ADHD and Endometriosis -Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka Advocates for Women Living With Chronic Illness and Pain
The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD | HealthShow Notes
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.
Our guest today is Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka. She is an entrepreneur originally from Poland, now living in Scotland. Her career journey has been diverse and shaped by a deep curiosity and drive to pursue multiple passions, holding degrees in cross-cultural psychology, media psychology, and cultural studies with a specialization in Japanese culture, along with certification in the Japanese language. In her own words: Growing up, I faced many challenges. I come from a difficult family background and was bullied throughout most of my life, which deeply impacted my self-esteem. These experiences, combined with the struggle of living with undiagnosed ADHD and with chronic pain, with undiagnosed endometriosis, pushed me to develop resilience and determination. I learned early on how to persevere, which has shaped the way I approach life and business today. After a few career starts I moved into project management at Samsung R&D Institute Poland, gained certifications in Prince2 and Agile, and co-created a Project Management Office for Android commercialization across Europe. After moving to Scotland, my career took an unexpected turn due to health challenges. I was diagnosed with endometriosis (finally after 20 years of suffering), which required multiple surgeries and led to a significant gap in my employment. This challenging period pushed me to reinvent myself, and I decided to focus on building my own business. During this time, finding work was made even more difficult by the timing of Brexit, which created additional barriers. So instead of banging my head against the wall, I decided to build my own business. I had many ideas, but I was constantly searching for something that could truly help others because I love helping people. That's when VanFill was born - an on-demand platform connecting customers with transport providers using empty spaces in vans and trucks, helping underserved communities access delivery services. The idea came to life when I organized a collection of medical supplies in Scotland for Ukraine. I realized that this platform would be another way I could help others. I turned this idea into reality by learning no-code tools to build the prototype. Since then, I have participated in numerous accelerators and business programs to develop the skills and networks needed to bring VanFill to life. Throughout my life, I've been actively involved in volunteering - supporting women with chronic pain and health conditions, working with different charities, and helping minority groups. In addition to my entrepreneurial work, I am deeply committed to advocating for women living with chronic illness and chronic pain. As someone who also lives with ADHD, I know firsthand the mental and physical hurdles that can arise. Through my journey, I want to inspire and empower women facing similar challenges to pursue their goals despite the obstacles. Currently, I am writing a book aimed at helping entrepreneurs, with a special focus on those living with ADHD and chronic conditions, offering guidance and inspiration for navigating the challenges of building a business while managing health difficulties and living with ADHD. I believe that no matter the challenges - be it chronic pain, personal struggles, or professional roadblocks - there is always a way forward. We just need to find the right map and guidance to not get lost on our way. Enjoy! [You are now safely here] 00:40 - Thank you for listening and for subscribing!! 01:20 - Introducing and welcome Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka! Ref: https://www.vanfill.co.uk 02:50 - What was growing up with
More from The Faster Than Normal Podcast: ADD | ADHD | Health
Dr. Isaiah Crum M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist in New York City specializing in the mental health of young professionals. He grew up in a community that treated a fast, curious mind as a problem to be corrected. He became a psychiatrist anyway, making his life's work out of what others once called his flaw. His practice is built on a simple premise: psychiatric conditions, including ADHD, look different depending on who you are and where you come from, and too many people have been misread, under-treated, or told nothing was wrong because no one was trained to see them clearly. He is currently building an independent practice designed to change that. In this episode of Faster Than Normal, Peter Shankman interviews Dr. Crumb, a psychiatrist specializing in neurodiversity and mental health within Black communities. Together, they explore the nuances of ADHD diagnosis, the impact of racial bias in psychiatry, and the importance of representation and understanding in mental health. 