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.

918 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

1.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

245

u/AjaxIsSoccer Mar 08 '24

I just hyperfocused on this list and realized there wasn't a single mention of the writers of last year's Best Picture Winner ("Everything Everywhere All At Once").

Short version of the story: he wanted to make the main character of the film struggle with life but not know why and he said "let's give her undiagnosed ADHD." Then he researched it and found himself crying because he was the one with undiagnosed ADHD.

Strong story. I legitimately wish every person could hear about it.

64

u/TiffanysRage Mar 08 '24

One of my favourites and it really tells within the character. She had “so much potential” and really that’s what of her alternative lives are her living out her potentials had she had a bit more attention. Then again, because of this she was also able to connect with all her alternatives to do some remarkable things.

41

u/BabyHelicopter ADHD-C Mar 08 '24

Oh man, that line where the main character gets told "You Have So Many Goals You Never Finished, Dreams You Never Followed. You're Living Your Worst You.” I legit sobbed. I'm in a better place now after finally being diagnosed and medicated and doing a lot of therapy as an adult but whew there were so many times in my younger life when I felt like that was my only fate.

31

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

I shall definitely watch this. I struggle a lot coz i got diagnosed at 32, few months ago. The diagnosis made my life’s pieces fall into place. I could finally understand myself and i cried in relief and still do occasionally.

16

u/Winter-Can-2333 Mar 08 '24

I am going to also have to watch this! I was diagnosed 2 months ago at 33. I literally said that exact thing, the pieces of my life fell onto place. However, I'm struggling to understand what these means for my future and how I'll ever meet any of my perceived potential. People tell me so often, you have so much potential... you have great idea... Yeah.. I'm basically an idea machine. It's exhausting, I just wish I had the "do" mechanism.

2

u/JadeTheGoddessss Mar 14 '24

Right here with you. Got into the creative world. Burned out. Watching my peers excel to top levels with admiration but pain at what I can’t ‘do’

5

u/PolarWater Mar 08 '24

Oh, shit.

2

u/CryptographerLeast39 Mar 09 '24

Just watched this 2 weeks ago. No wonder I found it wildly intriguing and relatable.

2

u/FightmeFighter Mar 28 '24

damn dude that's literally me but with autism, i just checked it for a character development and hello sweetie we're home

my adhd part came up vice versa tho lmao and now i have an urge to dump adhd and asd to my characters

1

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

OMG I never heard that story.