ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator
ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator

ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator

Steve August

Overview
Episodes

Details

You’re an entrepreneur with ADHD. You’ve got big ideas, a fast brain… and a to-do list that’s longer than a CVS receipt. You’re driven—but staying focused, finishing what you start, and scaling your business? That can feel impossible. Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Hosted by Steve August—ADHD coach, founder, and lifelong entrepreneur. Steve ha's built and exited companies, served as CMO of a $100 million business. Late diagnosed with ADHD at age 54, Steve now helps ADHD entrepreneurs get out of overwhelm find their focus and create freedom. This podcast is your go-to resource for building a business that works with your ADHD brain, not against it. We’re talking " brain-first" practical strategies to help you prioritize, start focus and finish, and sustain over time so you can reap the rewards of your brilliance. If you've ever felt like traditional business success advice wasn’t made for how your brain works, this show proves there's a different path. One built not in spite of your brain - but because of it. You’ll hear real stories from founders who are growing businesses without burning out… and we’ll keep it simple, actionable, and ADHD-friendly every step of the way. So if you’re ready to grow your business, feel free, and finally say… ‘Not now, squirrels. We’ve got work to do.’ Hit subscribe. Let’s go!

Recent Episodes

Reset Your Focus After Distraction to Drive Growth While Living With ADHD
DEC 11, 2025
Reset Your Focus After Distraction to Drive Growth While Living With ADHD
🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/the-biggest-skillf-or-adhd-success-resetting-focus -------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August, Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator and August & Wonder, talks about a crucial skill for ADHD success: the ability to bring yourself back when distractions derail your focus. Steve explains how ADHD brains often get sidetracked by new ideas, boredom, or uncompleted tasks. He shares strategies for staying on track, including using timers, making small transitions, and focusing on the easiest step to get back into a project. This episode offers practical tips to help entrepreneurs stay productive and make real progress despite the challenges of ADHD.Steve discusses a key skill for ADHD entrepreneurs: the ability to bring yourself back when distractions take you off course. He explains how ADHD brains often get sidetracked by new ideas, tasks, or boredom. Steve shares strategies like using timers, setting small transitions, and focusing on easy first steps to stay on track. By practicing these techniques, entrepreneurs can improve their focus, stay productive, and make steady progress without getting overwhelmed by distractions.Key Takeaways:Focus Can Be Sidetracked: ADHD brains often get distracted by new ideas, boredom, or uncompleted tasks.Bring Yourself Back: Using timers and small transitions helps refocus and stay on track.Small Steps Lead to Progress: Starting with easy actions helps maintain focus and move projects forward.Additional Insights:Distractions Are Inevitable: ADHD brains often lose focus due to new ideas or boredom.Bring Yourself Back Quickly: Using timers and small tasks can help regain focus and keep progress going.Small Actions Lead to Momentum: Starting with easy steps keeps projects moving forward and builds consistency.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“ADHD brains often get sidetracked by new ideas or distractions.” - Steve August“The key is to bring yourself back when focus slips away.” - Steve August“Small steps help you stay on track and keep moving forward.” - Steve AugustJoin Steve August as he explains the importance of regaining focus when distractions derail ADHD entrepreneurs. Learn how to use timers, small tasks, and quick transitions to stay on track and make progress. This episode offers practical strategies to help you maintain focus and move forward despite common ADHD challenges.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week![00:28] - The Struggle: ADHD Distractions and Losing Focus[03:05] - Quick Fix: Using Timers and Small Tasks to Refocus[05:03] - The Power of Transitions: Staying on Track Between Tasks[06:53] - Long-Term Strategies: Handling Big Projects and Staying Focused[08:58] - Conclusion: Practical Tips to Keep Moving Forward with ADHDFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ August & Wonder: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/ Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ Email: [email protected]: https://x.com/steveaugustInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAcceleratorSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 
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9 MIN
AI Tools To Help AuADHD Professionals Prevent Burnout with Ross Heatley
DEC 3, 2025
