From Diagnoses to Deals: Why Neurodivergence Built My Brand Better

Discovering the Hidden Frameworks That Shape Our Lives

Grimes recently made headlines for openly sharing her diagnoses of ADHD and autism - and her transparency struck a deep chord with me. Like her, I was also diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD, alongside dyslexia and narcolepsy.

The point is - this era of self-discovery is unlocking doors for so many of us, helping us finally understand who we are and what makes us tick. In this article, Hollywood Branded shares how understanding neurodivergence can not only shape personal growth but unlock incredible business potential.

From Genetic Tests to Bagpipes: An Era of Self-Discovery

Between genetic tests, ChatGPT insights, and those irresistibly addictive Facebook quizzes, we truly live in an unprecedented age of self-discovery. (Humor is always part of my charm!)

Looking back, the signs were always there. I'd received an early diagnosis at age three due to small motor skill development issues, but my parents chose to ignore it, driven by their not wanting me to be seen as "different."

Shoelaces are still a massive obstacle to this day, despite my dad's endless efforts.

Navigating Life Before “The Spectrum” Was a Thing

Those were times when autism wasn't widely understood, and before terms like "Asperger's" even existed, let alone became part of cancel culture. The better term "spectrum" hadn't been developed yet - and the jokes about being on the "short bus" were rampant.

We were not a politically correct society by any means during my youth. Back then, diagnoses often meant assumptions about limited potential. The reality is - sure, early support available then might have made life smoother, but would it have necessarily made life better? Maybe fewer tears and more clarity in self-realization - but ultimately, navigating challenges without early interventions helped me build resilience, determination, and problem-solving skills that became foundational to my personal and professional success.

Grimes highlights a critical point: understanding these conditions earlier can drastically reshape experiences. Yet, like me, she doesn't regret those struggles, recognizing them as integral to shaping who we are today.

Building Resilience - Kilt, Bagpipes, and Blistering Texas Astroturf

I'm glad I had the opportunity to fail repeatedly without special accommodations being made.  It made me tougher - though honestly, nothing says resilience quite like marching onto blisteringly hot Texas astroturf in a kilt, blasting bagpipes under the blinding stadium lights of Texas championship football - where football is practically a religion - and knowing every classmate watching is silently questioning all of your life choices.

Yep. I did that to myself.  And SO many similar things that allowed me to develop fortitude. I was that unique kid.

And just to dial up the absurdity, imagine adding in some mandatory Irish jig dancing - because apparently, bagpipes alone weren’t enough.

But you know what? I did it. I survived a lot of bullying in my youth - and walked away with some pretty epic stories because of it. This month, I was able to bust out a beer-inspired Irish jig-meets-country line dance at my husband's family's Glasgow wedding as a band played the bagpipes. Having ADHD also means casually overachieving in entirely random ways, adding to my earlier musical adventures playing flute, oboe, guitar, piano, violin, and saxophone.

It's clear my neurodivergent brain doesn’t know how to do anything halfway.

Turning Neurodivergence into a Superpower

The result: I know how to outthink almost any situation I find myself in today and solve it. My mind can understand both sides of any story.  I can see the benefits each finds mutual - as well as the pitfalls that will cause someone to shut an idea down.

My brain doesn't think about one approach - it thinks about it from every angle with thoughts running at full force slicing and dicing and ripping apart to figure out as rapidly as possible what will work. My brain expands the idea out, and layers and layers of additional data are added in and considered - which, combined with my ability for intense focus for days at a time, and the lack of a need for a lot of sleep, means I can build entire new business divisions practically overnight - for any company, including my own.  It can be a little overwhelming for others to experience.  And yet very profitable too.

My husband jokes that I am the original AI and that I only know one speed - FAST.  It's resulted in my building a multi-million dollar agency that builds partnerships very differently than most - and problem-solves incredibly well.

Seeing Entire Universes Within a Single Idea

What makes me particularly effective at what I do is my ability to see entire universes within a single idea. I innately understand the big picture and clearly visualize all the elements needed for each stakeholder to fully buy into the grand concepts we develop. This unique capability is why our agency is known for creating complex, multi-level campaigns anchored around big Hollywood ideas, which we amplify through influencers, celebrities, PR, media, marketing, branded content, and even entirely new solar systems of possibility that expand from that initial concept to build new product extensions around Hollywood IP, retail campaigns and new partnerships that result in decades of wealth generation.

The next time I'm in a brand pitch and someone asks, "What makes your agency different - and better - than everyone else?" I'm going straight for it: "We harness the superpower of neurodiversity. We just think BIGGER."

Eager To Learn More?

You’re not alone in discovering the power of being wired a little differently. At Hollywood Branded, we celebrate how personal stories, neurodiversity, and raw authenticity are changing the face of branding, influence, and marketing success. Check out these articles below. 

• A Year of Gratitude: Reflecting on the Wins, Losses, and Lessons Learned
• Leveraging the Power of AI for Building Brand Awareness
• The Role of Authenticity in Public Relations
• The Psychology Behind Product Placement
• Futuristic Wonders Unveiled: CES's Groundbreaking Innovations

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