Being a strong leader, staying focused, and following through on important tasks are all characteristics of successful executives. But would an adult diagnosed with ADHD fit these criteria. The perspective that ADHD and success can’t go hand in hand is absolutely off the mark. Two examples of executives who’ve succeeded with ADHD include David Neelman, founder and CEO of JetBlue, and Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko’s, both of whom exhibited creativity and risk-taking abilities to capitalize on opportunities.

ADHD does not affect a person’s ‘born intelligence’ or knowledge gained in the world; however, untreated ADHD will negatively impact one’s ability to effectively utilize their intelligence and knowledge, thus preventing them from performing to their potential.

Numerous executives with ADHD are filled with curiosity, have a greater-than-average talent to think “outside the box” and brainstorm ideas off the cuff. Although thinking fluidly can be a positive attribute, without the evaluation of consequences or following through with ideas, it can wreak havoc in the workplace.

For an executive diagnosed with ADHD, this behavior stems from an underactive prefrontal cortex of the brain, the pathway responsible for evaluating, planning and prioritizing. This does not mean that a person diagnosed with ADHD cannot achieve these tasks, but it does indicate that their pathway is at a greater risk for being disrupted. As a result, adults experience difficulty seeing their ideas come to fruition because the minutia of “when, where and how” is not their first pattern of thought.

One vital solution to address this missing link is administrative support for the details in life that are not prioritized or recognized by an adult with ADHD. Surrounding yourself with people who are good with the details of your business will be the topic of our next blog post, The ADHD Executive’s Necessity for an Executive Assistant.