ADHD
Advantage
Creative Potential: The
Advantages of ADHD at the
Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship,
and Innovation
5th Possibility Studies Network
Maynooth, 2nd June 2025
POPEANU
30% of
entrepreneurs
have
ADHD
traits?
*Entrepreneurs reported experiencing ... ADHD (29%)
Freeman, M.A., Staudenmaier, P.J., Zisser, M.R. et al. The prevalence and co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions among entrepreneurs and
their families. Small Bus Econ 53, 323–342 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-018-0059-8
01
02
03
04
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITIONS: ADHS, MINDSET,
POSSIBLE, CREATIVITY,
ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
BUSINESS MODEL
WHAT DO CREATIVE
ENTREPRENEURS SAY
ABOUT ADHD?
05
06
07
08
LEVERAGE ADVANTAGE
CHAT GPT ON THE TOPIC
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
agenda
ARCHITECT
5th Possibility Studies Network
Maynooth, 2nd June 2025
ADHD,
maybe?
ABC ecosystem
A • Agency
B • Business
C • Community
ABC*School
mini MBA programme
for creative industries
leaders
CONSULTANT
for businesses in
creatives industries
Phd. Stud. Arch. in Business of Creativity at Ion Mincu Architecture
and Landscape University, Bucharest, Romania
POPEANU
Phd research
ARCHITECTURE
5th Possibility Studies Network
Maynooth, 2nd June 2025
→ business model
for creative
sectors
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CREATIVITY
How does the creative mindset
influence entrepreneurial
behavior and decision-making
within architectural practices?
(1) RESEARCH
(2) INTERVIEWS
(3) BUSINESS MODEL
(4) FOCUS GROUPS
(5) BS. M. BOARDGAME
(6) WRAPPING UP THESIS
(7) ADHD
PhD Research Timeline
GENEVA:
CREATIVITY WEEK
2022
BUCHAREST
2022/23
DUBLIN:
POSSIBILITIES STUDIES
NETWORK 2023
BUCHAREST
2023/24
CAMBRIDGE:
POSSIBILITIES
STUDIES NETWORK
2024
BUCHAREST
2025
MAYNOOTH:
POSSIBILITIES STUDIES
NETWORK 2025
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
ADHD
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Entrepreneurial
Advantage
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent
patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with
functioning or development. (APA, 2013) → different cognitive processing
style with entrepreneurial and creative benefits.
Individuals with ADHD show increased divergent thinking and originality,
particularly in idea generation and when not constrained by strict timebased tasks. (White et. al, 2006) → ADHD can be a strategic asset in design
and innovation-led professions.
ADHD traits such as impulsivity, novelty-seeking, and risk-taking are
positively associated with entrepreneurial orientation and business
innovation. (Wikluns et. al, 2017) → Entrepreneurial Advantage, potentially
valuable in the growth and leadership of design-focused enterprises.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
*American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
*White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2006). Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with ADHD. Personality and Individual Differences, 40(6), 1121–1131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.11.007
*Wiklund, J., Patzelt, H., & Dimov, D. (2017). Entrepreneurship and psychological disorders: How ADHD can be productively harnessed. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 8, 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2017.05.002
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
POSSIBILITY
Value
Disruption
Possibility is not just what might be, but what can emerge through creativity and difference.
(Deleuze 1990) → what becomes possible through acts of creativity, difference, and
disruption.
Possibility is at the heart of creativity, imagining alternatives to the status quo. (Glăveanu,
2020) → ADHD operate in this "possibility space" naturally, often envisioning unconventional
paths and business models.
Possibility thinking is central to innovation and risk in entrepreneurship. (Barrett 2013) →
framing of ADHD as a competitive advantage, particularly in business environments where
innovation and adaptability are essential.
*Deleuze, G. (1990). The logic of sense (M. Lester, C. Stivale, Trans.). Columbia University Press.
*Glăveanu, V. P. (2020). The possible: A sociocultural theory. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197520499.001.0001
*Barrett, M. (2013). Managing risk and uncertainty. Journal of Business Strategy, 34(5), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-09-2012-0042
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
CREATIVITY
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Entrepreneurial
Advantage
Creativity as the confluence of intrinsic motivation, domain skills, and creativity-relevant processes. (Amabile 1996) →
hyperfocus when deeply interested—an intense state of intrinsic motivation identified by Amabile as essential for deep
creativity. This explains how ADHD entrepreneurs can excel in tasks aligned with their passion, Intrinsic task motivation
– the internal desire to engage in a task for its inherent enjoyment or challenge.
