When John Brink was 12 years old, he failed grade seven for the third time.
His parents were told by well-meaning people to send him to “the mentally challenged school.” Instead, they sent him to work as a furniture maker with a local businessman.
At the time, nobody understood what we now know: John had ADHD. What looked like lack of intelligence was actually an attention problem, not a capability problem.
Today, at 85 years young, John is a serial entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses, an international speaker, a bestselling author, a podcaster with over 1.1 million YouTube subscribers, and—remarkably—North America’s oldest competitive bodybuilder.
More importantly, he views his ADHD not as a disability or disorder, but as a superpower.
His story offers critical lessons for anyone with ADHD who’s been told they’re not smart enough, not disciplined enough, or not going to succeed. Because John’s evidence-based perspective challenges everything the education system told him about himself—and offers a hopeful vision of what’s possible.
The Real Problem Wasn’t Intelligence—It Was Interest
John’s academic struggles weren’t because he lacked capability.
“If they would ask me what the teacher talked about for the last four hours, I have no idea,” John recalls. “For all intents and purposes, I was not there. But I was always good in math, amazingly. And I was a good writer, but not a reader.”
This is the critical ADHD insight that teachers in the 1950s didn’t understand, and that many people still don’t grasp: ADHD is not an intelligence problem. It’s an interest problem.
When a task captures an ADHD brain’s attention, performance is often exceptional. When it doesn’t, engagement is nearly impossible—no matter how intelligent the person is.
For John, the traditional school curriculum didn’t capture his interest. Furniture making did. So his parents made a decision that likely changed the entire trajectory of his life: they let him pursue what actually engaged his mind.
The Stigma That Nearly Prevented His Success
What makes John’s story even more relevant today is that he didn’t discover he had ADHD until he was 57 years old.
In 1997, he picked up a book by Dr. Edward Hallowell, the renowned ADHD expert and author. Inside the book, John wrote in Dutch: “Now I finally know who I am.”
He carried that book with him for five years before even telling a doctor he thought he had ADHD. “I took it five years before I even ran to my doc,” John says. “And that was a personal friend. And he said, ‘Hey, John, why are you here?’ I said, ‘I think I’ve got ADHD. Let me check it out.’ And I do.”
Why the delay? Stigma. Even after discovering what he believed was the explanation for his entire life experience, John felt ashamed. He didn’t want to be publicly identified with what he saw as a “mental disorder.”
This speaks to a larger problem: Many successful people with ADHD never get diagnosed because of the stigma attached to the label. They navigate their neurological difference without a framework to understand themselves. And without that understanding, they may struggle with untreated anxiety, depression, or burnout.
John nearly wasted years of his life in anxiety and depression before finally addressing his ADHD.
The Real Frequency of ADHD (And Why The Numbers Matter)
Here’s something most people don’t know: The commonly cited statistics about ADHD prevalence may be significantly underestimated.
John points out a critical flaw in current ADHD research: “The research is not from people that don’t get into the healthcare system because their parents, one or the other, had ADHD and maybe they didn’t figure it out, and so maybe they didn’t have the means to get them the help that they needed.”
In other words, ADHD statistics count only diagnosed cases—which excludes everyone too poor, too ashamed, too unaware, or living in countries where ADHD isn’t acknowledged to get an official diagnosis.
The Conversation with Dr. Hallowell
John’s research led him to a fascinating conversation with Dr. Hallowell himself. While Dr. Hallowell initially estimated ADHD affected 6-10% of the population, John’s own research suggested much higher numbers.
John suggested to Dr. Hallowell that the prevalence might be closer to 20%.
Dr. Hallowell’s response? “No, John, over 25%.”
Furthermore, John discovered something remarkable about successful business people. “Probably 50% of the successful CEOs, principals, and business people I’ve met are ADHD,” John proposed.
Dr. Hallowell’s response was even more striking: “No, John, probably 75%.”
Think about what this means. If 25% of the general population has ADHD, and 75% of highly successful entrepreneurs have ADHD, then ADHD is not a barrier to success—it’s often a predictor of it.
The ADHD Traits That Drive Success
So if ADHD doesn’t prevent success, what traits associated with ADHD actually drive it?
Risk-Taking Ability
One of John’s first insights when meeting Coach Mande was about her spontaneous decision to travel from California to New York alone.
“That’s an ADHD trait,” Coach Mande observed. “We just have the ability to take risk.”
This risk-taking capability isn’t recklessness—it’s a neurological capacity to see possibilities and act on them without the paralyzing fear that might stop others.
John embodied this when he arrived in Canada at 24 years old with just $25.47, a suitcase, three books, and two sets of clothes. Most people would see that as impossible odds. John saw it as a starting point.
