Healthy Pillars 2023: Unlock Your Potential

Alex Fraysse, Founder of Healthy Pillars, specializes in guiding Creative, Entrepreneur, and CEO individuals who grapple with ADHD to unlock their untapped potential and harness their inner superpower effectively. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with ADHD, he provides invaluable support for those who have felt out of place, struggled with procrastination, burnout, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, and anxiety. Alex's approach combines Functional Medicine, Naturopathy, Herbalism, Nutrition, Mindset Coaching, and personalized frameworks to enhance focus, clarity, performance, happiness, and success, ultimately leading clients to effortlessly enter the state of flow and transform their lives for the better. DeliveryRank has the pleasure of chatting with Alex.

Your journey from the finance industry to founding Healthy Pillars is quite remarkable. Can you share more about what led to this significant career shift and how your personal struggles with ADHD played a role in this transformation?

I started my career in finance because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather. But, at some point, I realized I was pursuing someone else's dream, and it wasn't where my true skill set lay. My real talent lies in creativity, creating things, and bringing structure to chaos. While I do have a strong analytical mind, I felt like I wasn't utilizing it to the fullest in the finance world.

Then, some family members fell ill, and some battled cancer and other illnesses. This sparked my interest in natural healing methods. Around the same time, I was going through a spiritual awakening. It felt like everything was happening at just the right moment.

In my quest to understand natural healing, I took a significant step. In 2012, I attended the Boom Festival and tried the psychedelic DMT for the first time. It completely changed my life, and I'm open about the profound impact it had on me, even though it's a story that might sound strange to some. Within just 15 minutes, I felt like my entire perspective on life had shifted. It was a fantastic experience.

About a year later, I had a conversation with a friend who had recently returned from Burning Man. He described it as a place of excess, filled with sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. That conversation made me realize there was so much more to life than what I was experiencing. At the time, I was working in corporate finance while my friend was still in the banking industry.

I decided that I needed to do something that truly interested me. I attempted to convince my bosses to invest in small companies and startups within the health and wellness sector, which I believed was the future trend, back in 2012. However, they weren't interested in pursuing this path. So, I made a decision: I would pursue something that resonated with me personally.

I found a course that allowed me to study and work simultaneously. Within a year, I made the bold move of quitting my job and relocating from Edinburgh to London. My decision was partly driven by the need to care for my dad after my stepmom passed away. Several factors converged at this point in my life.

It wasn't until 2019 that I came to understand that I had ADHD. I had always wondered why I procrastinated and why I seemed to thrive under pressure. Everything finally clicked when I was diagnosed by a neuroscientist who used brain mapping and neurofeedback. Since then, it has been a journey of self-discovery and harnessing my skills to the best of my abilities.

Healthy Pillars focuses on helping individuals with ADHD unlock their potential and embrace their natural superpower. Could you explain what you see as the unique strengths and abilities associated with ADHD, and how your approach empowers your clients to harness these traits?

One of the things that's often said is that what might take a neurotypical person a week to complete, I can usually wrap up in an afternoon. I've witnessed this in myself and others. Back when I was working in finance, they'd allocate me two weeks for a task, but I'd usually have it done in about three days. People used to wonder if I had nothing else to do, and my secret was what some call "hyperfocus." It's like having this tunnel vision on something you're passionate about. When you're in that state, you can create a website from scratch or learn entirely new skills in just a couple of months, while it might take others years to achieve the same level of proficiency.

I've noticed that many of us with ADHD tend to have better immediate memory recall, and some of us are like visual mimics. Essentially, if I see someone doing something, I can immediately replicate it. Show me once or twice, and I've got it. So, it's about helping people understand that we're wired differently, even on a genetic level. There's now scientific evidence linking our abilities to our genes, which I think might be related to our ancient hunter-gatherer heritage. That's a fascinating discussion in itself, but the point is that people need to realize that being different doesn't mean being bad or strange. It's about learning why we have these unique gifts, how they affect us, and how best to channel them.

Many people struggle to grasp this concept, but I often use the analogy of Harry Potter. Imagine if he never went to Hogwarts and had no structure or training for his magical abilities. It would be pure chaos. But through structure, routines, and the right guidance, he became the greatest wizard of all time. The same philosophy applies to ADHD; we need to create our own systems that work for us because the current educational system, from primary school to university, isn't geared towards us. It's frustrating because it's designed for neurotypicals, and we often feel unseen and misunderstood.

So, it's all about empowering people to create their own systems that allow them to shine brightly. Everyone's skills are slightly different. Some excel in finance, while others are highly creative and artistic. Some might have extraordinary problem-solving abilities. It's about building the right systems, beliefs, and mindsets that enable us to accomplish anything, as long as we have the right support and structure in place.

Why should this be frowned upon? It's often because we're seen as hyperactive, annoying kids who can't sit still. But most of us aren't like that. Some have a mix of traits, like inattentiveness and hyperactivity. There are moments when my mind races a hundred miles an hour, but my body might appear motionless. People don't understand that when they see me lying on the couch, it's not laziness. I'm processing a multitude of scenarios simultaneously, trying to figure out the best way forward without overwhelming myself. Many people don't comprehend this and see it as a disability rather than a superpower.

Your holistic approach combines Functional Medicine, Naturopathy, Herbalism, Nutrition, and Mindset Coaching. How do these elements work together to address the challenges and opportunities that come with ADHD, and what kind of results have you seen with your clients?

