Episode 26 – S2 E7 | AuDHD in Women — Are they really fine, or just masking at work? w/ Samantha Hiew

In this episode of Innotainment, Aga Gajownik is joined by Dr Samantha Hiew - scientist, storyteller, and founder of ADHD Girls - to explore ADHD and Autism in women through the lenses of neuroscience, hormones, trauma, and workplace systems.

Together, they unpack what is often misunderstood or left unnamed: the cost of long-term masking, performance variability, nervous system overload, and why so many high-performing neurodivergent women burn out despite appearing “fine” on the surface.

This conversation goes beyond awareness. It looks at what is actually happening cognitively, neurologically, and psychologically in neurodivergent women, and what leaders can do to design genuinely brain-friendly organisations that support sustainable performance.

Topics include:

• Why masking and self-regulation are so energetically expensive

• Executive functioning, performance variability, and hormonal cycles

• Trauma, nervous system responses, and their impact on work and relationships

• Psychological safety, micromanagement, and cognitive load

• Energy-based productivity and regenerative leadership

• Practical, low-cost changes leaders can implement immediately

This episode is especially relevant for:

• AuDHD and neurodivergent women navigating work and leadership

• Managers and HR leaders who want inclusion to actually work

• Anyone interested in brain-friendly organisations and sustainable performance

Note: This episode includes reflective discussion of abusive relationships and trauma, explored in a professional and educational context.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode

• ⁠Dr Samantha Hiew ⁠– Tip of the iceberg, Autism and ADHD in Women: DSM-5 Criteria via Scientific & Intersectional Lens

• ⁠ADHD Girls⁠ – Social impact organisation supporting neurodivergent women in healthcare, education, and workplaces

• ⁠Innotainment podcast⁠ – ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes

Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain

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