Creativity involves a dynamic interaction between a person’s thoughts, domain, and field. (Csikszentmihalyi, 1996) →
Core concept: CREATIVITY AS A SYSTEM. Validates the Role of Neurodivergent Individual. Connects ADHD hyperfocus
with "FLOW". Supports creativity in structured domains like architecture and design.
Creativity is a culturally and socially situated process of generating and transforming ideas that contribute to the
creation of meaning and value. (Glăveanu 2010) → Reframes creativity as a PROCESS, not just a trait. Validates ADHDspecific creative styles. Bridges creativity & business model innovation.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
*Amabile, T. M. (1996). Creativity in context: Update to the social psychology of creativity (Westview Press). DOI: 10.1002/9781118785317.weom110105
*Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. HarperCollins.
*Glăveanu, V. P. (2010). Paradigms in the study of creativity: Introducing the perspective of cultural psychology. New Ideas in Psychology, 28(1), 79–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2009.07.007
INNOVATION
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that rpvides resources with a new capacity to
create wealth. (DRUCKER, 1985) → ADHD traits are not limitations but engines for business innovation, aligned
with Drucker's understanding of entrepreneurship.
Cognitive Processes
mental operations involved in acquiring, storing, retrieving, and using knowledge, including attention, memory,
reasoning, problem-solving, and executive functions. (ANDERSON, 2015) → framing of ADHD in a differetn way of
thinking—one rich in creativity, innovation, and design potential, when supported thoughtfully within BUSINESS
& ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS.
*Drucker, P. F. (1985). Innovation and entrepreneurship: Practice and principles. Harper & Row.
*Anderson, J. R. (2015). Cognitive psychology and its implications (8th ed.). Worth Publishers.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAPTURES VALUE → EXPLOIT IT IN THEIR STAKEHOLDER INTEREST.
Entrepreneurship is the process of creating and exploiting opportunities to bring about future goods
and services. It involves the discovery, evaluation, and exploitation of opportunities to create future
value. (Shane & Venkataraman 2000) → opportunity-driven, forward-looking process, creating VALUE.
An entrepreneurial mindset refers to the ability to rapidly sense, act, and mobilize in uncertain and
ambiguous environments. (Ireland et. al 2003) → Opportunity recognition – spotting gaps others miss.
Tolerance for ambiguity and risk – operating confidently amid uncertainty.
An entrepreneurial mindset involves cognitive adaptability—the ability to be dynamic, flexible, and
self-regulating in one's thinking processes when approaching complex problems. (Haynie et. al 2010)
→ cognitive flexibility—they shift perspectives quickly, approach problems unconventionally, and
generate original solutions. This cognitive adaptability, while sometimes chaotic, can lead to
breakthrough innovation when structured with intention.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2000). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25(1), 217–226. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2000.2791611
*Ireland, R. D., Hitt, M. A., & Sirmon, D. G. (2003). A model of strategic entrepreneurship: The construct and its dimensions. Journal of Management, 29(6), 963–989. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-2063_03_00086-2
*Haynie, J. M., Shepherd, D., Mosakowski, E., & Earley, P. C. (2010). A situated metacognitive model of the entrepreneurial mindset. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(2), 217–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2008.10.001
CONCLUSIONS
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Literature
Review
reframing ADHD within business modeling, creative systems, and entrepreneurial mindsets
(not only promotes inclusion) → unlocks new paths of growth, leadership, and innovation.
Cognitive processes (attention, reasoning, and adaptability)
are foundational to entrepreneurship (Anderson, 2015).
Creativity—defined by Amabile (1996), Glăveanu (2010), and
Csikszentmihalyi (1996)—is not a linear process, but a culturally
situated, intrinsically motivated system of meaning-making and
idea generation
=> ADHD individuals display increased divergent thinking &
hyperfocus, aligning deeply with the creative process, when
passionate.
