Meet Erena: Executive Function Coach
In this Q&A, we talk to our Executive Function Coach, Erena, about her own late-diagnosed ADHD journey, what executive function means and her ADHD friendly tools and techniques.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an Executive Function Coach.
My son was diagnosed with ADHD about seven or eight years ago, which eventually led to my own diagnosis. (This is the condensed version, of course.) I’ve worked in education all my life across multiple contexts. I was seeing so many students who had things going on, and I felt I could add something to the support I was already offering that might help them unlock their learning a little more.
That’s what led me to train in executive function coaching, and I started working for Beehyve soon after. I chose to specialise in executive function because, although many of our clients have ADHD, executive functioning is broader than just ADHD. It felt like a lens that really resonated with me.
What drew you to Beehyve? Why do you enjoy working there?
I’ve always loved supporting people. When I looked into Beehyve, I was struck by how professional, empowering and genuinely values-driven it is. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise; there’s real heart here. I pestered them a bit to let me in, to be honest! But I’m so grateful to be part of it. It’s a safe, empowering and supportive place for both clients and those of us who are lucky enough to work there.
How would you explain executive function?
Executive function doesn’t have the nicest name, as it sounds quite boring and clinical, maybe even business-like! But really, it’s about managing yourself. Think of it as the ability to plan and execute tasks so you can do what you want to do. That’s the basic gist.
It can definitely be harder for people with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence, but actually, everyone has executive functions. We all have unique profiles—some areas come easily, others are more of a challenge. People with ADHD are often really stuck trying to do what they want to do, but don’t know how to start or how to follow through. That’s where the difficulty lies.
So, would you say that executive function challenges in ADHD mostly impact daily tasks and decision-making?
Yes, absolutely. Some key executive function skills include managing time, task execution, follow-through, and remembering what you’re doing, especially when you're trying to juggle multiple things at once. Planning and prioritising are big ones too. People with ADHD are often far more impacted in these areas than others.
For someone who is struggling with executive function—not necessarily someone with ADHD—do you have any quick tips or suggestions?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s usually not a quick fix either. Even if you and I both struggled with time management, the reasons behind it might be completely different. So it’s very individualised. A big part of it is drawing on strengths. For example, if someone hates traditional planning but loves big-picture thinking, I’d help them create strategies that tap into that creative, holistic mindset. If someone came to me and said, “I hate all kinds of planning,” I wouldn’t hand them a structured planner. It would never work! So we delve into what’s working, what’s not, and find strategies that align with the person's strengths and goals.
People often come to us after trying apps, planners, TikTok, or generic programmes that didn’t work. That can create shame—“why did it work for them and not me?” The truth is: it’s not you; it’s the tool not fitting your brain.
You mentioned being late-diagnosed with ADHD. Can you tell us a bit more about that and how it’s influenced your work today?
I was in my late forties when I was diagnosed with ADHD, which is quite common. Many women seek a diagnosis after seeing similar traits in their children, which is what happened to me. I told some friends, and they were like, “Well, duh!” It was obvious to everyone except me.
I think for most of us at Beehyve, having our own lived experience of neurodivergence really helps with the work we do. When I was diagnosed, the actual process was straightforward, but I felt incredibly nervous. I didn’t want to have ADHD, but at the same time, I hoped I did, because otherwise, what on earth was going on in my life? That process of diagnosis and understanding what it meant changed nothing and everything all at once. I was still the same person, but now I understood myself better. And that’s really the essence of coaching: helping people understand themselves.
What are the main benefits of coaching for someone with ADHD or executive function challenges?
It’s tailored and collaborative. Coaching isn’t about being told what to do; it’s about exploring what’s working and what’s not, together. You can read books and watch videos, but a coach helps you notice things you might miss. They’ll reflect things back to you in a way that helps you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
What’s the difference between coaching and counselling?
There is some overlap, but generally, counselling can go deeper into root causes and past trauma. Coaching assumes you’re ready to try some strategies and make changes in the present. If deeper issues come up, I might refer someone to a counsellor, or they may choose to do both. Coaching tends to focus more on the practical side.
What are some of the common misconceptions around ADHD that you’d like to clear up?
Some common misconceptions are that it’s just laziness or an excuse. That ADHD is trendy, or that “we all have a little bit of ADHD.” No, we don’t. ADHD is a diagnosable condition, and for many of us, it impacts every part of our lives. Most people I work with would change their struggles in a heartbeat if they could. It’s not about effort, it’s about how your brain is wired.
What advice would you give someone who’s just been diagnosed (or self-diagnosed) with ADHD?
Take your time. There’s no rush to fix everything. You’re not broken. You’re okay. Let yourself feel whatever you need—grief, frustration, relief. Start by understanding your own brain wiring. The tools and strategies come after that. If you don’t have a solid understanding of yourself, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to fix everything all at once, and that often leads to burnout or shame.
What ADHD-friendly tools or techniques do you personally find most helpful?
It’s taken time to figure out, but here’s what helps me:
I use a “not-to-do” list and a “dumb goals” list because traditional goal-setting doesn’t work for me.
I need structure, but with flexibility. Too much or too little structure, and I fall apart.
I build in time to reflect and plan—it’s essential.
I work with the ADHD motivators: interest, novelty, urgency, passion and curiosity. Finding dopamine in tasks helps!
I use humour and self-talk to stay grounded. “Oh, are you doing the thing you said you would—or are you distracted again?”
I love using metaphors, stories and sayings that help bring clarity to what I do and help clients to visualise ideas. Many of these draw on holistic and cultural frameworks, as these are so rich and complex, yet simple and accessible.
About Erena:
Erena is a certified Executive Function coach. She is both highly qualified and has deep expertise in learning and educational psychology.
Erena began teaching in 1991 and has worked with learners of all ages and stages. She's also managed to fit in some entrepreneurship and a lot of study. Now, her main focus is culturally sensitive, strengths-based approaches for Māori and Pasifika, as well as those with learning challenges, especially around cognitive function.
Erena explains, "In my late forties, I was diagnosed with ADHD. This has completely changed my understanding of the brain-learning connection; in fact, it changed my life!
Erena is firm that ADHD is not a life sentence. It is about understanding yourself and finding solutions that are practical and realistic. She's here to help you understand yourself better and find your own unique path to success.