Leadership coaching often emphasizes strategy, confidence and management, but in fact it is deeply personal. Every leader brings unique strengths and challenges, requiring a coaching approach that acknowledges their individuality. Executive functioning struggles, energy regulation, and communication differences can make leadership complex, but with the right support, professionals can thrive. Sonal Singh, with over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit CEO, has dedicated her career to leading teams, managing operations, and driving meaningful impact. Leadership has always been a fundamental part of her work.

Sonal’s passion for coaching emerged from a personal experience of being diagnosed with ADHD. This not only gave her clarity about the unpredictable highs and lows she had faced in her leadership journey as a neuro divergent leader, but also allowed her to develop strategies tailored to the way her mind worked. Today, she helps neurodivergent professionals embrace their strengths, manage executive functioning challenges, and lead with authenticity.

Rather than conforming to conventional leadership models, Sonal’s coaching focuses on helping neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals harness their unique perspectives and abilities. She recognizes that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all journey and works with clients to build strategies that align with their cognitive wiring, strengths, and aspirations.

A Strengths-Based & Inclusive Coaching Philosophy

Traditional leadership coaching often follows a standard formula, but Sonal believes that different brains function in different ways, and leadership should reflect that diversity. Her coaching philosophy is built on a strengths-based approach, executive functioning support, and inclusivity in leadership.

Sonal adds, “Many neurodivergent professionals struggle with planning, prioritization, effective delegation, decision-making, aligning with their emotional intelligence, and transitioning between different leadership styles. I integrate practical strategies to enhance these skills while ensuring that leaders do not feel pressured to conform to neurotypical expectations”.

More organizations are beginning to recognize the value of neuro divergent thinkers, individuals who often bring creativity, innovation, and unique problem-solving skills to the table. However, many work places still operate under rigid structures that can make it difficult for

neurodivergent professionals to thrive. Sonal works with leaders and HR teams to create environments where diverse teams can flourish, fostering both personal and organizational growth.

Her approach also challenges the traditional perception of success. Many professionals measure their worth based on external achievements, such as promotions, revenue growth, or academic publications. However, Sonal encourages leaders to redefine success in a way that aligns with their values and strengths. This shift in perspective allows individuals to build fulfilling careers without feeling trapped by societal expectations.

As India’s first certified ADHD coach, Sonal faced significant challenges in establishing herself in this niche. One of the biggest hurdles has been the stigma surrounding ADHD and neurodivergence in general. Sonal highlights, “Many people either believe that ADHD is not a real condition or assume that everyone experiences it to some extent”. The key distinction, however, is that ADHD is not just about occasional procrastination or distraction, it involves traits that significantly impact daily life and functioning.

A major part of Sonal’s work has been educating individuals, organizations, and the broader community about ADHD. Rather than viewing it as a disorder that needs to be fixed, she says it needs to be seen as a different way of thinking. This mindset shift has been crucial in breaking misconceptions and fostering greater acceptance of neuro divergent professionals in leadership roles. Sonal remains committed to advocacy, education, and demonstrating the tangible value that neurodivergent individuals bring to teams and organizations. Through her coaching, she has helped numerous leaders build confidence, improve workplace structures, and develop leadership styles that align with their neurodivergence.

Sonal believes success is not about conforming to traditional expectations but about embracing one’s unique abilities to thrive

One notable success story involves a senior research leader who was highly accomplished but struggled with their personal definition of success. Despite their expertise, they felt inadequate due to a perceived failure to publish as many research papers as their peers. This self-doubt, rooted in perfectionism, prevented them from starting or completing their work.

Through coaching, Sonal helped them break the cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, develop strategies for steady progress, and redefine what success meant for them. They ultimately achieved their long-standing goal of publishing research papers. More importantly, they learned how to lead with confidence, embracing their neurodivergence rather than viewing it as a limitation.

Power of Imperfect Progress

Sonal encourages individuals seeking personal and professional growth to embrace the concept of ‘Imperfect Gains’, the idea that shows progress does not have to be perfect but it should be continuous. Growth is not about making constant leaps forward, it is about consistent, incremental progress. Many professionals, especially neurodivergent individuals, struggle with perfectionism, which can lead to procrastination, burnout, or self-doubt. By shifting the focus to steady improvement rather than unattainable perfection, leaders can progress sustainably toward goals while celebrating their achivements.

Sonal believes that self-awareness is key to effective leadership. Rather than trying to fit into conventional molds, leaders should ask themselves, What is important to me? How do I want to show up as a leader? When leaders align their approach with their core values, they cultivate trust, cohesion, and a sense of purpose within their teams. She also emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique strengths. Many professionals spend their careers trying to fix perceived weaknesses rather than focusing on what they naturally excel at. By shifting the focus to strengths, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and create a leadership style that is both sustainable and fulfilling. Through her coaching, Sonal continues to reshape leadership development by fostering an environment where neurodivergent professionals can thrive.