ADHD recipe for success
Condition linked to winners in business
IT’S the much-maligned condition that can be a nightmare in the classroom but could be an essential requirement in the boardroom.
Researchers are investigating a link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and successful entrepreneurs.
Famous entrepreneurs with ADHD include Virgin Airlines founder Sir Richard Branson, Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad and Jet Blue Airwaves founder David Neeleman.
Dr Antti Kauppinen and colleagues from RMIT University are hoping their study will shed light on research showing a link between the condition and becoming an entrepreneur.
Some of the traits of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can make learning in a structured setting like a classroom difficult for children, translate in the business world to creativity, risk-tasking and high energy – all ingredients for entrepreneurial success.
“This is the hypothesis that we are investigating, that ADHD is a positive for entrepreneurial ventures. They may take more risks and be more creative due to the impulsivity,” Dr Kauppinen said.
“For those with ADHD, it can be easier to recognise the process of inventing a venture idea, and implementing it into practice, than for the general population, so we are very interested in how ADHD and entrepreneurship are related.”
Mark Brandtman, 63, realised the difficulties he experienced at school were ADHD when his three sons were diagnosed with the condition, which is now understood to be inherited.
“I was not treated until my mid-40s,” he said.
He turned it into a business, coaching and supporting others with ADHD to make the most of the positive traits.
“We have lots of ideas and we are constantly thinking,” Mr Brandtman said.
“We have a high-level work ethic and a 12-hour day for us, if we are interested, is a breeze.
“ADHD is not a gift but, if some things are managed, they can be positive.”
Previous studies have shown those with ADHD have the ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions to complex problems and can be natural leaders.
Sir Branson, who has both dyslexia and ADHD, said he was “hopeless” at conventional education.
“I would have failed IQ tests and I left school at 15. If I’m not interested in something I don’t grasp it,” he said in a YouTube interview.
“Some people are good at conventional mathematics ... and other people are good at other things and I only discovered that when I left school.”
RMIT researchers are looking for 50 Australian entrepreneurs with ADHD to study.