ADHD, Menopause & Leadership
Why we need to talk about this in Organisational Change.
Some leadership challenges are visible. Others? Not so much. ADHD and menopause fall squarely into the latter category—often misunderstood, rarely discussed, and yet profoundly impactful on how leaders navigate change.
After recently attending a Masterclass on this very topic, I walked away with a deeper understanding of how cognitive shifts, hormonal changes, and workplace expectations intersect—and why we need to make this a leadership conversation, not just a health one.
A Personal Experience
Having gone through the rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause, I know only too well what it feels like to do it in silence.
On a Saturday morning with temperatures already in the low 30’s (celsius), I found myself sitting on my kitchen floor, having a meltdown. I was crying, riddled with anxiety, and not sure what to do. It was confronting and confusing.
It was the middle of the COVID period, and I'd left Melbourne in search of work back home in Darwin. I had also taken on a renovation project by myself outside of working full-time. It might sound like a lot to some people, but for me, that was pretty normal. What wasn't normal was how I was feeling and reacting. Me? Having a meltdown? Sitting on the kitchen floor, not knowing what to do? Unheard of.
The good news is, it was the trigger that made me head back to the GP and ask for help. It came in the form of little patches. Thank you, HRT. A true game-changer for me.
I tell this story because it was something I had to navigate on my own. My mother and I aren't very close, and it's not something she has ever talked about. The only thing I'd heard from older family members and friends were about the hot flushes—which, for me, had started in the form of night sweats before graduating to daytime episodes. Kind of like a very warm wave washing over your entire body, building to sweat breaking out on the upper lip, lower back and armpits. At work, this was becoming problematic. But they were nothing compared to the emotional body slam I was experiencing as I sat on the kitchen floor.
The Overlooked Realities of ADHD & Menopause in Leadership
Add to this, women are being diagnosed with ADHD later in life at increasing rates. Why? Because hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause, can amplify symptoms—affecting memory, focus, emotional regulation, and executive function.
But what exactly is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and executive function. It’s often associated with hyperactivity in children, but for many adults—especially women—it presents differently. Inattentiveness, overwhelm, difficulty prioritising tasks, emotional sensitivity, and forgetfulness are common struggles.
For women, ADHD can go unnoticed for years, as they often develop sophisticated coping strategies. But when hormonal changes—like those during perimenopause and menopause—disrupt these coping mechanisms, the challenges become more pronounced. A leader with unmanaged ADHD may struggle with organisation, decision-making, or staying on top of multiple priorities, all of which are crucial for leading change effectively.
However, when ADHD and menopause are managed appropriately, they can actually accelerate a woman’s ability to lead change. Many women enter their most powerful leadership years in midlife, bringing a wealth of experience, big-picture thinking, creativity, adaptability, and resilience—all of which are critical skills for driving transformation in organizations.
Some of the most influential female leaders have navigated neurodiversity or midlife transitions while making game-changing contributions. Consider:
Mel Robbins, who speaks openly about ADHD and its impact on her career.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who led significant business transformations while managing the complexities of midlife.
Jacinda Ardern, who redefined empathetic leadership while navigating extreme global and personal challenges.
Rather than being seen as barriers, these experiences can shape stronger, more innovative leaders who are unafraid to challenge norms, think differently, and inspire meaningful change.
Why This Matters for Leading Change
Change leadership is demanding. It requires:
Clarity to communicate a vision and keep people aligned.
Adaptability to pivot when the unexpected happens.
Emotional intelligence to navigate resistance and support teams.
Now, imagine facing all of that while experiencing unpredictable brain fog, fluctuating energy, or difficulty with executive function. That’s the reality for many leaders, yet we rarely acknowledge it.
The Leadership Strategies That Benefit Everyone
Here’s the kicker: The strategies that support leaders through ADHD and menopause aren’t just for those experiencing them—they make all leaders better. Here’s how:
Flexible approaches to focus and productivity help all leaders sustain high performance.
Psychological safety and open conversations create stronger teams and cultures.
Understanding cognitive shifts allows leaders to lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Let’s Start Talking About It
This isn’t just a women’s health issue—it’s a leadership and change issue.
If we want workplaces that truly support high-performing, adaptable, and resilient leaders, we need to stop treating ADHD and menopause as ‘taboo’ topics and start having real conversations about their impact. Regardless of how awkward it might feel. After all, most of us are, know or are related to mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, colleagues, and neighbours who will, at some stage go through it themselves.
What do you think? Have you seen or experienced these challenges in leadership?
Stay Curious - Mel :)
P.S. If you or a loved one or colleague is experiencing any of the symptoms outlined above, please seek medical advice. Sometimes, just being human we experience these from time to time but it may not mean we are peri/menopausal or have ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis helps you know how to manage it and live life to its fullest!
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #Leadership #ADHD #Menopause #LeadingChange #Neurodiversity