Entrepreneurship = discovering and exploiting
opportunities to create value (Shane & Venkataraman,
2000). Individuals with ADHD naturally operate in this
opportunity space due to their heightened noveltyseeking, risk tolerance, and impulsivity (Wiklund et al.,
2017)
=> reframed as entrepreneurial catalysts
ADHD brings a different cognitive rhythm—fast ideation,
flexible pattern recognition, intuitive decision-making— that
when used through agile business models & supportive
environments,
=> can lead to breakthrough innovation.
The concept of possibility (Deleuze (1990),
Glăveanu (2020), and Barrett (2013), repositions
ADHD traits as engines of future-making.
ADHD individuals often think in non-linear,
expansive, and unconventional ways, →
operating in a “possibility space”.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Where do you find
the energy to do so
many things?
THE ADHD
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Advantage
Dr.Anders Hansen
HYPERFOCUS
— The ability to intensely engage with tasks that are intrinsically
interesting or stimulating
CREATIVITY
— Willingness to tackle novel challenges and think outside the box
ADAPTABILITY
— Quick to pivot and agile in dynamic environments
PERSISTENCE
— Deep commitment and resilience in the face of adversity
ENTERPRISING MINDSET
— Strong drive to initiate change and leverage opportunities
BOUNDLESS ENERGY
— High drive and stamina, historically linked to survival and hunting
Hansen, A. (2024). The ADHD Advantage: Why your brain being wired differently is your superpower. Vermilion.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
RELEVANCE
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
ADHD→ redefines the
way doing things
ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN
CREATIVE FIELD
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
BUSINESS
PSYCHOLOGY
CREATIVITY
workflows
ideation processes / brainstorming
hyperconcentration
spontaneity / intuitive decision
making
multitasking abilities
timeboxing
creatives thrive under pressure
feedback-driven processes
flexible, agile
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
→
ADHD-related traits:
7/21 30%
PHOTO → cil*MBA cohort 2, graduation
ADHD
Symptoms //
Diagnosticated
ADHD
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Unstructured Interviews with
Creative Entrepreneurs
PRO & CONS
(1) CURIOSITY, SPONTANEITY, doing things when inspired to do them → has the
power result of creativity & innovation and CONTEXT switching.
(2) HYPERFOCUS, dealing with short deadlines.
SEBI, MALE 39
ANCA, FEMALE 38
(3) MULTITASKING, juggling with MULTIPLE ISSUES at a time (good for CE), Intense
mental energy, ⁠Enthusiasm for new projects.
MONICA,
FEMALE 36
(4) My brain works like the RAM of a computer. It can be full of multiple open tasks
while I work. ADHD helped me learn digital fabrication, bringing me to a level way
beyond any of my peers in fabrication. digital fabrication is using CAD, CAM ... &
physical machinery, sometimes simultaneously in order to get advanced,
optimized results.
SORINA,
FEMALE 36
(5) Misunderstood her strengths → Hidden boundless potential, empowerment to
reframe, ability to see in the future, strategic adv. (sometimes overhelming)
ANNA, FEMALE 44
(6) Boundless energy. Ability to 'perform magic' with multiple projects
simultaneously. Strong attraction to new (and stimulating) projects, tend to leave
the boring one apart - hahaha
ARMINA, FEMALE 36
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
BUSINESS MODEL
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
→ THE METHOD TO
EXTRACT VALUE FOR
YOUR COMPANY
A business model describes the rationale of how an organization
creates, delivers, and captures value. (Osterwalder & Pigneur 2010)
*Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business model generation: A handbook for visionaries, game changers,
and challengers. John Wiley & Sons.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
BUSINESS MODEL
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
→
→
→
BUSINESS STRATEGY
BUSINESS MODEL
BUSINESS PLAN
→
→
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
BUSINESS MODEL
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
→ VALUE
PROPOSITION
WHAT VALUE?
The conceptual structure that supports the viability
of a business, including its purpose, its goals, and the
plans for achieving them. (TEECE, 2010) → in this
context becomes a dynamic framework that
supports adaptive thinking, agile experimentation,
and sustainable differentiation within creative
industries.
→ VALUE
CAPTURE
→ VALUE
DELIVERY
CUSTOMER
SERVICES / PRODUCTS
→ GENERATING
REVENUE
*Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2–3), 172–194.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2009.07.003
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
CANVAS
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Business
Model
BUSINESS MODEL TOOLKIT
a Roadmap to Business Sustainability
VALUE - WHICH?
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
START
2.1
VALUE - WHICH?
