Curiosity, courage and the ADHD mind

Even at school I knew I was ‘wired’ differently, and this carried on into my working life. I’d connect ideas in meetings, draw conclusions from scattered information and struggle to explain how I got there. To others, it could seem impulsive. To me, the connections were simply there. I was recognising patterns, but I didn’t have the language to explain how.

That gap – a different way of approaching things – often left me feeling misunderstood. Over time, I learned to pause, take a breath and bring people with me. The idea was usually sound, but timing and explanation mattered as much as the thought itself.

When the diagnosis finally made sense

My diagnosis came after another manager with ADHD recognised traits in me that were similar to their own. They noticed how I could hyperfocus for long periods on complex problems, yet procrastinate over routine admin tasks. Their insight encouraged me to seek an assessment, and when ADHD was confirmed, things suddenly made sense.

My lifelong habits found context. Doodling in lessons and meetings wasn’t about distraction – it was how I kept my mind present. Bursts of energy weren’t random; they were my brain processing information intensely. Understanding that difference lifted years of self-criticism.

From barrier to strength

That self-knowledge transformed how I work – especially as a change manager. The very traits that once made me feel different are now some of my greatest assets. My brain is wired for connection: I see how systems, people and problems interlock. I can often anticipate issues before they arise, because my mind naturally scans for patterns and mismatches. In transformation programmes, I have found that such foresight is invaluable.