5 Highly Successful People You Didn’t Know Had ADHD
The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that current adult ADHD is 4.4%. This was higher for males (5.4%) versus females (3.2%). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is frequently perceived negatively, primarily as a collection of challenging symptoms (we choose to only focus on the negative aspects of ADHD, which include procrastination, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, disorganization and being easily distracted).
Are people with ADHD good at business? Absolutely, just take a look at, Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Walt Disney. All three credit their success to their ADHD, with some even referring to it as a ‘superpower.’
Which famous CEOs have ADHD? Dan Bastian, Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop, Daymond John (FUBU), Ty Pennington and IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad to name a few.
Here are some traits that often help people with ADHD to be successful:
- A People Person
- Hyperfocus
- Highly passionate
- Determination and drive
- Risk taker
- Optimistic
- Imaginative
Every day, opportunities to collaborate and work with talented people with ADHD are being missed and the creative brilliance people with ADHD offer. Here are just a few people with ADHD no one would want to miss out on:
Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group – ADHD and Dyslexia
Sir Richard Branson is an entrepreneur whose net worth stands at an estimated $3 billion in 2024. Branson has dyslexia, and had poor academic performance; on his last day at school, his headmaster, told him he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire.
Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft – ADHD
American business magnate known for co-founding the software company Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Gates has a net worth of $137 billion and is known to have ADHD and has admitted to struggling with ADHD symptoms. Gates went to Harvard to study mathematics and computer science courses, but soon dropped out to start Microsoft.
Justin Timberlake, Singer, Songwriter, and Actor – OCD and ADD
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Timberlake appeared on musical television shows as a child, competing on Star Search. Timberlake’s debut solo album, Justified, produced his first solo hit singles, “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body”. Timberlake has an estimated net worth of $250 million.
Simone Biles, Olympic Champion & Athlete – ADHD
Gymnastic megastar Simone Biles recently admitted that she has ADHD. America’s most-decorated Olympic gymnast recently won three gold and one silver at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The 2024 Olympic Games was the final time fans witnessed Biles perform the Yurchenko Double Pike. Biles next will be on the Gold Over America tour, starting September 16 in Oceanside, California.
will.i.am, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur – ADHD
Born, William James Adams Jr. will.i.am is best known as the frontman for the Black Eyed Peas. A prolific record producer and songwriter, Adams is credited on singles and albums for some of the world’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, U2, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Psy, Justin Timberlake, Nicki Minaj, Estelle, Nas, John Legend, Cheryl, and 2NE1. will.i.am has been quoted as saying, “I’ve suffered from ADHD for years. But I’ve learned how to control it.” In 1985 – when he was around the age of 10 – he needed CPR after he almost drowned in a swimming pool.
Masking ADHD or hiding it is a common theme with ADHD. The tendency to mask symptoms is frequently a conditioned reaction influenced by societal perceptions of what is deemed “normal.” Numerous adults with ADHD conceal their symptoms to avoid disrupting their interpersonal relationships and social interactions. While some individuals may mask their symptoms unconsciously, others do so with full awareness.
The DEA has announced (September 2024) it has increased the production limit for Takeda’s ADHD drug Vyvanse by about 24% to address the medicine’s ongoing shortage in the United States. ADHD drugs have been in short supply for years. The FDA warned of a shortage of Israel-based drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ Adderall in October 2022, troubled by manufacturing delays.
Neurodiversity event moved to meet demand
Organizers of a neurodiversity-themed discussion featuring TV personality Christine McGuinness have had to move the event to a larger venue due to unprecedented demand. Speakers at the event include, Christine McGuinness, Ellie Middleton and Tumi Sotire and will now take place at the Leeds Playhouse between 2 and 5 October and feature talks and debates on journalism, entertainment, science and technology.