OWNERS VALUE
VALUE - WHICH?
SOCIAL VALUE
VALUE - WHICH?
DIFFERENTIATOR
VALUE - WHICH?
VALUE PROPOSITION
FINISH
CUSTOMER - WHO?
TARGET
2.2
BUSINESS PROCESSES - HOW TO?
4.4
4.3
4.2
CUSTOMER - WHO?
COMPETITION
4.1
CUSTOMER - WHO?
2.3
PLAN → DO!
How to use the business model:
Write down at least one answer to each section (1 to 4) of the
Business Model.
Answer all the cards for a detailed image of how your
creative business could develop.
Write down a SMART plan in section 5, thinking about 3-5
things that you want to do in the short, medium, and long
term to implement this business plan.
ARMINA POPEANU TRADEMARK
BUSINESS PROCESSES
ADMINISTRATIVE
BUSINESS PROCESSES
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
& TIME
BUSINESS PROCESSES
ROLES. PEOPLE.
BUSINESS PROCESSES
CUSTOMER
JOURNEY
CUSTOMER - WHO?
FEEDBACK
2.4
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
3.4
3.3
3.2
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
PRICING
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
REVENUE STREAMS
3.1
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
PRODUCT &
SERVICES
CUSTOMER - WHO?
NETWORKS
BUSINESS MODEL TOOLKIT
a Roadmap to Business Sustainability
VALUE - WHICH?
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
START
2.1
VALUE - WHICH?
OWNERS VALUE
VALUE - WHICH?
SOCIAL VALUE
VALUE - WHICH?
DIFFERENTIATOR
VALUE - WHICH?
VALUE PROPOSITION
FINISH
CUSTOMER - WHO?
TARGET
2.2
BUSINESS PROCESSES - HOW TO?
4.4
4.3
4.2
CUSTOMER - WHO?
COMPETITION
4.1
CUSTOMER - WHO?
2.3
BUSINESS PROCESSES
ADMINISTRATIVE
INNOVATIVE APPROACH:
social value for creative sectors
networking & connecting to people
doing an actionable plan
ARMINA POPEANU TRADEMARK
BUSINESS PROCESSES
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
& TIME
BUSINESS PROCESSES
ROLES. PEOPLE.
BUSINESS PROCESSES
CUSTOMER
JOURNEY
CUSTOMER - WHO?
FEEDBACK
2.4
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
3.4
3.3
3.2
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
PRICING
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
REVENUE STREAMS
3.1
ACTIVITIES - WHAT?
PRODUCT &
SERVICES
CUSTOMER - WHO?
NETWORKS
ADAPTING
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Business Models to ADHD
Cognitive Strenghts
Business Model Implications
Agile, flexible, open model
non-linear process:
→ FEEDBACK DRIVEN models → lean model, integrates
continuously input from stakeholders, course correction.
→ based on ADHD-friendly strenghts:
networking
storytelling
ideation processed
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Leveraging ADHD
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
As a
Strength
Normalize ADHD traits as leadership assets:
in creative business education
sprints, instead of constant working //
timeboxing
networking & connection
intuitive decision making in business → hard &
non-sustainable on the long run
prioritize creativity over boring stuff
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Actionable tips
when working with creative
entrepreneurs
→ Divergent thinking exercises to stimulate
idea generation.
→ Structured intervals for managing
hyperfocus effectively.
→ Inclusive workspace design promoting
collaboration and diverse culture &
communication styles.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
GPT
logigram
on ADHD
*ChatGPT generated an image on the topic, on a 4.0 model.
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
adhd
ChatGPT
on the topic
🤖 GPT’s Perspective on the Subject
From a systems and cognitive science viewpoint, ADHD represents not a deficit, but a different operating
mode of the brain—especially valuable in creative and entrepreneurial contexts. Individuals with ADHD
often possess traits like non-linear thinking, rapid ideation, and high energy flow, which align closely with
the demands of innovation, especially in architecture and design. When properly supported, these traits
become strategic assets.
🔍 Reframing ADHD as a cognitive advantage helps
unlock undervalued POTENTIAL in creative industries.
🧠 ADHD-related traits mirror those found in
entrepreneurial and design thinking, including
risk-taking, pattern recognition, and adaptability.
🚀 By designing flexible, feedback-driven
work models, we can transform “neurodiversity” into
competitive innovation capacity.
