EPISODE · Aug 5, 2025 · 1H 33M
#10: Jason Mesut on Getting Diagnosed with ADHD, Coaching, And The Value of Externalisation
from UX Fika Podcast · host Anna Dahlström
In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I catch up again with Jason Mesut – creative coach, strategic consultant, and long-time shaper of designers. When we first spoke in 2021, Jason was stepping into coaching, deep into writing his ‘Shaping Design’ book, and exploring new ways of working. Four years later, we catch up on everything that’s happened since.Jason shares why he ultimately stepped away from publishing the book, how he got diagnosed with ADHD, and how that diagnosis, and the medication, has impacted his work, creativity and public speaking.We also talk about looping music tracks, how his approach to coaching has evolved, what he’s learned about finding focus, and about getting hands-on again, returning to old tools with a new perspective, and why community – whether it’s professional or personal – plays such a vital role.It’s a truly honest conversation where I’ve left more pauses in than usual. Mostly for the viewing experience.Plus:☕️ Why almond croissant and a full fat flat white, not oat milk is his go-to fika nowadays⭐ Why 180 House is now his favourite (fika) placeWhat we cover:01:51 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth04:38 The Journey of Coaching and Self-Discovery07:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact10:15 Understanding ADHD: Traits and Misconceptions13:26 Creativity and ADHD: Harnessing Strengths16:20 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD19:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Challenges22:05 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Contentment34:32 The Power of Externalization in Design39:42 The Importance of Physical Tools in Design43:11 Balancing Coaching and Consulting47:02 Navigating Professional Loneliness and Community52:06 The Role of Gratitude in Professional Life01:07:17 Interactive Tools and Techniques in Presentations01:09:13 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities01:11:06 Creative Processes and Music Production01:12:43 The Importance of Completion in Creative Work01:15:06 Health Journey and Dietary Changes01:17:30 Favorite Workspaces and Productivity01:20:09 The Meaning Behind Names and Identity01:24:21 Hope in Design and Future OpportunitiesWhere you’ll find Jason:LinkedInWebsiteJason’s linktreeMediumShaping Design seriesSubstackSoundcloudWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #shapingdesign, #coaching #adhd #adhddiagnosis #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jasonmesut
What this episode covers
In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I catch up again with Jason Mesut – creative coach, strategic consultant, and long-time shaper of designers. When we first spoke in 2021, Jason was stepping into coaching, deep into writing his ‘Shaping Design’ book, and exploring new ways of working. Four years later, we catch up on everything that’s happened since.Jason shares why he ultimately stepped away from publishing the book, how he got diagnosed with ADHD, and how that diagnosis, and the medication, has impacted his work, creativity and public speaking.We also talk about looping music tracks, how his approach to coaching has evolved, what he’s learned about finding focus, and about getting hands-on again, returning to old tools with a new perspective, and why community – whether it’s professional or personal – plays such a vital role.It’s a truly honest conversation where I’ve left more pauses in than usual. Mostly for the viewing experience.Plus:☕️ Why almond croissant and a full fat flat white, not oat milk is his go-to fika nowadays⭐ Why 180 House is now his favourite (fika) placeWhat we cover:01:51 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth04:38 The Journey of Coaching and Self-Discovery07:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact10:15 Understanding ADHD: Traits and Misconceptions13:26 Creativity and ADHD: Harnessing Strengths16:20 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD19:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Challenges22:05 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Contentment34:32 The Power of Externalization in Design39:42 The Importance of Physical Tools in Design43:11 Balancing Coaching and Consulting47:02 Navigating Professional Loneliness and Community52:06 The Role of Gratitude in Professional Life01:07:17 Interactive Tools and Techniques in Presentations01:09:13 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities01:11:06 Creative Processes and Music Production01:12:43 The Importance of Completion in Creative Work01:15:06 Health Journey and Dietary Changes01:17:30 Favorite Workspaces and Productivity01:20:09 The Meaning Behind Names and Identity01:24:21 Hope in Design and Future OpportunitiesWhere you’ll find Jason:LinkedInWebsiteJason’s linktreeMediumShaping Design seriesSubstackSoundcloudWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #shapingdesign, #coaching #adhd #adhddiagnosis #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jasonmesut
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#10: Jason Mesut on Getting Diagnosed with ADHD, Coaching, And The Value of Externalisation
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