0:02 - Introduction and guest background 1:09 - Growing up with neurodiversity in Omaha, Nebraska 2:02 - The stigma and late diagnosis of ADHD 3:41 - The role of health insurance and diagnosis in women of color 4:08 - Gender differences in ADHD presentation and masking 5:08 - ADHD in incarcerated populations and underserved groups 5:47 - Coping strategies before diagnosis, including caffeine and gamification 7:15 - The importance of hacks and adaptive strategies from lived experiences 8:08 - The concept of masking and its costs, especially in Black communities 9:03 - Overlap of ADHD symptoms with anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation 10:19 - Communication challenges and the cycle of not being heard 12:34 - Representation in psychiatry and the current demographic disparities 16:14 - Pushback from community when pursuing psychiatry 20:29 - The significance of diagnosis and stigma in Black communities 22:24 - Racial biases in diagnosis and the problematic use of ODD 25:56 - The racialized perceptions of authority and defiance 27:00 - Closing thoughts and future projects Dr. Isaiah Crumb on Threads Thank you for being here and for subscribing- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack: petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Faster Than Normal Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
ur guest today, Vicki Christensen in her own words: I am passionate about advocating for families of special needs children through the IEP process always with a child-centered approach. Equally important is educating parents/guardians on the rights of a person with a disability and on communication strategies to allow for a positive and open relationship with the IEP team, school & district. My background is a unique combination of 15 years of special education advocacy both as a parent and a professional with a Certificate of Special Education Advocacy from USD, a small business owner giving back to the special needs community and over 10 years as a professional in the healthcare field allowing me to utilize my degree and experience in Communication Studies. I am a mother of a 21 year old (who wears Blue Glasses) with global developmental delays and am experienced in early intervention, the IEP and 504 processes as well as working with the Regional Center. I am widely networked with both parents of special needs children and professionals in the San Diego area and look forward to continuing to provide advocacy services to many more families. I am currently on the Special Education Advisory Committee in the Carlsbad Unified District working to increase awareness and inclusion for our special education students. In this episode, Vicki Christensen shares her journey parenting a neurodiverse son, Luke, with a rare chromosome disorder, offering insights, practical strategies, and emotional support for parents navigating similar challenges. Enjoy! 01:09 - Intro and welcome Vicki Christensen 01:11 - Vicki's journey from her son's diagnosis to adulthood 02:15 - Initial reactions and how we process a diagnosis 04:09 - Overwhelm of early medical and therapy appointments 05:19 - Living life amidst caregiving responsibilities Ref: what is IEP? 06:24 - Why Vicki wrote her book and its purpose 07:45 - Practical advice for parents 09:44 - On the importance of protecting your marriage 11:49 - Balancing caregiving and personal boundaries 13:05 - On building your support village 14:44 - How can people find you? • Website: https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/ Socials: @BlueGlassesAdvocacy on INSTA Uniquely, Fully, Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey - A Memoir and Handbook on Amazon Thank you for being here- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack: petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Faster Than Normal Thank you for staying tuned-in; more episodes coming up soon! Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
Our guest today, Chris Douglas is the founder of Big Red Dog Marketing with degrees in Applied Psychology from UNC-Charlotte and an MBA from East Carolina University. With over 15 years of experience in Marketing Technology, Local SEO, and Email Marketing, he's passionate about helping startups and small businesses scale and reach their potential. A Raleigh native, Chris has helped local businesses thrive as the city grows into a business hub. He founded and runs the Triangle Marketing Club, a non-profit networking group for local marketers. In his spare time, he's an avid pilot with Single and Multi-Engine Licenses and Instrument Rating, holds a blackbelt in Aikido from Innovative Martial Arts Academy, and enjoys time with his Red Golden Retriever, three daughters, and wife. Today we're talking.. you guessed it, ADHD. Also in this episode, we explore how ADHD influences creativity, time management, and client relationships through an engaging conversation with Chris Douglas, founder of Big Red Dog Marketing. Discover practical strategies for agency owners and entrepreneurs to harness ADHD strengths and improve productivity. Enjoy! 01:09 - Intro and welcome Chris Douglas!! 02:51 - Navigating ADHD in Business 05:37 - Agency-Client Relationships and Communication 08:20 - Time Management Strategies for ADHD 10:18 - Handling Emergencies and Daily Tasks 14:27 - Advice for Agency Owners 16:10 - Conclusion and Resources 17:00 - How can people find you? • Website: https://bigreddog.marketing/ Socials: LinkedIN Thank you for being here- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack: petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Faster Than Normal 18:41 - Thank you for staying tuned-in; more episodes coming up soon! Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
