ADHD & Creative Coaching
Are you an artist, designer, writer, musician, or student with ADHD or other neurodivergence?
Do you feel overwhelmed by spinning plates, stuck because you don’t know where to start, or too anxious to ask for help?
I provide one-to-one and group coaching for creatives, students, and neurodivergent professionals. My coaching helps you:
Why I Do This Work
In 2019 my son went to university. Like many students, he was suddenly managing independent study, new friendships, and everyday life all at once. The pressure became overwhelming. He was later diagnosed with ADHD, and we both recognised that I likely have it too.
That realisation drove me into a deep dive on ADHD and neurodivergence. Drawing on decades in live performance, theatre, music, and twenty years as a university lecturer, I began to see clear patterns—in myself, my colleagues, and my students. Creative projects and university study are especially attractive to people with ADHD because they offer novelty and stimulation. But they are also challenging because they demand problem-solving without a clear roadmap
If you’ve ever tried a productivity hack from TikTok only to find it doesn’t stick, you’re not alone. ADHD brains work differently, especially in the area of executive functioning and emotional awareness - the set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, manage time, solve problems, regulate emotions and understand social norms.
Traditional coaching often assumes these skills are already in place, which is why standard approaches can feel frustrating or unhelpful for people with ADHD or other neur-divergencies. Specialist neuro-inclusive coaching recognises these differences and works with them.
With the right strategies and support, executive functioning and social communication challenges can be managed. Coaching helps you develop practical tools that fit how your brain works - so you can start and finish projects, stay organised, ask for the guidance you need and achieve your goals with less stress and more confidence.
I trained with ADHD Works and Positive Intelligence, combining evidence-based methods with lived experience to create a practical and empathetic coaching approach. My work focuses on how ADHD affects executive functioning—the brain’s system for planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and motivation. Through small but regular shifts in thinking and behaviour, I help you interrupt overwhelm, reduce outbursts, and boost the dopamine you need to get things done.
I concentrate on building habits that help you:
Self-Awareness
Spot when your neurodivergence is getting in your way, then use your strengths to overcome hurdles without burning out. Build emotional and bodily awareness so you can recognise when you’re hungry, tired, frustrated - or just finished.
Problem-Solving
Many ADHD brains leap from A to Z, skipping the steps in between. I’ll help you spot this pattern and develop processes that help you break down problems into manageable actions, so you know exactly where to start and what to do next.
Motivation
Tap into ADHD’s interest- and urgency-driven motivation system. Together we’ll develop personalised strategies that help you start—and keep going—even on the tasks you’ve been putting off for months.
Impulsivity
Channel your energy without overcommitting. Learn how to set ADHD-friendly goals and build accountability, so you can pursue the projects that matter most without running yourself ragged.
Memory
Say goodbye to juggling multiple to-do lists. I’ll introduce simple, effective organisational tools designed for your ADHD brain to support working memory and keep you on track.
Emotional Regulation
Develop techniques to manage emotional intensity in a safe and supportive space. Learn to ask for help, and use your emotions to shape your schedule in ways that reduce stress and improve focus.
Communication Skills
Develop techniques to manage emotional intensity in a safe and supportive space. Learn to ask for Strengthen communication by developing strategies to manage misunderstandings, clarify expectations, and express needs more effectively. This is especially valuable for autistic people navigating social and professional environments.
My coaching is personalised, empathetic, and practical. I work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals, whether you are studying at university, running your own business, or leading creative projects. Through one-to-one sessions, I provide strategies that build executive functioning skills and help you succeed in the ways that matter to you.
I have spent many years working in university-level arts and creative industry degree programmes teaching and supervising students from their first year through to PhD, as well as working with artists as they create new work, and managing academics for over 30 years using leadership coaching approaches.
Now, having learned about the specific executive functioning differences facing people with ADHD, I realised why standard coaching approaches to teaching and supervision didn't work well for neurodiverse students or academics. Studying at university or undertaking academic research means finding the motivation to read dense texts, write essays, receive critical feedback and rewrite papers you thought you had done with. It means identifying research questions and then committing to just one. It means being able to plan complex projects without an established framework. And it means estimating how long a task with take and setting deadlines.
All of that might sound impossible, BUT I have found specialist coaching techniques to be hugely helpful for accountability when I'm working on writing projects, problem-solving when I'm faced with defining a question for my lit review, motivation when studying for my coaching qualification and emotional regulation when working in teams. I have also used these techniques to help students start and complete projects, define their research questions, work out what their data means and write their dissertation on time with great outcomes. As a creative and academic myself I have become a true convert to the power of coaching that understands my neurospicy brain.
I have spent many years working in university-level arts and creative industry degree programmes teaching and supervising students from their first year through to PhD, as well as working with artists as they create new work, and managing academics for over 30 years using leadership coaching approaches.