For me, the way I approach everything is through a holistic lens. It's about addressing the mind, body, and spirit, and nurturing a strong connection to nature. People with ADHD often have a deep affinity for nature, and being in natural settings can reset our nervous systems. Scientific evidence now supports the calming effect of nature on our nervous systems. It's like finding our way back to ourselves and reconnecting with our bodies because, too often, we get stuck in our heads, disconnected from our physical selves.

Part of this holistic approach involves teaching people about the importance of nutrition. It's not just about what you eat but also when and how you eat. I emphasize creating easy, affordable, and nutritious meals to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Properly nourishing your body positively impacts your hormones, neurotransmitters, and overall system functioning. Think of it as shifting from a "dirty fuel" system to a "clean fuel" system.

One particular challenge with ADHD is our frequent need for stimulation, which can lead to choices like sugary snacks or caffeinated drinks, impacting our energy levels and blood sugar regulation. This dietary aspect is an integral part of the overall picture, as it can exacerbate symptoms if not addressed.

Mindset coaching is another crucial component. It's about helping people understand that ADHD isn't a disability but an ability. It involves changing the way you view yourself and how you talk to yourself daily, addressing your self-image, self-esteem, and emotional understanding. Often, we're not taught how to navigate our emotions and feelings, and this emotional repression can be toxic and lead to mental health issues.

So, it's about creating the right framework for the mind, body, and spirit to flourish. Each person is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. In my one-on-one sessions, I tailor my guidance to the individual. My ultimate goal is to empower people to become self-sufficient. I want to teach them how to teach themselves so they no longer need me. I aspire to make my role redundant within six months for each individual, as they grasp the systems and processes needed for their own success.

People who commit to the process and follow the systems often experience life-changing results. These transformations can vary, from improved organization to financial success or better job prospects. The key factor here is the effort individuals are willing to invest. If someone expects me to do everything for them, they won't achieve the same level of success. I'm here to facilitate their journey, offer guidance, and provide support, but ultimately, they must learn to cycle on their own and take charge of their lives.

Can you provide some insights into the role of nutrition, herbs, and Functional Medicine in managing ADHD symptoms and promoting overall well-being? What are some key practices or strategies you often recommend in these areas?

Functional medicine testing is an integral part of understanding one's health, covering aspects like gut health, hormone balance, mineral and vitamin levels, and energy cycle analysis. All of these factors play a significant role in overall health. In my experience, I've found that many individuals in the UK struggle with gut health imbalances, which can involve issues like candida overgrowth, parasites, and imbalanced gut flora. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" because its dysregulation can impact the entire body's functioning. When your digestive and absorption capacity is compromised, it can significantly limit your overall potential. This is especially impactful for individuals who are already more sensitive and highly wired.

Making the right dietary choices and incorporating the right herbs can make a substantial difference. For instance, herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and many others offer both culinary and medicinal benefits. Educating individuals on how to use these herbs not only to make their meals tastier and more nutritious but also to provide additional health benefits is essential.

By aligning all these elements together, a comprehensive approach can be created to address individuals' unique needs. Testing plays a crucial role in understanding where a person stands in terms of their health. It provides a baseline to work from, allowing individuals to set goals for improvement. However, I understand that testing can be expensive, making it inaccessible for some. Fortunately, due to my extensive training over the last seven years, I can often make informed assessments without the need for extensive testing. While I may not pinpoint specific bacteria or hormones, I can usually make accurate assumptions about what might be out of balance.

Once these imbalances are addressed, individuals often experience a reduction in negative symptoms. It's important to note that no one is perfect, and we all have our challenges to navigate in life. However, the goal is to equip individuals with the skills and tools to navigate their health systems more effectively, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Mindset coaching is a significant component of your approach at Healthy Pillars. How does mindset coaching help individuals with ADHD create the life they deserve and maximize their performance? 

Mindset coaching is a pivotal component, especially for individuals with ADHD, as our minds are often racing with thoughts and can feel like they're on a constant hamster wheel. It's about reshaping the way we talk to ourselves and bringing awareness to our thought patterns. This process involves techniques like meditation, cultivating mindfulness, and connecting with nature, all of which can help slow down the relentless mental chatter and allow for a more natural flow of thoughts.

The power of positive thinking and beliefs cannot be understated. When we hold onto negative self-beliefs, such as thinking we're stupid, incapable, or destined to fail, we're essentially reinforcing these beliefs on a cellular level. Our reality starts to mirror these negative beliefs, making it challenging to see our own potential and greatness. Shifting these beliefs is a transformative process. When we begin to truly understand that our thoughts shape our external reality, it becomes clear that we have the power to change our lives for the better.

Working on trauma is also an integral part of this journey. Understanding where certain issues originate and how to address and release them is crucial for personal growth and healing. In some cases, it's essential to work with a therapist alongside mindset coaching. It's about recognizing the long journey you've been on and appreciating the progress you've made over the years.

Ultimately, mindset coaching helps individuals develop the confidence to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed. It empowers them to feel comfortable within themselves, leading to a sense of self-assuredness and the motivation to pursue their goals. When I see individuals making this positive shift in their mindset, it's incredibly rewarding, and it often paves the way for them to achieve remarkable success in their lives.

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