Promotional graphic for Episode 175 of The ADHD CEO Podcast. Alyece Smith, dressed in a white blazer and dark pants, sits confidently on a teal couch. The text overlay reads: ‘EPISODE 175: Why Your ADHD Makes You Feel Like a Fraud…And How to Overcome It.’ The background features framed photos and the Socially Ausome logo.

175: Why Your ADHD Makes You Feel Like a Fraud…And How to Overcome It

June 03, 20255 min read

apple podcast buttonlisten on spotify

How ADHD Entrepreneurs Can Break Free from the Imposter Syndrome Trap

Discover how rejection-sensitive dysphoria and ADHD fuel imposter syndrome—and how to break free. In Episode 175 of The ADHD CEO Podcast, Alyece Smith shares the strategies that helped her—and can help you too.


Welcome to the ADHD CEO: Where Neurodivergence Brilliance Shines

In this heartfelt episode of The ADHD CEO Podcast, Alyece Smith unpacks the invisible struggle ADHD entrepreneurs face every day: the battle with imposter syndrome fueled by rejection-sensitive dysphoria and masked by high achievement.

This episode is a must-listen for neurodivergent creators and entrepreneurs who feel like they’re stuck in a loop of perfectionism and overthinking, unsure of how to break free and show up as their authentic selves.

Promotional graphic for The ADHD CEO Podcast featuring host Alyece Smith. The image showcases Alyece wearing yellow headphones and a white shirt with an 'S' monogram and a crown logo, raising one arm in celebration against a teal background with bold yellow and white text reading 'THE ADHD CEO'.

The Reality Behind the Mask

Alyece kicks off with a relatable confession: the constant internal dialogue of “I’m not good enough,” paired with the fear of being found out. She introduces the concept of rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD)—when even the perception of criticism feels like a gut punch, triggering a cascade of self-doubt.

This hidden struggle leaves many ADHD entrepreneurs stuck in visibility avoidance, creating a pattern of starting but never finishing, planning but never publishing.

If this resonates with you, you’ll also want to listen to Episode 169: Stuck or Scared? The Real Cost of Waiting with ADHD, where we dive deeper into the hesitation and perfectionism loops that hold neurodivergent entrepreneurs back.

Every misstep feels like proof that we’re not enough.


The Imposter Syndrome Loop and ADHD

Through stories of real entrepreneurs (including “Sarah” and “Maria”), Alyece illustrates how ADHD can fuel imposter syndrome. Even those making consistent sales and receiving glowing feedback can feel like frauds, simply because they’re comparing their behind-the-scenes mess to someone else’s highlight reel.

“Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It means you care.”

If you’re craving more insights on aligning your mindset, check out Episode 173: The Faith-Science Formula to Get Unstuck (with Dr. LaChelle Wieme), where we explore how brain science, quantum physics, and scripture combine to create sustainable success.

Understanding Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

RSD is a common but often misunderstood aspect of ADHD. It causes individuals to experience intense emotional pain when they perceive rejection or criticism, even if it's not intentional or real. This hypersensitivity can lead to avoidance behaviors, procrastination, and a reluctance to take risks—all of which can hinder entrepreneurial success.

Recognizing RSD as a neurological response rather than a personal failing is crucial. It allows entrepreneurs to develop strategies to manage their reactions and reduce the impact on their professional lives.

Actionable Shifts for Breaking the Cycle

Alyece doesn’t just highlight the struggle—she gives clear, ADHD-friendly steps to help break free:

🔸 Start a Brag File – Collect wins, testimonials, positive feedback, and personal milestones. When doubt creeps in, review your “proof” of brilliance.


🔸 Build Systems that Work for Your Brain – Stop forcing neurotypical productivity hacks. Embrace visual cues, reminders, batching, and workflows that suit your unique ADHD wiring.


🔸 Reframe Feedback – Pause when criticism hits and ask, “Is this about my ability, or my brain’s wiring?”


🔸 Find Your People – Connect with ADHD-friendly spaces where you can be real without judgment.

“Stop comparing yourself to neurotypical norms. Your systems should work with your brain, not against it.”

For more actionable strategies, be sure to listen to The ADHD CEO Secret Podcast Episode: The 3 Mistakes Keeping You from $10K Months.


Quote graphic for Episode 175 of The ADHD CEO Podcast featuring Alyece Smith’s message: 'Stop filtering your ADHD voice out of your own brand...' on a teal background with the podcast’s logo.

Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection

Alyece emphasizes the importance of authenticity in overcoming imposter syndrome. She encourages entrepreneurs to share their journeys, including the struggles and setbacks, as a way to build genuine connections with their audience.

“Perfection isn’t connection. Messy is magnetic.”

By embracing vulnerability and showing up as their true selves, ADHD entrepreneurs can create more meaningful relationships and establish trust with their clients and followers.

Your ADHD Story Is Your Superpower

Alyece reminds listeners (and herself) that ADHD isn’t a limitation—it’s a lens. The same brain that struggles with executive dysfunction is also capable of brilliance, innovation, and resilience.

“Your lived experience with ADHD is exactly what makes you qualified—and powerful.”

Building a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is essential for managing imposter syndrome and RSD. This includes:

  • Seeking Professional Help: Therapy or coaching can provide tools to manage emotional responses and develop coping strategies.

  • Joining Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand the ADHD experience can offer validation and encouragement.

  • Setting Realistic Goals: Breaking tasks into manageable steps can reduce overwhelm and increase the likelihood of success.

  • Celebrating Small Wins: Acknowledging progress, no matter how minor, reinforces a sense of competence and motivation.

Resources & Must-Listen Extras

Promotional graphic for the ADHD Income Accelerator event featuring Alyece Smith. She is seated in a white chair wearing a teal outfit, with stacks of dollar bills and bold yellow and white text reading 'ADHD Income Accelerator.' The event date, July 9th at 12 CST, is highlighted against a teal background.

Register NOW for the: ADHD Income Accelerator Masterclass – Learn how to build sales systems that work with your ADHD brain, happening live in July.

Listen to Episode 175 Now

🎧 The ADHD CEO Podcast: Why You Feel Like an Imposter—and How to Break Free


Final Takeaway

If you’re an ADHD entrepreneur feeling stuck in a loop of self-doubt and invisibility, this episode is your permission slip to show up imperfectly—and win anyway.

“You’re not a fraud. You’re an ADHD CEO in the making. You just need the right systems, strategies, and support to thrive.”

Ready to Turn Visibility into Momentum?

If you’re nodding your head through this episode thinking “I need this kind of strategy in my business…” you're not alone.

Inside ADHDPRENEUR ACADEMY™, I teach ADHD-friendly systems for content creation, visibility, and lead generation—so you can show up with confidence, consistency, and clarity (even on your low-energy days).

ADHDPRENEUR ACADEMY

What You’ll Learn Inside the Academy:

  • How to build a visibility rhythm that works with your brain

  • Repurposing + AI tools to scale your content without burning out

  • ADHD-specific support that finally makes content feel doable

Because you're not inconsistent—you just need a system that fits your energy.

Want in? DM me “MOMENTUM” on Instagram or
👉 Check out ADHDPRENEUR ACADEMY here

Alyece Smith is a mompreneur of 3 and the owner of Socially Ausome™. 

She is a certified Social Media Marketing and Branding Strategist with over seven years of experience in Digital Marketing space. 

As a podcaster and published author, she is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to implement simple social strategies into their businesses to humanize their brand.

Alyece Smith

Alyece Smith is a mompreneur of 3 and the owner of Socially Ausome™. She is a certified Social Media Marketing and Branding Strategist with over seven years of experience in Digital Marketing space. As a podcaster and published author, she is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to implement simple social strategies into their businesses to humanize their brand.

LinkedIn logo icon
Instagram logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog

THE TIME IS NOW

Join Socially Ausome Entrepreneurs

This free community is for Entrepreneurs who want to grow their knowledge of social media marketing and elevate their online presence by implementing simple strategies to generate leads and sales for their business!

Shop Socially Ausome™ Courses

15+ Courses To Help You!

Starting at $27

The Socially Ausome™ Course Shop is your one-stop destination for mastering social media and digital marketing. Whether you’re looking to build your brand, grow your online presence, or create content that converts, our range of courses offers step-by-step guidance for entrepreneurs at every level. With practical tools, templates, and strategies, you’ll learn how to simplify your social media game and turn it into a revenue-generating machine!

Now it's your turn...

Learn to build your brand in a way that feels AUSOME

& build your 6 figure business!

I'm committed to helping you embrace your authenticity to build a 6 figure online business with my signature programs, rinse-and-repeat framework and simple organic marketing strategy. Feel confident in your business like never before.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just need a template...

My PLR/MRR Digital Product shop is LOADED with hundreds of them that you can scoop up cheap, use for yourself... and even resell most if you want!

MEET YOUR COACH! 👑

Alyece Smith is a mompreneur of 3, the owner of Socially Ausome and a published author.

I’ve hit $100k in sales in less than 6 months TWICE with two different offers.

I’m not a sales expert, just a mom who values freedom and found my content was the golden ticket. Before putting systems into my business - I was the system.

In 2022 I was at a successful job but couldn’t stay, decided to go all in and hit 6 figures in my first 6 months!

I was in the same boat as you, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the constant content creation.

I felt if I stepped away for a few hours it would all collapse…

“I’m not good enough”

“I don’t have what it takes”

“Success is only for others”

So, what was my breakthrough moment? It was the realization that success in content marketing isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality and strategy.

FUN FACT: AUSOME is spelled differently to encourage you to show up on social authentically and uniquely. Caiden, her middle child, is on the Autism Spectrum, and as an Autism family, they have learned to be unapologetically unique. It was the inspiration and push needed to start her journey in entrepreneurship.

Ditch the spammy junk mail! 📧

I’m sliding into your inbox with the good stuff. Think encouragement, uncomfortable-but-necessary truths, game-changing challenges, and strategies so sharp they could cut through your to-do list.

Sociallyausome.com needs the information you provide us to contact you about our product and services. You may unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy for terms and conditions to learn how we protect your data.

GET SOME FREEBIES

Resources for You!

Ideal Client Checklist

Sales Machine

Masterclass

Dominate Automation

"I really appreciated how honest you were about my content."

"You gave me really great direction on how I can create more compelling content. What I loved the most is that you didn't just say..."I would fix this/I would change this..." You gave me exact examples which is exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you!"

-Kaley Ram

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Learn how to turn your content into a CASH MACHINE by repurposing one piece of

content into many.

In this FREE on-demand training, you're going to learn how to EASILY turn your organic content into a full content strategy to create a sustainable monthly cash flow that doesn't require you to constantly be coming up with new ideas.

AS FEATURED IN:
Media logos of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and CW featured below an email signup form, highlighting Alyece Smith's media appearances.