Hiding in Plain Sight: Why Many Creatives Have ADHD and Don’t Even Know It

Why Many Creatives Have ADHD and Don’t Even Know It

By understanding our ADHD traits and developing supportive strategies, we can turn what might seem like obstacles into powerful assets.

Today, I’m excited to share a topic that's personally significant to me: navigating the entrepreneurial world as a woman  with ADHD.  I recently connected with serial entrepreneur, Bri Seeley who shared her late-in-life discovery of ADHD with me and how it has shaped her journey as a creative and entrepreneur. The discussion was raw, real and offered an insightful and empathetic look into what it’s like to navigate business and life with a brain that operates differently. Let’s unpack some key highlights and my takeaways.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Bri recounted how living with her now-fiancé, Jordan, revealed stark differences in how their brains operated. Unlike Jordan, Bri found herself constantly distracted and needing a myriad of stimuli—like sitting on a yoga ball or playing lo-fi music—to stay focused. This discrepancy led her to explore potential reasons behind her unique ways of processing information.

I found this deeply relatable. As a female entrepreneur, I've often noticed how my methods of working differ from others. Most women with ADHD tend shoulder multiple responsibilities, often juggling business, family, and personal aspirations, taking on considerably more than their neurotypical peers. Recognizing that my brain operates differently has been a key to unlocking better strategies for success.

The Light Bulb Moment with "Scattered Minds"

Bri’s 'aha' moment came when she read "Scattered Minds" by Gabor Maté. This book sheds light on ADHD and its various underpinnings, such as growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. For Bri, it was a revelation to understand that her tendency to be perpetually distracted wasn't a character flaw but a trait often seen in ADHD. She emphasized the importance of working with, rather than fighting against, her cognitive processes, without shame or stigma.

This message is empowering. As female entrepreneurs, we must recognize and embrace our unique cognitive processes. Instead of conforming to how others work, we can develop systems that capitalize on our strengths. For instance, I have found that breaking tasks into smaller, manageable segments and allowing myself creative breaks enhances my productivity, even though I have a tendency to hyperfocus and avoid pausing. 

Rethinking Diagnoses and Labels

Interestingly, Bri chose not to seek formal diagnosis or medication. Instead, she's focused on gaining self-awareness and creating supportive systems to help her operate more effectively. This approach struck a chord with me. There is an understandable tendency to seek validation through diagnosis, but the real power lies in understanding and managing our traits and tendencies for optimum performance.

I believe this is crucial for us as female entrepreneurs. Instead of labeling and limiting ourselves, we can harness our traits to craft a work environment that fosters our natural abilities. Whether it’s implementing task management tools or carving out “focus zones” in our daily schedules, customization is key. No two entrepreneurs with ADHD have the exact same needs. 

Harnessing Creativity and Curiosity

I shared my observation with Bri that certain professions, particularly creative ones like fashion, beauty, and journalism, often attract individuals with ADHD traits. These fields allow us to leverage our visual skills, curiosity, and knack for thinking outside the box—assets that traditional 9-5 jobs may not fully utilize.

As someone who's thrived in creative ventures, I couldn’t agree more. Our ADHD traits can be our superpowers if directed correctly. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of entrepreneurship aligns beautifully with the ADHD brain’s need for constant stimulation and fresh challenges. So, why fit in a conventional role when we can carve our own that celebrates our creative impulses?

The Trap of Multitasking

One of the pitfalls we discussed is the allure of multitasking. Bri mentioned her tendency to juggle multiple business ventures simultaneously and the challenge of knowing when to say no.  When working with similar clients, I highlight the importance of “picking the winners”—focusing on projects that offer the highest potential for impact and success, rather than indulging every idea that seems fun and exciting.

Diversifying our energy across too many projects can dilute our effectiveness. By honing in on a few high-impact areas, we not only maximize our contributions but also achieve a sense of mastery and fulfillment. Learning to prioritize and channel our energies can be transformative for our business journeys.

Creating Supportive Ecosystems

Bri shared her thoughts with me about the necessity of creating a supportive ecosystem— an environment that helps her thrive rather than one that restricts her, and I couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s through relationships, workspace adjustments, or technology, setting up a conducive ecosystem is essential for harnessing our full potential.

This has been a game-changer for me. Leveraging project management tools, hiring supportive team members, and setting clear yet flexible routines have all contributed to a more productive and balanced work life.  We don’t have to do it all and it’s more than okay to seek help and build a network that aligns with your ADHD traits and entrepreneurial vision.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the entrepreneurial realm with ADHD, especially as a woman comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. My conversation with Bri Seeley offered invaluable insights and practical advice for embracing our ADHD traits rather than fighting them. By understanding our cognitive processes and developing supportive strategies, we can turn what might seem like obstacles into powerful assets.

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 ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.