Hi Reader,

At least, embarrassing is one word for it.

I was really looking forward to delivering one of my free webinars on regulation (oh, the irony!) that I had put a lot of time into creating.

I was co-hosting with a wonderful colleague and everything was set up for success.

Then... I got "Zoom bombed."

If you hadn't heard of this term (I didn't), it's basically the digital version of prank calling.

What started as someone joining who appeared to be a duplicate of an existing participant quickly escalated to scribbles on my slides.

Being not particularly tech-savvy, I initially thought "wow, I didn't know that was possible!"

But then it got worse.

This hijacker began sharing extremely graphic, x-rated content on screen.

Every time I managed to stop them they'd start again before I could remove them.

I was mortified, it took all of my own executive functioning capacity NOT to completely shut down and freeze on the spot.

Eventually, I had to apologetically cancel the entire webinar mid-session - something I felt terrible about.

Being totally honest, I started catastrophising.

Well on my way to having a full-blown meltdown.

Was my computer compromised?

Was client data at risk?

Had I just trashed my hard-earnt reputation?

Here's what helped me recover:

1. My co-host was amazing - she validated my experience and helped me co-regulate in the moment.
2. Instead of immediately taking my "bleeding wounds" to social media (I was too upset to process things clearly) I could recognise the need to step away from my screens.
3. I used Goblin Tools (a free AI tool built with neurodivergence in mind) to help write an apology email to participants when my thoughts were too messy.
4. I took my dog for a walk in the quiet nature - giving myself space to breathe, cry, and just be.
5. I spoke to the people I trust to talk through what happened (being a verbal processor, this helps me avoid spiraling too hard).

The point of sharing this is that things go wrong sometimes, despite best laid plans and all that.

We all get thrown off balance by unexpected situations - whether we're neurodivergent or not.

What matters is recognising when we're dysregulated and having strategies ready that work for us.

The least helpful thing to do when someone is drowning is to teach them how to swim. Similarly, I'm grateful I had strategies ready to use to stop me from going under and staying there- but I had to develop those over time in safe spaces.

I'll be sending some practical tips on Friday about how to better secure your online meetings after everything I've learned!

I'm curious - has anyone else had a similar experience?

How did you handle it? Looking back, would you do anything differently?

With very best & brightest love

Beth

P.S. I'll be re-recording the webinar privately and sharing it with all participants soon so your learning experience isn't disrupted!

​ ​ Beth Thomas Connect on Linkedin Website: https://www.unboundmindadhdlifecoaching.com/​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboundmindcoaching/​ Reply 'waitlist' to be put on the waitlist for the next community launch in September! ​

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