Better Together

Last week, I stood on stage at the International Conference on ADHD—organized by ACO, ADDA, and CHADD—presenting awards to coaches who have transformed our field. As I spoke about their contributions, I kept returning to one thought: I didn’t get here alone.

Many years ago, I had a calling to become an ADHD coach. After pursuing training and credentialing, I found myself the only ADHD coach in the Gulf South across three states. Nobody knew what ADHD coaching was down here. The isolation was profound—not just professionally, but existentially. I was building something meaningful with no map, no colleagues, no validation that what I was doing mattered.

Then at my first ADHD conference, I stumbled across the ACO booth. Everything changed.

Finding My People

Suddenly I could see how coaches across the country—even across the world—were approaching this work. I learned best practices instead of reinventing the wheel daily. Most of my clients now come from the ACO directory, but what truly sustains me are the relationships. ACO members aren’t my competitors—they’re my colleagues, my family. I get access to cutting-edge research I can apply immediately, referral partners who trust my work, and continuing education that keeps me sharp.

But none of this just happened. I showed up. I volunteered at that booth in subsequent years. I stayed active in forums, kept my directory current, and looked for ways to be of service. In exchange for showing up, I stopped working alone. Now I get to hug my ACO family at this annual conference, connections that span miles and years.

The Future We’re Building

This time of year, I’m especially grateful for the community that welcomed me and showed me a different way forward. I’m excited about where we’re headed: a profession backed by growing evidence-based research, standardized credentialing that distinguishes professional coaching from opportunistic alternatives, and international collaboration that expands our impact.

My vision aligns with ACO’s: a world where ADHD coaches are recognized and sought after for helping clients realize their full potential. A world where every person with ADHD knows about coaching and can find the right match for their needs.

But that world emerges through connection, not isolation. Here’s what I know now: doing things with other people can be more fun and easy. As Turbo Thinkers, we tend to overcomplicate things and think that if it’s not hard, it doesn’t count. But why suffer in solitude? That’s why I created the ADHD Mentor Coaching Group with my colleague and close friend, Annamarie Marino, PMHNP, PCAC, ACC.

We built it for coaches ready to grow with intention, sharpen their skills, and move confidently toward credentialing—without working in a silo.

Three Questions

Where are you still trying to navigate everything alone?

What support exists that you haven’t reached for yet?

What becomes possible when you stop working in isolation?

If you’re ready to deepen your practice with mentorship and genuine community, Annamarie and I would love to have you join us.

Learn more about the ADHD Mentor Coaching Group by clicking the button below.

Zest, Adela