Hey there, Johan Wiklund—is ADHD really a superpower for entrepreneurs?

ADHD is often touted as a superpower in entrepreneurship. But is that really true? Ahead of the webinar “ADHD and Entrepreneurship: Superpower, Risk, or the Right Fit?” we asked Johan Wiklund, a professor of entrepreneurship, a few questions. For the past 15 years, he has been conducting research on ADHD, neurodiversity, well-being, and entrepreneurship.

ADHD is often described as a superpower in entrepreneurship. Do you agree?
– As a researcher, I’d like to say: it depends!

– In the early stages of entrepreneurship, traits often associated with ADHD—such as speed, drive, and creativity—can be strengths. But that doesn’t mean ADHD always acts as a superpower. As the company grows and requires perseverance, structure, administration, and a long-term focus, what was once a strength can instead become a weakness.

So the question is rather: when does ADHD have a positive impact—and when might it pose a risk?
– Exactly! What’s interesting is under what circumstances various ADHD-related traits have a positive impact and when they pose risks. Research shows that we need to understand the interplay between the individual, the task, the team, the company’s stage of development, and the support available to the entrepreneur.

– We also need to take into account that there are important differences in how ADHD affects men and women, especially as entrepreneurs.

What is the most common misconception about ADHD and entrepreneurship?
– A common misconception is to reduce ADHD to a few specific personality traits, such as having trouble sitting still, getting bored easily, or losing focus. Many people can relate to these traits, especially in an age of smartphones and constant connectivity.

– But ADHD is more than that. It’s a psychiatric diagnosis that can lead to difficulties in many areas of life. That’s why it’s misleading to reduce ADHD to a simple metaphor for creativity, energy, or entrepreneurial drive. There’s an important difference between recognizing certain traits in oneself and actually having an ADHD diagnosis.

What mistakes do we make when trying to support entrepreneurs with ADHD?
– A fundamental problem is that entrepreneurs with ADHD do not receive enough attention. If we do not recognize that there are entrepreneurs who have been diagnosed with ADHD—or who identify as having ADHD—it will be difficult to develop support systems that work for them.

– The first step must be to recognize that neurodiversity is relevant to entrepreneurship. After that, those working in the so-called support system can begin to consider how their working methods, processes, and tools can be better adapted.

Speaking of tools—what will the participants in the webinar at the end of August take away with them?
– None!

– Based on the research, I’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses that ADHD can bring to entrepreneurship. Then I’ll leave it up to the listeners to use their own experience and imagination to translate these more general trends into specific advice and approaches that work for their businesses. This is because, as I said at the beginning of the interview: it depends!

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR HERE (The webinar will be in Swedish)

Previous events with Johan Wiklund on ADHD and entrepreneurship

ADHD—An Asset for Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and Mental Health