AuDHD in Women: Why High-Performing Doesn't Mean Fine w/ Samantha Hiew Ep 26

In this episode, Aga Gajownik is joined by Dr Samantha Hiew, scientist, storyteller, and founder of ADHD Girls, to explore ADHD and Autism in women through the lenses of neuroscience, hormones, trauma, and workplace systems.   Together, they unpack what is often misunderstood or left unnamed: the cost of long-term masking, performance variability, nervous system overload, and why so many high-performing neurodivergent women burn out despite appearing "fine" on the surface.   This conversation goes beyond awareness. It looks at what is actually happening cognitively, neurologically, and psychologically in neurodivergent women, and what leaders can do to design genuinely brain-friendly organisations that support sustainable performance.   Topics include: Why masking and self-regulation are so energetically expensive Executive functioning, performance variability, and hormonal cycles Trauma, nervous system responses, and their impact on work and relationships Psychological safety, micromanagement, and cognitive load Energy-based productivity and regenerative leadership Practical, low-cost changes leaders can implement immediately This episode is especially relevant for AuDHD and neurodivergent women navigating work and leadership, managers and HR leaders who want inclusion to actually work, and anyone interested in brain-friendly organisations and sustainable performance.   Note: This episode includes reflective discussion of abusive relationships and trauma, explored in a professional and educational context.   This is Season 2 of the Innotainment Podcast, now continuing as Brain Friendly Systems with Aga Gajownik.   Links mentioned in this episode: Dr Samantha Hiew - Scientist, Storyteller, Founder of ADHD Girls ADHD Girls - social impact organisation supporting neurodivergent women Tip of the Iceberg (Amazon) Autism and ADHD in Women: DSM-5 Criteria via Scientific and Intersectional Lens Aga Gajownik - Certified ADHD Practitioner and founder of Innovation Integration Innotainment podcast⁠ -  ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain