testimonials

Mark - Denver, CO

What I got from Aki through 12 sessions was so much - she changed my life, honestly. I now understand so much more about how ADHD works and how my brain works. Not only that, but her coaching also focused on how I could apply my new skill set to action at my workplace. I was in an extremely high-pressure and competitive workplace. Initially, I wasn't even sure if I could carve some time off from work to speak to her every week. But I was wrong. Sessions with her were so dense and effective that I could reflect, become more self-aware, refocus, and apply changes to how I work immediately.

I had a tough time looking for the right ADHD coach. I researched for months and had interviews with several coaches, but they all lacked the business background. To me, just getting some tips to manage my ADHD better was not enough. I needed someone who could understand my line of work and challenge me on how I could do things better to advance my career with my specific ADHD traits. I needed to learn how to triangulate ADHD strategies with project management, product development, and effective communication strategies with senior managers. Because she was a management consultant in the past, she had a great understanding of multiple industries. She taught me how to do a better analysis and put the presentation together. The discussion also extended to how I could develop my leadership skills based on my goal in this industry, my inherent strengths, my specific ADHD traits, and my source of motivation. She helped me grow not just as a person with ADHD but also as a better manager. I cannot appreciate more for what I got from Aki. I plan to keep talking to her from time to time to ensure I keep learning and growing.

Eddie - Atlanta, GA

I first started working with Aki after a re-confirmed diagnosis of ADHD in my mid-30s (first diagnosed when I was 14). I did not want to go back on medication as it made me feel like a shell of myself - instead, I wanted to learn how to work with my brain. My psychiatrist recommended Executive Function Coaching, and after talking with a few coaches, Aki's warmth and ease immediately stood out.

We got to work right away on my biggest area of concern - getting stuck & being unable to start things because I either don't know how to do it or I perceive something to be too complicated/complex. Aki helped me understand (and also validated) WHY I default to this. We came up with some motivating & fun ways to get me unstuck. I put them into practice immediately, and Aki celebrated all my wins with me. She also takes the time to talk through situations with me when something wasn't as successful & how it could be more successful next time, either from a change of my behavior or leveraging a different motivational tactic. She provides you with an arsenal of skills, stressing that there is not just one correct way that will fit all people or situations. Aki also uses a ton of positive reinforcement in training, which I need as I am exceptionally hard on myself & work in a high-performance environment.

After 8 sessions with Aki, I feel like I know my brain better & I'm not struggling constantly to work against it. I have been frequently able to start tasks that I perceive as "challenging" sooner & not always let them become a big, bad monster in my brain. Executive function coaching has been the best decision I have made for myself in a long time, and I'm so grateful I had Aki as my coach.

Alicia - Denver, CO

Through her coaching, I improved my work productivity tremendously. I experienced a change in my standing behavior patterns that I had struggled to alter for years. In the past, I often delayed project-related tasks, causing inconvenience to those around me. However, through this coaching, I learned skills in managing my schedule, planning ahead, and completing tasks efficiently well before their deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes.

The most important aspect of her coaching approach is how she values my point of view and integrates my traits into developing strategies to address my ADHD characteristics. She created an environment that encouraged me to ask questions and engage in discussions without hesitation. She actively engaged deeply in conversations to grasp my perspectives thoroughly. Our dialogues consistently delved beneath the surface, revealing insights and resulting in tailored solutions that met my requirements. Her advice was very specific and practical; they were carefully thought through, based on evidence and practicality, making it easy to implement the next day.

Moreover, the coach played a crucial role in helping me recognize my accomplishments, some of which I hadn't considered. While facing challenges to make my decisions into actions, focusing on small achievements helped me maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. The coach's insightful observations highlighted my accomplishments, no matter how small, contributing significantly to my overall progress.

You might feel a bit costly. However, for those taking ADHD medication without seeing results, her coaching will be a great opportunity to not only improve oneself but also boost the process of self-discovery and self-improvement.

Conversations and deep discussions with her revealed aspects of my behavior that I wouldn't have noticed. The coach’s support throughout the process helped me progress towards self-improvement. Working together sped up the transformation significantly. This journey alone would have taken much longer and had less impactful outcomes.

Her coaching will be a great solution if you're working hard to increase productivity but not seeing progress or feeling lost on where to start your self-improvement journey. She provides insights into your situation and behavior patterns, helping you develop strategies to manage ADHD better. I strongly recommend her to take that step and reach out—it's a decision that can truly make a difference.

Kei - Tokyo, Japan

I'm delighted to share my experience with Aki, who's been an absolute game-changer in helping me navigate the complexities of both my ADHD characteristics and a critical juncture in my career. When I found myself grappling with challenges at work and contemplating a change, Aki's support went far beyond the typical ADHD coaching.

Aki offered pragmatic advice on initiating conversations with my manager, ensuring I could maximize my potential in my current role. Her insights were a game-changer, enabling me to navigate professional discussions more effectively. Regarding job searching and networking, Aki's personalized insights, tailored to the challenges associated with ADHD traits, were a lifeline during my pursuit of new opportunities.

Aki also played a pivotal role in helping me clarify my skills and align them with my future career aspirations. Her guidance gave me a newfound understanding of my professional strengths and how to leverage them effectively. During interview preparation, Aki's down-to-earth tips on framing arguments and communicating my skills were a breath of fresh air, providing the confidence needed to navigate the process smoothly.

Aki was instrumental in helping me articulate my career path at the new company, offering valuable insights on framing arguments and ensuring the optimal utilization of my skills for ongoing success in my new role.

Despite initial skepticism about the extent of assistance Aki could provide, given my past experiences with ADHD coaches, her expertise surpassed expectations. Aki's blend of personal and professional insights truly sets her apart as a valuable resource for those navigating ADHD and seeking genuine career development guidance.

I wholeheartedly appreciate Aki's support and would enthusiastically recommend her to anyone looking for down-to-earth, practical assistance in managing ADHD characteristics and advancing their career.

Mark - San Francisco, CA

I found OptimalMinds in a hyperfocus-powered research session, and I am nothing if not thorough – I messaged six coaches and met with three before deciding Aki was the right coach for me. I was only recently diagnosed with ADHD, and I’ve been working in therapy for close to five years, but I was coming up against a wall when dealing with my ADHD traits. As a teacher, tutor, and graduate student who was also trying to plan her own wedding, I was overwhelmed by my work, and I couldn’t find time to do chores, much less anything I wanted to do. Aki helped me understand that some of the idiosyncrasies I suppressed so they didn’t overtake me were actually strengths when I applied them to certain situations. She also helped me reframe boundaries as a method of self-care that shows me what’s in my realm of control instead of pushing people away. We also discussed my blocks involving shame, perfectionism, and RSD, and Aki guided me to pay attention to my bodily responses more. I’m a uniquely self-aware and reflective person, so I was pleasantly surprised with how much Aki was able to support my self-discovery! I don’t fight my ADHD traits anymore; I use them as tools that I embrace, and I create strategies that make sense to my brain instead of trying to fit my star-shaped brain into a small, neurotypical square hole. My work/life balance feels balanced now, which is a first! Aki’s guidance has helped my productivity and self-acceptance in ways I can’t begin to describe. I will be coming back to work with her when I run up against a wall again; I know Aki can help me figure out how to climb it.

Brynnah - Denver, CO

"I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, so I have learned to hide my executive function challenges even from myself and experienced a lot of shame about them throughout my life. Someone in my grad school program recommended getting an ADHD coach and recommended Aki to me. Investing in myself by working with Aki and fully committing to the process has been life-changing. Her expertise in executive dysfunctions, her fabulous energy, support, and shared enthusiasm for my goals and the milestones on the way are just a few of the ingredients that have led to a new level of understanding and self-acceptance, confidence in my ability to overcome the challenges I face, and reduced anxiety about being able to reach my goals. I enthusiastically recommend committing to a 3-month program with Aki to move closer to your dreams at any stage in life."

Laura - Seattle, WA

"Aki is an incredible coach; she has helped me to find sustainable strategies to set up my business and worked with me in developing steps to get there. She is insightful and knowledgeable, understands my ADHD mind, and knows how to get the best out of you. Aki has given me the confidence to achieve my dream of having my own company and made me realise it is achievable. Something I didn't think would be possible; she has helped me with my organisation, planning, short, medium and long-term plans, my time blindness, and my goals. To add, I have 2 ADHD teenagers, and she has been invaluable in helping me find options for when I feel overwhelmed. I would highly recommend Aki as an ADHD and work coach."

Pippa - London, UK

Working with Aki as my productivity coach has been life-changing. She has a remarkable ability to ask direct, insightful questions that challenge how I think and behave, helping me evaluate whether what I bring to our sessions truly aligns with my personal and professional goals. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all advice, Aki tailored specific interventions that address how my ADHD impacts me. These customized strategies have been far more effective than generic productivity tools, and they’ve empowered me to create systems that work for me.

As a result, I now have greater clarity around prioritizing tasks and experience consistent follow-through. The systems Aki helped me design not only keep me productive but also allow for flexibility when plans shift. Knowing what’s coming next in my day—and how to adjust when life inevitably happens—has been a game changer.

Aki’s approach is both kind and inquisitive, but she’s no pushover. She knows her stuff and isn’t afraid to press in or push back when needed. From the start, she made it clear she wouldn’t just tell me what to do but would instead take the time to understand my unique skills, strengths, challenges, and goals. This commitment to personalized coaching has made all the difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Aki to anyone seeking meaningful, lasting improvements in their productivity.