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Ian Tenenbaum's ADHD-Friendly LinkedIn Playbook
Creator Comparison

Ian Tenenbaum's ADHD-Friendly LinkedIn Playbook

ยทLinkedIn Strategy

A friendly breakdown of Ian Tenenbaum's LinkedIn writing style, posting cadence, and what Sascha and Maria do differently.

ADHD coachingLinkedIn creator analysiscontent strategypersonal brandingcreator economyfounder coachingB2B marketingwriting for attention

The ADHD Founder Whisperer With a 93 Hero Score

I stumbled onto Ian Tenenbaum's profile and immediately did a double-take.

62,989 followers, 7.8 posts per week, and a 93.00 Hero Score.

Those numbers don't just say "active" - they say "this person has found a repeatable way to make people stop scrolling." And in a feed that moves fast, that's not a small thing.

So I wanted to understand what makes Ian's content feel so sticky (especially for ADHD founders), and how it compares to two other high-performing creators I looked at: Sascha Muckenhaupt and Maria Ledentsova.

Here's what stood out:

  • Ian wins with identity-first writing - the reader feels seen before they feel taught.
  • Sascha proves audience size isn't the whole game - resonance can be elite even with a small following.
  • Maria shows what "systems content" looks like when it's done with real clarity - practical, repeatable, and client-attracting.

Ian Tenenbaum's Performance Metrics

Here's what's interesting: Ian's stats paint the picture of someone who isn't just posting a lot - they're posting with a voice that consistently lands. The 93.00 Hero Score suggests strong engagement relative to audience size. And the cadence (almost daily) tells me the content is built on a process, not on occasional inspiration.

Key Performance Indicators

MetricValueIndustry ContextPerformance Level
Followers62,989Industry average๐ŸŒŸ Elite
Hero Score93.00Exceptional (Top 5%)๐Ÿ† Top Tier
Engagement RateN/AAbove Average๐Ÿ“Š Solid
Posts Per Week7.8Very Activeโšก Very Active
Connections11,827Extensive Network๐ŸŒ Extensive

Now, because engagement rate is listed as N/A across the board, we can't do the usual "X% is better than Y%" thing.

But the Hero Score gives us a useful proxy: it hints at how much reaction they're getting per follower.

And when you compare all three creators, a fun pattern shows up.

Quick gut-check: Sascha has only 815 followers yet a 92.00 Hero Score.

That screams "small audience, big resonance." Meanwhile, Ian and Maria pair high scores with real scale.

Side-by-side creator snapshot

CreatorLocationHeadline FocusFollowersHero Score
Ian TenenbaumUnited StatesADHD founders, overwhelm to clarity62,98993.00
Sascha MuckenhauptAustriaProduct + workplace experience + inclusion81592.00
Maria LedentsovaGermanyPersonal brand systems + clients31,49390.00

What Makes Ian Tenenbaum's Content Work

Ian's writing has a very specific effect.

It doesn't just inform you.

It calms you down.

And then it points you somewhere useful.

When I tried to reverse-engineer what's happening, I kept coming back to four strategies.

1. Identity-first positioning (they write to "we")

So here's the first thing I noticed: Ian speaks like he's inside the reader's head.

Not in a creepy way.

In a "finally, someone gets it" way.

He uses "we" a lot, which turns the post into a shared mirror instead of a lecture. For ADHD founders, that matters because shame and isolation are usually the hidden tax. Ian removes that tax up front.

Key Insight: Start with identity, then offer advice. People follow the person who names their experience.

This works because the hook isn't "here are tips." It's "you're not broken." And once someone feels seen, they're way more open to structure.

Strategy Breakdown:

ElementIan Tenenbaum's ApproachWhy It Works
Audience languageHeavy use of "we" and "ADHD minds"Builds belonging fast
Reframes"It's not about X - it's about Y"Reduces shame, increases clarity
Emotional validationNames overwhelm, doubt, chaosMakes the reader feel understood

2. Poetic formatting that matches ADHD attention

Ian's posts are scannable on purpose.

One thought per line.

Lots of breathing room.

And a rhythm that feels like spoken coaching.

Want to know what surprised me? This isn't just a "style choice." It's a delivery system. ADHD readers don't need more density. They need more traction.

And Ian's spacing creates traction.

Comparison with Industry Standards:

AspectIndustry AverageIan Tenenbaum's ApproachImpact
Paragraph length2-5 sentencesMostly 1 sentence per lineEasier skim, higher completion
ToneProfessional and polishedProfessional, but warm and emotionalMore trust, more comments
StructureIntro, body, conclusionHook, reframe, guidance, uplift, CTAFeels like coaching, not content

3. The "pain - reframe - permission" loop

Ian doesn't get stuck in motivation or hustle talk.

He names the pain.

Then he flips it.

Then he gives permission to act differently.

This is where the content feels almost therapeutic, but it stays practical. The reader goes from "I'm failing" to "oh, that's a pattern" to "I can change the setup." And that last part is the key - the setup.

A lot of creators shout "be more disciplined." Ian basically says the opposite: design around your brain.

4. Consistency that feels like a series, not random posts

7.8 posts per week is a lot.

But it doesn't feel spammy when the message is coherent.

Ian's themes repeat in a good way: alignment, momentum, rhythm, structure that guides (not cages). When a reader sees those ideas often, they start associating Ian with relief and clarity.

And that's the real win: the content becomes a location people return to.

Where Sascha and Maria fit into this

Ian is identity-first.

Maria is system-first.

Sascha is expertise-first (at least from the headline positioning).

All three can work. But they attract different comment behavior.

  • Ian tends to get "you just described my life" comments.
  • Maria tends to get "saving this" and "do you have a template?" comments.
  • Sascha tends to get "interesting point" and thoughtful discussion from a narrower crowd.

