From Drums to Digital: Jon Nastor’s ADHD-Driven Entrepreneurial Venture
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, energy and innovation often collide with challenges and self-discovery. This is particularly true for entrepreneurs like Jon Nastor, a former punk rock drummer turned successful business leader. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40, Jon’s journey offers invaluable insights into leveraging one’s unique strengths and experiences, especially for those with neurodiverse backgrounds.
From Punk Rock Drummer to Entrepreneur
Starting as a punk rock drummer, Jon Nastor embarked on a journey that led him from the world of music to the dynamic landscape of online entrepreneurship. With over 13 years of experience in building and scaling digital ventures, Jon now helms Digital Commerce Partners, a leading SEO agency. His transition from music to entrepreneurship exemplifies the power of creative thinking and adaptability, key traits that many with ADHD naturally possess.
The ADHD Diagnosis at 40
Jon’s diagnosis came as a surprise at age 40. After years of grappling with mental and physical challenges, a fortuitous trip to a new psychiatrist in Toronto led to the discovery. The revelation came with mixed emotions—relief at having an explanation for his lifelong struggles and a profound realisation of how ADHD had shaped his experiences. Jon credits this knowledge with granting him a clearer understanding of himself and enabling him to develop strategies to thrive personally and professionally.
School Challenges and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Reflecting on his school years, Jon shared how overthinking and internalised challenges defined his academic experience. Despite being told he had potential if he “applied himself,” traditional schooling did not cater to his unique learning style. However, these early experiences cultivated a resilience and resourcefulness that would later become his entrepreneurial foundation. His journey through the music industry, followed by ventures in construction and digital marketing, underscore a common theme: the desire to create things that did not yet exist and the willingness to take control of his own destiny.
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Support
Integral to Jon’s entrepreneurial success is his understanding of the importance of building the right team—acknowledging his own strengths and weaknesses. Jon has embraced collaboration with partners who complement his skills, particularly in areas of operations and execution. This strategic delegation has allowed him to focus on his strengths, such as idea generation and sales, while ensuring that operations run smoothly under the expertise of his colleagues.
Decision-Making and Agile Business Strategies
Jon emphasises the importance of quick decision-making and the agile approach he employs in his business. By breaking projects into two-week sprints, his team remains focused and nimble, capable of adapting quickly based on feedback and outcomes. This method prevents decision paralysis, allowing the business to maintain momentum and adjust strategies dynamically.
ADHD as an Entrepreneurial Asset
While challenges inevitably arise, Jon has found ways to turn ADHD into a business asset. His ability to generate ideas and push for rapid action ensures that his business remains innovative. Moreover, through broadcasting his experiences, Jon continues to encourage others with ADHD to embrace their unique traits as valuable contributions to the entrepreneurial journey.
Life Beyond Business
Outside of work, Jon remains active, engaging in activities like live music and cycling, which help balance his mental well-being. His passion for music and travel keeps him grounded and inspired, providing a creative outlet that complements his professional life. Jon’s work with community initiatives, such as the Bike Brigade, highlights his commitment to making a positive impact in his local community.
Conclusion
Jon Nastor’s story is a testament to the potential within every individual to harness their unique experiences for personal and professional growth. For those with ADHD or similar challenges, Jon’s journey is a powerful reminder that understanding oneself and embracing diverse strengths can yield remarkable results. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply seeking to navigate the complexities of life with ADHD, Jon’s insights offer hope and guidance on the path to success.
In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, Laurence interviews Jon Nastor, a former punk rock drummer turned successful entrepreneur who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40. Jon discusses his unique journey, leveraging his ADHD for creativity and innovation, and the challenges he faced before and after the diagnosis. He shares his experiences in building and scaling digital ventures and founding an SEO agency. The conversation covers strategies for managing ADHD in professional settings, creating effective SOPs, and balancing work with personal interests like live music and travel. Jon also talks about the importance of making quick decisions and how his team supports him in executing ideas. The episode provides insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD, on how to harness their unique strengths.
Digital Commerce Partners: https://digitalcommerce.com/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:49 Jon’s ADHD Diagnosis Journey
06:58 School Years and Early Challenges
11:08 Entrepreneurial Beginnings
14:01 Building Successful Businesses
15:40 The Importance of Support and Accountability
20:08 Navigating SOPs and Team Management
21:38 Finding Workarounds for SOPs
22:43 The Importance of SOPs for Entrepreneurs
25:31 Leveraging ADHD in Business
27:12 Decision-Making Strategies
33:59 Team Dynamics and Hiring
38:05 Life Outside of Work
42:31 Closing Thoughts and Farewell
Need Help with your ADHD?
Visit my website: https://adhdgoals.co/
Want me to be your ADHD Coach?