AI Tools To Help AuADHD Professionals Prevent Burnout with Ross Heatley
🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/rosshe-atley   ---------------------------------------------------------------In this episode of the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast, Host Steve August talks with Ross Heatley, Founder of Project Fluency LTD. Ross shares how his journey with ADHD, autism, and giftedness inspired him to create a digital support app designed for neurodiverse minds. He explains how Project Fluency helps users reflect, grow, and connect by combining executive function tools, wellness features, and real-world challenges. Ross also opens up about leaving corporate work to build a system that empowers self-understanding and balance, turning personal struggles into innovation and meaningful change.Ross is not just building an app; he is creating support that meets people where they are. Through Project Fluency, he helps neurodiverse individuals manage daily life, build confidence, and connect with others. His ADHD and autism once made traditional work hard to navigate, but now they guide his creativity and purpose. By combining reflection, structure, and compassion, he shows how self-awareness can turn challenges into tools for growth and lasting change.Ross spent years working in HR before turning his focus to creating tools that better support neurodiverse people. Through Project Fluency, he is building an all-in-one app that helps users organise their lives, improve well-being, and connect through shared experiences. His discovery of being both autistic and ADHD reshaped how he understands success and balance. Now, through reflection, technology, and empathy, he helps others turn self-discovery into strength and build support systems that truly work.Key Takeaways:ADHD & Autism: Ross turns self-understanding into balance and growth.Project Fluency: His app helps neurodiverse users reflect, grow, and connect.From Challenge to Change: Personal struggles shaped his mission.Balanced Structure: He blends focus with flexibility for steady progress.Build What You Need: When support is missing, create it with purpose.Additional Insights:Balance First: Ross builds structure with room for creativity and rest.Three-Hour Rule: He sets daily goals in short, focused blocks of time.Purple Path: His idea of balance blends order and freedom for sustainable work.Community Focus: Ross aims to make Project Fluency open and supportive for everyone.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“If something doesn’t exist, go and make it yourself.” - Ross Heatley“Being twice exceptional means having both giftedness and neurodivergence.” - Ross Heatley“Be kind to yourself; pressure and comparison are the thief of joy.” - Ross HeatleyJoin Ross as he shares how discovering his ADHD and autism shaped his path from HR advisor to founder. Learn how Project Fluency helps neurodiverse people build structure, confidence, and real-world connections. Discover how reflection, empathy, and balance can turn self-awareness into growth and lasting purpose.Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser[01:28] - Meet Ross Heatley[02:09] - Ross's Background and Neurodivergent Journey[06:42] - The Breaking Point and Self-Discovery[08:02] - Identifying ADHD and Autistic Traits[12:27] - The Inflexion Point of Understanding[16:23] - Self-Diagnosis and Validation[19:27] - The Vision Behind Project Fluency[22:13] - Reflect, Grow, and Connect[23:16] - A User's Journey with the App[24:51] - Introducing "Living Energies"[29:00] - The "Purple Path" and Sustainable Structure[33:13] - The Importance of Being Kind to YourselfHow to Find Project FluencyFOLLOW THE GUEST:LinkedIn Accounts:Ross Heatley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-heatley-206a122ba Project Fluency LTD: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-fluency-ltd/ Websites:   Project Fluency LTD: https://www.projectfluency.co.uk/ FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ Email: [email protected]: https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAcceleratorSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 
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35 MIN
How “Gold Plating” Keeps ADHD Entrepreneurs Stuck (And how to get unstuck)
NOV 26, 2025
How “Gold Plating” Keeps ADHD Entrepreneurs Stuck (And how to get unstuck)
🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/adhd-gold-plating -------------------------------------------------------------RSS🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/adhd-go-ldplating -------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August, Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator and August & Wonder, explores a habit he calls “ADHD gold plating.” He explains how ADHD brains often delay progress by constantly improving things instead of finishing and sharing them. This episode shows how perfectionism and fear of rejection can stop real growth. Steve shares the idea of “good, better, best” to help entrepreneurs release their work sooner and improve it over time. It is a practical and encouraging message for anyone trying to make progress with ADHD.Steve talks about a common trap many ADHD entrepreneurs fall into, which is called “ADHD gold plating.” He explains how the brain keeps adding improvements to a task, making it harder to finish and share with others. This delay often comes from fear of rejection and a desire to get things perfect. Steve shares how thinking in terms of “good, better, best” helps people release their work sooner and build on it later. By focusing on action and learning through feedback, entrepreneurs can move forward faster and avoid getting stuck.Key Takeaways:ADHD Gold Plating: Trying to make things perfect can stop real progress and delay results.Perfection Blocks Feedback: Waiting too long to share work means missing out on helpful responses.Good Is Good Enough: Releasing a “good” version is often the fastest way to learn and grow.Additional Insights:Perfection Delays Progress: Always trying to improve can stop things from being finished or shared.Fear Fuels Delay: Worry about rejection can lead to endless changes instead of real action.Action Brings Clarity: Releasing work early helps gather feedback and builds momentum over time.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“Gold plating is when we keep making things better and better, but never release them.” - Steve August“A quick no is better than a long maybe.” - Steve August“Good is done enough to put it out there.” - Steve AugustJoin Steve August as he explains the concept of 'ADHD gold plating' and how it holds entrepreneurs back. Learn why trying to make things perfect can stop real progress and delay success. This episode shares simple ways to break the cycle, take action sooner, and grow through feedback.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week![00:28] - Introduction: What is "ADHD Gold Plating"?[02:37] - The Hidden Cost: Delayed Rewards and Missing Feedback[03:58] - The Solution: The "Good, Better, Best" Framework[05:35] - The Virtuous Loop: Clarity -> Focus -> Action -> Clarity[06:38] - Conclusion: How to Avoid the Gold Plating TrapFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ August & Wonder: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/ Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ Email: [email protected]: https://x.com/steveaugustInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAcceleratorSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 
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7 MIN
ADHD Claustrophobia Is Shrinking Your Life:  This Weekly System Will Set You Free
NOV 20, 2025
ADHD Claustrophobia Is Shrinking Your Life: This Weekly System Will Set You Free
🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/adhdclaustro-phobia -------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August, Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator and August & Wonder, explores a feeling he calls “ADHD claustrophobia.” He explains how ADHD brains often get stuck between bursts of interest and the pressure of deadlines, making it hard to move forward. This episode breaks down why this happens and how it can make life feel smaller and more stressful. Steve shares real stories of people using systems like his Weekly OS to regain control and open up their lives. It’s a message of hope and practical tools for entrepreneurs with ADHD.Steve talks about a hidden challenge many ADHD entrepreneurs face, which is “ADHD claustrophobia.” He explains how the brain fills up with ideas and to-dos, but without a strong interest or a looming deadline, it becomes hard to take action. This gap, which he calls the “dopamine desert,” can make life feel small and stressful. Steve shares how systems like his Weekly OS can help reduce this pressure by making steady progress easier. When the right support is in place, people can start enjoying life again and do things they once thought were out of reach.Key Takeaways:ADHD Claustrophobia Is Real: Feeling stuck or weighed down often comes from not being able to act without pressure or strong interest.The Dopamine Desert: Without excitement or urgency, ADHD brains struggle to move forward.Systems Bring Relief: Tools like the Weekly OS can help lift the weight and open up life again.Additional Insights:The World Can Shrink: ADHD brains often pull back from life when stuck between ideas and deadlines.Overwhelm Builds Quietly: Avoiding input to stay focused can lead to stress and isolation.Relief Is Possible: With the right tools, it's easier to take action, reduce pressure, and enjoy life more fully.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“ADHD claustrophobia is when your world starts to shrink because you can’t move forward.” - Steve August“The dopamine desert is that space where interest fades and the deadline hasn’t hit yet.” - Steve August“A good week is when we meet our ADHD brain and still make progress.” - Steve AugustJoin Steve August as he explains the feeling of ADHD claustrophobia and why it happens. Learn how the space between excitement and deadlines can leave you stuck, and how systems like the Weekly OS can help. This episode offers clear steps to ease pressure and feel freer in your daily life.