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Behind every successful business, there’s a story you don’t hear—the sleepless nights, the moments of doubt, and the determination to keep going when everything feels impossible. That’s what Unbreakable Business is all about. Join host Akua Konadu each week as she sits down with entrepreneurs who share the raw, real side of their journey—the roadblocks they faced, the challenges they overcame, and the stories that don’t make the highlight reel, but the the ones that matters the most. If you’ ...
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In part 3 of this Neurodiversity Celebration Week series, Sarah is joined once again by friend and colleague Cassie Footman to explore the real, raw, and often misunderstood experience of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). They share personal stories, client examples, and professional insight on how RSD shows up—especially in ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent experiences. The conversation highlights how past experiences can shape our emotional responses, how RSD impacts everyday life, and how self-awareness, Human Design, and compassionate communication can help us manage the intensity.
Topics Discussed:
- What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)?
- The emotional and physical experience of RSD
- How RSD links to ADHD, autism, and past trauma
- The impact of RSD on relationships, careers, and self-worth
- Coping mechanisms: from sound boarding to slowing down
- Human Design, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation
- RSD in children and teens: what to watch for and support strategies
- The importance of clean language, communication, and compassion
- Why trauma doesn’t always equal neurodivergence—and vice versa
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & overview of today’s episode
01:20 – What RSD actually feels like
05:30 – Sarah’s virtual assistant story (and spiral!)
09:45 – Cassie’s experiences in the workplace
13:30 – Chronic fear, overworking & burnout from RSD
16:00 – Taking responsibility before others can reject you
18:00 – Managing RSD in real-time
21:10 – How RSD shows up in kids, classrooms, and careers
24:00 – The link between anxiety, misdiagnosis, and neurodivergence
28:00 – Is ADHD just trauma? A respectful challenge to Gabor Maté
32:00 – How high sensitivity is often a hidden gift
35:00 – RSD and unspoken communication
38:00 – Softening, compassion, and co-creation in relationships
40:00 – Final reflections & invitation to connect
Key Quotes:
“It’s easier for me to reject me than for someone else to do it.”
“I lived in a constant state of fear, waiting to be called out.”
“Rejection sensitivity is a complete dysphoria of reality—it's not real, but it feels very real.”
“Where there’s a gap, our minds will stuff it—and none of it is usually true.”
“My son said, ‘If someone did it, it must’ve been me.’ That breaks my heart.”
“You can’t always rationalise in the moment, but you can slow it down.”
“We are meaning-making machines—especially when we’re sensitive.”
Links & Resources:
Connect With Sarah
Website: www.sarahatkinsdesign.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn
Buy the 2025 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon
13 episodes
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