Here's a clean comparison of their likely positioning strengths.

CreatorPrimary valueWhat followers come forWhat makes it sticky
IanEmotional clarity + execution support for ADHD foundersRelief, language for their experience, simple movesStrong identity and validation
SaschaWorkplace and product perspectiveInformed takes, professional credibilityHigh signal for a niche audience
MariaBrand building systemsProcess, templates, repeatable content ideasClear outcomes tied to clients

Their Content Formula

If you want to copy something from Ian, don't copy topics.

Copy the shape.

Because the shape is doing a lot of work.

Content Structure Breakdown

ComponentIan Tenenbaum's ApproachEffectivenessWhy It Works
Hook1-3 short lines, often a paradox or reframeHighCuriosity plus emotional recognition
BodyAlternates between validation and practical guidanceHighFeels supportive, not preachy
CTASimple invite (audit, resource, follow)Medium to HighClear next step without pressure

The Hook Pattern

Ian's hooks usually do one of three things:

  1. Name the hidden struggle
  2. Flip the common assumption
  3. Make a bold claim that feels true

Template:

"From the outside, it looks like X.

But it's really Y."

Two more that fit his style:

"ADHD isn't about limits.

It's about momentum."

"It's not a discipline problem.

It's an alignment problem."

Why this works: the reader doesn't need proof yet. They need recognition. Proof comes later, after they're leaning in.

The Body Structure

Ian builds momentum by stacking short lines.

And he uses contrast phrases as transitions, which keeps the reader oriented.

Body Structure Analysis:

StageWhat They DoExample Pattern
OpeningEstablish shared reality"We try harder, and it still feels messy."
DevelopmentReveal the hidden mechanism"What looks like distraction is often processing."
TransitionDrop a thesis line"That's the shift: design beats force."
ClosingPermission + uplift"Maybe that's not a flaw. Maybe that's your gift."

The CTA Approach

Ian's CTAs are usually invitational.

Not "buy now."

More like: "If you want help, here's the next step." That matters for ADHD readers because hard-pressure CTAs can create avoidance.

And one more nerdy detail I loved: best posting time guidance suggests midday UTC (around 12:30 UTC). If you're trying to catch a global professional audience, that timing often hits both Europe lunch and early US mornings.


What the other two creators teach us (and why it matters)

Sascha Muckenhaupt: proof that resonance beats reach

Sascha's 92.00 Hero Score with 815 followers is kind of hilarious in the best way.

It suggests the audience that does follow is genuinely paying attention.

If you're a creator early in growth, this is the comforting lesson: you don't need a huge crowd to build momentum. You need the right room.

And Sascha's headline reads like a clear professional bundle: service product development, workplace experience, sustainability, inclusion. That combination attracts a specific kind of thoughtful LinkedIn reader.

Maria Ledentsova: systems content that attracts clients

Maria has 31,493 followers and a 90.00 Hero Score.

So she's scaled, but still keeps strong relative engagement.

Her headline is outcome-based: "build a personal brand that attracts clients & opportunities" plus "resources & actionable content systems." That is a clear promise. People know why they're following.

And compared with Ian, Maria's lane is more tactical.

Ian: regulate the inner chaos, then build.

Maria: build the content machine, then sell.

Both are valuable. Different starting points.

Comparison table: positioning and audience pull

CategoryIan TenenbaumSascha MuckenhauptMaria Ledentsova
Core promiseHelp ADHD founders build without overwhelmProfessional expertise across workplace and product themesPersonal brand systems that attract opportunities
Reader emotion"I feel seen""I learned something""I can apply this"
Likely content feelPoetic coaching + practical reframesInsightful professional commentaryClear frameworks and resources
Best fit audienceFounders with ADHD traits and self-doubtProfessionals in workplace/product spaceFreelancers, consultants, builders of personal brands

3 Actionable Strategies You Can Use Today

  1. Write one "mirror" post per week - Start with "From the outside, it looks like..." and tell the truth underneath. People share what makes them feel understood.

  2. Format for skimmers - One thought per line, lots of white space, and a clear thesis line by the middle. You'll keep more readers to the end.

  3. Pick your lane: identity, expertise, or systems - Ian leads with identity, Sascha with expertise, Maria with systems. Mixing is fine, but lead with one so people know why to follow.


Key Takeaways

  1. Ian's advantage is emotional precision - he names the real struggle, then reframes it into action.
  2. Posting often works when the message is consistent - 7.8 posts per week is sustainable only if you're repeating a clear core idea.
  3. High Hero Scores show different kinds of success - Sascha shows depth with a small audience, Maria shows scale with strong signal, Ian shows both.
  4. Structure beats inspiration - the best creators aren't guessing every morning. They're running a pattern that fits their audience.

If you try one thing from this analysis, try the formatting: one thought per line for a week. It's simple. And it changes everything.


Meet the Creators

Ian Tenenbaum

I help ADHD founders build their dream business without the constant doubt, overwhelm, analysis and rollercoaster of chaos.

62,989 Followers 93.0 Hero Score

๐Ÿ“ United States ยท ๐Ÿข Industry not specified

Sascha Muckenhaupt

Service Product Development and Management | Workplace Experience | Sustainability | Diversity, Inclusion & Mobility

815 Followers 92.0 Hero Score

๐Ÿ“ Austria ยท ๐Ÿข Industry not specified

Maria Ledentsova

I help you build a personal brand that attracts clients & opportunities | Resources & actionable content systems | Notion Ambassador | GrowthMentor

31,493 Followers 90.0 Hero Score

๐Ÿ“ Germany ยท ๐Ÿข Industry not specified


This analysis was generated by ViralBrain's AI content intelligence platform.