Is ADHD a roadblock to success, or could it be a hidden superpower in business and life?
ADHD is often misunderstood, reduced to stereotypes of inattention and distraction. Yet, some of the world’s most successful business leaders and creatives have been diagnosed with the condition.
In this insightful series, Dr. Phil Anderton and John Reynolds challenge common misconceptions, speaking with high achievers from business and media about their real-life experiences with ADHD.
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"ADHD is a tornado - and you can get lost in the middle of it" | Ryan Swain | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:23)
In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds talk with radio presenter, DJ and BBC Make a Difference Award recipient Ryan Swain."ADHD is a tornado - and you can get lost in the middle of it" is how Ryan explains ADHD when he speaks to kids in schools today. What makes this so powerful is that no one was talking like this when Ryan was a pupil.Instead of understanding, he experienced exclusion.Instead of support, he was labelled.Now, Ryan pours his energy into giving young people what he never had - language, understanding, and permission to learn differently.ADHD isn't bad behaviour. It isn't a choice. It's a neurobiological condition - and when it goes unrecognised, the damage can last far beyond the classroom.This conversation reflects not just lived experience, but the impact of turning adversity into purpose - becoming what was missing for others.
Neurodivergence might be the engine behind progress | Dex Hunter-Torricke | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:28)
‘Neurodivergence isn't a brake on progress - it might actually be the engine behind it.’In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds talk with Dex Hunter-Torricke.Dex has worked directly with some of the biggest names in tech, Eric Schmidt at Google, Elon Musk at SpaceX, Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook.He's seen up close how innovation accelerates when neurodivergent thinkers are not only welcomed, but empowered.Dex believes that all but one of his big-tech bosses were likely neurodivergent - and in Silicon Valley, that's not something people hide. It's often a headline strength.Neurodivergence is credited as a driver of creation, disruption, and problem-solving. (Of course, hyper-focus and intense work cultures can also lead to burnout - a conversation for another day).But outside that ecosystem, especially in the UK, neurodivergence is still too often masked, misunderstood, or surrounded by stigma & shame.And that has consequences:• ideas unspoken• innovation lost• potential untappedThere's so much we could learn from the way Silicon Valley elevates difference rather than burying it under rigid protocols and one-size-fits-all HR performance reviews.Today, alongside recently joining the HM Treasury board, Dec is using his platform, experience and extensive networks to take n some of humanities most urgent challenges.
Steven Thai 'The Prawn King' | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:29:00)
"I've always known I have ADHD"Steven Thai aka 'The prawn King' is this week's guest on ADHD Beyond the Label.Having met hosts John Reynolds & Dr Phil Anderton at Ideas Fest and sharing his back story, Steven was invited to be part of this filming series.We discuss the personal journey of understanding ADHD, exploring how unique traits like crisis management and social adaptability can be viewed as strengths, and the ongoing process of self-improvement and leadership development.The resilience and relentless drive to survive and protect family is both inspiring and humbling.This is a conversation not to miss....
Ryan Hopkins | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:08)
"To relax, I need to go to the gym, then my mind can be still."In this episode Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds speak with Ryan HopkinsRyan has ADHD. It's a fundamental part of how he thinks, moves, leads, and creates impact.Getting diagnosed with ADHD wasn't about having a label; it was about understanding himself better, so he could show up as the best version of himself.That self-understanding has allowed him to be more effective with his team, to help them fly, and to create the kind of impact that genuinely shifts culture.He'll tell you openly that he wants things done yesterday, and that he can rub people up the wrong way.But that same energy, pace, and restlessness are exactly what enable him to challenge outdated systems and deliver change that actually lands ~He's been called a disruptor, a non-conformist - this is a guy that did a Ted X talk sitting on a toilet on stage.The truth is, it's working for him And working for corporates because he's reframing what leadership, pace, and impact really look like.His relentless commitment, combined with the strength he shows in being vulnerable about his mental health, has been genuinely inspirational.Ryan is a two-time Ted Speaker, best selling author, and a genuine force for good in reshaping mental health in the corporate world.
