At 45, after decades of wondering why my brain worked differently, I was finally diagnosed with ADHD. It wasn't a label—it was a key that unlocked understanding of my entire life and career.
The Diagnosis
Like many adults with ADHD, I wasn't diagnosed as a child. I was just the kid who couldn't sit still, who blurted out answers, who was always onto the next thing before finishing the last. Teachers said I had "potential" but needed to "focus."
It wasn't until my own children were being assessed that I started to recognise myself in the descriptions. The patterns were unmistakable.
Reframing the "Symptoms"
What I've come to understand is that many ADHD traits are actually superpowers in the right context—especially in entrepreneurship and technology.
Hypersensitive to new information and opportunities others miss
Hyperfocus on interesting problems—12-hour deep work sessions
Quick decision-making and willingness to take calculated risks
Natural fit for fast-moving industries like technology
ADHD and Building Kablamo
Looking back, I can see how ADHD shaped Kablamo from the start. The rapid pivoting, the ability to juggle multiple client relationships, the obsessive focus on solving interesting technical problems—these are all ADHD traits channelled productively.
I've also learned to build systems and teams that compensate for the challenges. I have people who are brilliant at the details I miss. I use tools and processes that keep me on track. And I'm honest with my team about how my brain works.
"The best thing about my diagnosis wasn't learning what was 'wrong' with me—it was understanding myself."
To Other Late-Diagnosed Adults
If you're reading this and wondering whether you might have ADHD, I'd encourage you to explore it. Not because there's something wrong with you, but because understanding yourself is always valuable.
The diagnosis didn't change who I am. But it gave me permission to stop trying to fit into boxes that weren't designed for brains like mine—and to start designing my own boxes instead.