ADHD Coach Interview: Emily Kimberley
Meet Emily, a 26 year old ADHD Works trained coach, teacher, and powerful advocate on a mission to empower neurodivergent children and adults alike to thrive, exactly as they are.
What are your experiences of neurodivergence?
I had the blessing of growing up with a truly spectacular neurodivergent brother, who was diagnosed with ADHD, autism and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. At age 6 he was reading at a 10 year old level, at age 9 he was working at a Maths level of 13 years. He was great at football, speed stacking and had such a beautiful way with words - ironic, considering he had to have many occupational therapy sessions to be able to correctly hold a pencil.
Growing up I lived in a household where everybody was trying to figure out how to ‘cope’ with a child with ADHD. My parents struggled to understand the way he worked, thought and thrived, which caused a lot of frustration and tension between everybody in the household. This always baffled me, because I felt such a deep connection to him and the way he saw the world. Little did I know, that later in my teen life, I would soon discover I too had ADHD!
What was your background before becoming an ADHD Coach?
Growing up, I always loved my teachers. They’d would spend hours after school each week doing extra work with me, and I attended a list of clubs as long as my arm: badminton, trampolining, football, gardening, drama, netball, hockey and karate to name a few. I felt a warmth being around teachers who wanted to push me to succeed, even if I dropped things as quickly as I picked them up.
After secondary school this left me to go to university and do an education degree, followed by teacher training, where I obtained my qualified teacher status. Of course, like many other ADHD-ers, I have had a wealth of jobs, with a squiggly CV: barista, junior tennis coach, waitress, nursery nurse, teacher, head of year and now, ADHD Coach.
What was your experience of training with ADHD Works like?
To train as an ADHD Coach I took part in the ADHD Works accredited course. I know at times, my ADHD can make me impulsive and quick to rush into things- but this was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It was perfect for me as a learner.
Alongside the self-paced learning, I liked the fact that each week you would wait for new content to be unlocked - this allowed me to take my time and not rush into hyper focusing and completing it all in 2 days…not the best way to retain knowledge.
The gem that made the ADHD Works course stand out for me over others was the core framework behind it all - the ‘Executive Functioning Framework’. People with ADHD have an approximately 30% developmental delay in the frontal lobe of their brain, with differences in areas like, memory, self-awareness, impulse control and focus. The framework provides purposeful, tailored, and beneficial strategies, centred around this core understanding.
Lastly, I loved the cohort of fellow coaches. We built up relationships where we felt comfortable enough to practice with one another outside of class, and to talk openly about our own experiences on the community, supporting each other. I have even been talking to one of my cohort buddies about collaborating our businesses now that we are both getting strong interest!
How would you describe your coaching style?
My approach to ADHD coaching is rooted in warmth, empathy, and empowerment. Having navigated the complexities of ADHD myself, I know how important it is to feel seen, supported, and understood.
For me, ADHD coaching isn’t about “fixing” anything—it’s about helping people take ownership of their journey. I believe in meeting my clients where they are, working together to create strategies that feel achievable and sustainable. It’s about building confidence and self-trust, not about forcing one-size-fits-all solutions. Flexibility and understanding are at the heart of everything I do because I know life with ADHD doesn’t always follow a straight path.
I’m especially passionate about supporting both children and adults with ADHD, something that’s close to my heart, especially when I think about my own brother. Growing up, he didn’t have the support and understanding that we’re working to provide now. That’s why, for me, this work feels so personal. I want to be the support that my brother and so many others didn’t have, offering them the tools, strategies, and understanding to thrive in a world that isn’t built for neurodivergent people.
What kind of support would you give to yourself 10 years ago, with the knowledge and skills that you have now?
If I could go back 10 years and offer support to my younger self, knowing now that I have ADHD, the first thing I’d do is give myself the biggest hug and say, “You’re not lazy, broken, or failing—you’ve just been navigating life without the right tools or understanding.” I’d reassure myself that the constant battles with focus, forgetting things, or feeling overwhelmed aren’t personal failures—they’re simply part of how my brain works.
I’d help my younger self let go of the guilt and self-blame that comes with being “different.” I’d explain that ADHD isn’t a flaw but a unique way of processing the world. Then, I’d introduce practical strategies tailored to me—breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual reminders, and creating systems that embrace my creativity instead of fighting it.
Above all, I’d teach myself self-compassion. I’d say, “It’s okay to rest, to ask for help, and to recognise that some days will feel harder than others. What matters is that you’re trying, and that’s enough.” I’d remind myself that I’m capable, resilient, and worthy, even on the messy days. Knowing this, I’d hope to create space for growth, self-acceptance, and thriving in my own way.
How has becoming an ADHD coach changed your life?
Becoming an ADHD coach has been a life-changing journey for me, both personally and professionally. It has allowed me to embrace my own neurodivergence in a way I never did before, turning what I once saw as challenges into strengths. The qualities I once struggled with—impulsivity, distractibility, and overthinking—have become powerful tools in my coaching practice, helping me connect deeply with my clients and offer meaningful support.
This role has also shown me the beauty in the messy, non-linear paths we all take, especially when living with ADHD. It’s helped me shift from a mindset of “fixing” to one of empowerment, where the goal isn’t to change who we are but to help people thrive in their own unique ways.
Coaching has also deepened my sense of compassion, both for myself and for others. I’ve learned that ADHD is not a limitation, but a different way of thinking and being in the world. It’s a reminder that we all have our own rhythm and that embracing who we are is key to living authentically and with confidence. Becoming an ADHD coach has truly felt like a homecoming, where I’ve found purpose, connection, and acceptance.
What advice would you give to some who thinks they might have ADHD?
Self diagnosis is entirely valid. If you think you have ADHD, my advice is to:
Be kind and patient with yourself. I know it can feel overwhelming and confusing, but you’re not alone. The first step is acknowledging that your brain works differently, and that’s okay - it’s a journey of self-acceptance and growth.
Learn about how your brain processes information, focuses, and responds to the world. It’s not about finding something “wrong” with you, but about understanding your unique wiring and how it affects the way you think, feel, and act.
Connect with like-minded people. There’s a great neurodivergent community online, who can help you to feel understood and validated. Surrounding yourself with others who get it can provide a sense of belonging.
Don’t be afraid to seek out support when you need it—whether it’s coaching, groups, or other resources.
Embrace your strengths, like creativity and hyper-focus, alongside the challenges.
Experiment with strategies that suit you - whether it’s using reminders, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or finding a routine that works for your unique way of thinking.
Remember, this isn’t not about “fixing” yourself but empowering you to be the best version of who you are. You are enough, just as you are.
What strategies can you share that help you as an ADHD-er?
Break tasks into smaller steps. When something feels huge or overwhelming, I just chop it up into manageable bits. It makes everything seem more doable and helps me get started without the dread.
Use timers or alarms. I love the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, repeat. It keeps me focused but gives my brain a chance to recharge.
Embrace visual reminders. Whether it’s sticky notes, a whiteboard, or a reminder app, having things in plain sight stops me from forgetting important details. It’s like giving my brain a little nudge to stay organised.
Use launch pads. These involve creating specific spots for the things you need to do and keep track of each day, such as keys, phone, or work materials. It helps to avoid last-minute scrambling and stay on top of everything.
Self-compassion. ADHD can feel frustrating, and things don’t always go to plan. But I’ve learned to let go of perfection and focus on progress.
It’s all about being kind to myself and celebrating the small wins along the way. These strategies have helped me embrace my ADHD and turn it into a strength!
To work with Emily, head to her THRIVE ADHD website here, or book an intro call here.