Podcast Summary: Navigating Adult ADHD, Episode #140 – "14 Big Achievers with ADHD"

Host: Xena Jones
Date: November 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this inspiring, high-energy solo episode, ADHD coach Xena Jones spotlights 14 high-achieving public figures from across the globe who have ADHD. Her message is clear: ADHD doesn't have to be an obstacle to success—in fact, for many, it's the secret ingredient. She walks listeners through each achiever’s story, sharing how they've turned traits often seen as "challenges" into superpowers. The episode is playful, honest, and deeply motivating, packed with quirky anecdotes and pointed reminders that working with your ADHD brain can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Premise: Flipping the Narrative on ADHD

• Xena opens with relatable ADHD anecdotes from her own life, setting the stage for a no-BS, empowering discussion about thriving with ADHD—not in spite of it, but because of it.

• She reframes ADHD as a different way of seeing and engaging with the world, emphasizing that “that difference is where the magic happens.”

  “Having ADHD does not limit what is possible for you and your life. Now, it might make that path a little zigzaggy, a little adventurous, but it’s also the reason that we see the world so different, differently. And that difference is where the magic happens.” (06:20)

The “Five People” Principle

• Xena encourages listeners to be intentional about who they surround themselves with, referencing the saying: “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.”

• She shares that many on this list are among her own “five,” not through personal relationships, but by consuming their work and energy.

  “Who do you want to be the sum of? … There are people on this list today who are in my five. Do they know that? No, they don’t...but I am in their world.” (07:15)

The 14 Big Achievers with ADHD

1. Mel Robbins – Author, Speaker, Podcaster (08:45)

• Diagnosed in midlife after her child.
• Known for practical, high-impact mindset tools (e.g., 5-Second Rule).
• “She’s super down to earth and relatable. Will be very honest upfront about her own challenges, her own struggles and how she’s continually learning and growing and practicing.” (10:10)

2. Stephen Bartlett – Entrepreneur, Podcaster (12:25)

• Host of "The Diary of a CEO", diagnosed during a podcast episode by Dr. Daniel Amen.
• Dropped out of university, became the youngest judge on the UK show Dragon’s Den.
• Hyperfocus as superpower; struggles with anything uninteresting.
• Xena’s memorable moment: Her playful confession of being “obsessed” and wanting to marry him—“No, for his mind!” (13:30)
• Notable quote about experimentation: “He was just willing to try lots and lots of things as experiments." (15:40)

3. Anika Moa – NZ Singer/Songwriter, Broadcaster (18:25)

• Described her mind as “15,000 voices in my head all day, every day.” (19:05)
• Diagnosis helped reframe her creativity and mental health.

4. Simone Biles – Gymnast, Olympian (19:45)

• Open about ADHD, views it as nothing to be ashamed of.
• Example of elite performance and discipline coexisting with ADHD.

5. Will.I.Am – Musician, Producer, Entrepreneur (20:55)

• Admits to difficulty slowing down, but credits ADHD for fueling his creativity.
• On his songwriting:

  "If you listen to the songs I write, they are the most ADHD songs ever. They have five hooks in one and it all happens in three minutes." (22:10)

6. Richard Branson – Entrepreneur, Virgin Group Founder (23:10)

• Dropped out of school, is both ADHD and dyslexic.
• Views differences as entrepreneurial edge rather than limitation.
• Recently co-founded a company supporting people with dyslexia.

7. Nicole Murray – NZ Paracyclist (24:35)

• Later-life ADHD diagnosis was a revelation.
• Understanding her brain improved athletic training and focus.

8. Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) – Entrepreneur, Personality (25:30)

• High-energy, no-nonsense, rapid-topic-hopper.
• Frames ADHD as a business asset:

  “He describes his ADHD as a lens that helps him to channel speed, curiosity, rapid movement into business advantage rather than seeing it as a liability.” (27:00)

• Noted for his authenticity and kindness paired with his directness.

9. Channing Tatum – Actor, Producer, Dancer (28:00)

• Has both ADHD and dyslexia; felt school wasn’t for him.
• Found success in movement and performance as a dopamine source; harnesses work ethic and physicality.

10. Lisa Ling – Journalist, Author, TV Host (29:20)

• Diagnosed at age 40 after appearing on the show "The ADHD Explosion".
• Diagnosis helped reframe life-long patterns; story resonates with late-diagnosed women:

  “Less outwardly hyperactive…more a hyperactive brain.” (30:40)

11. Chlöe Swarbrick – NZ Politician (32:10)

• Young MP, co-leader of the Green Party; has both ADHD and dyscalculia.
• Diagnosis brought clarity and self-forgiveness after years of self-labeling as “lazy”.
• Advocates for ADHD awareness/policy in New Zealand.

12. David Goggins – Ultramarathon Runner, Navy SEAL (34:30)

• Known for extreme endurance feats and mental toughness.
• Combines ADHD and dyslexia; reframes “hyperactivity, distractibility, stubbornness” as assets.
• Audiobook “Can’t Hurt Me” is highly recommended by Xena.

13. Jennifer Lawrence – Actress (37:10)

• Nicknamed “Nitro” for her hyperactivity growing up.
• Relatable, energetic, outspoken; open about mental health struggles.
• Memorable moment:

  “She just says it like it is. She just blurts something out then goes, oh shit, should I have said that?” (37:35)

14. Michael Phelps – Swimmer, Most Decorated Olympian (39:40)

• Diagnosed as a child, struggled with school and behavioral issues.
• Channeled hyperactivity into record-breaking performance.
• Honest about struggles with mental health and substance use.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On harnessing ADHD:

  “Every single person that I mentioned today has learned how to work with their brain, not against it. … focus became passion, restlessness became drive, and impulsivity became courage.” (41:20)

• On being extraordinary:

  “You don't need to be a billionaire, an Olympian, or some famous actor to live an extraordinary life with ADHD. You just need to understand how your brain works and build a life that fits you.” (41:45)

• On succeeding with ADHD:

  “ADHD does not hold you back, but misunderstanding it and solely focusing on the challenges does.” (40:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03–06:10 – Personal intro, life with ADHD, the “sum of five people” idea
• 08:45–39:40 – Walkthrough of “14 Big Achievers with ADHD” (each achiever’s segment ~1-3 minutes, see above for specifics)
• 41:20–42:30 – Final reflections, motivation for listeners to become “number 15”

Final Message

Xena concludes by inviting listeners to see themselves as “number 15” on this list of big achievers—encouraging each person to understand their own brain and write their own extraordinary story.

Tone & Style

Throughout, Xena is enthusiastic, candid, and deeply empathetic—poking fun at herself and breaking complex ideas down into playful, motivating challenges. Her approach is practical, relatable, and focused on empowerment rather than just inspiration.

For further support, Xena invites listeners to follow her on Instagram or visit navigatingadultadhd.com to dive deeper into building confidence and thriving with ADHD.