Beyond the Stereotype: Redefining Entrepreneurship for Women with ADHD

Turning ADHD Traits into Entrepreneurial Success

I recently had the pleasure of having an in-depth conversation on an area that holds tremendous personal and professional interest to me—ADHD traits and their correlation to success in female entrepreneurship with Dr. Johan Wiklund, professor of entrepreneurship at Syracuse University.

I recently had the pleasure of having an in-depth conversation on an area that holds tremendous personal and professional interest to me—ADHD traits and their correlation to success in female entrepreneurship with Dr. Johan Wiklund, professor of entrepreneurship at Syracuse University.  Dr Wiklund focus of research and publication as well as teaching is the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health, with a special emphasis on ADHD, a diagnosis that Dr Wiklund and I share.

My journey into understanding ADHD in entrepreneurial settings began years ago when I noticed that certain characteristics of boys diagnosed with ADHD are similar to traits seen in successful entrepreneurs. This observation opened up a new pathway of exploration, particularly in adult ADHD, which Dr. Wiklund has been researching so meticulously. His current work aims to shed light on the particular challenges and opportunities that ADHD presents specifically for female entrepreneurs.

One key aspect we discussed was the societal expectations placed on female entrepreneurs and how these expectations can often deter their progress. Female entrepreneurs are culturally conditioned to avoid mistakes and to seek permission before taking bolder steps. This conditioning can sometimes stifle their innate potential—something that's doubly challenging when coupled with ADHD traits. However, it's these same traits of impulsivity and hyper-focus that can drive a female entrepreneur towards seizing opportunities unhesitatingly—a characteristic so crucial in entrepreneurship.

During our discussion, Dr. Wiklund emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation. He illustrated how the best entrepreneurial teams often consist of individuals who can balance each other. For female entrepreneurs coping with ADHD, pairing with someone who can provide grounding when their impulsivity kicks in can be key to sustaining business success.  He also recommends the adoption of self-care routines, including exercise and mindfulness practices that cater specifically to ADHD, enhancing concentration and overall well-being, which I endorse completely. 

I shared strategies I use when working with female entrepreneurs with ADHD with Dr Wiklund, stressing structuring their work environment to mitigate common ADHD challenges like inattentiveness or procrastination. Outsourcing mundane tasks, building a support system, and setting up regular check-ins can turn potential weaknesses into strengths. Implementing these strategies can be a game-changer, helping maintain focus and driving growth in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Reflecting on our conversation, it was not just about identifying the overlap between ADHD traits and entrepreneurial success. It was about understanding and embracing these traits, fostering an environment where female entrepreneurs with ADHD can thrive. By exploring these dynamics, we not only help individual entrepreneurs but also enrich the broader entrepreneurial landscape. 

I am deeply thankful to Dr. Johan Wiklund for his groundbreaking work and our enlightening discussion. The lively discussion ended on a note of gratitude, but initiated a continuum of thought, research, and dialogue that I look forward to continuing in future.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, you can do that here.