PERSONALITIES with ADHD
Confirmed vs.
Speculative
*ChatGPT researched about the personalities, on a 4.0 model.
Confirmed vs.Speculative
PERSONALITIES
with ADHD
ADHD-TRAITS:
DIVERGENT THINKING,
ENERGY BURSTS,
NON-LINEAR FOCUS
*ChatGPT researched about the personalities, on a 4.0 model.
→
ADHD
Driver for
innovation in
creative sectors
INNOVATION IN:
IDEATION PROCESS
INTUITION → DECISION
MAKING & VISION
WORKFLOWS
STORYTELLING
NETWORKING
POPEANU
how
does ADHD
brain
operates?
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
*ChatGPT generated an image on the topic, on a 4.0 model.: HOW DOES ADHD BRAIN OPPERATES
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
ADHD
Advantage
THANK YOU!
QUESTIONS?
@arminapopeanu
POPEANU
armina@popeanu.ro
REFERENCES
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Freeman, M.A., Staudenmaier, P.J., Zisser, M.R. et al. The prevalence and co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions among entrepreneurs and their families. Small Bus Econ 53,
323–342 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-018-0059-8
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2006). Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with ADHD. Personality and Individual Differences, 40(6), 1121–1131.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.11.007
Wiklund, J., Patzelt, H., & Dimov, D. (2017). Entrepreneurship and psychological disorders: How ADHD can be productively harnessed. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 8, 14–
20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2017.05.002
Deleuze, G. (1990). The logic of sense (M. Lester, C. Stivale, Trans.). Columbia University Press.
Glăveanu, V. P. (2020). The possible: A sociocultural theory. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197520499.001.0001
Barrett, M. (2013). Managing risk and uncertainty. Journal of Business Strategy, 34(5), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-09-2012-0042
*Amabile, T. M. (1996). Creativity in context: Update to the social psychology of creativity (Westview Press). DOI: 10.1002/9781118785317.weom110105
*Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. HarperCollins.
Glăveanu, V. P. (2010). Paradigms in the study of creativity: Introducing the perspective of cultural psychology. New Ideas in Psychology, 28(1), 79–93.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2009.07.007
*Drucker, P. F. (1985). Innovation and entrepreneurship: Practice and principles. Harper & Row.
*Anderson, J. R. (2015). Cognitive psychology and its implications (8th ed.). Worth Publishers.
Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2000). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25(1), 217–226.
https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2000.2791611
*Ireland, R. D., Hitt, M. A., & Sirmon, D. G. (2003). A model of strategic entrepreneurship: The construct and its dimensions. Journal of Management, 29(6), 963–989.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-2063_03_00086-2
*Haynie, J. M., Shepherd, D., Mosakowski, E., & Earley, P. C. (2010). A situated metacognitive model of the entrepreneurial mindset. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(2), 217–229.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2008.10.001
Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business model generation: A handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. John Wiley & Sons.
Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2–3), 172–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2009.07.003
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
ADHD
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the Intersection of Creativity,
Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
Emphyrical Research on
creative entrepreneurs
(1) CURIOSITY, SPONTANEITY, doing things when inspired to do them → power result of creativity & innovation. CONTEXT switching.
(2) HYPERFOCUS, dealing with short deadlines. Hiperfocusul e cea mai faina parte. Pt ca nu ma scoate nimic de acolo si simt ca mut munti. Cumva cred ca de la adhd vine si partea cu “orice ar fi eu predau si predau bine” chiar daca amani mult lucrurile totusi
rezolvi price task chiar daca e pe ultima suta. Vumva vad in jurul meu ca oamenii si amana sau imping termene. Pe mine nu ma lasa anxietatea sa fac asta. Asa ca orice ar fi i pull through
SEBI, 39
(3) MULTITASKING, juggling with MULTIPLE ISSUES at a time (good for CE), Intense mental energy, ⁠Enthusiasm for new projects.
