ADHD as an Entrepreneur’s Superpower | John Torrens | TEDxSyracuseUniversity

In a sample of highly successful entrepreneurs, an astounding 62% identified as having traits consistent with an ADHD diagnosis. Is this a coincidence, or is there more to the story? In his talk, John Torrens, an entrepreneurship professor at Syracuse University, as well as a founder and president, analyzes recent research and his own personal experiences to highlight how ADHD can quite possibly be a "entrepreneur's superpower." John Torrens is a Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His Talk explores his experience as an entrepreneur with ADHD and research showcasing that ADHD is quite possibly an "extrepreneur's superpower." He hopes to spread his message that even though ADHD is considered a disability, there are ways that it can be an advantage in the context of entrepreneurship. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Mcdogmom288]

I'm a veteran, was actually addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe anxiety and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with ADHD. Not until my son recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@CARIBBEAN_365]

Congrats on your recovery. Most persons never realizes psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives. Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death bud, lets be honest here.

[@JanetRichardson-mq5es]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Australia. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@Qing__001]

Mushrooms are very medicinal. This is why anybody familiar with psilocybin and any other kind of fungi will tell you, "They are alive." They have a very ancient wisdom. To my experience, all mushrooms have always said, "Pay attention to your life. How you think, how you feel, and what will you do with the information that you always knew, but now are seeing in this point of view." This is why mushrooms are so respected in tribal cultures.

[@VanRyan-bv7du]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@nashfpv2986]

Who else is reading comments and cant focus on the video lol?

[@sarius363]

Hi me. I have also adhd

[@haylzeth]

LOL YES!!!!! 😂 🤣 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@paulferrara9079]

yes, yes you are correct. : )

[@JS-bk5gt]

I made it to 3, minutes. ...yeah I get it he has ADHD too.

[@DoubleRainbows-fp6ih]

@@JS-bk5gt - hilarious We are no longer Alone!

[@josmin94]

I’ve have ADHD and I was diagnosed as I kid but have never taken medication. I’m 27 now and what I’ve figured out is that ADHD is a gift. We see the big picture on everything. We cant focus on one thing, but we can focus on many things. We are different, we have awareness and we ask the right questions. Things have to make sense in other to do certain task.

[@eboethrasher]

Must be nice. Some of us can't focus on anything.

[@motherofcats7022]

Thank you so much for this!

[@jdoyle7768]

I'm just finally able to focus and its weird. I love it

[@armamentocivil7150]

Eboe I understand. It’s hard to explain how I figured it out. I lose interest if I only do one thing at a time. Hope you can find a way, and truly use your potential.

[@armamentocivil7150]

@@jdoyle7768 I happy for you! Keep doing what you doing. We all find a different way to control it and to use it to our a advantage.

[@chriss2295]

ADHD is a spectrum. This man can speak fluidly throughout his presentation and some of us can’t even focus enough to watch it. I wish tests determined a high/mid/low category.

[@coolbluelights]

Very true. I have a lot of trouble speaking fluently because I have so many thoughts in my head that just all want to come out at once. I can usually express myself better in writing because it forces me to slow down.

[@casey8533]

I too have this issue. I have an easier time texting my friends father than speak. I have heard that writing a lot can help train your brain to organize thoughts and ideas better and if you can master writing eventually speaking will become more fluid.

[@countb5842]

Rating ADHD would be like rating colors; blue is a high color, orange a low one etc - ADHD means something different in each and every person. My psychiatrist once said something that i'll never forget "ADHD get's one person on a stage and the other in a cage." I took two years longer in school to get it finished, I had some classes that didn't interest me and where i did nothing and started daydreaming the moment the teacher entered and a lot of classes where i started correcting my teachers when i was 13 years old, because I repeatedly spent weekends in hyperfocus, reading through everything that caught my interest in my grandfathers library. Although it was assumed very early, that i have ADHD (my mother didn't want me to take Ritalin etc. when i was just a kid), it wasn't until i was in my mid 20s that i got officially diagnosed. The same year, when I qualified for the high-IQ society MENSA. In hyperfocus, i can do the work sbdy else does in weeks in mere days. If I'm engaged in an interesting conversation with people, i can listen for literally hours on end and recall exact sentences months later but on the other hand i sometimes forget that I hold a glass in my hand and spill it all over the floor, or I stop listening to people mid conversation, drifting of or doing something else - i once called somebody because of a question i had about bicycles, while my girlfriend talked to me about her hard day at work. I'm not proud of the latter and I still dwell about my "shortcomings" but I accepted that ADHD means, before everything else, that I'm a person of extremes. ADHD is really a kind of "power" - but if it's a power for good or for ill, depends soooo much on your genes, personality, upbringing and finally your way of dealing with it. I knew people who killed them self, because they just couldn't figure out how to fit in or how to deal with it and i know people (like myself), who really see it as neither good or bad but just a complex catalyst for your individual personality.

[@georgiabification]

But it is rated - have you gone to see a psychiatrist? They classify you as Mild, Moderate or Severe.

[@IAmDasani]

coolbluelights I can BARELY tell a story

[@megatrolltrollington]

if you hear him struggle with the word "enthusiasm".... i think its because he was struggling to keep his train of thought at the same speed that his mouth works at. I think this because I have ADHD and i often mispronounce words and because I can read my own mind, I can tell you its because for a split second I allowed my brain to run full speed and my mouth tries to keep up but cant so it starts combining to words together; often several words apart from each other on a thought process.

[@justinwickee]

100%

[@samuelsquires423]

Ye...!

[@bobbie3156]

ALL the time!

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

MegaTroll Trollington well said.

[@shithead]

When I was given ketamine I had this happen only I didn't realize it was happening so I was just blurting out random strings of words that seemed completely unrelated.

[@shessoheavy6130]

This is such a frustrating "disorder." The number of times I've gone to a new job just to lose it or lose interest is well into the double digits. So, then I start businesses only to get distracted and go down rabbit holes all day while things get attempted at 25% instead of completed at 100%. I wish I experienced this super power, because all it's been for me is years of struggle, frustration, and disappointments.

[@LKBeatbox]

I'm with you! What I'm about to say might hurt some people, but, I don't like successful ADHD people. It makes my family look at them and say to me: "You see? You're using it as an excuse." EVERY TIME! And these successful ADHDs make ME feel like I'm too lazy or worthless, because I'm not successful AT ALL!

[@sakethravuri3023]

@Clorox Tree damn same experience though I had fewore than 1 . Anyway stimulants always make it worse

[@sandytherry8647]

LKBeatbox I have found there is a huge difference between ADHD and ADD. A lot of the successful entrepreneurs have adhd. They have a lot more energy than those of us with ADD who can’t sustain keeping things going.

[@shanetraveller7368]

I get you bro

[@horusss__]

@Clorox Tree any sort of motivation engages it for me. Or a passion for it. If I'm not interested, there's no hyperfocus.

[@chriss2295]

ADHD is a super power...when channeled. Exactly how he describes.

[@go-aheadbe-offended1767]

I wish my family thought that when I was growing up instead of treating it as an embarrassment.

[@Scottydye]

I have ADHD and I don’t see how my ADHD could be a super power. It’s ruined my life. I also have comorbid disorders along with my ADHD. Some people may be blessed to have a more functioning ADHD but others who may be higher on the spectrum are struggling to make it through the day.

[@go-aheadbe-offended1767]

TheSucculentSquirrel People who channel it on something like swimming, can help you do things that most people won’t. Michael Phelps was able to find something he liked and was good at and make it work for him. Not all cases of ADHD lead people to waste time. Find something your good at, that makes money, and go at it obsessively.

[@paulaw418]

@@go-aheadbe-offended1767 Easier said than done.

[@skriblez9001]

@@go-aheadbe-offended1767 some people can channel it because there are different types of adhd with different symptoms. Not all can do that, it’s kinda rare. Most people with adhd see it as a huge burden

[@elliotnyberg9332]

I want to become an entrepenuer, whilst starting my compeny now, i feel like sometimes i can work for a whole week, then just completely forget about it for a month and it repeats. Anyone else?

[@jennybensaidane922]

I get you

[@shanetraveller7368]

Yes indeed

[@z018246]

That totally is ADHD. This speaker wasn't valid. Check out Dr Russel on KZbin about ADHD. More hope and valid information there.

[@z018246]

@@kpcrisp3789 Ask a doctor about Vyvanse. It was huge for helping me.

[@abhishekjain6452]

Always happens. I don't know why I do this to myself.

[@bennywright12]

I have my own company, the staff that work for me are like fielders, catching all the crazy ideas i have, finishing my projects i become bored with, doing the paperwork to back up my work. It’s not a super power! My staff are the heroes for putting up with me!!

[@ubobcat]

Yeah, how it is a super power if entrepreneurship implies sticking to some project until completion and ADHD people lose interest in a week?

[@jfernandez7410]

Exactly. The video guy does no know what is he taking about ..... all the adhd is diferente

[@parkcityprinting3087]

@@ubobcat perhaps the power lies in KNOWING this about yourself and setting up systems around you to counter-act the inevitable. Ben's super power is in doing just that. Most CEO's I look up to have a knack for hiring people that fill in ALL of their personal short comings, i think it's genius actually -- to not be afraid to 1) admit your limitation 2) directly address it 3) hire people smarter / more skilled than you in their arena of expertise.

[@bobao4501]

How did you get them? I want to learn.

[@bennywright12]

@@bobao4501 just collected people over the years and if they were good made sure they were happy!

[@yb.ca.8192]

“What if, instead of thinking ADHD is a disability, why don’t we consider it just a different ability?” Wow. Beautifully stated. I was diagnosed at the age of 29 after years of believing I would never make anything of myself out of my inability to fit in academically with my peers. I’m still struggling to find my way, but I’ve come to understand myself more in these few months since my diagnosis, and I feel incredibly empowered, even if my family doesn’t understand what it’s really like for me. Great speech!

[@cwright821]

Yay! Glad you got answers! I'm 44 and just had a psychiatrist agree with all my research and ah-ha moments this week. Mind's now a bit blown, so I hear you 🤗

[@joelbarrameda_vo]

how are now?

[@emmanueloshaddai3259]

Glad you finally figured it out. Did you find a way to make things better ? Are you more productive and better at sustained work?

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@cwright821 I got there at 50 - I am now 53 and revelling in how free I am. Trust me finding yourself after years of feeling like an alien dressed up as a human being is amazing. I now understand my own super abilities and the fact I dont think inside the box, there is no box. Its like understanding Neo and the spoon in the matrix.

[@caffeinated936]

hey i'm replying here because there are a bunch of replies here so my comment will reach a lot of people i was wondering about taking ginkgo biloba to help my chronic migraine but at the same time, i don't want to diminish my abliity to grasp the entire picture of situations which i don't know if it's linked to my adhd

[@jamiewilson2550]

I have inattentive ADHD. This talk was AMAZING!! I’m an introvert who doesn’t really enjoy socializing with people other than with my close friends (unless I’m inebriated) but I’m magically amazing at selling things. It never made much sense to me, but now I get it!!! Very cool

[@annmarieknapp]

Same here, but am great at teaching.

[@bennwinkler-reidy3005]

I feel like im all of the traits

[@Dubinski2382]

annmarieknapp We have had to teach ourselves everything without the help of using conventional teaching methods. And we have to get ourselves motivated to make ourselves focus. We basically are our own greatest teachers. Pretty special skill.

[@horusss__]

Literally exactly the same lol

[@thedude5599]

Well you are a bit to young for me but I like your playlists. I have some old school tracks on my play list you should checkem out. I might sway you into some older seventy eighties music.

[@JoshAllen702]

This was oneof my b school professors! Best professor I've ever had and the only one who made an MBA worth it! He was the only one who actually had a business lol.

[@annmarieknapp]

That's awesome. Am a professor elsewhere and it's a passion to teach others. Makes us feel alive and that we are reaching our students.

[@jennybensaidane922]

How lucky

[@jamesbailey8606]

I’m ADD, Inattentive Type, I do industrial automation and controls. I find problems and solutions to make systems work better. My novel brain has helped me very successfully.

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

James Bailey me 2 glad you have a job where that is appreciated. I had to quit my job cuz i could not stand them not listening to my ideas.

[@z018246]

This disorder is an inhibition problem, and named wrong. It's a problem in the motor part of the brain. Where did you hear about this type of ADD?

[@jamesbailey8606]

@@z018246 I disagree with the primary prefrontal cortex delay/motor theory. The observed fine motor delay is the result, not cause, of millions of iterations of doing what is easier. Rushing through this task to get to something I want to do. In my humble opinion, ADD/ADHD is a value order problem, often times based on gratification and failure avoidance/control. Medication is an aid.

[@jamesbailey8606]

@@z018246 my brother was one of the first kids diagnosed “HYPERACTIVE” and experimented on back in the 80’s. My diagnosis came after at 30 after miraculously recovering from a TBI.

[@z018246]

@@jamesbailey8606 This disorder is neurological, and originates there.

[@TheManeThingLLC]

If I had seen this when my son was in school I would have seriously asked you to help me explain this; he almost did not graduate because he could not make himself sit down and, in his words, "prove to them over and over that I understand the concepts - I've already shown them." He is one of the most brilliant people I know - truly - yet they treated him as if he was an impaired and behaviorally problematic student. I fought with the district every year starting when he was in 7th grade, and even had a middle school counselor essentially tell me that some physical punishment would straighten him out. I hear, believe and support everything you are saying. This has to stop.

[@gooddayok]

I believe sometimes you need a partner to balance you; ADHD you + Over cautious partner: thus you don’t loose all your finances with impulsive plans and nudges you to finish projects (Personally, I have seen this in my own journey. When I succeeded their was always such a colleague at work, like two peas in a pod; and I am blessed with a spouse who is over cautious)

[@coachkirby]

Definitely my wife and I

[@ImpartialAmericans]

Added this to my watch later. ADHD level 5000

[@Daveprotence]

It’s scary how true this is.

[@asiachestnut4210]

So facts 😂

[@thxjonny]

hey man did you ever get this watched

[@amandah3619]

350 videos in my watch later 🤡🤣

[@XeaRae]

My brain lost focus 4 minutes in and decided comments were more interesting.

[@LosingOurCountry]

I wish more people talked about how the only effective treatments are DIET, EXERCISE and MEDICATION. I was surprised to find that diet made the most immediate and greatest impact (think of ADHD as diabetes for the brain, with sugar having a very similar role, with a "ketogenic" approach leading to no need for insulin... read that twice or more! 😉) Everything else is mitigating the deficits which are also helpful but if we are not exercising consistently we are screwed. I'm very serious. Our mental gas tanks are smaller and run out more quickly than normal. Exercise increases the tank size and helps slow fuel consumption. There are some great videos on all the above. Don't give up. If you take one action make it whatever exercise you can manage right now. A brisk 45 minute walk was my start. I am a week in and I'm still really pissed no one told me. Please take this advice guys!

[@MinionInc]

When Channeled: You are the dude in Limitless (The movie) When unchanneled: You are train wreck.

[@z018246]

With a good medicine, you'll be able to channel. No meds leads to the train wreck.

[@z018246]

@@V3RITAZ_42 Check with a doctor if you really have it. A person is cheating themself to take on ADD with out meds.

[@z018246]

@@V3RITAZ_42 your point is what?

[@Inventorsvlog]

I have ADHD and I am an inventor, a youtuber and an employee in a biopharmaceutical company.

[@the2kking307]

Awesome, brother (:

[@annmarieknapp]

Badass!! Have ADHD and am a writer and college professor. Many of us are actually wired to do unusual and extraordinary things. You rock!

[@Whanworld]

Musician and since two weeks ago appointed event organizer🤷🏽‍♂️

[@DoubleRainbows-fp6ih]

Distinction in art when saw I couldn't be a nurse(= parents choice for me - as have Dyspraxia also! Nursing is NOT easy for either!.)

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

Congratz not suprised!

[@Mikaeel84]

This is why I think we should give all kids a Neuro Type test as soon as it would be considered accurate so we could split our kids up into classes based on the way they learn best.

[@cheberur]

Thanks for that brilliant idea Mike! I'm an educator and I think that would be epic!🙏😉

[@sandytherry8647]

Where are the entrepreneur colleges for adhd?

[@hugojacobson472]

Sandy Therry If you have the money and some successful contacts, there is several Private university’s. That’s specifically for people withh Add/adhd

[@jennamoore1230]

idk about for ADHD specifically, but there's babson college which is project based entrepreneurship for your undergrad for four years (you're put into a team, given a grant, and then you create a business with your peers, sell it by graduation, and donate that money to charity), which I looked at for a bit, and also colorado college, where you focus on one class at a time for about four weeks (might allow students to hyperfocus.) i have adhd, and i looked at those universities in my college application process.

[@adhdmuseum9631]

His speaking pattern is Normal to my brain. A lot of people can’t keep up with us when we speak. We can have 5 different conversations in one sentence and catch every reference and double entendre. Hyperlinks is our most powerful tool example; I love Lucy, love and happiness, shine of your love, sun shine, Vince young, Vince Vaughn, Vincent Van Gogh, van go, go go dancing, dancing queen, Victoria, lake, Timberlake, Lakers, Word association, photo memory and the ability to tie multiple things together in seconds

[@tebohosefatsa6627]

This man just speaks pure GOLD. Unfortunately, a lot of people with ADHD in our society are not encouraged to seek out entrepreneurial activities. Instead we are just trying to compete with neurotypical people in the workforce and it just doesn't work. We need to hone in on our ADHD strengths and use them to our advantage. Not to try and fit in this little box that society puts us in. Thank you for this ted talk.

[@bb-xl1ur]

I have ADHD and I get nervous and get stuck overthinking more than I take risks and act on the spot

[@bb-xl1ur]

BUT I get a lot of new ideas fast and am a quick and creative problem-solver.

[@samanthabarron8481]

I am admittedly a terrible employee. This isn’t due to laziness because with things that I enjoy I am tremendously industrious and creative. We need to nurture skills specific to the strengths of the individual.

[@hridayfcb]

I have undiagnosed ADHD am 21 and all my life I've excelled academically , Got a job just now , got into the best of colleges , I found out about my adhd after I wasn't happy even after living a 21yo Indian kid's dream . I was like why am I still not able to relax and chill after I've gotten whatever I wanted . Researched on the net and could relate to every little thing there was , hoping to get it diagnosed as this internal battle is killing me

[@Techgirl-lp5lj]

Feel you. Exact same situation. Got the dream job, dream house, did everything I’ve ever wanted but still feel so restless. I got diagnosed and the medication does help but I still feel that lingering restless and anxiety. Hope you find what works for you

[@starystar8044]

Schools are designed for good employees, good followers, and good listeners. While as leader and creators, sometimes you need to break the rules.

[@Stitchxavi]

Exactly!

[@togoashore]

I googled "ADHD entrepreneur" and it led me to this video. Not disappointed 👌

[@togoashore]

Although I did have to stop/start this like five times

[@SamAltieri]

same

[@karmarising144]

ADHD = depression/anxiety because we are constantly trying to be 'neurotypical' to fit into society.

[@susanhawkes2519]

The neurotypical world is barely tolerable because it is repetitive & boring.

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

We are the 5 procent of the population that are most sucessful if we get out of the 9-5 squirrelwheel. It is a superability AND a disability. Saying it is not a disability is irresponsible. Its like wrestling an invisible giant everyday on your way to a task like getting coffe by the coffemachine.

[@joycemelo4643]

I'm very late to the discussion here, but I was looking for a comment addressing the problem with saying that ADHD is not a disability. The whole part when the speaker talked about it sounded really ableist to me. 11:17 "If we label these kids as having a disability, we're going to be more likely to treat them like they are disabled. And my belief is that it might not be the best response." What? What does it mean to treat someone like they are disabled? Pity them? Think of them as useless, as incapable, as incomplete? I can't quite wrap my head around that thought right there. 🤔 11:27 "What if instead of thinking like ADHD is a disability, why don't we consider it just a different ability?" What if instead of thinking about the medical model of disability, which considers our neurodivergent brains as wrong or broken - as it does with people who don't have a limb, or who have a sight or hearing impairment etc - we start using the social model of disability? Why don't we advocate for an inclusive environment and society, that embraces all differences instead of separating people with impairments as "not normal"? I do think that I have amazing qualities due to my autism and ADHD. But I still struggle a lot with very basic everyday tasks. Just saying "hey, I don't have a disability, everyone!" in the society we live in today doesn't change a single thing. I mean, I know wheelchair users here in Brazil who have never been inside a bus, just because they are the high-floor type and the lifts for wheelchairs almost never work! If you can find a bus with a lift, that is, or a driver that will stop for you (yes, unfortunately it happens a lot, at least in Rio 😞) ... You see? But if you have a fully accessible environment and society, and if those people I know could get on a bus just as easy as I can, if my sister were not to be scolded in a work meeting for doodling - as, having ADHD like myself, it helps her focus on what's being said... If we included all those differences, than we wouldn't have disabilities at all, just different impairments.

