Smart ADHD Stories with Dave Delaney

By Ian Anderson Gray with Dave Delaney

Smart ADHD Podcast

Episode 20

Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes 53 seconds

Episode Theme: Stories

Full Transcript

November 4, 2024

Smart ADHD Stories Dave-blog

In this episode, I chat with Dave Delaney. He’s the founder of the Wise Squirrels ADHD podcast and is a speaker and communication expert, as well as CEO of Futureforth. He shared his remarkable journey living with ADHD. 

We discussed the importance of diagnosis and coping mechanisms that have transformed his approach to work and relationships. Whether you're navigating your career or personal life, Dave’s experiences and strategies might resonate with you.

Key Moments from the Episode

[0:00] – Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journey
[0:49] – Welcome to Smart ADHD Stories
[0:52] – Meet Dave Delaney: Communication Expert
[0:07] – Dave’s Background and Family Life
[0:47] – Dave’s Entrepreneurial Journey
[0:39] – The Impact of ADHD on Dave’s Life
[0:17] – Dave’s ADHD Diagnosis and Realizations
[0:36] – Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment
[0:15] – Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward
[0:38] – High School Struggles and Reflections
[0:52] – ADHD and Its Hereditary Nature
[0:00] – Interplay Between ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression
[0:58] – Therapy and Medication Journey
[0:32] – Impulsivity, Anxiety, and Professional Challenges
[0:36] – Importance of Accountability and Body Doubling
[0:01] – Balancing Passion and Business
[0:17] – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Understanding the ADHD Diagnosis

It was so interesting to hear Dave’s experience of being diagnosed with ADHD at 50. Receiving a diagnosis often feels both like a relief and a challenge—it brings clarity to past struggles but can also feel overwhelming.

Dave emphasised the importance of seeking professional help and being open to a range of treatment options. Managing ADHD isn’t just about medication; it can also involve therapy and other tools that help navigate its complexities.

Managing Impulsivity and Anxiety

We also explored the connection between ADHD, anxiety, and impulsivity. Dave shared how impulsivity can lead to anxiety, especially in professional settings, and discussed the value of body doubling—working alongside someone else to stay focused.

If concentrating on solo work feels like a challenge, try partnering up with a friend or colleague. It’s a practical way to stay accountable and productive. And remember, seeking support, whether through therapy or community, is essential.

Taking Control of Your ADHD Journey

It’s time to embrace the unique strengths ADHD brings and take control of your journey. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and how ADHD has influenced your life. Share your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights!

Check out Dave’s Wise Squirrels Podcast and community.

Watch Episode 20

KF

About Dave Delaney

Dave Delaney is a communication expert, the CEO of Futureforth, and host of the ADHD Wise Squirrels Podcast. He teaches leaders the Nice Method, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and inclusivity in communication. He's worked with brands like Google and LinkedIn and is a keynote speaker and author of several books, including "New Business Networking" and "The Nice Method." Dave is passionate about helping others improve their communication skills, building stronger relationships, and delivering impactful presentations - the nice way!

Transcript

[0:00] Dave: so a lot of my life, I've seen doctors, therapists before for anxiety and related things. But now I know it's the ADHD that is at the root of a lot of this. When I'm standing on stages, I get the audience learning things and laughing and having a good time and that rush of dopamine hits me is what's missing because as we know, like with ADHD, we lack dopamine, the benefit of being diagnosed is to know your operating system.

[0:28] Like I call my brain, my operating system, right? I sometimes feel like my operating system is like an iOS, great operating system, but it's in an Android device, right? if you think too much of the past.

[0:39] That can lead to depression. If you think too much of the future, that can lead to anxiety. And so the key thing is to be focused on the present and on the now.

Ian Anderson Gray

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