Adica eu pana am descoperit si m am documentat, ma minunam cum dracu pot sa fac atatea lucruri totusi fiind atat de incurcata si de all over the place si sa nu mi crape capul si eram sigura ca e ceva defect cu mine. Adica intuiam ca e ceva specual dar nu
credeam ca e un superpower si doar ca sunt lipsita de ambitie si disciplina si capacitatea de a ma organiza sistematic ca un om normal. Si in rarele momente cand imi ziceam “bai probabil ca totusi sunt mega tare ca reusesc” imi ziceam Imediat apoi “doar te
amagesti ca sa te simti mai Bine”. Acum cred cu toata puterea ca e beton ca am fost asa si ar fi fost mega tare sa stiu mai devrem ca am ADHD ca sa am incredere mai multa in mine si in acest mod al meu de a functiona ⁠Pot sa vad vreo 5 pasi inainte. Nu stiu
neaparat cum sa ma pregatesc pentru pasul 5 de la pasul 1 dar pot sa vad ce o sa urmeze la pasul 5. Ceea ce e overwhelming ptr ca nu te poti concentra pe taskul actual anticipand tot ce mai urmeaza dupa.
(4) My brain works like the RAM of a computer. It can be full of multiple open tasks while I work. ADHD helped me learn 6 SIGMA,
AGILE, SCRUM and KANBAN. I ⁠tought myself how to read fast. I can read a nonfiction book in 15-30 minutes.
Sorina’s ADHD
it’s currently undiagnosed but the symptoms are there and have been there ever since primary school
CON:
•⁠ ⁠sometimes an entire day can go by with open tasks left unfinished. after 30, by the end of the day, the energy depletes
•⁠ ⁠business meetings that last more than 15-20 minutes, i completely lose interest for the topics. i try not to check my phone but i start physical movement such as scribbling, playing with things.
•⁠ ⁠sometimes it feels like me and the people i’m speaking with are in completely different time-space continuums. it may feel alienating
•⁠ ⁠i cannot read novels. i don’t care about the stories. even when nonfiction books have a story to explain a concept, i zone out.
•⁠ ⁠i have very little friends, i don’t go out. i have to drink alcohol to be able to sit down for a social dinner. the alcohol makes it difficult to fidget. i do, however smoke cigarettes.
•⁠ ⁠cigarettes are a part of the adhd, i am convinced. i recently switched to vaping, stopped smoking cigarettes altogether
•⁠ ⁠sometimes i overeat out of boredom or to make me sleepy before bed
•⁠ ⁠i am convinced there is a connection between dopamine and adhd. nicotine and eating raise the dopamine. when i stopped smoking for a year, i was very depressed, the worst spout in my entire life
•⁠ ⁠sometimes i forget to go to the bathroom and then it becomes an emergency
ANCA, 38
MONICA, 36
SORINA, 36
PRO:
•⁠ ⁠my brain works like the RAM of a computer. it can be full of multiple open tasks while i work. but when there are no tasks my RAM is empty
•⁠ ⁠ADHD helped me learn web dev, frontend and backend simultaneously, as i had photoshop open while i was coding
•⁠ ⁠ADHD helps with debugging both code and real life. because you’re handling multiple tasks simultaneously and can eventually figure out where the issue is stemming from
•⁠ ⁠ADHD helped me learn digital fabrication, bringing me to a level way beyond any of my peers in fabrication. digital fabrication is using CAD, CAM and physical machinery, sometimes simultaneously in order to get advanced, optimized results
•⁠ ⁠i tought myself how to read fast. i can read a nonfiction book in 15-30 minutes.
ADHD MANAGEMENT:
•⁠ ⁠i keep notes in my phone of all the books i read. i take notes with the voice-to-text feature, noting the general message of each chapter together with my own connections
•⁠ ⁠i tell people when i am not paying attention. everyone is very patient
•⁠ ⁠ADHD helped me learn 6 SIGMA, AGILE, SCRUM and KANBAN because i needed a common structure with my clients and partners
•⁠ ⁠i try to keep a schedule, even for the smallest things. this is to help me not overload on multitasking
•⁠ ⁠i journal, meditate, go running, lift weights
(5) Misunderstood strengths → Hidden boundless potential, empowerment to reframe, ability to see in the future, strategic adv.
(sometimes overhelming)
(6) Boundless energy. Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong attraction to new and stimulating projects.
ANNA, 44
ARMINA, 36
PhD. Stud. Armina Popeanu
Creative Potential: The Advantages of ADHD at the
Intersection of Creativity, Entrepreneurship,
and Innovation
ADHD = Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder
Ion Mincu Architecture and Landscape University
Bucharest, Romania
5th Possibility Studies Network
Maynooth, 2nd June 2025