Everyone is talking about Neurodiversity at the moment. Why is that and what exactly does Neurodiversity mean? 1 in 10 people are dyslexic; 1 in 10 have dyspraxia, 1 in 10 dyscalculia, 1 in 67 are autistic and 1 in 20 are ADHD. This means approximately 20% of the global population ‘Think Differently’. Current thinking is that there must be an evolutionary purpose why 1 in 5 of us think differently.
Understanding neurodiversity
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), like those other different learning styles traditionally carried a stigma – which began in school where we were all misled into thinking that these different ‘neurotypes’ were less intelligent and less able than the rest of us. We know now this is mistaken. Over 40% of millionaires are dyslexic and over 30% of entrepreneurs, senior executives and self-employed are ADHD. This enduring myth and stigma about ADHD have hindered many people.
Now we are recognising that people who think differently are the inventors, innovators, creatives, disruptive thinkers that are the engine of our business enterprise, especially now we all live in a rapidly changing technology driven, economy and culture.
There is an overdue need for greater awareness and support to recognise the extended intelligences, potential and dedication of individuals with ADHD, that will enable them to thrive in their careers.
A story of success
At MSP Global we are committed to equality and inclusion and neurodiversity is a subject that resonates closely with us. Only diagnosed in 2019, our Managing Director Colin is a perfect example of how ADHD can in fact be a major positive influence in creating a highly successful business.
Labelled a wild child by a lack of understanding of the problem through his school years, Colin found stability through a love of music and his ability to play Bass guitar rather well. An accomplished professional musician he moved to South Africa and whilst playing for various bands at night, he also managed to carve out a career working for the leading TV channel in the country. Never ready to sit still, he established the technology and events company Mersey Sound Productions before relocating back to Liverpool and building on the company’s success, driven by his 24/7 lifestyle. It was only through a chance recommendation by Jayne of Jayne Moore Media that led to a meeting with Tony Lloyd of the ADHD Foundation in 2019 that he was finally diagnosed as having the condition.
“Colin is one of numerous individuals who are speaking openly about living with ADHD and how they have overcome some of the challenges of our education system, who have gone on to develop a successful career and, like Colin, become successful entrepreneurs”.
Tony Lloyd, ADHD Foundation
Embracing the positives
Colin’s co-director Lisa Richards explains, “Since learning more of this condition, we can see that it is a positive, which leads to great creativity, risk taking and achievement. We may all have a little ADHD in us, but some people are more advanced than others and need extra support not only in the education system, but within the working environment. Helping spot the signs and educating us on how to help and positively embrace these is the great work that the ADHD Foundation is doing”.
At MSP we actively encourage our staff to feel safe and supported in disclosing neurodiversity. We are proud to foster a working environment where everyone feels comfortable and which allows them to reach the full potential of their different skillsets that only “thinking differently” can bring.
“We don’t see ADHD as a negative but only as a positive. At MSP Global we are surrounded by many team members that are neurodiverse or neurotypical and they are highly creative and very technical. Each person brings a unique and valuable contribution that adds enormous capability to our services, and that is just what our business needs” concludes Lisa.
For more information and support on ADHD and neurodiversity in the workplace contact the foundation directly or visit the website.
ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity
54 St. James Street
Liverpool
L1 0AB
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