Now, having learned about the specific executive functioning differences facing people with ADHD, I realised why standard coaching approaches to teaching and supervision didn't work well for neurodiverse students or academics. Studying at university or undertaking academic research means finding the motivation to read dense texts, write essays, receive critical feedback and rewrite papers you thought you had done with. It means identifying research questions and then committing to just one. It means being able to plan complex projects without an established framework. And it means estimating how long a task with take and setting deadlines.
All of that might sound impossible, BUT I have found specialist coaching techniques to be hugely helpful for accountability when I'm working on writing projects, problem-solving when I'm faced with defining a question for my lit review, motivation when studying for my coaching qualification and emotional regulation when working in teams. I have also used these techniques to help students start and complete projects, define their research questions, work out what their data means and write their dissertation on time with great outcomes. As a creative and academic myself I have become a true convert to the power of coaching that understands my neurospicy brain.
Another reason for my interest in ADHD is the link between ADHD and creativity. Evidence shows that people with ADHD score highly on divergent thinking but do not always achieve the outcomes expected.
People with ADHD have an interest-based motivation system. This means they can hyper-focus on activities they enjoy, while being unable to start less interesting tasks. Impulsivity means people with ADHD are more likely than others to take the risks necessary to think differently and experiment with new ideas. Research supports the theory that people with ADHD are highly original and often entrepreneurial, but not always able to follow the their ideas to completion as the clarified and developer steps require convergent thinking.
As a result, creatives with ADHD may struggle with solving the ‘what’s the next step’ problem leading to procrastination and finding it difficult to complete a project.
If this is you, I have a coaching package designed to help creatives with ADHD hack their own motivation and develop skills and approaches to help with future creative work.
Are you ready to unlock your potential and achieve your goals? Book in now for a free introductory call and learn more about ADHD-informed positive intelligence coaching with me.
Are you coaching curious, but cautious about commiting to a full course? Or do you have something specific you need help getting to the bottom of? Try my offer of a one-hour one-off coaching session for just £40! Using my knowledge of executive functioning and the power of developing regular positive habits, this non-judgemental session will help you to unpack the issue that is getting in your way and identify your next steps towards your goal.
My coaching is totally non-judgemental and as one client told me "I was 100% task achieved this week!"
Are you anxious about hiring or managing a neurodiverse team member? Are you struggling to get your manager to consistently apply reasonable adjustments? Do you want to know more about how to support neurodiverse colleagues to apply for Access to Work?
I offer facilitated participatory training and action learning sets that will guide you to developing systems and processes that don't just help your ND team members thrive and contribute for a day or a week, but which stick because you co-created them to work in your organisation.
Are you anxious about hiring or managing a neurodiverse team member? Are you struggling to get your manager to consistently apply reasonable adjustments? Do you want to know more about how to support neurodiverse colleagues to apply for Access to Work?
I offer facilitated participatory training and action learning sets that will guide you to developing systems and processes that don't just help your ND team members thrive and contribute for a day or a week, but which stick because you co-created them to work in your organisation.
Are you anxious about hiring or managing a neurodiverse team member? Are you struggling to get your manager to consistently apply reasonable adjustments? Do you want to know more about how to support neurodiverse colleagues to apply for Access to Work?
I offer facilitated participatory training and action learning sets that will guide you to developing systems and processes that don't just help your ND team members thrive and contribute for a day or a week, but which stick because you co-created them to work in your organisation.
Action learning sets and group coaching create supportive spaces where teams can learn together, reflect on challenges and co-design practical solutions. For neurodiverse teams, this approach helps break down barriers, build mutual understanding, and develop inclusive practices that stick. By working collaboratively on real issues, team members share insights, test strategies, and hold each other accountable - leading to stronger communication, better problem-solving, and a culture where everyone’s strengths are recognised and valued.
I work with festivals, arts centres, local authorities, and cultural organisations to support strategic growth and impact.
My services include:
With experience advising organis
I work with festivals, arts centres, local authorities, and cultural organisations to support strategic growth and impact.
My services include:
With experience advising organisations from grassroots initiatives to national bodies, we combine practical knowledge with robust research to deliver strategies that work.
Consultancy
My expertise is in social and culturally focused resilient and sustainable entrepreneurship. I can help you with rethink your business models and strategies, positioning you to maximise your opportunities.
Research and evaluation
I believe the best leadership is reflexive and open to change. My approaches to research and evaluat
Consultancy
My expertise is in social and culturally focused resilient and sustainable entrepreneurship. I can help you with rethink your business models and strategies, positioning you to maximise your opportunities.
Research and evaluation
I believe the best leadership is reflexive and open to change. My approaches to research and evaluation are participatory, creative and aim to facilitate deep learning in order to design better solutions and approaches.
Teaching and facilitation
I am a skilled and experienced higher education teacher and community facilitator. I use participatory techniques to help devise students or communities think deeply about topics. source and analyse information and identify critical issues.
