Research-Backed Strategies for ADHD in Entrepreneurship

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May 14, 2024

In a lively discussion, Professor Johan Wiklund, an expert in entrepreneurship and a fellow ADHD individual, shares unique insights into the entrepreneurial world. He highlights how impulsivity can lead to innovative opportunities. The conversation includes the importance of balanced teams, where ADHD traits can complement traditional strengths. Both Johan and the host advocate for practical mindfulness techniques that enhance productivity. They also explore the gender disparities in entrepreneurship, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of women with ADHD.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Story as Catalyst

Johan Wiklund's ADHD diagnosis in 2012 sparked his research interest in ADHD and entrepreneurship.
He questioned if his success was despite ADHD or because of it, finding little research on potential advantages.

INSIGHT

ADHD Traits as Strengths

ADHD traits, often seen as weaknesses, can be advantageous in entrepreneurship.
Curiosity, multitasking, and distractibility can fuel innovation and exploration.

INSIGHT

Impulsivity and Action

Impulsivity, an ADHD trait, can be crucial for entrepreneurs.
It allows them to act on opportunities despite uncertainty, a key aspect of starting ventures.

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Today we are kicking off a shiny new series for Entrepreneurs with ADHD.

Despite the growing number of entrepreneurs who identify with ADHD, there’s still a great deal of confusion and controversy.

I turned to an expert in the field who is a professor of entrepreneurship who researches the impact of ADHD on entrepreneurship and also has ADHD himself.

In fact, his own diagnosis in 2012 was a pivotal moment in his career path. I’ve been following Professor Johan Wiklund of Syracuse University for the past few years and was thrilled that he was willing to chat with me.

We have a wide-ranging conversation (in true ADHD style) about the research on gender differences in entrepreneurship with ADHD, building a business with ADHD in mind, and his own experiences being diagnosed later in life.

Here's a sneak peek at what to expect:

🚀 Turning ADHD Traits into Assets: Impulsivity isn't always a setback! Dr. Wiklund shares how traits commonly associated with ADHD can propel entrepreneurs to act on opportunities with a sense of immediacy and innovation.

🤝 The Perfect Team Formula: Find out why the best entrepreneurial teams are often a balanced mix of those with ADHD traits and those without, fostering an environment where strengths are maximized and struggles are expertly managed.

🧘‍♀️ Practical Mindfulness: Both Dr Wiklund and I take a pragmatic approach to meditation, and integrate mindfulness into our daily routines

📈 ADHD and the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Dr. Wiklund discusses how ADHD informs the traits of successful entrepreneurs – like hyperfocus and high work capacity – while acknowledging the necessity of support for areas like inattentiveness and procrastination.

✨ Special Advice for Women Entrepreneurs with ADHD: Overcome stereotypes, employ self-care, outsource the mundane, and maintain your entrepreneurial spark.

Mic Drop Moment:

"Am I being successful despite all these problems the doctors have identified? Or could it be that I've been able to use some of these traits to my advantage?"

— Johan Wiklund, Ph.D.

Want to connect with Professor Wiklund?

I asked if he had any social media accounts. His answer: “No, I value my mental health.”

So, you can only contact him through Syracuse University

Read this article on ADHD and entrepreneurship by Dr Wiklund

The fellow professor and ADHD researcher he spoke about is Dr Kevin Antshel

Companion episodes to check out:

Short & Sassy episodes for the ADHD entrepreneur: https://bit.ly/4dbyXM3
Full-length episodes for the ADHD entrepreneur: https://bit.ly/3UJJnLP

If you loved this episode, please do me a solid and share it with your friends who are entrepreneurs who identify with ADHD traits. https://kite.link/what-the-research-has-to-say-about-adhd-and-entrepreneurship

Thank you!