The Impulsive Thinker

André Brisson - ADHD Entrepreneur

We celebrate ADHD entrepreneur success and discuss challenges and solutions. Having lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a large part of his entrepreneurial journey, the host André Brisson shares his personal story of overcoming undiagnosed symptoms and how he refined his systems, routines and habits once diagnosed with self-awareness and personal growth. André will interview high-achieving ADHD entrepreneurs, ADHD experts, and strength discovery experts covering many topics including their own obstacles and successes, strategies to manage their ADHD, share knowledge to gain insights and more. André will also be interviewed by guest hosts to pull out solutions and information from his brain – since his solutions are impulsive thoughts when talking to someone else. André Brisson was diagnosed at 44 with severe ADHD and Asperger's. He has lived it, researched it, and transformed himself into a higher-functioning ADHD entrepreneur.

  1. 3d ago

    You Built Your ADHD Entrepreneur Creativity, Not Your Brain

    You're not creative because you have an ADHD brain. You're creative because friction forced you to be. The Impulsive Thinker® tears down the myths about ADHD and Entrepreneur creativity.   In This Episode: Why friction—not your ADHD diagnosis—creates real creative skills The traps of too much and too little friction for ADHD entrepreneurs Growth mindset versus victim mindset in the face of business resistance   What You'll Take Away: Your creative drive wasn't handed to you by your brain—it was built through scars and pushback Repetition under pressure is where skills get made, not boredom-breaking Too much friction burns you out, not up Being bored isn't a flaw; it's fuel for finding new angles You, not your wiring, are responsible for what you make out of resistance   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This solo episode of The Impulsive Thinker® challenges the lie that ADHD brains are default creative machines. The Impulsive Thinker® dives into friction, growth mindset, and what really forges Entrepreneur creativity. You'll hear why standard business advice fails ADHD entrepreneurs and why workarounds became your standard. Grind, burnout, and "follow the money"—The Impulsive Thinker® breaks down how the wrong kind of friction eats your drive. If the world keeps telling you to stick to their plan, but you keep building your own—this episode is built for you. Hit play.   Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 The Myth of ADHD and Creativity 02:46 Friction as a Catalyst for Growth 06:02 Understanding Friction: The Balance of Challenge 08:55 Mindset Matters: Victim vs. Growth 11:23 Taking Ownership of Your Creativity   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  2. 6d ago

    ADHD Entrepreneurs Aren't Built by Diagnosis — Dr. Russell Ramsay Says Friction Does

    You didn't get innovative because you were born with ADHD. You got there because you survived the friction. The world wants friction-free — but ADHD Entrepreneurs are forged through resistance, not by default.   In This Episode: Friction: how real growth happens for ADHD Entrepreneurs Why life experience — not just brain wiring — shapes creativity When to quit, when to persist, and why resilience is earned   What You'll Take Away: ADHD does not guarantee problem-solving or creativity — life makes you build it Too much friction leads to burnout. Too little? Stagnation. Your workarounds and adaptability are proof of lived experience, not wiring Failure is not a flaw. Mistakes are the step before mastery. Quitting what drains you is a strategic decision, not a weakness   Guest: Dr. J. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. He recently launched a solo virtual telepsychology practice, which can be found at www.cbt4adhd.com. Dr. Ramsay is recognized for his contributions to the field of adult ADHD and is a repeat guest on The Impulsive Thinker™ podcast.   www.cbt4adhd.com   Books by Dr. Russell Ramsay: The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills to Manage Stress, Find Focus, and Reclaim Your Life The Adult ADHD Tool Kit   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® dives straight into the ADHD Entrepreneur's real source of growth: friction and failure. The Impulsive Thinker® sits down with Dr. J. Russell Ramsay to expose why lived experience — not just ADHD brain wiring — drives creativity and resilience.   Key themes include how friction shapes adaptability, why most ADHD strengths are forged through struggle, and what happens when Entrepreneurs face too much or too little resistance. The episode tears down the myth that an ADHD brain comes with guaranteed success or innovation. It's about life scars, hard-won workarounds, and facing those uncomfortable moments that most people run from. The conversation breaks down how comparison, external benchmarks, and the pressure for friction-free achievement hold ADHD Entrepreneurs back. Real growth comes from earned scars — not from labels or hype.   If you're tired of one-size-fits-all advice and want to see how real ADHD operating systems build business muscle, this one's for you. Listen in and redefine what success looks like on your own terms.   Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified™ online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Creativity 06:31 Life Experiences and Problem Solving 11:18 The Role of Friction in Growth 16:57 Mindset: Growth vs. Victim 19:25 Perfectionism and ADHD 20:03 Understanding Emotional Reasoning and Self-Worth 22:16 The Impact of Friction in Learning 25:22 Navigating Growth Mindset and Anti-Fragility 28:24 Finding Your Niche and Accepting Limits 33:32 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Friction   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  3. Jul 9

    ADHD Entrepreneur Upheaval: Burnout, Boundaries, and Rebuilding for Yourself

    Disaster always hits before a breakthrough. If you're rebuilding your business after chaos, you're not alone. The Impulsive Thinker® explains why ADHD entrepreneurs never get a smooth path forward — and why that's the real sign of progress.   In This Episode: Why every big leap in business comes right after everything blows up How old habits come back — even when you know better Setting boundaries to keep your business built around you, not everyone else   What You'll Take Away: Your worst business disaster is the price of actual progress, not a sign you failed When pressure hits, survival habits come back fast — know how to catch them Building your business for yourself first is the only way it will work long-term You know what needs to change — stop negotiating with yourself and start moving Respect for your boundaries is non-negotiable, no matter who's pushing back   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® confronts the fallout and rebuild after an ADHD entrepreneur's business falls apart. The Impulsive Thinker® dishes the real ADHD experience — disaster, forced lessons, and why you can't build back the old way. It hits the hard truths about boundaries, saying no, and how even your best habits get tested when survival mode kicks in. This one's for ADHD entrepreneurs sick of serving everyone but themselves and tired of apologizing for how their brain works. If you're done pretending burnout is normal and want your business to serve you — hit play.   Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   GUEST BIO Dr. Brandie Keates is a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Bloom Sanctuary. She built and sold one of the largest chiropractic practices in her state and now creates practical support for women in pain.   Follow Dr. Brandie YouTube Facebook Instagram Website DrBrandie.com   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Navigating Business Disasters 02:47 Lessons from Setbacks and Breakthroughs 05:29 Breaking Old Habits and Setting Boundaries 08:42 Creating a Thriving Company Culture   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  4. Jul 6

    When the ADHD Entrepreneur Finally Puts Themselves First | Dr. Brandie Keates

    You didn't burn out. You got bored, and your brain did the rest. André Brisson, The Impulsive Thinker®, breaks down what actually happens when ADHD entrepreneurs walk away — or get forced out. It's not about losing. It's about refusing to do it on someone else's terms.   In This Episode: Why "putting yourself first" is non-negotiable for ADHD Entrepreneurs Setting boundaries and learning which clients and team members still respect you Regulating your batteries before your brain and business crash   What You'll Take Away: Running your own company doesn't mean anyone else gets a say Survival mode isn't strategy — it's your ADHD brain in panic spinning its wheels Doing work that makes you angry or bored is a signal, not a moral failing You can drop 75% of your revenue and still come out ahead — if your boundaries are right If you're burned out and overwhelmed, it's time to quit validating your decisions with outside opinions   GUEST BIO Dr. Brandie Keates is a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Bloom Sanctuary. She built and sold one of the largest chiropractic practices in her state and now creates practical support for women in pain.   Follow Dr. Brandie YouTube Facebook Instagram Website DrBrandie.com   ABOUT THIS EPISODE The Impulsive Thinker® and Dr. Brandy Keats get brutally honest about business breakups, burnout, and why ADHD brains refuse the slow death of "steady" growth. They talk about why boundary-setting is everything for ADHD Entrepreneurs and what really happens when you decide to put yourself first. This conversation digs into overwhelm, the real cost of bad-fit teams and clients, and the guilt that comes from doing less but getting more. It's a direct look at neurological regulation, dropping work that kills your batteries, and how to build a business that survives the ADHD cycle. If you've ever felt the urge to burn it all down or start over, this episode is your permission slip. Hit play if you're ready to stop apologizing and actually run things your way. Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Surrendering to Change 02:57 Navigating Business Relationships 05:52 Rebuilding After Loss 09:11 Finding Balance in Work and Life 11:56 Understanding Overwhelm and Productivity 14:54 Redefining Success and Joy in Work 18:36 Setting Boundaries and Self-Respect 20:12 The Journey to Personal Fulfillment 22:02 Reducing Overwhelm and Prioritizing Self-Care 23:07 Navigating Business Relationships and Expectations 29:20 Taking Action: Exiting Toxic Situations 35:16 Embracing Change and Personal Growth   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  5. Jul 2

    People Ignore ADHD Entrepreneur Anger — Then Blames Us for Exploding

    Anger isn't the problem. It's what happens when the world ignores it. The Impulsive Thinker® tears apart the lie that ADHD entrepreneurs have "anger issues" — and calls out why nobody ever asks why.   In This Episode: Anger versus aggression — the difference nobody sees Why ignoring anger creates bigger messes for ADHD entrepreneurs How shame and gaslighting feed emotional blowups   What You'll Take Away: Anger is a signal, not a character flaw — aggression is what happens when it's ignored Shame keeps ADHD entrepreneurs from even feeling anger "Anger problems" are often society's refusal to listen, not yours ADHD, RSD, and other labels get weaponized to silence you The right question isn't "why are you angry" — it's "what boundary got crossed?"   ABOUT THIS EPISODE The Impulsive Thinker® takes on anger and emotional dysregulation in ADHD entrepreneurship. Why are ADHD entrepreneurs labelled angry when nobody asks what's happened to trigger it? This episode drills into anger as a signal, not a failing, and why mixing it up with aggression misses the real point.   Shame, dismissal, and gaslighting push ADHD entrepreneurs to a breaking point. Ignoring anger never solves it. The Impulsive Thinker® unpacks how aggression happens when signals keep getting suppressed and why asking "why" matters. This episode calls out how society uses labels like RSD and ADHD as excuses to ignore or blame. Real-world business situations — from customer service to team dynamics — get broken down for neurodivergent Entrepreneurs. You'll see why your blowups have a root cause nobody's asking about.   If you've ever heard "you're too much," "too angry," or been written off for getting upset in business, this episode is for you. Hit play if you're done being dismissed — and ready to hear what nobody says about anger and ADHD.   Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   GUEST BIO Patrick Murphy is a former Wall Street Journal executive turned mental health coach for high-performing Entrepreneurs. He built his startup after somatic work finally addressed the anxiety therapy never touched.   www.murph.live https://www.instagram.com/murph.live https://open.spotify.com/show/3gkHa4yj8Ts8f6WczFRiGz?si=6986fc41cc704ded   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Understanding Anger: A Societal Perspective 02:51 The Consequences of Ignoring Anger 05:37 Navigating Anger: From Emotion to Understanding   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  6. Jun 29

    Anger Isn't Your Problem — Suppressing It Is, for ADHD Entrepreneurs | Patrick Murphy

    You're not angry. You're activated. And the world keeps confusing anger with aggression—at your expense. The Impulsive Thinker® and Patrick Murphy break down what no one tells ADHD Entrepreneurs about emotional fire. In This Episode: Anger vs. aggression—actual difference and why it matters Emotional regulation, "activation," and dysregulation in ADHD Entrepreneurs Using anger as a boundary and value detector What You'll Take Away: Suppressed anger is what turns into rage or sideways aggression—not the feeling itself "Activated" isn't the same as dysregulated—know the line Anger points to violated boundaries, values, or dignity; it's not always destructive Sitting with anger teaches you what really matters to you Communicating anger isn't the problem; suppressing it is GUEST BIO Patrick Murphy is a former Wall Street Journal executive turned mental health coach for high-performing Entrepreneurs. He built his startup after somatic work finally addressed the anxiety therapy never touched. www.murph.live https://www.instagram.com/murph.live https://open.spotify.com/show/3gkHa4yj8Ts8f6WczFRiGz?si=6986fc41cc704ded   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® dives into the misunderstood world of anger in ADHD Entrepreneurs. The Impulsive Thinker® questions why anger feels "illegal" and why people confuse it with aggression, especially in business. Patrick Murphy breaks down the links between shame, suppressed anger, and emotional dysregulation for neurodivergent founders. Real talk on how anger flags boundary violations, not just "bad behaviour." Essential listening for Entrepreneurs who suppress their anger to keep the peace, but end up exploding or self-sabotaging instead. If your anger is running under the surface, it's time to hear this. Hit play now. Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference. 🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Understanding Anger vs. Aggression 08:46 The Beauty of Anger 18:27 Processing Anger and Its Indicators   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  7. Jun 25

