The ADHD Skills Lab
Skye Waterson
Things are starting to fall through the cracks. Not because you're not trying, but because the systems everyone recommends weren't built for a brain like yours.The ADHD Skills Lab is for business owners with ADHD whose responsibilities have grown past simple solutions. Each week, Skye Waterson and guests share research-backed strategies and real-world systems to help you reduce the chaos, make consistent progress, and stop reinventing the wheel every time life gets complex.No "just use a planner." No productivity hacks that last a week. Just honest, practical support from someone who has spent years researching, testing, and refining what actually works for adult ADHD.Skye is the founder of Unconventional Organisation, a former academic diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD, and the author of over 50 articles read by more than 250,000 people worldwide. She has worked with senior leaders, business owners, academics, and professionals navigating ADHD in high-responsibility roles, and was invited to share her research with both the Australian and New Zealand Government. 🤝 In partnership with Understood.org: https://u.org/4boG8QW 🌐 https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ 📲 https://www.instagram.com/theadhdskillslabpodcast/
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 17min
Research Recap with William Curb: ADHD & Hot and Cold Executive Function
William Curb, from Hacking Your ADHD, dives into the intriguing world of hot and cold executive functions and their effects on decision-making in ADHD brains. He explains why stress can lead to forgetfulness and how emotions can hijack logic. The conversation also touches on a promising yet preliminary study involving brain stimulation techniques aimed at enhancing executive function. Get insights into how emotional states influence productivity and self-control, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating ADHD.
Aug 25, 2025 • 48min
Precision Systems for ADHD Founders: Chaos, Metrics, and Million-Dollar Growth
In this episode, Skye is joined by Matt Verlaque, SaaS founder, entrepreneur, and author, to unpack how to scale a business when your brain is wired for big ideas and fast starts, but struggles with structure.From leading startups to building founder-focused systems, Matt shares the powerful rhythms, habits, and metrics that have helped hundreds of founders go from feeling overwhelmed to fully in control of their businesses.What we cover:The 5 numbers every ADHD founder actually needs to trackHow to scale without nuking your team or yourselfMatt’s system for turning random thoughts into repeatable strategyChaos management for the hyperactive executive Family, boundaries, and surviving the startup tornadoConnect with Matt:Follow Matt on Instagram: @mattverlaqueExplore The Precision Method: Precision.coCheck out the bestselling book Software as a Science: Unlock Limitless Recurring Revenue Without Losing Control. Co-authored with Dan Martell, Johnny Page, and Marcel Petitpas: softwarebook.com P.S. If your ADHD symptoms turn every business day into chaos, with unfinished tasks piling up and revenue stuck, it's not you. It's your operating system. Click here to book an operational strategy session with Skye.
36 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 16min
Research Recap with William Curb: ADHD and the Default Mode Network
William Curb, co-host of the Research Recaps series from Hacking Your ADHD, dives into the intriguing world of the default mode network and its peculiar relationship with ADHD. He discusses how this brain region doesn’t always shut down in ADHD individuals, affecting focus. The conversation also covers the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in altering brain connectivity and highlights the genetic factors influencing attention. Plus, there's a look at how untreated ADHD can complicate life and work, emphasizing the need for effective treatment.
50 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 15min
The ADHD Guide to Delegating - Why You Can’t Let Go (and How to Fix It)
Delegating tasks can feel daunting, especially for those with ADHD. Discover why letting go feels risky and how to stop gatekeeping your own business. Learn a 5-step system to delegate effectively without micromanaging. Understand the reasons your team might not be as helpful as they could be. This discussion offers practical strategies to ease overwhelm and boost productivity, enabling you to work less while empowering your team.
20 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 35min
ADHD and the CEO Mindset: Systems, Self-Care, and Letting Go
In this engaging conversation, Dr. John Torrens—Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice and author of Lightning in a Bottle—shares his journey as an ADHD entrepreneur. He reveals how to turn the challenges of ADHD into strengths by embracing delegation and self-care. The connection between hyperactivity and entrepreneurial success is intriguing, as is his approach to avoiding burnout while mentoring others. Dr. Torrens emphasizes that self-care is crucial for sustainable growth, turning stress into scalable systems for success.
35 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 33min
The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Guide to Profit (Without the Spreadsheet Spiral)
In this discussion with Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto, listeners learn how ADHD entrepreneurs can avoid burnout through smart pricing. Marcel breaks down the ADHD-friendly method to price services sustainably and the three critical numbers to track for agency success. He shares strategies to future-proof pricing and emphasizes the importance of clarity in financial management. With insights on overcoming math trauma and the value of generosity in business, this conversation is a must-listen for creative agency owners.
10 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 34min
Why You Always Underestimate Time (Even When You Swear You Won’t)
Time blindness can make a 15-minute task feel like it takes 45. Discover how ADHD impacts time perception and working memory. Uncover intriguing studies about the connection between these challenges and your daily life. Explore the fun of a quirky monkey timer that visually tracks time, and hear about innovative tools and games designed to enhance time management skills. If you often wonder where the time goes, this discussion offers relatable insights and practical solutions.
6 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 44min
I Walked Away From $48K and a PhD: My ADHD Origin Story
A personal journey through ADHD unfolds, revealing the struggles of academic pressures and cultural expectations. The speaker shares their courageous decision to leave a $48K PhD scholarship for personal fulfillment, transforming challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities. Insightful discussions cover the importance of labeling ADHD, its impact on identity, and effective strategies for embracing this unique cognitive framework. The episode highlights the significance of mentorship and community support in navigating both professional and personal landscapes.
21 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 32min
Your ADHD Toolkit Is Missing Something: Meet the Vagus Nerve
Discover how your nervous system might be the missing piece in managing ADHD. Explore the fascinating link between ADHD and the vagus nerve, revealing how dysregulation impacts emotional responses. Learn why traditional strategies may fall short and how polyvagal theory can reshape ADHD treatment. This deep dive into the autonomic nervous system uncovers the science behind procrastination, burnout, and the relentless 'on' feeling. It's all about real science and practical insights to enhance emotional regulation and understanding.
24 snips
May 26, 2025 • 17min
Adrenaline Isn’t a Business Strategy: The ADHD Growth System That Lasts
Discover how ADHD entrepreneurs can escape the burnout cycle by building sustainable systems. Learn why traditional productivity tips often backfire and how to create effective SOPs. The importance of a 6-routine cadence for growth while maintaining your sanity is discussed, along with insights on overcoming decision fatigue. If urgency has been your only strategy, this conversation will empower you to take a step back and implement lasting change in your business approach.
