For most of my life, I didn’t know I had ADHD. I just knew that school felt harder for me than it did for others. I could focus intensely on things that fascinated me but struggled to pay attention to anything that didn’t. Staying organized wasn’t my strong suit—I’d forget assignments, miss deadlines, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the structure. But at the time, I simply assumed I needed to try harder.
It wasn’t until adulthood that I was diagnosed with ADHD, and suddenly, so much about my past made sense. The way I worked, the challenges I faced, and even the strengths that had helped me succeed all had a common thread.
Back then, I didn’t realize that the traits that made school challenging (thinking differently, thriving in chaos, and taking risks) would become my greatest strengths as an entrepreneur.
When people hear “ADHD,” they often think of distraction, restlessness, or difficulty focusing. But what if I told you those same traits can be a huge business advantage? Research from the International Review of Entrepreneurship shows that individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to start and run businesses than those without it.
Why? Because the qualities that can make traditional settings difficult (struggling with structure, thinking outside the box, and embracing bold risks) are the same ones that fuel innovation, adaptability, and business success.
The Superpowers of ADHD in Business
If you or your child has ADHD, you probably already know that your brain works differently. While that might have made school frustrating, it can be a major advantage in the business world. People with ADHD are creative, energetic, and willing to take risks—three essential traits for any entrepreneur. When channeled correctly, these qualities can help you thrive in the fast-paced world of business.
Thinking Outside the Box
One of the biggest advantages of having ADHD is the ability to see things differently. People with ADHD are natural problem-solvers wired for creative thinking. This is a game-changer in entrepreneurship, where success often depends on coming up with fresh ideas and unique solutions. In fact, studies show that entrepreneurs with ADHD tend to have more intuitive, out-of-the-box thinking styles that help them innovate and adapt.
Taking Risks and Making Big Moves
Starting a business is all about taking risks, and if you have ADHD, chances are you’re more comfortable with uncertainty than most. That impulsivity that might get your kid in trouble? In the entrepreneurial world, it helps you make quick decisions and seize big opportunities. Research shows that hyperactivity, a common ADHD trait, is closely linked to entrepreneurial behavior because it fuels a willingness to take risks.
The Power of Hyperfocus
People often associate ADHD with distractibility, but here’s the flip side: when someone with ADHD is passionate about something, they can enter hyperfocus mode. This was definitely the case for me. Hyperfocus means laser-sharp concentration and the ability to work for hours without losing momentum. When an entrepreneur with ADHD is invested in their business, this deep focus can be a huge advantage for pushing through obstacles and achieving their goals.
Energy and Charisma
ADHD often comes with high energy levels, which, when directed properly, can be a tremendous asset in business. Successful entrepreneurs need enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong ability to connect with others. People with ADHD tend to be great at networking, pitching ideas, and rallying a team. Their natural charisma and adaptability can give them an edge in building relationships and growing their businesses.
The Challenges And How to Tackle Them
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. ADHD comes with its fair share of struggles, especially when it comes to executive function skills like organization, time management, and staying focused on tasks that don’t feel engaging (hello, bookkeeping!). For students, this might look like missing homework deadlines because they forget to write down assignments, struggling to start long-term projects until the last minute or losing track of important materials like notebooks and folders. They may also zone out in class, struggle to follow multi-step directions or feel overwhelmed by tasks that require sustained effort, sometimes leading to frustration and self-doubt.
The key isn’t trying to “fix” these challenges, it’s learning to work around them. Many successful entrepreneurs with ADHD develop strategies to compensate, such as using digital planners to track deadlines, setting timers to stay on task, or delegating responsibilities to others. An Executive Function Coach helps students build these skills by introducing structured routines, encouraging visual reminders, and teaching them to break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. With the right support, ADHD isn’t a roadblock, it’s just a different path to success.
My Journey with ADHD and Entrepreneurship
Growing up, I struggled with focus, organization, and motivation, especially in a household full of high achievers. I often felt like I didn’t fit in. However, my parents saw my gift for working with kids and encouraged me to go into teaching.
While I barely scraped through high school, I excelled in college because I LOVED my major, proving that interest is the best motivator for someone with ADHD.
As a teacher, I had a soft spot for students with ADHD. I understood their struggles firsthand and taught them strategies I wished someone had shared with me. My principal saw my leadership potential and encouraged me to go into administration, but deep down, I knew the rigid structure of the school system wasn’t for me. Taking a leap of faith, I quit my secure job and started my own tutoring business, Educational Connections, with just me as the sole tutor.
I worked five days a week until 9 p.m., Saturdays until 3 p.m., and even on Sundays. My hyperfocus helped me pour everything I had into growing my business. But here’s the thing: I was terrible at the operational side. Keeping track of invoices and managing finances was overwhelming. Thankfully, my husband stepped in to help, and soon after, I made my first hire: Phyllis, a dedicated bookkeeper. That was a game-changer. My business took off as I built a team to support my weaknesses.
Over time, I learned a crucial lesson: I didn’t have to do everything myself.
I was willing to take risks and expand, but I realized that surrounding myself with the right people was the key to success. Eventually, my company grew, and we now have over 125 tutors, executive function coaches, and college consultants, helping thousands of students (many of whom have ADHD!) develop the tools they need to succeed.
If You Have a Child with ADHD, They May Be a Natural Entrepreneur
If your child has ADHD, you may already recognize some of these traits: creativity, a love for risk-taking, and the ability to hyperfocus on what excites them. While these characteristics can provide difficulties during the school years, they are often the same skills that can fuel entrepreneurial success later in life. Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, from Richard Branson to David Neeleman (founder of JetBlue), have ADHD and credit their success to the unique way their minds work.
Recognizing and nurturing these strengths early can help your child develop confidence in their abilities.
Encouraging creative problem-solving, embracing their natural curiosity, and helping them find workarounds for challenges like organization and time management can set them up for success in school, life, and business.
If your child has ADHD and big dreams, remind them that their brain isn’t a limitation. It’s their greatest asset.