[@joycemelo4643]

I'm sorry for such a long rant on your comment @Andreas Leon Landgren! 😬😅

[@eboethrasher]

@@joycemelo4643 don't feel guilty for dropping truth bombs.

[@markcho4173]

I am a fellow ypo'er who has had my own theory about the prevalence of adhd in so many of our fellow members (me included)- thanks for articulating this so well John! I really want to further explore... oh wait... I have another business idea... ;-)

[@elizabethbennet4791]

Interesting to see how connected he is with so many other ADHDers and his level of success. I'd imagine he was able to be so successful throughout his life becuse he was very attuned to other people and able to connect with the correct people he needed- that is a MASSIVELY important skill.

[@flatcapadventurers]

I have ADHD and am on an entrepreneural journey. It's the most exciting thing I've done to date! 😆

[@indigochild4664]

Wow this guy nailed me to a tee! Owned 5 businesses always get fired from jobs, and currently working on another project, and want to start another one getting bored with this one! He’s 100% correct!

[@shipssamedayornext.5480]

ME TOO!!!!

[@emmanueloshaddai3259]

We need help

[@cheyanne919]

No job. I did jump job to job not fitting in. I am working on becoming an entrepreneur next. Time to get creative.

[@aprilmae137]

Just the first 30 seconds... already can relate. Ideas and knowledge just coming out of thin air.

[@emilioperezjr0]

Wow thank you, you brought some perspective

[@jonathankalen5656]

I have to speed up these videos to keep my attention. I just started bupropion also at 42

[@andywells1971]

I got diagnosed in my 40's and still struggle and am a preschool teacher: make no money. Would like to be successful!! Hate having no friends. Different strengths: wish I could tap into my porential!!!! I want to start a preschool of my own.

[@Hvb101]

I have add/adhd, got diagnosed in my 20s and now im in my 30s. I work in IT helpdesk and i got to tell you that solving problems and talking with people really makes my motor run

[@bryanD.C.]

I'm going through this same hypothesis. I'm adhd as well and I'm excited to find my way through to a successful position!

[@mrmarkl328]

He opened my eyes.

[@jecky82]

I started this video, then I started playing guitar and then next thing I heard from the dude was "Thank you." *Claps* LOL I'm not even lying

[@glendybeatriz714]

Happens to me all the time lol

[@didiersoulier6885]

Thank you so much, you so right, we have a gift to give to the world. Thank you thank you

[@am151.6]

As a late diagnosis working in corporate. This resonates with me heavily. Always worrying about my performance and breaking unwritten rules of corporate because I think differently. And also this resonates because I want to start a business of sorts (independent contractor). This is also just super validating and has shifted my mindset.

[@sumbagay886]

Knowing i have adhd explains a lot about my school and work experience. I was always scolded or given a bad rating by my supervisors and teachers and the comment always says "more focus" i always questioned myself. I started my business and totally did good, i now founded a my corporation. I can only explain adhd as me having a 2nd brain, 1st thought has 80% focus and 2nd thought has 20% i designed my corporation by putting it in the 2nd thought for weeks and weeks. Then one day combined all the ideas and made it into a corporation. When i get a glimpse of something, my 2nd thought always breaks it down to the bottom, for example a doorknob, my 2nd brain will breakdown how it works for a few minutes while my 1st thought does what my eyes see. Its like having a tv at the back of your mind. It is like my superpower i agree.

[@RoccoM266]

I was diagnosed with adhd when I was 7, and through school and early 20’s I just tried to ignore it and the impulsive destructive fallout was always around me. Although it wasn’t all bad as I had a hyper fixated love for the military and I promised myself that’s what I will do for my entire life just from listening to stories from my father! , I made that decision when I was around the same age I was diagnosed. And I went through a gruelling application process when I was 18, it took 2 years and constant checking my emails for the date for my next test I had to smash to get my goal, which I got and I take massive pride in the fact the hardest part of the tests was the waiting!! . Now I’m 7 years into my career, have worked in air force and infantry have served over seas and I have planned courses all ahead of me, always giving me that army buzz (dopamine) I think the military structure has helped me from 20 up til 26 while I “ignored” my condition, where now I’m at the age that I’m talking about kids and a house (a big thing for someone in Ireland!), and I found myself turning extremely self destructive and not wanting to face the responsibilities and feel free, although that rationale has led me to an area where I can’t even call it rock bottom because I know I’m a single decision and thus taking affirmative action on it away from freeing me of this destructive nature. Best thing I’ve ever done was take my diagnosis seriously and I know in time I’ll get a system that works that I can have confidence that I am ready for the next stage of my life. It has its bad but if you channel it to something you love it can be a life changing difference!

[@MegaSnail1]

Thank you so much for speaking up for those with different abilities. I recently watched a TED talk titled, "Can Science Help Poor Kids Earn More?' I was horrified that there was a claim that there was a genetic difference between those who did well academically and those who did not. As a teacher I know how learning differences can effect learning in a standard classroom and how labeling students based on this highly artificial environment can influence a Childs self perception in a negative way. I also worked with gifted children who were both brilliant and delayed. Your acknowledgement of the importance of using data to help all learners develop to their highest potential is critical and self image is a vital aspect to these ends. Be well.

