The rise of the ‘SuperNeuros’
5 years ago, my son Stan was diagnosed with ADHD. During one of the consultations, we were told there was a 95% chance that this had been passed down from me, my wife or one of our parents. After 30 seconds of reflection on my extraordinary ability to lose everything, forget everything, leave everything to the last minute and display a lack of interest in everything I wasn’t interested in I decided to get myself tested. It was the highest score I’ve ever achieved in any exam.
When people talk about neurodiversity, the focus is too often on the “challenges.” But the truth? Different ways of thinking are often the very reason businesses succeed.
I’ve seen it time and again — people with ADHD who can cut through noise and spot patterns no one else sees. Autistic thinkers who bring razor-sharp focus and precision to complex problems. Dyslexic innovators who turn complexity into simple, powerful stories. Weirdly some of our best designers are colour blind! And guess what, these skills seem highly appropriate for a fractional CMO in Yorkshire with a portfolio of businesses.
UK business has some brilliant examples of superstar neurodiversity to prove it:
Neurodiversity in business
Sir Richard Branson credits dyslexia with shaping his entrepreneurial vision.
The ADHD founders of Innocent Drinks used their creative, lateral thinking to cut through a crowded market with one simple, human message.
Auticon, a consultancy employing autistic professionals, shows how specialist skills can deliver game-changing results for clients.
These aren’t exceptions — they’re proof that when you bring in different minds, you get better ideas, better problem-solving, and better outcomes.
The research backs it up too: businesses that actively recruit and support neurodiverse talent outperform their peers in innovation, retention, and customer engagement. And here’s the exciting part: it isn’t just big corporates making moves. SMEs, with their agility and human touch, are perfectly placed to unlock the neurodiverse advantage.
ADHD luminaries if you are interested.
Mark Suster thinks, integrating ADHD traits can shape powerful leadership and startup growth.”
Philip Kaplan, and his ADHD Labs showcase the creative edge of neurodiverse thinking
Jenny Dearborn, believes ADHD doesn’t define limitations—it redefines how we lead and innovate.
Rebecca Sanders builds inclusive structures at Deloitte because of her belief in neurodiversity.
And Ty Pennington explains how ADHD can fuel impactful creativity in business.
The value of seeing things differently
Because in business, just like in life, the most valuable perspectives often come from those who see things differently. It’s not all roses as my colleagues with tell you, ask me to sign a contract and I’ll burst into flames but give me a crisis or a problem and like a moth to a flame I’ll dedicate all of my 100 to 500 trillion synapses to solving it.
It’s a common misconception that people with ADHD cannot focus. The truth is, when they find something, they are interested in they can’t help focusing on it, it’s called hyperfocus and luckily my obsession in getting results.
So what does all this mean…
If you are lucky enough to be neurodiverse, use your superpower. If you’re a business owner make the most of your teams neuro superpower or take a leaf out of Zack and Rory’s book at 21 degrees and actively recruit them it could be the edge you need.
Neurodiveristy at Mighty Atoms.
Now, I’m not the only member of the team #blessed with a neuro superpower. We have everything from dyslexic designers to autistic digital marketeers and we’re better off for it. When we build a fractional team for a business we make sure the attitudes and neuro make up of the team blend to make marketing perform for you just as well as technical ability.
Get in touch with tim@mightyatoms.com if you want to discuss how Mighty Atoms can help your business perform for a fraction of the cost.
