ADHD Successful Adults & Their Strategies
“Wait, can a successful person really have ADHD?
The truth is, absolutely – they can, and they do.
Many ADHDers are extraordinary. They earn advanced degrees, build incredible careers, and launch businesses that reshape industries.
So the real question is:
What make those adults successful even with ADHD?
Here’s a summary of what sets them apart and why they succeed:
1. Turning ADHD Strengths into Superpowers
Many adults with ADHD are naturally creative, intuitive, and inventive. They bring boundless energy and imagination to the table, paired with an unparalleled ability to hyperfocus on what truly captivates them.
For example, Richard Branson (one of the person we will deep dive in this post), the founder of Virgin Group, has openly shared how his ADHD fuels his spontaneity and innovative thinking. Instead of suppressing their unique traits, successful ADHDers embrace them as superpowers that set them apart.
2. Finding Work That Works for Them
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”? For ADHDers, this advice is less cliché and more survival strategy. They thrive in careers that align with their need for creativity, physical activity, and innovation.
Here are some suitable jobs for ADHD adults
3. Building a System to cope with ADHD
Coping with ADHD is never a “one-size-fits-all” journey, but every successful ADHDer has one thing in common: a strategy.
Some develop workarounds to overcome forgetfulness, like using digital tools to track deadlines or automating their schedules. Others create personalized systems to stay productive—what I like to call their “productivity stack.”
There’s a term call high-functioning ADHD. It describes people with symptoms of (undiagnosed) ADHD that do not significantly impair their day-to-day activities.[1]
But let’s not romanticize this. Even those who seem to have it all together can feel overwhelmed at times. Managing ADHD is a continuous process, not a magic trick.
Who those ADHD successful adults are and their strategies to be productive
Each person is different, but we can learn from these people and build strategies that work for us.
1. Richard Branson - A Billionaire Entrepreneur
Sir Richard Branson, born on July 18, 1950, is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which encompasses over 400 companies across various sectors, including music, airlines, and space travel. (*)
He has openly discussed his experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, conditions that he believes have contributed to his entrepreneurial success. (*)
Here is what he talked about:
Be brave
- Those who achieve great things are the ones willing to be scared but not scared off.
- Being bold and a risk-taker doesn’t mean being foolish; always protect the downside.
Be you
- You don’t have to sacrifice your beliefs to achieve success.
- Stay focused on your goals and true to your core values.
Be respectful
- Success in life and business is built on reputation.
- Be aware, be kind, and always think of others.
- Speak your mind, but think before you speak or act.
Say yes
- “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all”
- Even if you don’t know where you’re going, saying yes leads to amazing adventures.
- Screw it. Let’s do it
Dream big
- My story is all about big dreams.
- The odds were often against me, but by not limiting myself, I made the impossible possible.
- Dream big, and you’ll be rewarded.
Have fun
- Work won’t feel like work if you’re passionate about what you’re doing.
- Creativity and fun keep you energized and engaged.
Give back
- A simple act of kindness brings huge personal rewards.
- When you see the impact of giving, it’s the best feeling in the world.
Look after yourself
- Good health is the key to happiness, and happiness is the key to success.
Be in the moment
- Take the focus off everything you think you need to do, and start being I promise you, happiness will follow.
- For me, it’s watching the flamingos fly across Necker Island at dusk. It’s holding my new grandchildren’s tiny hands. It’s looking up at the stars and dreaming of seeing them up close one day. It’s listening to my family’s dinner-time debates. It’s the smile on a stranger’s face, the smell of rain, the ripple of a wave, the wind across the sand. It’s the first snow fall of winter, and the last storm of summer.
B. How to be Productive
Make Lists – and Stick to Them [*]
- Write down every idea that comes to mind.
- Set measurable goals so if it’s working, you’ll know.
- Think big and share your goals with others
- Celebrate your wins, then create new lists to keep momentum. [*]
Take Notes
- When listening to someone, note down the points that resonate with you the most. [*]
- Go back to these notes afterward and act on them.
Build your “Productivity toolkit”
- Identify when, where, and how you work best.
- It includes the tools, routines, and spaces that help you stay focused and productive.
Focus on One Task at a Time
Leverage Others
- Play to your strengths, and don’t hesitate to delegate or outsource when needed.
- Lean on mentors for guidance whenever possible
Stick to a Routine
- “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” [*]
Exercise Regularly
- Exercise is a natural mood booster and keeps you sharp. [*]
- Many say they “don’t have time” to exercise. The truth is, you won’t have the time unless you make it.
- Find a type of exercise you enjoy and can easily fit into your routine.