[@cheyanne919]

I have the Dislexia, Anxiety, and Depression. I have ADHD. No work yet. I am wanting to become an entrepreneur. Thank you for thos video. I resonate with this.😊

[@jessicamarie1881]

I’ve heard that successful entrepreneurs are ones who make decisions quickly.

[@sylviacanchangeworld]

Wow, I loved this SO MUCH!!! THANK YOU!!! I was totally beating myself up for some of my traits... And now, I have a whole different reframe!!! Thank you! :) :) :)

[@oliviadurand2429]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about 5 years old and I’ve always been able to think outside the box on problems (I actually don’t even know where the box is sometimes) and when I tell people why I do the things I do they often tell I’m a genius but then don’t do it themselves. I’ve often wondered if I could be a good entrepreneur since I’m able to just think of things no one else seems to, but at the same time I’m not sure how useful my ideas would be.

[@sirdash]

It is always an adventure when it comes to being an entrepreneur. So you could find good ideas and start doing it with the MVP approach while you could be successful at the first try, but most probably it could take at least 3-4 tries or even more to achieve success. One more strength to be an entrepreneur is never giving up trying.

[@trailladymtb7700]

I wish I could take his class. All these years later and I want to start fresh at 56. I’ve been using my superpowers , but the world is a tough place. Praying for a miracle.

[@angelahagen9003]

Truly fantasic! Nailed it!!!

[@comonsenseisdead]

Exactly, learn to harness it. Makes the world more colorful. I am sure that it is disability to a small few, but yes, need to start education for ADHD kids to see it as a good thing with struggles. ADHD is a square that the system tries to force into round peg. Tools, acceptance, support and key people to encourage and support.

[@waveidson31]

That last line hit hard man

[@orangehousing1642]

This is so me. John's delivery was both simply laid out and entertaining. I consider myself lucky since I always came up with great business ideas that I enjoyed helping others while making money. Every business I jumped in to I did end up making money without a business plan. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

[@tlw9219]

I have ADHD and I know it. i scribble sentence up, talk to fast, have interchanging ideas in split seconds, and i get depress in a period of time where I was poor and had no where to go… it was pretty bad. but i walked babysteps out of it now! took me a while to get through tho Im only 24 singaporean, struggling badly with learning but extremely good with social skills! an extrovert! i have changed multiple jobs, and opened and closed multiple businesses! im in a job position where I do wedding consultant and im good at it! Im starting a business of my own again but i need to learn how to control my “many” ideas and hyperness! prolly need a discipline personal to mentor me through!

[@harrissp54]

Nice job John!!

[@ryangenereaux1922]

I see the value in adults with ADHD having access to entrepreneurship training. I would benefit from this for sure. One thing to remember is that this training will be more effective if it is designed for people with ADHD specifically, rather than putting adults with ADHD into a training that is designed for people who are neurotypical.

[@katherinejhauser4675]

This is so on point

[@arselamallick3248]

I love this talk so much

[@cindygrayson1288]

I have been impulsive in my past but these days, its hard to get me to dive into anything. I know I do i might not do it right. My family was very critical and didn’t distinguish between positive and negative well. I was never told I had ADHD, just that I was a problem. I’m learning about all this at 65. Wish I’d understood earlier. It’s hard to get me started but when I do it, I go all in.

[@ebinsaju2636]

i cant even focus on the video, just reading comments and planning to quit my 4th job in a year.

[@tejaskoladiya8673]

Me also

[@TinaSotis]

What happens to a gifted child with ADD who is parented by someone who has ADD and it manifests as extreme chaos? I'll tell you what happens. A lifelong sense of depression and failure. This talk is really encouraging and I will do everything I can to bring these words into my everyday language. In the end, no matter how we were raised, we are still responsible for ourselves as adults. It is up to me to exercise my cognitive skills, as disorganized and weak as they are. With practice, slowly, slowly I'm starting to catch myself before impulse takes over. ( When I say slowly I mean this: in the past, I would never catch myself. Now I can catch myself one every 50 times.) I'm starting to be able to calm myself down, I'm starting to find ways to outsmart the paralysis borne of being overwhelmed and unmotivated, and I have a very loving and understanding partner.

[@alexhenty76]

I have ADHD. Diagnosed 48 hours ago but have always known I wasn’t quite like everyone else. Before I decided to comment, I was happily listening to this guy while also reading the comments. I can do both at once. It does feel a bit like a super power. However, it also means my entire life has been absolutely exhausting compared to a lot of people. It’s not just life’s stresses and disappointments, it’s extreme instability, chaos and intense emotional reactions to daily life and because its often genetic, the awful things life throws at you are quadrupled and intensified by all the neuro divergent people around you. I am very creative and my brain is like a sniper for trouble shooting problems but my life is a chaotic mess and my parents clearly had it and their denial and the mess the caused trying to mask it meant my sister and I pretty much had nervous breakdowns caring for them while they refused any outside professional help. If you don’t deal with your mental health then it can destroy not just you but those around you. Added to which as we are constantly judged and criticised, we are very vulnerable prey for narcissistic people to use and abuse. At times, life honestly has felt so unbearable, I have contemplated suicide but ultimately, I realise life is a gift and it would be awful to make my children motherless, especially when I now see traits in them and, unlike my own parents, I need to be around to protect them and advocate for them

[@stevevans100]

Would like to hear more about specific methods to manage the downside. I'm well aware of the upside but struggle with completion of projects and allowing minor priority tasks pull me away from major ones. I find that I already know the solution to my problem, if someone else had the same struggles, I could advise them. So it seems that I know I'm off course, but am driven to keep going down it and so I waste a lot of time and my priority tasks are delayed. I would like to learn about methods to stay on course in the face of unlimited distractions.