Our guest today Douglas Katz is a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is the creator of NULU, an adaptive kitchen knife designed to align cutting tools with human biomechanics, and continues to pursue other innovations focused on improving how people interact with everyday tools. In addition to his work as an inventor, Douglas speaks about the intersection of human capability, design, and performance. Drawing on experiences in the military, corporate leadership, and product development, he explores how physical limitations, aging, and cognitive differences influence the way people solve problems and build better tools. Living with ADHD has been both a catalyst and a challenge throughout that journey. The same nonlinear thinking and curiosity that can create headwinds in structured environments has also fueled his ability to question assumptions and see connections others overlook. Through his talks and writing, Douglas introduces audiences to ideas like the Ability Curve—the concept that human capability isn't binary but shifts across a lifetime—and how designing with that reality in mind leads to better tools, systems, and outcomes for everyone. Enjoy! Peter's bodybuilding competition journey on substack is here! 01:50 - How far is West Point from Manhattan? 02:30 - Intro and welcome Douglas Katz! Ref: his cutlery invention, Nulu 03:30 - On West Point jumpers 04:00 - First of all, tell us your story and when you got diagnosed? Ref: GEN X 05:35 - Tell us about the rigidity of West Point Academy in relation to your ADHD? 06:00 - Ref: BIOS 06:20 - The Military and ADHD/Neurodiversity guardrails 07:30 - Above as compared to the corporate world 08:35 - Beauty in structure 10:00 - On ADHD, fear, operations and structure 11:24 - check out Doug's writings at www.DouglasMKatz.com! 12:00 - You mentioned AI- how are you implementing it and what are your thoughts, thus far? 13:15 - On knowing your AI tools Ref: Tony Stark and J.A.R.V.I.S IDEATION 14:30 - Tell us about the tools you are creating and have created for we neurodiverse? 15:00 - About non-consumptive free time and the impetus for creating his products 17:00 - AI integration and usage with his product pipeline 17:55 - How can people find you? • Website: douglasmkatz.com NuluKnives.com Socials: @DOUGLASMKATZ on Facebook and INSTA TikTok and w.katz on LinkedIN Thank you for being here- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack: petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Faster Than Normal 18:41 - Thank you for staying tuned-in; more episodes coming up soon! Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman
Today we welcome Conner Kinney! He is a 22-year-old, full time real estate investor who has built a multi-seven-figure real estate business with a core focus on acquiring and scaling long-term rental properties primarily through seller-financed acquisitions. He is the founder of his own real estate company, Kinney Property Group, and currently owns a 37 unit rental portfolio with over 10M+ in completed real estate transactions. In high school, Conner struggled with ADHD and was often told it was a disadvantage. Instead of fighting it, he learned how to channel it into focus, creativity, and decisive action, ultimately turning what others saw as a weakness into one of his greatest advantages in building his business. Enjoy! 00:50 - Welcome back to FTN! We are still here! :-) 01:30 - Intro and welcome Mr. Conner Kinney!! 02:15 - First of all, tell us your story and when you got diagnosed? 02:27 - How did you decide to begin a career in Real Estate? 03:55 - How did you acquire your first property? 05:00 - How the clients become 'the bank' and defer capital gains taxes 06:00 - Where are you based? 06:15 - You didn't fit into the traditional mold as a kid; tell us about your journey? 07:15 - Faster Than Normal and The Boy with the Faster Brain 08:00 - On how Conner is hitting the numbers in his business 08:40 - Say what??! 09:00 - On how things work and the systems involved 09:45 - About moving too fast, but smartly 10:00 - What has been your biggest goof-up to this date? 11:37 - On ADHD systems and parameters 11:55 - Tell us about your team(s) and your ADHD management tool kit? 14:00 - What's the catch Conner- how have you been so "lucky"? 15:44 - How can people find you? • Website: ConnerKinney.com Socials: @ConnerKinney on Facebook LinkedIN and INSTA Thank you for being here- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack: petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Faster Than Normal 16:00 - The win/loss proposal of 'free time' 17:35 - Please do not forget to stretch! Cheers, Conner 18:15 - Thank you for staying tuned-in; more episodes coming up soon! Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman