“My communication skills are through the roof!” says up-and-coming entrepreneur Jack Estes Debrabander. “Give me a call, and we will work something out.” Besides having stellar communication skills, he has one more unlikely superpower: ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
According to a 2019 article by WebMD, “ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity.” You do not have to look too hard in the entertainment, business, or sports industries to find someone who has been incredibly successful, in spite of the fact that they have had to navigate the incredible struggles associated with that lifelong diagnosis.
People like business mogul Sir Richard Branson, athletes like Michael Phelps, Olympians Simone Biles and Cammi Granato, TV and movie stars like Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, Audra McDonald, and Paris Hilton as well as recording artists Justin Beiber, Adam Levine, have all been diagnosed with ADHD. Regardless of this unfortunate diagnosis, Debrabander has made certain not to let it define who he is, nor what he plans to one day be.
Jack is currently attending Michigan State University to pursue his degree in Business Management and Communications. “The trick was getting into MSU, “ Jack said. “Being diagnosed with ADHD always gave me troubles with grades.” Not one to let a diagnosis like that slow him down, he made the tough decision to use medication to help him with his focus and control. “Having to take Adderall is the worst thing anyone could ever imagine.” He then went on to say, “I have learned how to cope with the drug and pursue my college career.”
When asked what advice he would give to others who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Jack said this. “Stay organized, be motivated, and get through it no matter what it takes.” Sound advice for anyone whether you have the diagnosis or not. Jack went on to say, “Making sure you have enough money while enjoying life as a young adult is tough, but I always found ways to keep myself in line.”
Over the years Debrabander has found specialized jobs that fit his skills and his desire to be his own boss. “I did window tints and phone repair for a while. Now I’m trying to create a company that runs an online lottery system called ‘Biddy’.”
To make Biddy successful in the marketplace takes real leadership. Jack feels that he’s dialed into the secret recipe to make that happen. “The three essentials every great leader must have is an organization, risk, and knowledge.” It’s also important for leaders to have a solid strategy to cultivate a new business relationship. “I would advise leaders to “sit down for lunch, and get a hang of the other person’s personality.” Once you do that, then “find something to fit their needs.”
A successful business plan, strategies to make them successful, and a diagnosis that puts him on par with some of the most successful people on the planet; Jack is planning on having an incredible year! “I am ready for the real world,” he says. By the looks of what he’s been able to accomplish in such a relatively short time, we think the world is ready for you too.
