Article by Dawn Baxter, Founder of Beyond the Dawn Digital, digital marketing expert & certified positive psychology coach
According to UK charity ADHD Action, approximately 1.5m adults in the UK have the condition, but only 120,000 are actually formally diagnosed.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 37, and until that point my understanding of ADHD was extremely limited. I, like many, assumed it was a term coined for children who couldn’t behave at school – a label that you find would limit people throughout their lives.
How wrong I was.
I’m Dawn, a successful entrepreneur and business owner, and I have ADHD. I am part of the 4.9% of women who will be diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime, compared with 12.9% of men.
For me, ADHD is not a debilitating aspect of my life, it is a superpower and part of my DNA. The diagnosis wasn’t much more for me than a confirmation of what I already believed to be true. I am not sure if having my assessments done online and speaking to clinicians via video chat had some part in that, but by the time my previously suspected OCD was diagnosed as more likely to be ADHD, everything made total sense.
As a child, they called me fidgety, creative and “a dreamer”. I am all of those things and now I know that these traits where actually part of my biological makeup that would one day support me rather than hinder me. That being said, I know so many in my position that felt like the diagnosis was a massive relief. Searching for answers to lots of different struggles and not being able to identify the main cause can at times be demoralising.
I never realised that ADHD was the power forcing me to fully lean into my passions, but it absolutely was! My ADHD allows me to hyper focus, which feels like knowing what to do, in which order and allowing yourself the luxury to get really stuck in. It’s a little like when you master a computer game as a kid, everything is clear, you have to get on with it and you cannot wait another second.
Throughout my life, I had masked my need to allow myself this luxury with the areas that I wanted to pursue. I became a genius at being able to put those things aside, although never fully being able to focus without continuous aids when unable to pursue areas of interest.
As soon as I allowed myself to build my business and be fully involved in it, I realised that I was getting things done quicker, with less rumination and more forcefully than those around me. I found tasks that would take others weeks would take me a day or less. I can honestly say my progression in business is down to this hyper focus and the ability to master a “get things done” attitude. At the beginning of my business journey, this was especially useful. I fully believe having ADHD has enabled me to progress and rapidly build my business with far more ease than others who perhaps struggle to focus or find themselves procrastinating.
I am also able to “scan the land” as it were for things that are useful, important and relevant. This awareness allows me to drop tasks and actions that don’t serve my bigger picture. I do this by looking for patterns and passion points that lead into the things that are important to me. For me, this skill that others take years to master was just naturally part of my DNA. Even my ability to mask the struggle is a superpower. Although some would argue we should never have had to learn how to do so, it has helped me in so many ways. I am adaptable, I pick up on important social cues that I may have otherwise missed and I have taught myself to look at the world from different perspectives.
Once you realise that the behaviours and coping strategies to support that behaviour can be really positive there is no going back. So many of my interpersonal skills, entrepreneurial skills and motivations come from this superpower that it actually allows me to define myself positively, proving that ADHD doesn’t have to ben a handicap. I think reframing this as a positive trait will allow others to break away from the stigma and be truly grateful for a bunch of skills that allow us to be different and thrive in our neurodiversity. I truly see it as my superpower and am grateful for all it has helped me to achieve and will continue to help me with in the future!
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.