Living with ADHD often feels like a relentless whirlwind. Without systems and clear prioritisation, it’s utter chaos. I know this firsthand, as the founder of Cog ADHD, a tech startup dedicated to revolutionising the ADHD care system. Many people believe that the qualities needed to be a successful founder are incompatible with ADHD. However, I’ve found that the very traits that make ADHD challenging can also be harnessed as invaluable strengths required in the entrepreneurial world.

The chaos and the systems

Let’s face it: ADHD can be overwhelming. The constant barrage of thoughts, ideas, and distractions can lead to a state of paralysis if not managed properly. For years, I struggled with this. The turning point came when I realised that to navigate my ADHD, I needed robust systems and clear prioritisation. This approach isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.

However, living with ADHD builds a toolkit of unexpected yet valuable strengths such as resilience, being able to “put out fires”, reading and connecting with people, an innovative mindset and being comfortable with uncertainty. Because of the neuro-chemical imbalance involved in an ADHD brain often leads to one being passionate about what they do, to maintain focus.

These are critical traits for a Founder crazy enough to disrupt an industry. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy, but here are some lessons that have helped me.

What they say is needed to be a successful founder

When people talk about what it takes to be a successful founder, they often mention qualities like relentless focus, unwavering discipline, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball. At first glance, these seem like insurmountable challenges for someone with ADHD. However, I've come to see these qualities from a different perspective.

ADHD has taught me to embrace adaptability and resilience. I’ve had to develop strategies to maintain focus, such as working in short, intense bursts (the Pomodoro Technique is a favourite) and creating an environment that minimises distractions. Unwavering discipline doesn’t come naturally, but it can be cultivated through habits and routines.

Living with ADHD is like running a company

Living with ADHD is remarkably similar to running a company. Both require constant vigilance, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to growth and improvement. Just as a company must pivot and adapt to survive and thrive, individuals with ADHD must continuously refine their strategies to manage their symptoms effectively.

In many ways, ADHD has been excellent preparation for life as a founder. The necessity to understand my mind deeply and develop strategies to manage it has translated into a keen ability to understand and manage my business. I’ve learned to leverage my hyperfocus periods for deep work and use my high energy levels to drive innovation, motivation and progress.

Mastering ADHD, mastering foundership

Mastering ADHD isn’t about eliminating the chaos entirely, but learning how to navigate and channel it effectively. This journey of mastery has made me a better founder. It’s taught me that success isn’t about fitting into a predefined mould but embracing and making your unique attributes work for you.

I developed a structured yet flexible system to channel my energy and ideas productively. This includes daily prioritisation, time-blocking, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and using my digital calendar religiously. These systems create a framework within which creativity and innovation can thrive while maintaining sufficient balance and consistency to oversee a company.

In the end, being a founder with ADHD means constantly balancing on the edge of chaos and order. It’s about finding and refining the systems that keep you grounded, harnessing the creativity that ADHD brings, and turning potential distractions into opportunities for innovation. By learning to master ADHD, I’ve learned to master the art of being at the helm of my company, making it work not just for me but for everyone involved.

ADHD has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest asset. It has forced me to become more disciplined, more organised, and more empathetic. It has given me a unique perspective on problem-solving and an unrelenting drive to innovate. And for that, I’m grateful.

If you’re a founder with ADHD, know that it’s possible to turn what many see as a limitation into a powerful advantage. Embrace your unique mind, build the systems you need, and let your creativity soar. The world of startups needs your unique vision