If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in school, wondered if your “failures” were actually signs of neurodiversity, or questioned whether your ADHD could actually be your greatest business asset, this episode is for you. Join me and special guest John A. Brink as we explore his incredible transformation from failing grade 7 three times to building Canada’s largest secondary lumber manufacturer while competing as a bodybuilder at 85 and reaching 2-2.5 million global viewers.
What you’ll learn:
- How undiagnosed ADHD can fuel entrepreneurial success and risk-taking ability
- Why discovering who you are at 57 (or any age) completely changes your trajectory
- The difference between academic struggle and intelligence – and why teachers got it wrong
- How Toastmasters transformed communication anxiety into confident leadership
- Building multiple business “silos” without feeling scattered or overwhelmed
- The secret systems that keep businesses running smoothly while you pursue new challenges
- Why 75% of highly successful entrepreneurs likely have ADHD
- From $25.47 to a multi-million dollar empire: practical business wisdom
- Managing health, fitness, and mental stimulation as a foundation for success
- The power of authenticity and imperfect content in building a global community
Business and Neurodiversity Strategies:
- Reframe academic or childhood struggles as signs of different wiring, not lack of intelligence
- Build “boringly consistent” business systems that operate independently
- Create space for new challenges and opportunities once systems are established
- Use your ADHD risk-taking trait as a competitive advantage in business
- Establish accountability and mentorship early in your entrepreneurial journey
- Invest in communication skills (Toastmasters or similar) to overcome anxiety
- Prioritize health, fitness, and mental stimulation alongside business growth
- Stay authentic and genuine—it attracts a community that connects with your real story
- Never wait for perfection to launch your business, podcast, book, or platform
- Give back to your community and use your platform to remove ADHD stigma
“The more I found out about it, the more I concluded it’s a superpower. At least it can be. And that’s the way I look at it.” – John
From Grade 7 Failures to Building an Empire
Discover how John went from being told he should attend a “mentally challenged school” to building a lumber manufacturing empire, founding multiple successful business ventures, and becoming a voice for ADHD advocacy. Learn how arriving in Canada with just $25.47, working as a cleanup man, and eventually becoming superintendent of one of the largest sawmills led to the creation of Brink Forest Products Ltd. – a company that’s been thriving for 50 years.
Understand how his late ADHD diagnosis at 62 finally explained his academic struggles, his need for mental stimulation, his ability to take risks others wouldn’t, and his drive to continuously pursue new challenges. Explore how he balanced building multiple businesses while maintaining systems that allowed freedom to grow and explore new opportunities.
About John A. Brink: John is a Canadian entrepreneur, author, media personality, and competitive bodybuilder who has built an empire spanning lumber manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, real estate, and media. Born in Nazi-occupied Holland, he emigrated to Canada in 1965 with virtually nothing and built Brink Forest Products Ltd. into Canada’s largest secondary lumber manufacturer. Diagnosed with ADHD at 62, John is passionate about removing stigma and helping others recognize neurodiversity as a superpower. He’s authored five books, hosts a podcast with 497+ episodes reaching 2-2.5M global viewers, maintains 1.1M YouTube subscribers, and at 85 continues to compete in bodybuilding, speak at schools, and mentor others. John’s life is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and reframing what society labels as “failure.”
Resources:
Connect with John A. Brink:
Website: johnаbrink.com
On The Brink Podcast: Available on all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, etc.)
Books (Available on Amazon & Audible):
- Against All Odds (Autobiography)
- ADHD Unlocked
- Finding Your Passion, Living the Dream
- Living Young, Dying Old
- Billion Dollar Communication Skills
Connect with Coach Mande:
Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/
Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/
Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/
Featured Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Edward Hallowell’s “Driven to Distraction” – The book that changed John’s life
Toastmasters International – Communication and leadership development
College of New Caledonia – John’s primary philanthropic focus
This episode is essential for anyone with ADHD who feels like they failed in traditional education, wonders if their “failures” are actually signs of neurodiversity, or dreams of building something meaningful in business and life. Remember: your ADHD brain isn’t broken—it’s wired differently, and that difference can be your greatest strength.
Share in the comments: What “failure” in your life might actually be a clue about your ADHD superpower?
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