How ADHD Became My Biggest Strength as a Therapist and CEO

For most of my life, I saw ADHD as something I had to overcome. It was the reason I forgot assignments in school, struggled with routines, and felt like I was always playing catch-up. Even when I became a therapist, I worried that my ADHD would make me seem unprofessional—like I wasn’t put together enough to be good at my job.

Now, as a CEO, I see it differently. ADHD isn’t just something I’ve learned to manage—it’s something that has made me better. A better therapist. A better leader. A better problem-solver. It turns out, the exact things that made traditional paths hard for me are the same things that give me an edge in this work.

The ADHD Strengths That Make Me a Better Therapist and CEO

Hyperfocus Makes Me Fully Present with Clients

When I’m in a session, I’m in it. ADHD hyperfocus allows me to lock into deep, meaningful conversations without distraction. I notice subtle emotional shifts, remember the small details my clients share, and connect the dots in ways that surprise even me.

I Adapt in Real Time

I never stick to a rigid plan because my brain doesn’t work that way. Instead, I meet clients or employees where they are, pivoting based on what they need at the moment. ADHD makes me creative and flexible, ensuring therapy with me never feels robotic or scripted.

I See the Bigger Picture

My brain is wired to make connections between things that don’t seem related at first glance. This helps me guide clients toward breakthroughs and solve complex business challenges. I’ve been described as someone who can see the iceberg from 1,000 miles away.

I Show Up Authentically

ADHD means I struggle with “professional masks.” The upside? I show up as my full, real self in everything I do. I don’t pretend to have it all together or act like an all-knowing expert. I build trust by being human, which helps create a safe space for my clients and team.

I See Possibilities Where Others See Problems

My brain naturally jumps between ideas, spotting opportunities before others even recognize them. In business, this means I see creative solutions, develop big ideas, and push for innovation instead of settling for "the way things have always been done."

I Make Quick, Impactful Decisions

Many people overthink decisions, but ADHD helps me move fast. I trust my instincts, act on what feels right, and adjust as I go. It’s not about being reckless—it’s about knowing that action creates momentum.

I Bring Energy and Passion

People feel it when I care about something—and I care deeply about what I do. ADHD makes me passionate, intense, and fully invested in my work. That energy translates to my team, my clients, and the people I lead.

I Thrive in Chaos

Running a business means juggling multiple moving pieces at once. For many people, that’s overwhelming. For me? That’s where I come alive. ADHD has trained my brain to handle unpredictability, allowing me to thrive under pressure rather than crumble.

Reframing ADHD as an Advantage

For years, I thought success meant hiding my ADHD—finding ways to work around it so no one would notice my struggles. But the truth is, my ADHD isn’t just something I’ve had to manage. It’s a massive part of why I’ve succeeded.

It makes me empathetic. It makes me creative. It makes me unstoppable in the face of challenges.

So if you’ve ever felt like your ADHD will hold you back, I need you to hear this: Your brain is not broken. You are not “too much.” The things that make you different might just be the things that make you great. Try making a list like I did above—then share it. Allow others to champion you. It’s a win-win.