    Being Erased: Why ADHD Entrepreneurs Sacrifice Everything and Stay Too Long

    You don't just lose a business. You get erased from the thing you built, and nobody talks about that. The Impulsive Thinker® pulls the curtain back on what actually happens when an ADHD Entrepreneur walks away.   In This Episode: Surviving vs. building as an ADHD Entrepreneur Why quitting feels like failure even when it's not Who you're really proving yourself to (and why it matters)   What You'll Take Away: Walking away hits harder when your company erases you Survival mode sacrifices go unnoticed by everyone — including you Staying too long often has nothing to do with business Chasing money and pleasing others never works for ADHD Entrepreneurs Your company has to serve you first — or you'll break   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® goes straight at what happens when your company kicks you out. ADHD Entrepreneur André Brisson talks about erasure, not just failure. No sugar-coating. He tackles survival mode, broken mental health, and building for others at your own cost. ADHD, entrepreneurship, and the raw reality of losing what you started — it's all in here. You'll hear hard truths about people pleasing, toxic validation, and what happens when you stop building for yourself. There's no inspirational curveball. Just scars and the real business impact for ADHD Entrepreneurs. This episode matters because nobody else will say it out loud. If you've ever stayed too long, got erased, or wondered if this is just you — it's not. Hit play.   Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.   GUEST BIO Dr. Brandie Keates is a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Bloom Sanctuary. She built and sold one of the largest chiropractic practices in her state and now creates practical support for women in pain.   Follow Dr. Brandie YouTube Facebook Instagram Website DrBrandie.com   🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 02:39 Survival Mode and Sacrifice 05:30 The Emotional Toll of Business 08:33 The Pain of Erasure and Moving Forward   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

  8. Jun 22

    You Sacrificed Everything and Still Got Erased: An ADHD Entrepreneur Experience | Dr. Brandie Keates

    You didn't burn out — your ADHD brain set your business on fire the second it got bored. Nobody talks about what it really costs to walk away from the company you built. The Impulsive Thinker® and Dr. Brandie Keates drag it into the light.   In This Episode: Walking away from your own business as an ADHD Entrepreneur Boredom, burnout, and why success feels like a slow death The fallout when your brain blows things up just to feel again   What You'll Take Away: Running your company on empty will cost you your health and your identity Your team thinks you're quitting — you know you're saving your life Success measured by society's standards is a lie for ADHD Entrepreneurs Boredom isn't laziness. It's your brain forcing a pivot — or a blowup You can't people-please your way to self-respect. Boundaries break things, including you   GUEST BIO Dr. Brandie Keates is a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of Bloom Sanctuary. She built and sold one of the largest chiropractic practices in her state and now creates practical support for women in pain.   Follow Dr. Brandie YouTube Facebook Instagram Website DrBrandie.com   ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode of The Impulsive Thinker® tackles the reality of walking away from the business you built. The Impulsive Thinker® André Brisson and Dr. Brandy Keats break down why ADHD Entrepreneurs hit the wall and what happens when your brain hits eject. ADHD, entrepreneurship, neurodivergence, boredom, and burnout get put on the table. This isn't a conversation about scaling or hustle — it's about the mental and physical cost of running your business on someone else's measuring stick. You don't just lose a company; you lose the story you told yourself about who you were. If being the black sheep meant never fitting into the "right" path — this is your episode. If you've ever felt erased or lost after walking away, listen now. Email me about it at andre@theimpulsivethinker.com. Remember — ADHD failure is measured on society's measuring stick. Not yours. Your brain runs on interest, not importance. That's not a flaw. That's a different operating system. ADHD is not a deficit. It's a difference.     🧠Check out the ADHD Simplified® online course - coming soon! Join the waitlist for a special discount! 📃Download The Sh!t List™, my weekly planning tool. 📰Join the Impulsive Thoughts newsletter. 🔗Connect with me on LinkedIn. 👣Follow me on Instagram. 💻Check out our website. 👂🏼We want to hear from you! Send us your ideas, questions, or feedback Here.   00:00 Introduction and Background 02:29 The Journey of Building a Business 07:15 Challenges of Leadership and Identity 11:23 The Weight of Responsibility and Burnout 16:12 Finding Freedom Beyond Business 19:30 Navigating Business Challenges and Personal Growth 22:27 The Emotional Toll of Business Transitions 26:21 Rebuilding After Loss: A New Beginning 32:12 Identity Beyond Business: Rediscovering Self   © 2025 The Impulsive Thinker®. All rights reserved. The Impulsive Thinker® and ADHD Simplified® are registered trademarks of Objective Engineering Inc.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We celebrate ADHD entrepreneur success and discuss challenges and solutions. Having lived with undiagnosed ADHD for a large part of his entrepreneurial journey, the host André Brisson shares his personal story of overcoming undiagnosed symptoms and how he refined his systems, routines and habits once diagnosed with self-awareness and personal growth. André will interview high-achieving ADHD entrepreneurs, ADHD experts, and strength discovery experts covering many topics including their own obstacles and successes, strategies to manage their ADHD, share knowledge to gain insights and more. André will also be interviewed by guest hosts to pull out solutions and information from his brain – since his solutions are impulsive thoughts when talking to someone else. André Brisson was diagnosed at 44 with severe ADHD and Asperger's. He has lived it, researched it, and transformed himself into a higher-functioning ADHD entrepreneur.

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