Executive presence and professional success are often framed through the lens of relentless productivity, but for those with ADHD, that pace often leads to a cycle of extremes: the frantic, anxious energy of the “meerkat” or the paralyzed inertia of the “sloth.”
In this compassionate and practical webinar, Clinical Psychologist and AuDHD coach Michaela Thomas explores why the ADHD brain is uniquely susceptible to burnout. Drawing from her Pause Purpose Play® framework, Michaela will deconstruct the “more than just ADHD” patterns of perfectionism, anxiety, and self-criticism that fuel the “too much yet not enough” narrative.
Whether you are a high-achieving leader or navigating a late-in-life diagnosis, you will learn how to listen to your body’s boundaries and move from a state of survival to sustainable, authentic success.
Key Takeaways
- Learn to identify the cycle of extremes: recognize the “meerkat” (hyper-focused/frantic) and “sloth” (stuck in inertia) states to better understand your brain’s response to stress.
- Examine how the intersection of perfectionism and neurodivergence increases the risk of burnout and how to distinguish it from standard exhaustion.
- Discover actionable strategies to soften self-criticism and replace feelings of being “not enough” with a sustainable “Burn Bright” mindset.
- Gain tools to navigate life’s demands without sacrificing your sanity or personal priorities.
About the Speaker
Michaela Thomas is a Clinical Psychologist, therapist, advanced AuDHD coach, and founder of The Thomas Connection. Recently named Great Britain’s ADHD Coach of 2026, she is the author of The Lasting Connection: Develop Love and Compassion for Yourself and Your Partner and the host of the top-ranked podcast Pause Purpose Play with Michaela Thomas.
Specializing in the intersection of perfectionism and ADHD, Michaela helps ambitious adult professionals “burn bright without burning out.” Her work has empowered countless individuals to soften anxiety and stress while creating sustainable success through her signature Burn Bright® program.