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week![00:28] - Introduction: Defining "ADHD Claustrophobia"[01:40] - The "Dopamine Desert" Between Interest and Deadlines[03:46] - The Emotional Weight and Shrinking World[04:23] - Case Studies: Transformation Through Systems[07:08] - Conclusion and Path ForwardFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ August & Wonder: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/ Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ Email: [email protected]: https://x.com/steveaugustInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAcceleratorSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 
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7 MIN
The Venture Studio Model for Startup Founders to Build Better Companies Faster with JT Benton
NOV 13, 2025
The Venture Studio Model for Startup Founders to Build Better Companies Faster with JT Benton
🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources:🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/jtb-enton ---------------------------------------------------------------In this episode of the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast, Host Steve August talks with JT Benton, Co-Founder and General Partner at 9point8 Collective and General Partner at B’MORE Venture Studio. JT shares how the Venture Studio model builds companies from the ground up and helps founders focus on what really matters. He explains how studios remove distractions, create faster growth, and make startups more capital-efficient. JT also opens up about his lifelong ADHD journey, how it shapes his thinking and leadership, and why he sees it as a superpower that fuels innovation and curiosity.JT isn’t just building startups; he’s helping founders stay focused by removing the noise that slows them down. Through his work at 9point8 Collective and B’MORE Venture Studio, he supports people turning big ideas into real companies. His ADHD once made structure hard, but now it fuels his creativity and drive. By pairing systems with curiosity, he shows how thinking differently can lead to better, faster innovation.JT spent years founding and leading companies before focusing on helping others build them. Through 9point8 Collective and B’MORE Venture Studio, he guides studios and founders to launch ventures that work smarter and grow faster. His early ADHD challenges taught him how his brain really works, turning what once felt hard into his edge. Now, through mentoring and innovation, he helps entrepreneurs use their focus, curiosity, and energy to create real impact.Key Takeaways:ADHD & Success: JT turns his ADHD into a strength that drives focus and innovation.Venture Studios: He explains how studios build startups faster and smarter.Remove the Noise: Founders can skip admin stress and focus on real growth.Fail, Learn, Pivot: JT shows how testing ideas leads to better companies.Work with Purpose: He proves that curiosity and structure can build lasting success.Additional Insights:Brain First: JT works in ways that match how his ADHD mind functions best.Focus Time: He blocks quiet hours to handle tasks that need deep focus.Step Outside: Nature and movement help him reset and think clearly.Ask for Help: He partners with people whose strengths balance his own.Share Freely: JT opens up about ADHD to guide and support other founders.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“A Venture Studio is a company that builds other companies.” - JT Benton“It’s not a disorder; it’s a different way of thinking.” - JT Benton“Be more interesting, that’s how you get my attention.” - JT BentonJoin JT as he shares how ADHD shaped his journey as a founder and leader. Learn how the Venture Studio model helps startups grow faster, stay focused, and build with purpose. Discover how curiosity, systems, and self-awareness can turn big ideas into real success.Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser[01:39] - Meet JT Benton[03:29] - Inside 9point8 Venture Studio[06:50] - Helping Founders Grow Smarter[10:41] - Learning Through Failure and Pivots[14:44] - ADHD as a Founder’s Edge[21:26] - Focus, Impulse, and Energy[25:28] - Clarity Through Breaks and Routines[27:50] - Guiding ADHD Founders to SucceedFOLLOW THE GUEST:LinkedIn Accounts:JT Benton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtbenton/ B'More Venture Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/company/b-more-venture-studio/ 9point8 Collective: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9point8-collective/ Websites:   9point8 Collective: https://9point8.co/ B'More Venture Studio: https://www.bmoreventurestudio.com/ FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ Email: [email protected]: https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAcceleratorSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 
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30 MIN