Embracing Neurodiversity: Peter Shankman’s ADHD Journey
Introduction
In the latest episode of the “ADHD Goals Podcast,” we had the privilege of speaking with Peter Shankman, a six-time best-selling author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and host of the renowned “Faster Than Normal” podcast. Peter, who thrives in the fast-paced world of ADHD, candidly shared his journey, successes, challenges, and insights into managing ADHD effectively. This blog post encapsulates the key takeaways and critical points from our conversation, providing valuable insights into living a successful and fulfilling life with ADHD.
Peter Shankman’s ADHD Journey
Peter Shankman’s ADHD journey began in his childhood, long before his late thirties when he finally received a formal diagnosis. Growing up, he was often labelled disruptive and difficult, struggling with social interactions and self-regulation. It wasn’t until much later that Peter realised these traits were indicative of ADHD. Receiving a diagnosis was a moment of validation, confirming what he had long suspected and empowering him to adopt strategies that harnessed the unique strengths of his ADHD.
Challenges and Successes with ADHD
One key aspect Peter emphasised was understanding the dual nature of ADHD, where challenges often accompany remarkable strengths. For instance, his impulsivity and hyper-focus have facilitated extraordinary achievements, such as starting a company in 24 hours and writing a book during a flight to Asia. However, these same traits also created difficulties in personal relationships and daily tasks. The key to success, Peter explained, lies in learning to manage and leverage these traits through self-awareness and supportive structures.
Managing ADHD in Professional Life
Peter’s approach to managing ADHD in his professional life underscores the importance of self-awareness and practical adaptations. He candidly shared how he outsources tasks that do not align with his strengths, illustrating this with a humorous anecdote about his assistant taking away his editing rights to his Google Calendar to prevent scheduling mishaps. By delegating tasks that are challenging for him, Peter frees up his energy to focus on what he excels at, whether it’s writing, speaking, or launching new ventures.
The Importance of Neurodiversity in the Workplace
A major theme of our discussion was the critical importance of neurodiversity in the workplace. Peter emphasised that allowing employees to work in ways that suit their neurodiverse brains can significantly enhance productivity and job satisfaction. He cited the example of increased productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic when many employees thrived in quieter, home-based work environments. Peter advocates for simple yet impactful accommodations, such as noise-cancelling headphones, which can make a substantial difference for neurodiverse employees.
Writing and Publishing Journey
Peter’s writing journey is as dynamic as his approach to business. From his first book on customer experience to his New York Times bestseller “Faster Than Normal,” Peter has always been a storyteller at heart. Writing has been a therapeutic and expressive outlet for him, a tradition he continues to this day. His children’s book “The Boy with the Faster Brain” aims to affirm young readers, encouraging them to recognize their ADHD as a unique gift rather than a burden.
Current Projects and Future Plans
One of Peter’s recent ventures is “Source of Sources,” a platform that connects journalists with credible sources on various topics. This innovative service, launched just four months ago, has already garnered over 23,000 members. Peter’s ability to identify gaps and create viable solutions is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ADHD-driven creativity.
Conclusion and Farewell
Peter Shankman’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of embracing and managing ADHD. His story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, demonstrating that with the right strategies and support, those with ADHD can lead successful, fulfilling lives. For more insights into Peter’s journey and tips on managing ADHD, we highly recommend his “Faster Than Normal” podcast and books.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and subscribe to the “ADHD Goals Podcast” for more inspiring stories and practical advice. Follow us on Instagram at @ADHD_goals and reach out at [email protected] if you’d like to get in touch.
Until next time, embrace your ADHD as the unique gift it is!
Outro
If you’re struggling to manage your ADHD and would like personalised guidance, visit our website to learn about our coaching services. We’re here to help you unlock your full potential and achieve your goals. Bye for now!
In this episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, the host welcomes Peter Shankman, a six-time best-selling author and entrepreneur, to discuss his journey with ADHD. Peter shares his experiences of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and the challenges that came with it. He explains how his eventual diagnosis in his late thirties validated his unique way of functioning. The conversation covers Peter’s career achievements, including writing books, hosting a successful podcast, and starting multiple companies. They also discuss the importance of creating neuroinclusive workplaces and the benefits of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Peter emphasises the need for guardrails to manage ADHD symptoms effectively and highlights the role of supportive networks in achieving success.
Guest Links:
Peter Shankman’s Website: https://www.shankman.com/
Faster Than Normal: https://www.fasterthannormal.com/
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Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
01:38 Meet Our Guest: Peter Shankman
02:26 Peter’s ADHD Journey
04:15 Challenges and Successes with ADHD
07:57 The Importance of Support Systems
13:20 Writing and Creativity
17:06 Workplace Inclusivity and Neurodiversity
22:52 The Fear of Change in Business
23:01 The Baboons and the Fire Hose: A Lesson in Business
24:41 Investing in Employee Experience
25:31 The Evolution of Job Applications
26:03 The Importance of Employee Well-being
27:12 Customer Experience and Physical Spaces
28:25 Mental Health in the Workplace
29:11 Faster Than Normal: The Book and Podcast
32:37 Managing ADHD and Impulsivity
37:44 The Source of Sources Platform
39:52 Podcasting and Final Thoughts