Chapter 8
Attention Disorders: The Creative Side of Business
n people with attention deficit (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the brain chemicals that regulate attention and brain activity function differently than in a “normal” person’s brain. It’s harder for them to buckle down and concentrate and to anticipate the outcomes of their actions. On the other hand, it has been recognized that many successful people have ADD or ADHD. In many cases, it is a critical ingredient to their success. These people often have an enormous amount of energy and are highly creative. They tend to be very quick and great thinkers. Actually, if you are an entrepreneur, you may want to celebrate. People with ADD/ADHD have made many extraordinary contributions to society, and it is surprisingly common among high-achieving business founders and entrepreneurs. Their restless creativity harmonizes well with the highdrama problem solving associated with running a startup. Here are a few accomplished businesspeople with ADD/ADHD:
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Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines John T. Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems
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