[@adhdoers8814]

I will share a video about that on my channel tomorrow

[@CelesteAnise]

Sounds like me in sales roles. I always became the best or the top in the company because I was so focused on getting the extra money that came with it. While my coworker's focus would go up and down each day. But I also usually get targeted by the owner or the manager in the company and have experienced so much bullying and illegal treatment in the work industry and fired so many times over basic things like trying to discuss why I am not getting paid or why I am being treated differently than my male coworkers.

[@Aidan-hd5re]

i hope my adhd entrepreneur dreams come true, too.

[@rodthemixgod7082]

This Talk in itself was so ADHD of him cause it was him looking at the “disability” from a different perspective

[@billyhale8027]

Diagnosed last year 53 years old . I just thought all these years I was blessed with superpowers . Mine is a bit unique duel diagnosed Complex PTSD Hyperventilate Hyperarrousal / HDAD . I was attracted to the raffle ticket with a gentleman that was business man whom sharpened my skils teaching me business and was a true managing tool I see he was . .I went on to Building a highly successful Furniture Mattress Store and 35 years Became very successful. I am semi retired in Florida and own many rentals in KY and starting NY new venture here in FL. I've got so much coaching abilities company start up and more . So now after learning this about what I've had my entire life I promise I can help and ot would sure help me . I am in need to help others and I'd like to right a book etc . Again the Flux of info flowing is beyond overwhelming me to pay it back my story and life's journey will truly help others especially those affected by trauma resulting in Ptsd and grouped with HDAD it's missed many many times and we loose them to a uneducated Dr giving out anti depressants to them . Thank you for what your doing how can I reach out for more help .

[@ThatOneSeanGuy]

Thank you

[@TanyaSmith.indefectible-ADHD]

I have ADHD diagnosed at 48. I am on medication, but it really is how you describe it. Kryptonite around your neck. I still get the thoughts ideas and chitter chatter but i now longer act on them like i used to. I have ideas all the time, so much so I had to take a notebook to bed with me. No i seem to have lost all my creativity and motivation. Maybe I should stop the meds(supervised of course) and find my superpower.😀

[@omarmaxwell7685]

A little late to the room ... Just watching this. Thanks for sharing

[@monticae]

Omg. I appreciate your work and this talk. I am actually startled about you calling it your super power while so many of us who have ADHD ARE JUST STRUGGLING.

[@miltonnyabereka9826]

I just came to the realization I'm ADHD. I'm an entrepreneur with multiple businesses and for years have struggled wondering what's wrong with me

[@Langtrout1]

Milton Nyabereka I’ll be down that same path soon my man🤙 wish ya the best of luck

[@Lecram93]

Stopped the video to plan my own presentation and already started to visualize it on the whiteboard in our kitchen 🤧🥲

[@kaysianrain9203]

I felt the same way when I first tried medication, I suddenly didn't care much about interacting with people. I literally give a damn to speak my thoughts and even then my thoughts were few though my focus was now on one thing at a time. If that's what being normal felt like, I didn't like it or want to be normal.

[@giancarlodulanto2668]

Let’s remember no one is 💯 perfect and everyone is good at some things and bad at other things.

[@wcarp4231]

Listening to this while reading NFL news

[@Because_Reasons]

Love this!

[@KlydetheGlyde]

I’m pretty sure I have attention deficit hyperactive disorder yet I have 3 side businesses and a full time job where I win awards all the time. ‘Attention deficit’ seems weird because I never stop thinking I just can’t focus. Disorder is another strange part of the title because I really like who I am and what I’ve accomplished. What if companies actually sought these people out for certain positions?

[@r5an]

What he said about not being able to feel out customers/demands as much or basically the things that we're normally often hyper sensitive to when on meds was an Ah Hah! Moment for me as that made sense of the new work problems that came for me in replacement of the old ones the meds helped with. This was Adderall. And my manager said eventually i got too burnt out and acted too high strung not myself so i weened off and he noticed I was more chill next quarter and my work improved overall and I then got promoted soon after. The meds helped me get my knowledge up and make dials but my calls were TOOO long as I'd get WAY into the small things in accounts I'd normally be keenly putting off as it was a waste of my LIMITED ENERGY. We are humans not ROBOTS so PLEASE for the love, stop saying our brains aren't wired right. Just not right for the office damnit. Not bragging. currently unemployed in the covid madness on lockdown aka my comfort.. I wad also unemployed before the pandemic after losing yet another job though the one above was my best run of nearly 4 whole years hey I went to university of work!

[@Taevec]

Wow, so hard to watch this video. But, in a good way. Such inspiration!

