By Valeria Torres, Corporate Psychologist
Executives are often celebrated for their drive, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure. But behind the polished façade, many leaders live with a brain that doesn’t follow the “traditional” playbook. I’m talking about ADHD—and in the boardroom, it’s often misunderstood as a liability, when in reality, it can be a hidden advantage.
Time blindness is the difficulty in perceiving the passage of time accurately. For leaders with ADHD, this often means:
Underestimating how long tasks will take
Hyperfocusing and losing track of hours
Struggling to prioritize deadlines in the right order
According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals with ADHD have measurable differences in the brain’s prefrontal cortex and dopamine regulation, both of which impact time perception. What looks like “disorganization” is often neurobiology at work.
Here’s the paradox: the same brain that struggles with linear time often thrives in nonlinear thinking.
A study in Personality and Individual Differences found that adults with ADHD scored higher on measures of divergent thinking—a key indicator of creativity.
Research from the University of Michigan highlights that ADHD traits like risk-taking and novelty-seeking can foster entrepreneurial success, especially in dynamic environments.
In boardrooms, this creativity translates into visionary strategies, out-of-the-box solutions, and an ability to connect dots others don’t even see.
ADHD executives often make decisions quickly—sometimes too quickly. While this can pose risks, it also offers a sharp advantage in high-stakes environments where hesitation can cost millions.
A study in the Journal of Business Venturing found that entrepreneurs with ADHD tendencies reported faster decision cycles and greater comfort with uncertainty compared to non-ADHD peers.
In fast-moving industries, this agility is often the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing it.
The challenge is not slowing the brain down—it’s channeling its speed into clarity.
So how do leaders harness these traits while minimizing the downsides?
Externalize time: use visual timelines, alarms, and structured calendars to “make time visible”
Leverage creativity intentionally: design brainstorming sessions where nonlinear thinking is an asset, not a distraction
Balance decision speed with reflection: build micro-pauses—10 seconds of checking assumptions can prevent costly errors
Delegate detail-heavy tasks: free cognitive bandwidth by assigning precision-driven work to team members who excel at it
Seek professional coaching: ADHD-informed executive coaching helps leaders reframe challenges and strengthen systems that support their style
ADHD in leadership is not a flaw to be hidden—it’s a blueprint for a different kind of success. Time blindness, creativity, and rapid decision-making don’t have to derail performance; they can be the very traits that set an executive apart.
Share this with a leader who sees their brain as a liability.