Creativity and ADHD share a powerful cognitive connection, driven by a brain architecture naturally wired for divergent thinking, lateral connections, and intense hyperfocus on passion projects.

Rather than following strictly linear paths, the neurodivergent brain excels at connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, driving spontaneous problem-solving and bold artistic expression.

This unique way of processing the world has fueled some of the most influential figures across arts, athletics, and business — and that's why we're sharing 5 of our favorite creative geniuses who have turned their ADHD into a superpower.

Simone Biles

We’re going to start with one of the most highly decorated athletes ever: Simone Biles.

In 2016, her medical records were leaked without her consent by a hacker group, revealing her diagnosis and official Therapeutic Use Exemption for ADHD medication. 

Like usual, she responded with immediate grace and fearless advocacy. 

Addressing the public directly on social media, Biles said:

"I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid. Please know, I believe in clean sport, have always followed the rules, and will continue to do so as fair play is critical to sport, and is very important to me." 

She added, "Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of [and] nothing that I'm afraid to let people know," turning an unauthorized privacy violation into an inspiring rally for neurodiversity and destigmatizing mental health in elite athletics.

Since 2016, Biles has pivoted her public advocacy toward broader mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and therapy (most notably surrounding her experience overcoming the "twisties" at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics).

To learn more about her journey with the “twisties”, check out the documentary on Netflix about it called Simone Biles Rising. It’s super inspiring!

Tom Holland

Next we're talking about actor Tom Holland, best known for playing Spiderman (and for being Zendaya's husband 😜).

Holland was diagnosed with dyslexia at age seven and also has ADHD. 

He recently opened up about how having ADHD and dyslexia affects his creative process when starting a project, saying:

"I have ADHD and I'm dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating. And sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character..."

He shared how hands-on, interactive outlets (like building with LEGOs!) helps him unlock his imagination and work through creative hurdles.

In Tom’s words:

“Any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think ‘outside of the box’… really promotes healthy creativity."

Holland acknowledges that having ADHD brings unique initial challenges, but the power of playful, unstructured thinking has actually become his superpower.

Trevor Noah

Over the past few years, Trevor Noah (most famous for being a host of the Daily Show) has talked openly about having ADHD quite a lot.

Last year, Trevor Noah even brought psychologist Dr. Kristin Carothers on his podcast to discuss some of the challenges he faces, and also the unique strengths his ADHD has given him.

Trevor shared that once he got diagnosed, it was a huge turning point that allowed him to stop treating his brain like it was broken. Instead, he learned to understand how to work with its natural design.

Despite the challenges he’s faced with focus and attention, Trevor also thinks ADHD has been one of the secrets to his success. 

The fast-paced nature of stand-up aligns with how an ADHD mind operates, thriving on constant novelty, rapid-fire idea shifting, spontaneous tangents, and hyperfocus when writing or performing.

In Trevor’s words: "It's like comedy was made for ADHD brains.”

Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig is a director, most famous for Barbie, Lady Bird, Little Women, and more.

Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Greta has spoken candidly about growing up with a whirlwind brain, calling herself a "written-word junkie" who always possessed tons of energy and intense curiosity.

Looking back on her childhood, Greta said:

"As a kid, my mum was like, 'Let's sign her up for every activity. Let's tire her out.' 

I've always had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I was just interested in everything. I had a really active imagination. I had a lot of really deep feelings. I was emotional." 

Greta’s endless enthusiasm and appetite for exploring every idea from a million different angles is exactly what makes her storytelling so rich, joyful, and uniquely expressive!

Lisa Ling

Lisa Ling, celebrated journalist and TV host, discovered she had ADHD at age 40 while filming an episode of her show Our America. Her show actually captured the exact moment she got her diagnosis… 

Receiving that diagnosis turned out to be a total game-changer for her creative life. 

Instead of seeing it as a setback, Ling felt an overwhelming sense of relief after years of fighting her brain's unique wiring, and began to realize that her neurodivergence was actually a superpower for her journalism career.

While it’s true that focus and everyday tasks can feel challenging for her, her ability to hyperfocus has allowed her to dive deep into big, complex stories over the years.

Reflecting on how her brain fuels her storytelling, Ling shared: 

"In a strange way I do feel like it has helped me. I can hyperfocus on things that I am excited and passionate about... When I'm immersed in a story, then I feel like I can laser focus, but if I'm not working, my mind goes in every direction but where it's supposed to go." 

By leaning into passionate laser focus, Lisa Ling is a great example of how channeling your brain’s natural hyperdrive can turn everyday distractions into groundbreaking, award-winning creative work.

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We hope you are inspired by these amazing, creative ADHDers! Their success doesn't mean that ADHD isn't challenging to live with, but it's also a helpful reminder that sometimes our biggest struggles can also come with unique ways of seeing the world. For artists and creatives, that's a huge gift.

P.S. If you aren't a member of Focused Space, but could use help accomplishing your goals, busting through procrastination, or getting motivated… you are welcome to join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Alexis and the focused space team