Hyperfocus and Work Ethic
John’s approach to work is extraordinary. “I have attitude. I’m always positive. I always have been that way. If you’re negative, don’t even come close to me. And then, passion. But if I do a give it 125% work ethic. I work harder than anybody. Even now. I get up at 5:30 in the morning. I always make my bed and always think I’m late.”
When John commits to something, he commits fully. He took a lumber mill job and, within a year and a half, became superintendent of one of the largest sawmills in the region. Within ten years, he’d built his own company from scratch that’s still thriving 50 years later.
This is hyperfocus—the ADHD ability to become absorbed in work to a degree that others struggle to match.
Creative Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Throughout his career, John has repeatedly demonstrated the creative problem-solving that characterizes ADHD brains.
When he arrived in Vancouver not speaking English, he didn’t give up. He found a German speaker, explained his dream, and was directed to Prince George. He adapted. He learned. He persevered.
When he needed a personal trainer to maintain gym consistency, he found one. When he wanted to compete in bodybuilding at age 62 (after a serious health crisis), he trained systematically and competed.
ADHD brains are notoriously adaptable and innovative when faced with obstacles.
The School System’s Failure to Identify ADHD
One of the most important messages from John’s story is this: The school system failed to recognize his neurodiversity, and it nearly prevented his success.
John wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t unintelligent. He wasn’t unmotivated. He simply had a brain that worked differently—one that didn’t engage with traditional classroom instruction but thrived with hands-on, practical work.
The tragedy is that this happens to millions of children every year. Many are labeled as failures, disciplinary problems, or intellectually limited when they actually have ADHD.
And many of those children, had they been identified and supported appropriately, would have gone on to tremendous success—just like John did.
The positive news? John’s story shows that even without early identification or support, success is absolutely possible. It just requires the right opportunities, the right people believing in you, and persistence.
What Changed: The Role of Mentorship and Community
Several key moments transformed John’s trajectory:
Finding the Right Work
At 12 years old, when traditional school had failed him three times, someone provided him with an alternative: apprenticeship in furniture making. This wasn’t presented as remedial or punitive—it was presented as a genuine pathway.
Suddenly, John was in an environment where his ADHD brain could thrive. Practical, concrete work. Clear outcomes. Hands-on engagement. His performance was transformed.
Toastmasters: The Communication Breakthrough
Perhaps the most transformative moment in John’s adult life came when a friend invited him to Toastmasters, the public speaking organization.
John had a terrifying experience years earlier: He gave a fantastic written presentation to ministers and economic advisors, but when he got to the podium, he couldn’t speak. He froze. He was deeply ashamed.
For years, John avoided situations requiring public speaking. But at Toastmasters, he found community, structure, practice, and support. He stayed for ten years, earning the highest level: Distinguished Toastmaster.
“That changed my life,” John says simply.
This is what happens when someone with ADHD finds the right environment: dramatic transformation.
Finding the ADHD Framework
In 1997, reading Dr. Hallowell’s book gave John language for his entire life experience. “Now I finally know who I am,” he wrote in the margin.
Suddenly, decades of struggle made sense. The classroom failures weren’t because he was unintelligent. The social challenges weren’t because he was defective. His constantly changing interests weren’t because he was uncommitted.
He had ADHD. And ADHD, properly understood, is a neurological difference—not a character flaw.
Multiple Interests and Business: A Feature, Not a Bug
One of the most common concerns among people with ADHD is that they have multiple interests and want to start multiple businesses simultaneously.
Many are told by well-meaning advisors that they need to “focus” and “pick one thing.”
John’s approach is different. Rather than fighting his ADHD nature, he works with it.
He runs four distinct business “silos”:
- Lumber Manufacturing – His original passion
- Warehousing, Distribution & Logistics – One of the largest in Northern British Columbia
- Real Estate – Residential, commercial, and industrial
- Media – Books, podcasting, speaking, acting
Rather than trying to force all of these into one company, John created structured silos. Each has its own operation, leadership, and accountability. This structure allows him to pursue multiple interests without chaos.
“What I learned with ADHD,” John explains, “is that I want to create a business that is boringly consistent in terms of what it does, the results it generates. There is only one problem with it, because if that’s what I have, I become bored and I start looking at other challenges.”
His solution? Create multiple “boring” (i.e., predictable, profitable) businesses. Then, when he’s bored, he has other challenges to pursue. Meanwhile, the first business continues operating consistently.
This is actually strategic ADHD management, not a character flaw.
Health, Fitness, and ADHD
John’s commitment to health is striking, especially given that he’s 85 years old.
After a bout with diverticulitis that nearly killed him (his colon ruptured), John made significant life changes. He became mostly vegetarian (now 90/10), started going to the gym, and committed to fitness.
But here’s what’s particularly relevant to ADHD: John didn’t just go to the gym casually. He hired a trainer and made it a binding commitment.
