, especially those wishing they had answers sooner
This episode is candid, reflective, and deeply reassuring, offering hope to parents and adults who are still making sense of their own ADHD story, while navigating the responsibility of raising neurodivergent children.
Learn more about Emma Sayle and her work:
Killing Kittens: https://www.killingkittens.com
The Sisterhood: https://www.thesisterhood.co.uk
To order a copy of the book Unstoppable by Design which features chapters on both Emma and Claire’s ADHD stories: https://amzn.to/4qa0t2n
ADHD coaching and resources from Claire:https://allaboardadhd.com
Follow Claire on Instagram & TikTok:@allaboardADHD
The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.