Stephanie Scheller, renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Grow Disrupt, is living proof that ADHD doesn’t have to be a limitation—it can be a superpower. In this interview, Stephanie shares how she discovered her ADHD, the strategies that have helped her thrive, and how she’s transformed her unique brain into a powerful tool for success.
Discovering ADHD
Stephanie’s discovery of her ADHD came during a casual conversation with a networking buddy, a specialist in diagnosing neurodivergent kids. She joked about getting tested, only for her friend to laugh and tell her it was obvious. "I don’t even need to test you!" her friend exclaimed. Stephanie was already a successful entrepreneur, having graduated summa cum laude and built a thriving business. This revelation was more of an eye-opener than a shock, as she had unknowingly developed systems to manage her ADHD throughout her career.
Early Challenges
At the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, Stephanie didn’t realize ADHD was playing a role. She had unknowingly created strategies to mitigate challenges, like using two calendars (one printed and one digital) to ensure nothing slipped through the cracks. ADHD’s tendency toward procrastination and scattered focus were also hurdles. Without external accountability, tasks often didn’t get done, and it was difficult to focus on marketing or product development with so many ideas swirling around.
Turning ADHD Into a Superpower
Creativity is one of Stephanie’s most powerful ADHD strengths. She’s leaned into her creative side to produce bold marketing efforts like a pop ballad and a comic strip for her company, Grow Disrupt. But her creativity goes beyond marketing. It also helps her find innovative solutions to challenges, like controlling post-COVID event costs while maintaining quality. Another key ADHD strength is hyperfocus. Stephanie uses specific cues, like scents and music, to help trigger hyperfocus sessions, allowing her to fully dive into creative work and problem-solving.
Her engaging and high-energy personality, also tied to ADHD, has become a powerful tool in drawing people to her and making them feel valued. But recognizing the need for balance, she uses tools like a CRM to manage conversations and ensures she protects downtime to recharge.
A Breakthrough Moment
A major breakthrough came when Stephanie realized that the success of her events during the pandemic was because they were unconsciously designed for ADHD minds. Despite the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic, her events doubled in size. Upon realizing the connection to ADHD, Stephanie dove into research, studying the ADHD brain and how it functions. She applied this knowledge to create events that catered specifically to ADHD brains, incorporating strategies like positive surprises and a custom scent to release dopamine and enhance focus. Attendees even received the scent to use back at the office, allowing them to maintain focus long after the event ended.
Advice for ADHD Entrepreneurs
Stephanie’s most important piece of advice is simple: **take what works for you and leave the rest.** ADHD doesn’t manifest the same way for everyone, and no two people will have the same experience. Stephanie emphasizes that just because a strategy didn’t work before doesn’t mean it won’t work in the future. The key is to embrace your unique experience with ADHD and build strategies that fit your life.
Tools, Strategies, and Habits
To manage ADHD, Stephanie uses a combination of tools and habits, including the **Remarkable** and **SuperNote** for separating creative and business tasks, extensive **time-blocking** on her Google Calendar, and a personal Slack channel to keep work and personal tasks organized. She also protects her energy with a flexible morning routine from 6 to 8 a.m., dedicated to self-care activities like writing, playing the violin, and journaling. This routine allows her to enter the day feeling grounded and refreshed.
Evolution and What’s Next
Early in her career, Stephanie tried to fit herself into a mold, pushing through challenges and conforming to others' expectations. Over time, she’s learned to embrace what makes her different, designing her work around her strengths. Now, she’s focused on expanding Grow Disrupt, refining the neurodivergent-friendly experience, and helping more entrepreneurs turn their ADHD into a superpower.