ADHD, High Performance, and the Business Mind
By Dr Bradley Powell, Chartered Clinical Psychologist & Co-Founder of Regal Private Therapy Practice, Harley Street
The hidden edge of high performers
Among the high performers I work with – from tech founders and finance executives to lawyers and entrepreneurs – one common thread often emerges: ADHD. It’s frequently the very quality that fuels their innovation, energy, and ability to thrive under pressure. Many describe their minds as constantly “switched on” – ideas racing, creativity flowing, and focus sharpening when stakes are high. Yet the same drive that propels success can also bring restlessness, overwhelm, and eventual burnout.
For some, these patterns are more than the by-product of a demanding career. They reflect the unique wiring of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – a cognitive style that, when understood and supported, can power extraordinary creativity and performance in business.
Understanding ADHD beyond childhood
ADHD is often misunderstood as a childhood condition associated with distraction or hyperactivity. In reality, it frequently persists into adulthood and manifests differently in professionals. Adult ADHD is best understood as a pattern of attention variability, rather than an inability to focus. Many adults describe being highly engaged when interested, yet struggling to sustain attention on repetitive or low-stimulation tasks.
Common experiences include:
Difficulty switching off from ideas or work projects
Procrastination followed by bursts of hyperfocus
Restlessness or a need for constant stimulation
Emotional intensity and sensitivity to feedback
Impulsivity in decision-making or spending
Fluctuating motivation, especially under boredom or stress
These traits are not signs of laziness or disorganisation – they reflect differences in the brain’s dopamine and executive functioning systems, which govern reward, planning, and emotional regulation.
The high-performance paradox
Many professionals with ADHD traits excel in fast-paced, high-pressure environments precisely because those settings keep their minds engaged. Roles in finance, law, tech, and entrepreneurship often reward the same qualities that characterise ADHD – energy, creativity, quick thinking, and risk-taking.
However, the same traits can become draining without structure or support. The pattern of “sprints and crashes” – intense productivity followed by fatigue – can lead to burnout, inconsistency, and self-criticism. Over time, professionals may feel like they’re running on adrenaline rather than balance.
Think of the ADHD mind like a Formula One engine – fast, powerful, and capable of extraordinary performance, but only when properly tuned and maintained.
ADHD in business and leadership
In leadership roles, ADHD can show up as bold vision and charisma, but also as impatience or difficulty with follow-through. Entrepreneurs with ADHD often describe their creativity as both a superpower and a source of chaos. They generate ten new business ideas before lunch but struggle to execute one consistently.
In the corporate world, high performers may mask these difficulties with extra hours, caffeine, and constant motion. While these strategies can work temporarily, they often erode wellbeing. Recognising these patterns early allows individuals to harness their strengths sustainably.
ADHD assessments for professionals
At Regal Private Therapy Practice, we provide comprehensive adult ADHD assessments designed for professionals and high-performing individuals who want clarity, understanding, and practical next steps.
Our assessments are conducted by experienced Clinical Psychologists and follow NICE-recommended standards. Each assessment explores:
Developmental history: Early patterns of attention, energy, and behaviour.
Current functioning: How ADHD traits may affect work, relationships, and wellbeing.
Validated questionnaires and interviews: Including tools such as the DIVA, Conners, and QbCheck attention testing.
Comorbidities and strengths: Identifying whether difficulties relate to ADHD, stress, perfectionism, or other factors.
The process includes a comprehensive written report with diagnostic conclusions, evidence-based recommendations, and a personalised plan for therapy or medication discussion if appropriate.
Our approach is strengths-based – we do not view ADHD as a disorder to be “fixed,” but as a distinct cognitive style that can be better understood and supported.
Professionals who complete the process often describe a sense of relief, self-understanding, and confidence in how to manage their minds more effectively.
When strengths tip into struggle
The line between thriving and burning out can be subtle. Warning signs that ADHD traits may be becoming unmanageable include:
Frequent missed deadlines or forgotten tasks despite motivation
Difficulty relaxing or switching off after work
Feeling overstimulated, anxious, or “always on”
Relationship strain due to impulsivity or emotional reactivity
Inconsistent performance or loss of confidence despite ability
Seeking assessment or therapy is not about labelling – it’s about understanding how your mind works so you can play to your strengths rather than fight against them.
Harnessing ADHD strengths through therapy
At Regal Private Therapy Practice, our approach combines clinical psychology, evidence-based ADHD therapy, and executive-function coaching. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and behavioural activation help individuals develop structure, manage focus, and regulate emotions without dulling their natural energy or creativity.
For professionals, therapy often includes:
Identifying peak performance conditions and replicating them
Managing time and attention in ways that feel natural, not forced
Building systems to support working memory and follow-through
Developing strategies for rest, recovery, and work-life balance
Reframing ADHD traits as assets, not flaws
The goal is not to “fix” ADHD but to help individuals work with their wiring – to create an environment where their attention, motivation, and creativity can thrive.
The power of understanding your mind
When ADHD is recognised and supported, many professionals describe a transformation: less chaos, more clarity. Relationships improve. Productivity stabilises. Confidence grows.
ADHD is not a limitation – it is a different operating system. With the right tools and understanding, that system can run at peak performance without burning out the engine.
About Regal Private Therapy Practice
Regal Private Therapy Practice is based in the Harley Street medical district and specialises in ADHD assessments and therapy for professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-performing individuals.
Learn more about our ADHD Assessments and book a confidential consultation today.
