Em Rusciano on her ADHD diagnosis and reputation for being ‘difficult and demanding’

Em Rusciano has revealed that she’s has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

And while she is known for being loud and unapologetic, the 42-year-old told Stellar magazine that she would be ‘taking her time to process’ her diagnosis.

She said: ‘Normally I’m really open [about my life] because that’s how I process trauma. I talk about it out loud in the hope that it helps other people process things. 

‘But for once, I’m going to take my time and process it and not share, which, ironically I never do because I have ADHD,’ she added.

The former HIT FM radio star also discussed her infamous reputation for being ‘difficult’ and ‘demanding.’

She explained that her constant pursuit for excellence in her profession has made it difficult compartmentalise aspects of her work.

However, Em noted: ‘But it’s also been pointed out to me that what people say about me – that I’m difficult, demanding, opinionated, not a team player – would be different if I was a man.’

The brunette beauty if the tables were turned and she was male and that she would be regarded with respect and as a leader.

Em’s candid discussion comes after she signed a contract with Spotify Australia to make her Emsolation podcast a Spotify Exclusive, last month.

The partnership will still give her full creative control – after years of having her output carefully managed by radio executives.

‘[Spotify] enjoy me and don’t endure me, which has so often been the case in the past with previous employers… It’s so validating,’ she said. 

‘They have been incredible. To have one of the biggest listening platforms in the world love what I do and believe and back what I do and not ask me to change a thing,’ she said.

The mother-of-three revealed that in the past she felt like radio bosses wanted her to be ‘smaller’ and not her true authentic self.

‘I was constantly being told who I was, I needed to make myself a bit smaller, not be as opinionated, don’t talk about periods, the messy stuff of life. “We need you to do this for this advertiser.” I kept feeling that who I was, just wasn’t quite right,’ she said.

She concluded: ‘Then to have Spotify say, “It’s great, who you are is exactly right and we want to align our brand with you.” I can’t tell you how exciting it is.’

Em was hired to host 2Day FM’s breakfast show in 2017, alongside Harley Breen. 

In September 2018, she announced she was leaving the show in order to focus on having a baby.

Before her departure, multiple reports alleged employees had left 2Day FM and others were looking for new jobs due to Em’s ‘attitude’.