ADHD does not disappear when someone steps into a leadership role—or into a coaching conversation. It shows up in focus, energy, time perception, communication patterns, and internal self-talk. For many high-achieving leaders, ADHD can be both a powerful asset and a hidden source of struggle.
In this interactive session, Cherie Silas explores ADHD from the perspective of a coach, an executive, and a late-diagnosed professional. Participants will examine how ADHD traits influence leadership, decision-making, and executive function, and how those dynamics may appear in coaching conversations. The session moves beyond productivity tips to address identity, shame, resilience, and the strengths inherent in neurodivergent thinking.
Coaches will learn how to recognize common ADHD patterns in clients, respond with skill and neutrality, and apply coaching strategies that support sustainable growth rather than overwhelm. Through discussion, reflection, and applied exercises, participants will gain practical tools to work effectively with neurodivergent leaders while maintaining alignment with ICF Core Competencies.
Whether you identify as neurodivergent, coach clients who do, or suspect ADHD may be influencing performance in subtle ways, this session offers insight, language, and immediately applicable strategies to enhance your coaching effectiveness.
Participants will be able to:
~Identify common ADHD traits and explain how they may influence leadership behavior and coaching conversations.
~Differentiate between executive function challenges and motivation or mindset issues in client presentations.
~Apply coaching strategies that support focus, self-regulation, and sustainable progress for
neurodivergent clients.
~Maintain presence and neutrality when working with clients navigating shame, overwhelm, or late diagnosis.
~Leverage ADHD-related strengths (e.g., creativity, rapid ideation, pattern recognition) to support client growth and performance.
Core Competencies Addressed:
Embodies a Coaching Mindset, Cultivates Trust and Safety, Maintains Presence, Listens Actively, Evokes Awareness, Facilitates Client Growth
Participants will earn 1 Core Competency and .5 Resource Development CCEs for attending this program.
About our speaker:
Cherie Silas is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with over 15 years of experience coaching executives, leading organizational transformation initiatives, and facilitating professional development programs. She has served in executive leadership roles including Director, AVP, VP, and CEO, and brings extensive experience in organizational effectiveness, change management, and culture transformation across multiple industries including technology, banking, professional services, hospitality, and government.
Cherie is the co-author of the Amazon best-selling book Enterprise Agile Coaching: Sustaining
Organizational Change Through Invitational Agile Coaching, which focuses on creating sustainable, responsibility-centered change within complex systems.
In addition to coaching senior leaders and teams, Cherie regularly facilitates workshops for coaching communities, leadership groups, and enterprise environments. Her sessions are known for blending practical application, psychological insight, and interactive learning. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, particularly when addressing topics such as neurodivergence, executive function, and leadership development.
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