If you’re great at ideas but struggle to turn them into something sustainable, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I share a personal reflection on discovering I have ADHD and how that reshaped the way I understand entrepreneurship, focus, and follow-through.
Drawing on research into ADHD and entrepreneurial passion, we explore why many ADHD entrepreneurs thrive in the idea and creation phase, yet feel stuck when it comes to building, maintaining, or growing a business. It’s not a lack of motivation or discipline — it’s often a mismatch between where our passion sits and what the business actually requires to move forward.
This episode breaks down the three types of entrepreneurial passion (inventing, founding, and developing), explains why relying solely on ideas can lead to stalled progress, and offers a more compassionate, practical way to think about growth without self-blame.
Key Talking Points
Studies Referenced
Primary study (main focus):
Hatak, F., Harms, R., & Fink, M. (2021)
ADHD symptoms, entrepreneurial passion, and entrepreneurial performance
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2020.106017
Supporting research mentioned in the episode:
Wiklund, J., Yu, W., Tucker, R., & Marino, L. (2017)
ADHD, impulsivity, and entrepreneurship
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2016.07.002
Lerner, D. A., Verheul, I., & Thurik, R. (2019)
Entrepreneurship and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-018-0061-1
Cardon, M. S., Wincent, J., Singh, J., & Drnovsek, M. (2009)
The nature and experience of entrepreneurial passion
https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.40633190
Listener Reflection Prompts
Who This Episode Is For
Key Takeaway
Being stuck in the idea phase doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It often means you’re brilliant at inventing — and need more support around building and growing.
Important links
Connect with Nicole on TikTok @thefearlesscollective, on Instagram @thefearlesscollectiveco or Facebook @thefearlesscollectiveco
