From War-Torn Holland to Unstoppable Entrepreneur: The Inspirational Journey of John A. Brink
In a riveting episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, host Laurence interviews John A. Brink, an extraordinary individual whose life story is as inspiring as it is multifaceted. From surviving the horrors of Nazi-occupied Holland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for ADHD awareness, John’s journey underscores the power of resilience, optimism, and hard work. This blog post distils the key moments of John’s life, as recounted in the podcast, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of ADHD or seeking inspiration in their personal and professional lives.
Early Life Under Nazi Occupation
John Brink’s early years were anything but ordinary. Born in Northeastern Holland during World War II, he grew up amidst the chaos and terror of Nazi occupation. His father was drafted into the Dutch army, leaving his pregnant mother and two young children behind. John vividly recalls the sound of bombers and the sight of burning cities, experiences that left an indelible mark on him. The infamous “hunger winter” of 1944-45, characterised by extreme cold and severe food shortages, further shaped his formative years, leaving him with a lifelong empathy for those who face hunger and adversity.
Emigration to Canada and Building a New Life
Following the liberation of Holland by the Canadian army in 1945, John dreamt of moving to Canada, the land of his heroes. Despite his parents’ objections, he emigrated to Canada at the age of 23 with little more than a suitcase, three books, and a few clothes. He landed in British Columbia and started from scratch, eventually founding the successful Brink Group of Companies. His early experiences as a furniture maker in Holland provided a unique skill set that helped him navigate and succeed in the competitive world of lumber and manufacturing.
Discovering ADHD and Its Impact
John’s life took a significant turn in 1997 when he stumbled upon the book “Driven to Distraction” by Dr. Edward Hallowell. The book opened his eyes to ADHD, a condition he realised he had struggled with all his life. This revelation was transformative, providing him with a newfound understanding of himself and his abilities. John’s subsequent diagnosis at the age of 62 confirmed his suspicions, but by this time, he had already built a successful career. The diagnosis helped him reconcile his past academic struggles and focus on leveraging ADHD as a superpower rather than a hindrance.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
John’s journey in public speaking began somewhat reluctantly at a Toastmasters meeting, where he initially feared speaking publicly. Over a decade, he became a distinguished Toastmaster, honing his communication skills and gaining confidence. Today, he is a sought-after speaker and podcaster, sharing his story to inspire others with ADHD. He emphasises the importance of recognizing ADHD as a unique strength, particularly in entrepreneurial and executive roles, where high levels of creativity and energy can be channelled into success.
ADHD as a Superpower
John views ADHD not as a disorder but as a superpower that, when unlocked, can lead to immense potential and success. He suggests that up to 75% of successful entrepreneurs and CEOs might have ADHD. His own experience underscores the importance of finding one’s niche and capitalising on innate strengths. John’s book, “ADHD Unlocked,” written with an ADHD-friendly structure, aims to help others understand and harness their unique abilities.
Health, Fitness, and Competitive Bodybuilding
Another fascinating aspect of John’s life is his dedication to health and fitness. At the age of 68, a severe health scare prompted him to adopt a plant-based diet and begin rigorous physical training. His commitment led him to competitive bodybuilding, where he became one of North America’s oldest competitive bodybuilders. John’s approach to fitness extends beyond physical health; he sees it as a critical component of managing ADHD and maintaining mental clarity.
Future Endeavours
Despite his many achievements, John shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to run over ten companies across various industries, including lumber, real estate, and media. He is also working on launching a global platform, further expanding his reach and influence.
Conclusion
John A. Brink’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the limitless possibilities that come with embracing one’s unique strengths. His journey from war-torn Holland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for ADHD is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, adversity can be transformed into opportunity. Whether you’re facing challenges related to ADHD or any other aspect of life, John’s experiences offer valuable lessons and profound inspiration.
In this compelling episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, Laurence interviews John Brink, an extraordinary individual who has transformed adversity into opportunity. John, the oldest competitive bodybuilder in North America, survived the horrors of World War II in Nazi-occupied Holland, emigrated to Canada, and built a successful business empire. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, John shares how understanding his condition unlocked his potential. With insights into overcoming educational challenges, entrepreneurship, public speaking through Toastmasters, and the importance of physical health, John’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, optimism, and the superpower of ADHD.
Links:
John A. Brink: https://johnabrink.com/
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to the Guest: John Brink
02:04 John Brink’s Early Life in Nazi-Occupied Holland
04:48 Post-War Struggles and Emigration to Canada
08:20 Building a New Life and Career in Canada
10:25 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact
16:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Advocacy
19:57 Public Speaking and Toastmasters Experience
22:27 ADHD as a Superpower and Final Thoughts
31:19 Embracing Your Uniqueness
31:58 Harnessing ADHD for Success
32:23 The Importance of Health and Fitness
32:52 Journey into Bodybuilding
33:32 Overcoming Health Challenges
37:39 The Power of Exercise for ADHD
43:51 Balancing Multiple Ventures
50:25 Reflections on Early Life and Career
55:45 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
57:45 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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