Let’s be honest, focus can feel like a luxury when working in nonprofits.
Back-to-back meetings, a buzzing brain, and a to-do list that never stops growing…
For those with ADHD (diagnosed or suspected), that noise isn’t just noise – it’s friction. And yet, ADHD can also be a superpower in mission-driven work: fast pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, courage under pressure, and a bias to action.
The key is building systems that support your brain, not fight it.
In this conversation, Erica Fortescue, ICF-certified coach, brain-based strategist, and advisor to purpose-driven leaders, shares how to do just that. Erica specializes in neuroscience-rooted practices that improve executive functioning, reduce shame, and make teams more effective.
So, this isn’t a conversation about diagnosis. It’s about understanding and connection.
We cover powerful, practical shifts that turn feeling overwhelmed into clarity. If you’ve ever felt scattered, stuck, or secretly worried you’re not “focused enough,” you’ll leave this episode with tools that create space for your best thinking (and your team’s).
KEY QUOTES:
- “Not everyone’s brains work the same way. And that’s ok. In fact, it’s a good thing!”
– Glennda Testone
- “[W]hen I found out that I had ADHD, and that for me some of the challenges were really big, it was such a meaningful moment….I really felt a tremendous sense of relief. You know, it was one of those moments I said, thank you.” – Erica Fortescue
- “[I]t’s such a mission for me to educate people and help build self compassion and an understanding.” – Erica Fortescue
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- ADHD-ish Explained – What ADHD-ish is (a neurodevelopmental difference) and isn’t (a character flaw), and why busting common myths around ADHD really matters, especially at work.
- Executive Function in Real Life – Where ADHD can trip you up (working Memory, task switching, time blindness, prioritization, etc.) and what to do about it.
- From Friction to Flow – Brain-based tools that reliably jumpstart your momentum.
- Team Norms That Can Help Everyone – Implementing neuroinclusive practices like, quiet hours, camera-optional meetings, reduced messenger pressure, and deep-work blocks to raise overall performance.
- Self-Management Tips If You’re ADHD-ish – Confidently name your uneven talents, ask for specific help when needed, and build trust through clarity.
ABOUT GUEST:
Erica Fortescue leads a professional coaching and consulting firm that delivers coaching and training for purpose-driven leaders and their teams. Guided by a desire to help big idea people make important things happen, she specializes in brain-based coaching rooted in neuroscience, positive psychology, and the improvement of executive functioning skills. Her consulting clients include notable private sector companies such as Apple, Disney, ESPN, and Google, and social sector organizations such as the American Library Association, Google.org, Greenlight Fund, and the Truth Initiative.
Erica’s extensive experience, spanning over 20 years, has established her as a leading expert in nonprofit leadership, creative collaboration, and neurodiversity. Her professional journey includes senior leadership roles at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Breakthrough Collaborative, and the award-winning creative agency Funworks. She has delivered keynotes, workshops, and courses for prestigious institutions such as the Sloan School of Management at M.I.T., Harvard Graduate School of Education, Fast Company, Forbes, and the Learning & the Brain Society.
Her work has earned awards from The Drucker Institute, AdAge, and the Governor of California and recognition in publications such as The New York Times and Forbes. She is an ICF-certified coach and holds degrees from Brown University and Stanford University, as well as postgraduate training from NYU and UC Berkeley.
RESOURCES:
- Erica Fortescue LinkedIn
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
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Sponsored By DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect provides nonprofits with powerful fundraising tools to drive success. Built on a foundation of integrity and innovation, the company prioritizes its clients over investors, cultivating a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to making a difference. Check out their resource(s) below.
Sponsored By DRG Talent Consulting Experts
DRG is a talent advisory group helping nonprofit organizations to identify, attract, and nurture innovative, diverse leadership. Our team of 40+ experts serves over 200 nonprofits a year of all sizes and in various sectors across the country. Learn more at drgtalent.com.
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