2. David Neeleman
David Neeleman is a prominent Brazilian-American entrepreneur best known for founding several successful airlines, including Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways.
Neeleman has openly discussed his struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He faced challenges in traditional educational settings, often feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. However, rather than viewing ADHD as a hindrance, Neeleman has embraced it as a source of creativity and original thinking. He believes that his condition allows him to approach problems differently and generate innovative solutions.
A. How to Be Productive as a Business Owner
Build a Team That Complements Your Strengths (*)
- “I was just really careful to surround myself with people that could complement my ADHD. I have people around me that help implement a lot of the ideas I have.”
- “In business, I surround myself with everybody who are not like me. They can push back and do all that stuff. I make sure they complement all the things that are my weaknesses.”
- For instance, his assistant handles scheduling and correspondence, freeing him to focus on strategy.
Let Passion Drive Your Success
- “The most important thing is that you have to follow your passion. You have to figure out what your passion is.
- Once you figure it out, you’ll become the best in the world at it because you’re obsessed with it.
- Don’t do what other people want you to do. What really gets you up in the morning and gets you excited?”
Create Systems to Manage Time (*)
- “You just have to create checklists and stuff. The hard thing is the mundane stuff. The stuff that is most important – you have no problem getting that done.”
- Having systems in place is key for productivity.
- “You have to come up with systems. An iPhone is a great tool. You have notes, reminders, lists. You have to read the priorities.
- Prioritize what you need to get done today. Because if you don’t, you’ll never get it done. Use those tools. Create a system for you to get things done.”
Invest in Your Health
- Exercise.
3. Ingvar Kamprad - IKEA Founder
Ingvar Kamprad is best known as the founder of IKEA, the globally recognized furniture retail giant. His innovative approach to retail, particularly the introduction of flat-pack furniture that customers could assemble themselves, revolutionized the industry and contributed significantly to IKEA’s success.
Kamprad was open about his diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which he credited for his unique problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Lessons on Building an Empire: IKEA
1/ Experience Beats Convenience
- IKEA makes its customers suffer a little with self-assembly. However, it increases the psychological valuation of DIY products.
I like this. It highlights the power of moments—creating sensory experiences for customers when they buy IKEA products. This transformed IKEA from just a furniture company into an experienced company.
2/ Take the Bus aka Be Frugal
- One story recalls his encounter with a young accountant at the airport. As the accountant headed toward the taxi stands, Ingvar gently redirected him: “We’re taking the bus, no?”
- “Wasting resources is a mortal sin at IKEA.”
This resonates with early business owners like me. Save the money, reinvest it in the business, and improve the product. Fancy stuff is meaningless at this stage.
3/ Lead by Example
- “No method is more effective than the good example.”
- You must show up, hold tight to your vision, and never compromise on quality.
You set the ceiling for how much your employees care.
4/ Choose the Right People
- Surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses. Ingvar bluntly says, “Do not try to fool anyone—especially not yourself.”
This echoes a common theme among successful entrepreneurs I’ve read about: surround yourself with superstars.
5/ Be Humble, Make Mistakes, Own Up, Learn
- “Only while sleeping does one make no mistakes.”
A timeless lesson. Straightforward but easier said than done. It’s worth repeating often. A recent book I read, Ego is the Enemy, captures this well – embrace the student mindset: always learn from others and your own mistakes.
4. Charles Schwab
Charles Robert Schwab is a prominent American investor and financial executive, best recognized as the founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation
Charles Schwab has shared several insightful quotes regarding ADHD and effective work strategies. Here are some of his notable statements:
- On Strengths and Weaknesses: “Find out what you can do well, focus on it, and work doubly hard. Focus on your strengths. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to admit you need it.” This emphasizes the importance of leveraging one’s strengths while also recognizing the need for support
- On Embracing ADHD: “If someone told me you could be normal or you could continue to have your ADHD, I would take ADHD.” This quote reflects Schwab’s belief in the positive aspects of ADHD, suggesting that he values the unique perspectives it brings
- On Positivity: Schwab encourages individuals with ADHD to “look at the positives of having ADHD, and don’t get discouraged. Don’t ever give up.” This statement highlights a proactive and optimistic approach to managing ADHD challenges
Conclusion
Living with ADHD doesn’t mean living with limitations—it means finding the strategies that work best for you, embracing your unique perspective, and sometimes even turning your challenges into your greatest strengths. These stories of famous people with ADHD show us that success is not about fitting into a mold but creating your own path.
Whether you’re tackling a creative project, managing a business, or simply navigating daily life, the right tools, routines, and mindset can make all the difference.
So, take inspiration from these stories, experiment with strategies, and remember: your journey is yours to design.