[@Taevec]

P.S-Where are all the views?

[@ATATChat]

Truth

[@kevino601]

I needed this, thank you

[@z018246]

Meds are needed.

[@kevino601]

@@z018246 nope

[@z018246]

@@kevino601 and why not?

[@atescamilla8]

A statistic on how many people in YPO use medication to treat their ADHD would be interesting.

[@TheManeThingLLC]

Have to follow up "right then and there"... oh, the story of my life! I meet myself in the hallways and am pretty sure this is where that saying came from...

[@cheberur]

ADHD is a superpower. Watching the video at 1.5-2.0 speed is epic💜

[@andremeier3291]

Amazing talk... really interesting, 11 mins in i stoped and started again laiter because i stumbled upon it in my tabs

[@jefft6811]

I've been seeking help through the NHS since my diagnosis. 5 years ago. I have had no help from anyone and I am so tired of battling both myself and a world that seems utterly incompatible with me. I have just started working for myself but I am still no businessman yet

[@Antonioo35]

Its so hard to walk alone dude i tasted it before and especially for startups. I dont know your business but have a little tip for you, try to find networks or even someone that accepts you and understands. These days really hard to build a business so try to minimize the struggles and enjoy social support.

[@mogbaba]

It's so sweet to listen or to read about ADHD superpower and hence live a life of misery because of ADHAD

[@mub03]

Awesome Video!

[@phesterful]

I've done what amounts to crisis management in IT / software development for years. When I did tech support half my coworkers were the same way. Many had not graduated college and were brilliant. Most had previous careers in EMS. I honestly don't think many non-ADHD people can focus well during an ongoing crisis.

[@susanhawkes2519]

Not enough rules for them to follow and lack creativity. Also, not impelled by the urgency that comes with impulsivity.

[@nicedreams726]

It's not a disability, it's a different ability. You don't know how much that helps me.

[@chinlim7865]

My son got expel from medical school because of his ADHD. They did not accept his late diagnosis. We are appealing against the discriminatory decision

[@duncanbug]

I hope you can appeal. There are TONS of ADHD doctors especially in emergency medicine!

[@juliabillman4693]

72 I have known I am dyslexic since childhood - cutting out 2 left hand side backs of my velvet wedding dress is one of my better tells! But I have for many years described my brain as being full of thousands of butterflies (thoughts /ideas) and also sometimes small aggressive birds ( self deprecating ideas) I have always assumed this related to my dyslexic brain, I really see myself in these talks on ADHD

[@emmanueloshaddai3259]

I’m fond of your description of the small aggressive birds. I can relate. I’ve been watching these videos about adhd and I just can’t figure out what would be the best treatment for someone affected by it.

[@juliabillman4693]

@@emmanueloshaddai3259 I think only people with these characteristics would be able to fully understand, I also think we are all different so one size doesn't fit all. I am not so sure it is a treatment matter I think we are all a little different and some of us are a bit further from the median than others. In many ways our differences are a superpower. At school In the 1950s and 60s I was a "lazy intelligent child" I struggled with languages including English punctuation my writing was illegible. I Chose chemistry as an elective but was told to take Art "you may make world changing discoveries in Chemistry but we cant risk you blowing up the lab" Under protest I took sewing in exams they would require the Right side only of a garment I could never work out he correct side I would spend half the exam time working out which way to place the pattern pieces and 50% of the time I was wrong! But at 72 I have just completed a 7m X 3m Zip on pool cover with enclosed sides. The main things I have learned are. Never give up, Believe in yourself, Keep calm panic is your enemy, If you believe something can be done you will find a way all the disconnected racing thoughts are like little magnets when they combine to solve the problem.

[@emmanueloshaddai3259]

@@juliabillman4693 Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate the positive outlook you've had on it, and I'll be sure to adapt it for myself. As for the blowing up part, I actually did electronics in uni, and while in my internship you could say I was the best at problem solving and trouble shooting, I also blew up the most machines. It's a double edged sword really, and I hope I can lean on the correct end, while getting help for the more distracting end, and to me, that help can come in the form of a person, or even of a medication. I just think it's important.

[@HeatherLandex]

Remarkable.

[@Dubinski2382]

I feel it's great if you're a boss. Awesome.

[@karlbarker2912]

100%

[@cheapnose2673]

Who daydreams during the video? lol

[@shithead]

Just working out String Theory while I draw a couple diagrams, y'know

[@z018246]

Yes, he was boring.

[@danielopresto2]

I am 37 and a software developer and I just realized that I have ADHD, And sad about all opportunities that I missed. And more sad that my son have it and don't know what I must do...

[@Ghost-lf4mz]

I have adhd, and my life I was yelled at, had awful grades in school and felt completely miss understood. I’ve always been into music and cars since like 7, it’s all I could think about and still all I think about and that annoyed people. I got called lazy and selfish a lot by my family and friends, so that caused me a lot pain leading to substance abuse and serious Mental health problems before an actually diagnosis, but when I got diagnosed with adhd the doctors gave me Ritalin and next thing u know I’m snorting it and addicted to it. Mum just stopped buying it for me when she found out, I started doing research on adhd a lot to learn about myself. And now I’m 17 nearly 18 working as a full time powder painter making music that I love, it makes me so happy. The point is don’t take the meds, do ur research and be u. If u be ur self greatness will most likely come