We recently connected with Liz Fiorino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Shortly after their separation, my parents collaborated on special gifts for my two older sisters and me. They framed lyrics or poems that reminded them of each of us. On rainbow-colored stationery, they printed for me the lyrics to “True Colors” originally sung by Cyndi Lauper but since covered by many artists because it’s such a beautiful song.

I was a highly sensitive child, and my parents were not perfect. But they had the wisdom to nurture the unique qualities they saw in me and empower me to share them with the world. It was the best gift they could ever give me.

I spent my early years in life trying to build a persona that would be liked and accepted by everyone around me. Without knowing it, I adapted to be most palatable to whatever company I kept. This served me well in some ways: I had tons of friends, I was many-a-teacher’s favorite student, and I was even crowned homecoming queen of my high school senior class.

As I grew into an adult, I, subconsciously of course, tried to replicate this “winning” formula, until I found myself in a really high-pressure corporate job in the middle of the pandemic. For the first time, the world was adjusting to a virtual work environment, and my “formula” fell flat. Suddenly it seemed just being professional and delivering solid work wasn’t quite enough to endear people to me. I watched others share parts of themselves in ways I was always scared to at work. What if people judge me? What if people think I’m stupid or silly? What if they figure out I’m not supposed to be here?

When it came time for layoffs, it was my job that was cut. For someone who built their entire self-worth around gaining the approval of others by any means necessary, this felt personal, deep, and devastating.

I began a search for myself around that time, which led me to a late diagnosis of ADHD. Suddenly, I knew myself like I never did before. Suddenly, the “me” I’d always tried to mold to the shape in which others wanted was free to just… exist.

Reflecting on the message my parents were trying to send to me all those years ago, I realize I’m no longer afraid to be my full self in front of others. If you hide who you are, you may avoid judgement, but you also avoid endearment.

For better or worse, I bring my full self into everything I do now… my writing, my art, my relationships. It is in embracing my true colors that I have been truly able to thrive.

Liz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Writer, Strategist, and ADHD & Women’s Health Advocate

From the moment I could grip a pencil, writing was my way of making sense of the world—a constant companion even before I knew I had ADHD. As a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Columbus, Ohio, I’ve spent the past 16 years navigating the high-stakes world of strategic communications. My journey has taken me from crafting media pitches for global brands to guiding C-suite executives through the art of impactful messaging.

I work with a diverse range of clients from global corporations and major brands to solo entrepreneurs. My services span the spectrum of writing and communication needs, including blogs, social media content, press releases, thought leadership pieces/ghostwriting, communication strategy, resume writing, and much more.

I’m a proud wife and mother of two, juggling the complexities of family life with the demands of a dynamic career. My professional experience includes elevating and being a thought partner to business and nonprofit leaders, orchestrating engaging brand stories, and driving meaningful community impact. My heart is in philanthropy, and in addition to my freelance work, I am part of an award-winning communications team for a major U.S. nonprofit.

In 2022, the stress of early motherhood and the global pandemic led me to a life-changing ADHD diagnosis. This revelation redefined my understanding of myself and ignited a new mission: to share my story for the benefit of others and to advocate for the health and wellbeing of women, so often ignored and let down by our medical system. Through my semi-monthly Substack blog, Attention, Everyone!, and on Instagram (@lizzy_got_a_brain and @lizfwrites), I connect with fellow late-diagnosed neurodivergent mothers, offering support and solidarity. My goal is to publish a memoir to help other neurodivergent women feel seen, understood, and less alone.

When I’m not writing or strategizing, you’ll find me splattering paint all over my basement floor trying to teach myself to be a visual artist or enjoying the beautiful chaos of family life with two young kids. My work has recently been featured in the literary journal Wordgathering, and I continue to blend my passion for storytelling with a commitment to authenticity and connection.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started building a community on social media because I was looking for just that… a community. If you’re looking for an audience… people can tell. If you’re genuinely there to connect, engage, and provide value to people – they find YOU! I did what my parents told me to do, and I showed my true colors. My raw, messy, imperfect self. It’s actually a very scary and vulnerable feeling putting yourself out there for the world to see, but it’s truly the best way to gain the trust and attention of a social media audience who doesn’t have time for – for lack of a better term – bullsh*t.

People want authenticity and connection. If you genuinely provide that for your followers, growth will happen naturally.

I also truly believe in women building one another up. The late diagnosed neurodivergent community of women has been incredible! I’ve learned (and unlearned) so much because of the connections I’ve made with like-minded women – or people who identify as women – with similar challenges and strengths. And as someone who just plain does things differently, I’ve had to unlearn almost everything I thought I knew was the “right way” to do things, and start listening to my instinct instead.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing that my words are helping people. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re the only person in the entire world facing the challenges you face. The only way to let someone know they aren’t alone is to fearlessly tell our experiences. I’ve received countless messages from people thanking me for the content I share through social media or my Substack newsletter. It makes me so grateful to be for others what I needed before I had my answers, to use my “true colors” to paint someone else a rainbow.

Contact Info:

• Website: lizfiorino.substack.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_got_a_brain/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-fiorino-storyteller/

Image Credits
Annette Ferraro Photography