Pause Purpose Play

If you feel constantly “on” - ticking off tasks, replying to messages, holding everything together - this episode is your reminder that your best thinking doesn’t happen in the busy… it happens in the pause.


In this solo episode, Michaela explores the power of deeper reflection - and why creating space (not more productivity) is often the missing piece for ADHD brains.

From a simple walk through London to imagining a retreat in Sweden, this episode invites you to rethink what rest, creativity, and problem-solving really look like.


In this episode, we cover:

Why constant busyness blocks creativity and insight

The role of the default mode network (DMN) in ADHD — and why mind-wandering is not a flaw

How “being away with the fairies” might actually be where your best ideas live

The hidden cost of executive functioning overload (yes, even by 9am…)

Why rest doesn’t have to mean being still or silent

How movement (walking, swimming, singing) can unlock reflection and emotional processing

The power of unstructured space vs over-planned routines

A reframe on retreats — from “doing” to being, connecting, and allowing


Events mentioned in this episode:

Sweden ADHD Women’s Retreat (11–14 June)
A small, curated space (only 5 spots) for rest, reflection, and connection
https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/shine-retreat-2026/


Golden – London (15 May)
A brunch-style in-person event to pause, reflect, and connect with like-minded women
https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/golden-in-person-event-may-2026/

When neurodivergence isn’t properly understood at work, even highly capable people can end up struggling without the right support.

In this episode, Michaela Thomas is joined by employment lawyer Jodie Hill, founder of Thrive Law, to explore reasonable adjustments, psychological safety, and how employers can better support neurodivergent staff to thrive.

Drawing on both legal and psychological perspectives — from Jodie Hill’s work in employment law and Michaela's work delivering neurodivergence training and compassionate leadership development — they explore what happens when capacity is mistaken for capability, and how to build compassionate, psychologically safe and neuroinclusive workplaces where people don’t just cope, but truly flourish.

In this episode, they cover:
* the difference between capability and capacity
* what reasonable adjustments really mean in practice
* why unsupported neurodivergence can look like underperformance
* the role of psychological safety in disclosure and support
* common mistakes employers make
* when a role may be the wrong fit and how to handle that with compassion and lawfulness

A powerful conversation for both employees and employers, especially during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

If your organisation is looking to better support neurodivergent staff, Michaela delivers psychological neurodiversity training, leadership development, and culture change programmes through all-staff training and executive coaching.   Read more on www.thethomasconnection.co.uk 

To work with Jodie and her team at Thrive Law, head to www.thrivelaw.co.uk 

If this episode resonates, do share it with someone navigating neurodiversity at work.

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela welcomes clinical psychologist and knitting enthusiast Dr. Mia Hobbs.

The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of knitting, especially for those dealing with perfectionism, mindfulness challenges, and ADHD.

Dr Hobbs, co-founder of Creative Restoration and host of the Why I Knit podcast, shares her insights on how knitting can be used as a tool for self-care and mental well-being.

The episode delves into the common traps knitters face, such as perfectionism, and emphasises the importance of engaging with creative activities. It also touches on the social and psychological benefits of knitting, making it a metaphor for life and a means of active rest and relaxation.

Connect with Mia Hobbs:

creativerestoration.org

Many ADHD leaders are brilliant in a crisis.
Quick thinking. Pattern spotting. Calm under pressure.
But what if the same brain that thrives in urgency is also quietly creating it?

In this episode, Michaela explores:

Why ADHD nervous systems light up in chaos

The link between dysregulation and “micro-mistakes”

Shame loops around small accidents

The difference between responsibility and self-attack

Why slowing down sharpens your leadership rather than softening it

If you’re tired of constantly fixing fires - this conversation will help.
🌿Join Me in Sweden — Shine Retreat 2026
Ready to step out of reactive mode and into steady, sustainable leadership?

Shine Retreat 2026 is a restorative, psychology-informed immersion for high-achieving women who want to burn bright without burning out.

Regulate your nervous system.

Reconnect with purpose.

Lead from clarity instead of chaos.

Swim in a lake, sit in a sauna, wander in the woodlands and just... be.

👉Learn more here and put down a deposit to secure your place - only 6 spots available!

Are you under performing… or are you under-supported?
In this episode, I reflect on delivering neurodivergence training to managers and unpack a powerful workplace question: when someone isn’t meeting expectations, is it capability — or context?

Through a compassion-focused lens, we explore:

The difference between equality and equity

Why clarity around feedback and expectations matters deeply

How rejection sensitivity can distort workplace communication

Why ADHD is an explanation, not an excuse

The shame–overwork–burnout cycle many high achievers fall into

How psychological safety improves performance for everyone

Neurodivergent performance may not look neurotypical — and that doesn’t make it wrong.
Whether you're a leader supporting staff or someone quietly masking and overworking to hide your struggles, this episode invites a shift: from blame to curiosity, from fear to compassion.

Want to build a more neuroinclusive workplace?
I deliver talks and training across the UK on neurodivergence, psychological safety and compassionate leadership.

Connect with me:
LinkedIn
Website

Let’s help your people thrive — not just survive.