How'd You Get THAT Job?! ADHD hyperfocus brings this journalist’s research to the next level
Omar Mouallem is a journalist and filmmaker with ADHD. Omar has worn many hats — journalist, documentary filmmaker, “fake dean” of his self-made school Pandemic University School of Writing, and real professor — all without a college degree. When he began writing Praying to the West, he struggled to focus on one topic for an entire book. That led Omar to his ADHD diagnosis.
As a freelance writer for many years, Omar flourished as his busy mind moved from project to project. He’s won awards for his investigative journalism, where hyperfocusing down research rabbit holes is a strength. When the pandemic hit, and work dried up overnight, he had a lot to reconsider. Listen to this week’s episode of How’d You Get THAT Job?! to hear how he got his start from a Craigslist ad — and how impulsivity can actually work in your favor.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.
Related resources
- Praying to the West: How Muslims Shaped the Americas, by Omar Mouallem
- Amazing Cats, by Omar Mouallem
- Digging in the Dirt documentary
- ADHD and hyperfocus
- What is self-awareness?
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