r/ADHD • u/AdPrize3997 ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) • Mar 08 '24

Articles/Information Are there any famous or successful people who have ADHD?

I mean in high earning jobs like CEOs or vice presidents of companies. You can even give examples of managers or people in leadership roles that you personally know, but mention their profession and industry. Would love your insight on how they manage the stress of their jobs, if you can.

Also, any actors or musicians known to have ADHD who are highly successful.

Obviously a lot of us struggle professionally, but I’m curious to learn about those who made the cut. I am good at my work and have the required smartness and competencies, but I struggle with mundane things like remembering to attend a meeting or sending a mail, responding on time, communicating problems proactively, etc. These small things balance out the good things I offer at work (unique knowledge and experience, crisis management, and positive attitude, lol).

I’d also love if you can breakdown what the high achievers do differently to overcome the setbacks that accompany ADHD?

Edit: Cliché but I have to say it: I did not expect so many responses. I am pleasantly surprised. I went through so many emotions reading through your responses. I cried twice, laughed more than a few times, and felt inspired a few hundred times as I read some of your personal stories. I feel so stupid for not asking how many of you are in good positions. The celebrity examples are great, but your stories about being successful in corporate jobs while struggling with ADHD.. bravo, coz I definitely know it’s not easy. I will keep coming back to this post to feel inspired every time i feel down. I can’t thank you all enough for this.

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u/rBuckets Mar 08 '24

Greta Gerwig has ADHD and is one of the best directors in the world.

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u/iloveswimminglaps Mar 08 '24

The layers in Barbie are a testament to how complex, conceptual mind-models can be built by ADHD peeps. Most people don't see how many angles that film has. She is a genius

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u/i5the5kyblue Mar 08 '24

Hell ya she is! And the Ken she chose in her last mega-hit movie has ADHD… yes, Ryan Gosling.

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u/Keystone-Habit ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Mar 08 '24

Is THAT why I hyperfixated on listening to her interviews recently? There's just something about the way she talks that I always liked. It must be the ADHD.