Episode 93: Swantje Lorrimer

Welcome to episode #93! We’re thrilled to be joined by Swantje Lorrimer today.Swantje Lorrimer has built a career spanning multiple industries, including academic research, film productions (Star Wars, The Fall Guy), and ADHD coaching. After struggling to fit into traditional job structures, she embraced freelancing, creativity, and adventure as the key to thriving with ADHD.In this episode, we explore dopamine-seeking behavior, unconventional careers, ADHD-friendly productivity strategies, and why neurodivergent people often struggle with traditional routines.Welcome to the show, Swantje!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Realized later in life after seeking ADHD coaching for her childrenInitially dismissed the ADHD coach’s comments—until she recognized her own patternsDiagnosis made everything in her life make senseJN: What was it like growing up undiagnosed with ADHD?Left home at 16 to move to Finland with no prior knowledge of FinnishSought big, high-stimulation experiences—milking goats in a hippie commune, working in hospitals, etc.Always chased dopamine hits—leading to an adventurous but unpredictable careerJC: What was your career path before becoming an ADHD coach?Worked as a costume designer on major film productions like Star WarsFreelanced in theater, opera, and academic research in philosophyStruggled with structured, repetitive jobs, always seeking new challengesJN: How did getting diagnosed with ADHD change things for you?Stopped feeling like a failure—realized her brain just worked differentlyUnderstood that she needed flexibility, novelty, and control over her workLearned to embrace her ADHD instead of fighting against itJC: What led you to ADHD coaching?Saw her own children struggle with neurodivergence and wanted to support othersRealized her background in academia and creativity gave her a unique coaching perspectiveStudied ADHD coaching in New York and now runs Doing, Doing, DoneJN: What productivity strategies work for you?Avoids SMART goals—prefers a fluid, adaptable approach to projectsUses dopamine as a guide—choosing tasks that naturally engage her brainOutsources and delegates when possible instead of trying to do everything aloneJC: What productivity strategies DON’T work for you?Strict routines & time-blocking—every day is different, so flexibility is keyRigid linear task completion—she works best by jumping between ideasOvercommitting to projects without energy management—learned to say no strategicallyJN: What does your morning routine look like?No fixed routine—every day is differentLoves starting the day with deep focus work when possibleGoes to the gym when energy allows, without rigid expectationsJN: How do you wind down at night?Drinks hot cocoa and reads a book before bedEngages in creative activities like bookbinding and illustrationPrioritizes listening to her energy levels rather than forcing structureJN: Where can people connect with you?Website: https://www.doingdoingdone.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swantje-lorrimer-14172558/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567285666137JC: Final words for the audience?“Your brain isn’t broken—stop trying to make it fit neurotypical standards.”“The world needs neurodivergent thinkers—find your own way to thrive.”More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/