James Watt is the CEO of brewery and pub chain ‘Brewdog’. He got diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 at the age of 40.
The Sun (2023)
‘The 40-year-old has now been diagnosed with ADHD – which causes people to be restless and impulsive – and Asperger syndrome, a form of autism.
He said the conditions make it difficult for him to read social cues and express empathy.
Watt said he will continue to work with medical experts to develop coping strategies to allow him to manage his conditions while still leading the Aberdeenshire-based company.
He said: “Working with the specialist was really eye opening and after a series of consultations and tests I was diagnosed not only with High Functioning Aspergers (which is on the autism spectrum) but also ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
“As a CEO and business leader I am far from alone in being on the autism spectrum – Elon Musk has Asperger’s.
“The diagnosis gives the me opportunity to continue working with an amazing specialist on fully understanding the implications of my own neurodiversity and specifically on working hard on the associated blind spots (such as reading social cues or expressing empathy) whilst sharpening the gifts that also come with autism and ADHD such as focus, creativity and analysis.
“Understanding the condition also means I can build practises into my daily life which help me better manage occasions, settings and experiences that I may find more challenging than others.
“I am still in the early stages of my journey here and I intend to continue sharing thoughts and insights that may help other neurodiverse business leaders and entrepreneurs on their journeys too.”‘