I have expertise in inclusive curriculum development and assessment for undergraduate and masters level and short courses for entrepreneurs in creative industry management, cultural policy and creative research methods.
Jennie has worked internationally in the higher education sector teaching and researching creative industries and festival entrepreneurship, leadership, and cultural policy. Her research interests focus on arts and festivals as influential institutions within urban cultural policy and on questions of cultural inclusion. She has published
Jennie has worked internationally in the higher education sector teaching and researching creative industries and festival entrepreneurship, leadership, and cultural policy. Her research interests focus on arts and festivals as influential institutions within urban cultural policy and on questions of cultural inclusion. She has published on festivalisation, cultural ecosystems, creative leadership, digital media's role in connecting diasporic communities, data for decision-making and the business of festival management.
She is a research fellow at the Creative Research and Innovation Centre (CRAIC) at Loughborough University London where she has worked on two projects:
Jennie has an Executive MBA and a PhD in cultural political economy. She has extensive experience as a senior manager and consultant within the UK cultural sectors and in voluntary sector development. She has worked as a consultant and expert advisor with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Arts Council England, the British Council (India), Youth Music and East Midlands Cultural Consortium, amongst others advising on cultural policy, creative economy and widening participation. She is a guest lecturer at the Universities of Glasgow and Sheffield.
She was a member of the senior management team at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Leicester where she had responsibility for marketing and customer services and oversaw the transformation of communications at the start of the digital era.
Jordan, J, Dasgupta, R.K. and Hitchen, G. (2023) Mapping innovation in India’s creative industries: an ecosystem framework. Cultural Trends. https://doi.org/10.1080/09548963.2023.2217416
Jordan, J and Lahiri, I. (2023) Digital Leisure as Sites of Diasporic Solidarity in B. Sharp, R. Finkel & K. Dashper (eds) Leisure in the Pandemic: Re-imagining Interaction and Activity during Crisis, Routledge
Baker, V. and Jordan, J., 2022. Finding the sweet spot: critiquing a cultural ecosystems approach to civic cultural strategy making. Journal of Cultural Economy, https://doi.org/10.1080/17530350.2022.2041464
Jordan, J., 2021. Cultural closure and social mobility: a critical examination of festival governance structures as exclusive social spaces. Annals of Leisure Research, pp.1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2021.1927768
Jordan, J. and Chan, H.M., 2021. More than a “Chinese Century”: the case of International Film Festival & Awards Macao. Event Management
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599521X16288665119567
Jordan, J. and Jindal, R., 2020. Problematising Philanthropy in the UK Cultural Sector. In R. Granger (ed) Value Construction in the Creative Economy (pp. 67-84). Palgrave Macmillan.
Jordan, J. (2016) Focusing on Finnish Festivals in Silvanto, S. (ed) Festivals in Finland, Helsinki: Kulttuuripoliittisen tutkimuksen edistämissäätiö, pp. 212-217
Jordan, J. (2016) Festivalisation of Contemporary Life in Newbold, C. and Jordan, J. (eds) Focus on World Festivals, Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers pp.6-18
Jordan, J. (2015) Festival Leadership in Newbold et al. (eds) Focus on Festivals, Oxford: Goodfellow.
Gray, C. and Jordan, J. (2011) Managing adversity in the British art support system, Cultural Policy Update (1), Amsterdam: The Boekman Foundation
A Good Practice Guide and Future Priorities report resulting from our evaluation of the Work.Live.Leicestershire (WiLL) Building Better Opportunities employability project
Reframing Innovation Data in the Creative Industries follows up on Detecting Dark Matter Data, research undertaking for for Creative Informatics and CRAIC Loughbough that asked what data is collected about the creatve industries and how it is used for decison support. In the second paper we ask how we could think differently about innovation to enable the dark matter data to be collected
The Creative Industries in India Mapping Study for UKRI India/AHRC was a situational analysis of the innovation and growth within India's creative and cultural sector value chains that found huge potential for collaboration between the UK and India in CreaTech, sustainable textiles and more.
Evaluation of the DCMS / Local Government Association Cultural Pathfinder programme
Evaluation of the impact of the partnerships developed by British Art Show 6 in Nottingham
Action research for Youth Music into the feasibility of creating a regional MusicLeader CPD network in the East Midlands
Research into the feasibility of a Cultural Observatory for the East Midlands (in partnership with cultural sector thinktank Comedia) and development of a marketing and communications strategy for the business plan
Evaluation of Defra’s £7m Infrastructure Investment Programme for the Third Sector and, subsequently, the development of a rural partnership development toolkit, Progression through Partnerships: a diagnostic toolkit.
Data analysis for Arts Council England funded research: Festivals and the Creative Region
Evaluation of the social impact of the Corby / Kettering Youth Music Action Zone.
My more than twenty years experience as a university lecturer and participatory facilitator, has left me with a deep love for working with students and teams who want to explore a topic in more depth. I am open to offers for