Noticing the lack of specialist resources in Asia, Marium Jafari set up ADHD-Empowered to help those impacted by the condition and to destigmatise neurodiversity.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Marium Jafari, Founder of ADHD-Empowered, gets it done!
How I get it done: Marium Jafari
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I began my career in the corporate world. This was suited to my innate strong work ethic and professionalism, but I was constantly seeking a greater purpose. I was then drawn to education, so I re-trained as a teacher, and worked in international schools. That’s where I came across neurodiversity, and saw how it was so misunderstood and mismanaged. I was particularly moved by one of my ADHD students who was incredibly bright and creative, but unable to sit still in class. Few in the school understood that his need to fidget and move was not coming from a desire to disrupt, but was simply his way to regulate himself so he could focus.
Disturbed and frustrated by the status quo, I knew I needed to better equip myself to be able to help those impacted by ADHD. I began extensive research, undertook specialist training in ADHD Coaching with a leading certified ADHD coaching institution in the US, and was mentored by leading experts in this field. I soon realised the lack of specialist resources, especially certified ADHD and executive function coaches in Asia for adults, teens, and families, I decided to set up ADHD-Empowered.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been awareness and acceptance. ADHD is often diminished as a diagnosis. In fact, there’s an ill-informed and highly negative narrative that “it’s in fashion to be ADHD”, which is very harmful to those whose lives are impacted by ADHD. Others feel overwhelmed by the rampant misinformation on social media and don’t know where to turn for support.
Then, there is the confusion between therapy and coaching. The ADHD coaching model has proven to be very well suited to the ADHD brain, as it’s far less prescriptive. Using that, the ADHD coach guides the client in creating strategies. It’s truly empowering.
While there’s increasing momentum in the drive to grow awareness about neurodiversity – be it ADHD, autism, or learning differences – it is an ongoing journey, and part of my work has been to spread awareness through voluntary work in the community.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I’m passionate about ADHD coaching and my work energises me. My clients often face significant challenges in their lives, and my goal is to support them in upskilling, advocating for themselves, and creating lasting changes. Witnessing their transformation is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
I’m my harshest critic, but I believe in self-reflection and, most importantly, in putting my insights into action. I also feel it’s important to extend the empathy we have for others to ourselves. I’m a lifelong learner, so I’m the happiest when I’m learning something new.
How I get it done with Marium Jafari: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? For me, it’s not about the place, but about the people. I enjoy working with charities to raise awareness, with schools to bring about changes in their approach, and best of all, with my clients one-on-one, helping address their challenges in partnership with them.
What’s your work mantra? I live by Maya Angelou’s words: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” My goal is to help people with ADHD and executive function challenges lead fulfilling lives, and to maximise their potential. I’m constantly learning more for my clients.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? How misunderstood ADHD and executive function challenges are. For those impacted, the struggle is real. There is such a need to destigmatise it. While there are many ways we can provide support, we need to let more people know about the resources available and how they can access them.
Your go-to self-care activity? I journal regularly and love being in nature. Hiking in the hills, dipping my toes in the water, or just feeling the sand beneath my feet on the beach are my go-to self-care activities.
One piece of advice to your younger self? Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to take risks. Follow your gut, rather than others’ thoughts about what’s good for you. The earlier in life one learns this lesson, the better!
Find out more about ADHD-Empowered and get in touch with Marium Jafari via email.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring, and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check out our Instagram and join us!