This is classic ADHD strategy. John knows his brain responds to external accountability and structure. So he created it.
Six years later, when someone suggested he compete in bodybuilding, John said yes. He competed and placed second. He qualified for provincials and nationals.
And at 85, John is North America’s oldest competitive bodybuilder.
His commitment to health isn’t vanity. It’s strategic: “Although diverticulitis nearly killed me, I came that close. Health and fitness and understanding your body are critically important.”
Beyond physical health, John emphasizes mental health. He credits podcasting, writing, and public speaking with keeping his brain active and sharp. The constant novelty and challenge keep him engaged.
The Global Impact: ADHD Awareness Beyond Borders
One of John’s most important observations is about the global reach of ADHD awareness.
“There is an opportunity globally where issues that we have in North America are no different than around the globe. The attraction to ADHD is beginning now,” John says.
Through his podcasting (nearly 500 episodes) and YouTube channel (1.1 million subscribers), John reaches people worldwide—many of whom live in countries where ADHD isn’t even acknowledged.
He’s interviewed approximately one in three guests who have never publicly discussed their ADHD before. People who’ve been silently struggling, thinking they were alone, finally discovering that their neurological difference has a name and a community.
From Failed Student to Honorary Doctorate
Perhaps the most poetic turn in John’s story is this: The man who failed grade seven three times eventually received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Northern British Columbia.
He was also recognized with the Order of British Columbia.
These aren’t tokens. They’re recognitions from academic and governmental institutions of his genuine contribution to his community and the world.
The system that failed to recognize his potential, that wanted to send him to “special school,” eventually honored him with academic distinction.
This is what’s possible when someone with ADHD finds the right environment, the right support, and the right understanding of themselves.
The Reframe: ADHD as a Superpower
Throughout his career, John has moved from viewing ADHD as a limitation to viewing it as exactly what Coach Mande calls it: a superpower.
“The more I found out about it, the more I concluded it’s a superpower. At least it can be. And so that’s the way I look at it,” John says.
This isn’t toxic positivity or denial of real challenges. It’s recognition that the ADHD brain has genuine strengths:
- Risk-taking without paralyzing fear
- Hyperfocus and intense work ethic
- Creative problem-solving
- Adaptability and resilience
- Ability to pursue multiple interests simultaneously
- High achievement orientation
When someone with ADHD finds environments and structures that work with these traits rather than against them, extraordinary things become possible.
The Importance of Genuine Communication
One final theme in John’s message is about authenticity and genuine communication.
“It is genuine. It is, you know, that’s who I am,” John says about his approach to podcasting and public speaking. “And so, and to have it done and if it is over managed, then it becomes like something else entirely.”
John’s perspective is that over-managed, overly professional communication creates distance. What creates real connection—and real impact—is genuine, authentic sharing.
This is why his podcasts are recorded and released within two hours. Why his early YouTube videos had his cats in the background. Why he includes the earthquake that happened during recording.
Authenticity, for people with ADHD, is often a superpower. The ability to be genuinely present, genuinely authentic, and genuinely themselves resonates with audiences in ways that polished perfection never can.
Key Takeaways
- ADHD is often an interest problem, not an intelligence problem
- Current ADHD statistics likely underestimate actual prevalence
- Many highly successful entrepreneurs have ADHD
- ADHD traits like risk-taking, hyperfocus, and adaptability drive success
- The right environment transforms ADHD from liability to asset
- Multiple interests and businesses can be managed strategically
- Mentorship, community, and understanding change trajectories
- Health and structure are essential for ADHD success
- Authenticity and genuine communication are powerful
- ADHD can be a superpower when properly recognized and leveraged
PIN THIS: ADHD as a Superpower Truth
- You’re not broken. Your brain is different.
- Your struggles in traditional settings don’t define your capability.
- The right environment makes all the difference.
- Your multiple interests aren’t a flaw—they’re a feature.
- Success for ADHD brains often comes through risk-taking, passion, and persistence.
- Mentorship and community matter enormously.
- Your authenticity is your strength.
Ready for Professional Support?
If you understand that ADHD can be a superpower but struggle to access it, professional ADHD coaching can help you create the structures, accountability, and support systems needed to leverage your ADHD gifts.
Coaching helps you move from feeling broken to accessing your full potential.
Book a free consultation: www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/services
Meet John Brink
John Brink is an entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and advocate for ADHD awareness. At 85 years young, he continues to build businesses, write books, host a popular podcast, and compete in bodybuilding. He’s the recipient of an honorary doctorate of laws and the Order of British Columbia.
Find John:
- Website: www.johnabrinkbryan.com
- Books: Available on Amazon (including audiobooks narrated by John himself)
- Podcast: “On the Brink” with nearly 500 episodes
- YouTube: 1.1 million subscribers
