Meet CJ Pringle, ADHD Coach at Agave Health! Learn more about her background, what inspires her and how she helps adults with ADHD.
How long have you been an ADHD Coach?
I was trained and certified through the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter) and I've been coaching for 2.5 years. Before that, I was a supply chain manager at a large restaurant company for several years.
What has been your personal experience with ADHD?
I was diagnosed as an adult but always had trouble with academics, processing speed, impulse control (among other things) throughout life. I assumed I just didn’t have “the smarts” and I was a bad person because I made stupid choices. As with most undiagnosed ADHDers, I found workarounds to survive college and get work done. I loved my job, but as major life changes came up (ie. marriage, having children, etc.) my inability to get things done within normal work hours became more apparent and I couldn’t understand why or what I was doing wrong. After being diagnosed I started medication and experienced what “normal” felt like for the first time. But, as they say, “pills don’t teach skills”, so I didn’t change any habits or behaviors, nor did I fully understand how my symptoms impacted every aspect of life. I was happy with the temporary delusion of normalcy and eventually reached a tipping point where I was severely burned out. This forced me to do more research as I re-evaluated my situation and that was how I discovered ADHD coaching.
When I discovered how impactful and valuable ADHD coaching was for me, I saw how I could be that resource for others.
Why did you become an ADHD Coach?
One of the things I loved about my corporate job was leading teams and developing individual team members to grow and reach their personal career goals. When I discovered how impactful and valuable ADHD coaching was for me, I saw how I could be that resource for others. Having worked in a corporate supply chain environment for over 20 years, I felt I had a unique perspective that could benefit my clients. I could do more of what I loved; helping people work through challenges, achieve personal growth, reach their full potential, and live happier lives.
Why do you think ADHD Coaching helps people with ADHD?
It’s not just about helping people work through problems. It’s also about helping them increase awareness about their symptoms and how it shows up uniquely for them. Despite having a diagnosis, like me, they may not fully understand how their preferences, behaviors and habits are connected to their ADHD. It’s a huge learning process filled with tons of “aha” moments. That awareness opens the door to possibilities they may not have previously seen. With coaching, people are able to identify triggers, recognize the effects and find ways to better control and manage them.
What is the biggest misconception about adult ADHD in your opinion?
“We’re all a little ADHD.” Um… no, we are not. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard those words, my budget would be much looser. I know the statement is not intended to offend, but it unfortunately contributes to the misunderstanding and stigma around ADHD because it oversimplifies and grossly ignores the complexities of this disorder. Yes, everyone can forget things, be distracted, and do or say things that look like ADHD; that doesn’t mean they have it. The misconception is that those words are harmless. The reality is they trivialize the severity of it’s impact and invalidate the experiences and struggles of people who actually have ADHD.
Why did you join Agave Health as an ADHD Coach?
When I left the corporate world, my dream was to, not only provide this service to adults struggling with ADHD, but ultimately partner with organizations to include it as part of their benefit offerings for employees. Aside from being inspired by the Agave Health journey, I was thrilled to learn that their mission aligned with my own, but on a much larger scale.
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