Navigating ADHD in the Business World: My Journey and How to Thrive

Growing up in the 1980s, ADHD wasn’t widely understood, and the awareness we have today simply didn’t exist. I was often labeled as the "problem child"—easily distracted and disruptive to others. The traditional education system didn’t know how to accommodate someone like me, and I found myself constantly trying to fit into a mold that simply wasn’t designed for me. While I knew I was smart, I was repeatedly told by some teachers that I would never amount to anything. Thankfully, there were a handful of educators who saw my potential and understood that I didn’t fit neatly into the box society had created.

On top of navigating the challenges of ADHD, I had to deal with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with adolescence. In 1989, when I was just 12 years old, my father passed away. This left me in a household with a single mom who had to work tirelessly to support our family. As the fourth of five children, I found myself at home mostly with my younger sister, as my older siblings were transitioning into adulthood. My mother’s perseverance and constant encouragement were my lifeline. Her pep talks still echo in my mind whenever I face discouragement.

Fast forward to adulthood, and it wasn’t until my late twenties that I finally had a name for what I had been dealing with my whole life: ADHD. Initially, this diagnosis felt like a weight dragging me down. Balancing a family, career, and the emotional highs and lows of ADHD was overwhelming. I had learning disabilities in math, and this pushed me away from jobs that involved numbers—a nearly impossible task in the world of sales where I naturally gravitated.

Now, at 47 years old, I’ve come to see my ADHD not as a burden but as a superpower. It’s taken years to harness this “different brain” of mine, but I’ve realized that my creative thinking, once a challenge in school, is now the rocket fuel for my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve connected with others who share similar challenges, and learning from their experiences has been invaluable. This has led me to entrepreneurship, where my out-of-the-box thinking is an asset rather than a liability.

One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence. ADHD has forced me to practice my skills more than most, but this has only made me stronger. I’ve been on and off medication throughout my life, but now I’m focusing on mastering life without it. My current challenge is learning to manage my emotions, especially at the end of a long day when mental fatigue sets in. I’ve become more attuned to recognizing the moments when my emotions start to bubble up, and I use these instances as opportunities to reflect on how I can improve next time.

I’m incredibly grateful for my wife, who has been my anchor through these struggles. She’s helped me see that I am more than I ever thought I could be, and now I realize that I need to give back to her in the same way she has supported me. As I approach 50, I feel like my life is just beginning to take off. Over the last eight years, things have gradually come together. I’ve served two terms on my local city council, worked for my local chamber of commerce, and held various roles in the non-profit sector.

Embracing Technology as a Tool for Empowerment

In the face of ADHD, technology has become more than just a convenience; it’s a powerful tool for empowerment. The rise of AI and digital tools offers us an unprecedented opportunity to harness our strengths and mitigate our challenges. These innovations serve as extensions of our cognitive abilities, providing support in areas where we may struggle.

Rather than viewing technology as a crutch, we can see it as a partner in our journey—one that helps us organize our thoughts, manage our time, and maintain focus. The beauty of these tools lies in their ability to adapt to our needs, offering personalized solutions that enhance our productivity and creativity.

For those of us with ADHD, technology is not just about keeping up; it’s about thriving in a world that moves at breakneck speed. By integrating these tools into our daily routines, we can transform the way we work, think, and interact with the world around us.

Technology, when used thoughtfully, becomes an ally that enables us to bring our best selves to every endeavor. It allows us to turn our unique cognitive processes into assets, ensuring that our creativity, innovation, and passion are not just preserved but amplified.

Steps for Thriving with ADHD in the Business World

For anyone with ADHD, particularly in the business world, here are a few strategies that have helped me:

1. Leverage Your Strengths: Identify your unique strengths—such as creativity, problem-solving, or innovation—and focus on roles that allow these to shine. Your ADHD can give you a different perspective that is incredibly valuable in business.
2. Draw on the Strengths of Others: Don’t be afraid to seek out and rely on others who excel in areas where you may struggle. Whether it’s a business partner who’s great with numbers or a mentor who can help you stay focused, building a strong support network is crucial.
3. Set Clear Goals: ADHD can make it easy to get lost in the details or jump from task to task. Setting clear, achievable goals can help you stay on track and measure your progress.
4. Use Technology as an Ally: With the rise of AI and other technologies, you have tools that can act as an extension of your brain. Use apps to organize your thoughts, set reminders, and manage your tasks efficiently.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Failure is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on your failures and use them to improve and refine your approach.

Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Technology

The journey with ADHD is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also filled with potential. By focusing on your strengths, building a supportive network, and leveraging technology, you can rise above the challenges and create a path to success. As I approach a new chapter in my life, I’m excited about the possibilities and confident that the best is yet to come.

Keep moving forward, embrace your unique brain, and never give up on the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.