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Peter Shankman: ADHD and Success in New York

Peter Shankman_ ADHD and Success in New York

Entrepreneur Peter Shankman credits an unexpected source for his career prowess. “My massive attention deficit hyperactive disorder is responsible for all of my success,” he said. This bold statement encapsulates Shankman’s belief that his ADHD has played a crucial role in shaping his achievements and unique approach to life and work.

The author of “Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success With the Secrets of the ADHD Brain” (TarcherPerigee)—dubbed the ADHD and productivity bible—and children’s book “The Boy With the Faster Brain,” among others, remembers growing up in the ’70s and ’80s as a public school kid in New York City, when ADHD wasn’t acknowledged. Reflecting on his formative years, he noted the challenges and isolation he felt during a time when his differences were not understood or accepted.

“Getting into LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts saved my life because everyone there was weird, just like me,” recalled the 52-year-old. The school provided a nurturing environment where he could embrace his uniqueness, laying the groundwork for his future success.

After graduating from Boston University with a degree in journalism, Shankman said his first position was acquired “in the most ADHD of ways.” He found himself wasting time in an America Online chat room when someone mentioned they worked for AOL and were seeking editors for their new online newsroom. Although he had no experience, Shankman felt an instinctive pull toward the opportunity. “But that’s the beauty of ADHD—say ‘yes’ and figure it out later,” he quipped, showcasing his willingness to take risks and seize opportunities that others might shy away from.

During his three years at AOL, right as the Internet was taking off, he absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the burgeoning “dot com” industry. “I parlayed that into starting my own public relations firm called the Geek Factory. We represented all the darlings of the dot com set,” he said, listing names like Napster and Juno as examples of the exciting clients he worked with. “I sold the agency in 2001 and tried to relax. It turned out I didn’t know how to do that, so I started consulting and writing,” he added, highlighting the importance of staying active and engaged in his pursuits.

Thanks to his disorder, networking comes naturally to Shankman, as he easily strikes up conversations with virtually everyone. “If you’re on a plane next to me, unless you fake your death, I’m going to know everything about you by the time we land. So I have a huge Rolodex,” said Shankman. This expansive network became an invaluable resource for his projects. Reporters would often reach out to him for connections, which inspired him to create Help a Reporter Out, or HARO. In just three years, it became the de facto standard for how journalists and sources connected.

In 2010, Shankman sold HARO to Cision, “which changed my life,” allowing him to explore new ventures. This year, he launched Source of Sources, which he describes as an improved version of HARO, reinforcing his commitment to innovation in the media space.

Shankman has also co-founded a consultancy called Mental Capital, which helps companies attract, hire, and retain neurodiverse employees while promoting neuro-inclusivity. “Neurodiversity is the diversity of all diversities: intersectional in nature and impacting people from within all groups,” he said. His work aims to shift the perspective on neurodiverse individuals, highlighting their strengths that companies often overlook. “People who identify as neurodiverse often have strengths companies seek, although overlooked, [causing companies to miss out on] amazing contributions. Companies are finally starting to realize that and understand that they need help from people who understand these workforce strengths and how best to tap into them,” added Shankman. Mental Capital’s current client roster runs the gamut from Morgan Stanley to Adobe, illustrating the growing recognition of the value of neurodiversity in the workplace.

“When you’re ADHD, there are only two types of time, now and not now,” he said, emphasizing his propensity for impulsive decision-making. This perspective allows him to generate ideas, implement them, and evaluate their success all within a remarkably short time frame. “For neurodiverse brains, forward motion is absolutely thrilling. It’s how I get the dopamine I need that my body doesn’t make enough of naturally.”

Shankman also finds ways to obtain dopamine and focus through physical activity. Whether he’s cycling on his Peloton, running in Central Park at 4 a.m., swimming, or skydiving (he’s a licensed skydiver with over 500 jumps), exercise serves as a crucial outlet. He also takes Concerta for his ADHD, using it strategically once or twice a month.

As a father, Shankman is candid about his neurological differences, providing his daughter with insight into his experiences. His 11-year-old daughter, Jessa, “knows that daddy is a little weird, but she also knows daddy is happier when he’s weird,” he said. “I’ve told her since she was a baby [that] weird is simply a side effect of awesome.” This open dialogue fosters an environment where Jessa can embrace her own uniqueness, with Shankman noting, “While not diagnosed as having ADHD, she has my weirdness—and she embraces it. To me, that’s the best lesson I could ever give my daughter.”

Skeptical that a perceived shortcoming can actually be your superpower? Consider this: In 2015, Shankman was contracted to write a book with a “hefty advance” and a one-year deadline. He approached the task with his typical flair for spontaneity. “I did all the research the first month, then forgot about it. Two weeks before the deadline, the publisher called and asked how it was going,” said Shankman.

He instinctively decided to take a bold step, lying about his progress and booking a round-trip ticket from Newark, NJ, to Tokyo. “I got on the plane with my laptop, headphones, a power cord, and a sweatshirt. I wrote chapters 1 through 5 on the plane to Tokyo. Landed, went to the lounge, had a coffee and took a shower, then got back on the same plane, same seat, and wrote chapters 6 through 10 on the flight home,” he said. “Others might think me crazy. I know how my ADHD works, and hyperfocus like that is totally and completely real.”

For those navigating their careers with ADHD, Shankman offers a wealth of advice. First and foremost, he encourages individuals to own their ADHD as a superpower. “We’ve been told all our lives that we’re broken,” he said. “However, your neurodiversity is what makes you different from everyone else—and different, when understood, is your talent.” This mindset allows individuals to excel with ADHD, transforming what some perceive as a limitation into a distinctive advantage that fuels their personal and professional success.

In conclusion, Shankman’s journey exemplifies the idea that embracing one’s differences can lead to extraordinary achievements. His story serves as an inspiration to those who may feel constrained by societal norms, encouraging them to recognize the potential within their unique neurological wiring.

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