Michael Ross
PCAC AACC APFS
As your ADHD Empowerment and Financial Coach, I want you to feel that our work together has empowered you to change your world and move you from surviving to thriving!
What I Offer
As your ADHD coach, my mission and focus is on empowering you to live a fulfilling and balanced life. I understand the challenges you face and offer compassionate, empowering support. With a focus on ADHD-friendly financial guidance, productivity coaching, and personalised strategies, together we can help you turn your ADHD into a source of strength. With 13 years of experience as a Financial Adviser, Specialist ADHD Coach, and Neuroscience Training, coupled with my lived experience with adult-diagnosed ADHD, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you transition from merely surviving to truly thriving.
My Personal Journey
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis at age 38 was a surprise, but it brought immense relief. It explained the lifelong struggles I faced in fitting in and keeping up with peers in both academia and professional settings. My solution had always been to work harder and longer, which led to repeated burnouts.
Medication following my diagnosis was like flipping a switch in my brain, enhancing my focus but leaving me still disorganised, exhausted, and overwhelmed. My journey to managing ADHD began with the support of ADHD coaches who helped me develop strategies to navigate my condition.
Professional Accomplishments
I’ve built a successful career as a Financial Adviser and am an ADHD Copach accredited by both ADDCA and the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches. Despite ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, hyperfocus, and lack of focus, I have learned to manage my ADHD, capitalise on my strengths, and now aim to help others do the same.
School Challenges
While I excelled in school subjects, I struggled with essay writing and exams. My mind would often go blank, leading to misinterpretation of questions or lengthy, off-topic responses. Overexerting myself resulted in frequent burnouts.
Work Life
Office environments hindered my focus, leading me to prefer remote work. I navigated distractions and workplace bullying by understanding my legal rights and educating employers. Traditional organisational strategies didn’t work for me, so I developed unique approaches and negotiated for reasonable adjustments. Despite these challenges, I built a successful career as a financial adviser.
Personal Life
Managing emotions and daily tasks was difficult. Learning to pause, set boundaries, and ground myself became essential. Emotional overwhelm sometimes affected personal relationships, leading to overthinking. During lockdown, I recognised ADHD traits in one of my children and supported her through her diagnosis, which brought immense joy as I watched her thrive in school.
ADHD Coaching
Engaging in coaching led me to complete a Professional ADHD & Life Coach Training Certification, certified by both the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches and the International Coaching Federation. I am now on the verge of professional accreditation.
Commitment to the Neurodivergent Community
My background as a financial adviser, combined with witnessing clients’ transformative journeys, fuelled my passion for coaching. I aim to support individuals with ADHD, helping them recognise their strengths, overcome obstacles, and lead fulfilling lives.
In addition to my professional background, I am deeply committed to the Neurodivergent community. I speak at events such as the ADHD Advocate ADHD Coaching Summit, Limmud and elsewhere. I have designed and delivered “Secret Life of Money” workshops, focusing on financial education and empowerment for individuals with ADHD. These workshops, conducted in partnership with ADHD charities and featured at national conferences, underscore my dedication to making a positive impact. Future workshop dates will be announced.
Mission
I am committed to empowering those with ADHD to better understand themselves, fostering personal growth, happier relationships, and self-worth in both family and work life. My mission is to ensure that no one with ADHD suffers unnecessarily, guiding them to lead abundant lives where ADHD doesn’t limit their potential.