Meet Amie Dabu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amie Dabu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome felt like an unwelcome guest at a family gathering who overstayed their welcome the moment I started my post-college career as a contract researcher at Microsoft and then Google. I was surrounded by brilliant minds and successfully navigating high-stakes projects, yet constantly questioned my place and my own expertise.

I sought out mentors around me who I learned had walked similar paths (I still do this). They shared their own stories of self-doubt and provided assurance, which made me feel less isolated. I found that having these mentors and my own support network was crucial whenever my self-doubt took over. My biggest moment for overcoming imposter syndrome was recognizing that self-doubt is human and “adjusting” is not a reflection of your talents. Reminding myself that “I’m here for a reason” also always seems to help me during those moments.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Amie, a consultant, music producer, and coach with an eccentric flair and passion for helping others thrive. I recently went from “tech researcher, moonlighting as an artist” to “founder of Distracted Dreams”! I provide consulting and coaching services tailored to individuals with ADHD. My mission is to build a more ADHD-friendly world, using my background in technology, neuroscience, and design research to create supportive resources for my clients. I’m looking forward to integrating my passion for audio somehow too!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think the three key qualities and skills that were the most impactful were resilience, adaptability, and curiosity.

1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks has enabled me to navigate challenges and pursue my goals with fierce determination. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, building a strong mindset and focusing on long-term goals can help you stay resilient in the face of obstacles.
2. Adaptability: Whether I’m adjusting to using new technologies, pivoting business strategies, or adapting to customer needs, flexibility has allowed me to thrive in those scenarios. Adaptability is about being proactive and responsive to change, so be open to diverse approaches.
3. Curiosity: Curiosity is the backbone of my continuous growth and innovation. It has led me to explore new worlds and stay ahead of peers in my field. Plus, staying curious keeps the work exciting!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always looking forward to exploring new partnerships and collaborations. In pursuit of Distracted Dreams’ mission, I would love to partner with mental health professionals, educators, or business owners who are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodiverse individuals. If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to me via email at [email protected]

Image Credits

Elizaveta Vitalievna
Juan Ogaz
Manny Dan