Hi, I’m Luke and welcome to Building Balance 

I was diagnosed with ADHD in 1994, and for most of my life, I was taught little about the practical aspects of managing this condition. I’ve experienced hyperfocus burnout, impulsive eating, health complications around poor diet, high blood pressure, anxiety, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and many other challenges associated with ADHD.

The focus on managing my ADHD challenges was on medication, which meant I spent years in trial and error mode, testing different solutions to get a better grip on my condition.

Eventually, after many hours of researching ADHD and finding a coach, I left a well-paid, comfortable job to make a difference to other ADHDers. I wanted to offer the help I wish I always had, so I enrolled with the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA), the global leader in ADHD training.

Through studying and continued work with my coach, I was able to understand myself more, my behaviours and my habits.

  • Everything started to make sense – I was on a journey to personal transformation. I started exercising regularly, practising self-care and connecting with amazing people. Eventually, I became healthier, cut down on sugar, ultra-processed foods and the vast majority of refined carbohydrates, and, over time, I became less anxious and more focused.

  • What struck me was that there were hardly any coaches working with nutrition and ADHD in the UK, yet eating the right foods is a key to thriving. High-protein foods, for example, help the ADHD brain function, whereas sugar and ultra processed ingredients can trigger symptoms.

Luke Sommerlad ADHD nutrition

Recognising that managing ADHD effectively requires an all-rounded approach, and driven by my desire to help others, I decided to fill the ADHD coaching gap

While working as a butler, estate manager, and executive assistant for over a decade, I developed valuable skills and became experienced at resolving personal life issues, managing relationships, and brainstorming business ideas to name a few. I now apply these skills when I work with my clients.

In addition to this role and since my diagnosis, my diverse experiences include completing a four-year chef’s apprenticeship, holding the position of executive chef overseeing 13 hotels, running my own private catering business, and managing large teams and luxury international properties for high-profile individuals. These leadership roles have taught me to create systems in people’s lives and bring out the best in them. 

Along with my coaching practice, I’m also a volunteer at ADHD UK, where I co-host online support sessions.

Interested in working with me? Learn more about how I can support you.

Qualifications and study

My love of learning and curiosity means I never stop developing my skills:

  • ADDCA is an internationally recognised accredited ADHD and life coaching training programme. ADDCA is considered the “gold standard” training facility for certifying ADHD coaches.

  • This is an internationally recognised accredited nutrition and health coaching diploma which has taught me the practical side of applying nutrition to ADHD coaching. The diploma is approved by the UK & International Health Coaching Association.

  • ICF is the International Coaching Federation, the leading life coach certification. ACC is the Associate Certified Coach credential, which involves 60+ hours of coaching training and 100+ hours of coaching experience.

  • Item description

  • This two-day training course run by MHFA UK taught me how to identify mental health challenges and provide support and guidance to the relevant help when required.

  • The Mindful Self-Compassion Course is an evidence-based training program designed to cultivate self-compassion skills using mindfulness and compassion-based practices. It was developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer and consists of eight weekly sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours.

  • With over 20 years of experience cooking internationally in various settings, I am passionate about creating nutritious and flavourful dishes that not only taste great but also nourish your brain.

  • I graduated in the top three students of my cohort at the prestigious butler and house management school.

ADHDers have an incredible amount to offer the world, and I will help you elevate your talents

Let’s explore your excellence, appreciate you for being you and embrace your ADHD. Together, we’ll work with your brain rather than against it.

Book a discovery call to get started.