WORKING ON YOUR CHIMP | Zoe Clews | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:28:17)
Zoe knew three simple things: she wanted to work for herself, she wanted to help people, and she wanted to be known for what she did.From masking and self-doubt to becoming a highly respected hypnotherapist, this powerful conversation explores resilience, the impact of having someone believe in you, and why you do not need confidence to begin, you just need to take the first step.Zoe Clews joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for an honest and inspiring episode about courage, accountability and giving yourself permission to explore.
ADHD THROUGH A FEMAIL LENS | Kate Moryoussef | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:30)
From the very first day of ADHD Beyond the Label, one name kept coming up, Kate Moryoussef.Kate often describes herself as the well behaved one. Quiet, shy, and always keeping her head down, but inside, the noise never stopped.ADHD is as hereditary as height. Understanding that helps us make sense of experiences like Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Instead of assuming someone is too emotional or overly sensitive, we can begin to understand what those feelings are really telling us.Masking and not living authentically can be exhausting. For many people it catches up with you until you feel there is nowhere left to turn. Kate recognised that and decided to create a space for women to feel seen, supported and safe.Her book The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit is more than a read. It is a guide to understanding ADHD through the female lens, helping women explore triggers behind burnout, overwhelm and emotional sensitivity. It offers practical tools to regulate the nervous system, live in sync with hormones, embrace creativity and build a life that truly works for them.Join Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds as they sit down with Kate Moryoussef for an open and moving conversation about her journey, her work and the message behind The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit in this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label.
IF I FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THING I AM UNSTOPPABLE | Bela Fernandez | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:40:37)
What happens when the world measures you by exams, but your brain shines through creativity, passion and real life work?How do you go from feeling like the "odd one out" to realising you have a superpower?This week, Bela Fernandez joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds have a conversation about hyperfocus, self belief and finding your strengths.Together they discuss:- Hyperfocus and being "unstoppable" when passion takes over- Academic struggles and why exams do not define ability- Building confidence and understanding your ADHD- Turning strengths into success in your own way- Supporting young people who feel misunderstood or different"I now look at it like I have the coolest superpower. When I focus on the right thing, am absolutely unstoppable. I will forget to eat because I am so obsessed with what I am doing”
Dodge Woodall | THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:35:14)
"So you survived school, but you did not just survive, did you? You thrived."In this week's episode of ADHD Beyond The Label, join Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds as they sit down with Dodge Woodall, entrepreneur, festival creator and risk taker, to explore the highs and lows of chasing dopamine, risk and success.From earning thousands a week at university to selling 30,000 tickets for a festival that was suddenly made illegal, Dodge's story is as unpredictable as it is inspiring.Beneath the chaos lies a fascinating truth. What happens when the ADHD brain finds its thrill in risk, challenge and uncertainty?- Is it addiction or ambition?- Can risk really be a form of focus?- And is there such a thing as being addicted to adrenaline?Do not miss this powerful conversation where entrepreneurship meets extreme sport and the Artful Dodger himself reveals the secret behind his success.
I'M FEARLESS AND IF I WANT TO DO SOMETHING, I AM GOING TO DO IT | Verity Bowditch (00:28:58)
In this episode of ADHD Beyond the label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds are joined by Vertity Bowditch.From scientist to Made In Chelsea reality TV star, pilates instructor to actress, Verity has never been afraid to take on something new.This episode is a great exploration into the fearless side of ADHD, the power of self-belief and how understanding her mind changed everything.
TRYING TO FIT IN | Ore Oduba | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:03)
This week, Ore Oduba, TV/radio presenter, actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner, joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share his powerful story of life before and after being diagnosed with ADHD."I spent years trying to fit in, shapeshifting like a chameleon into whatever I thought people wanted me to be. But that is exhausting."Known for his work on the BBC, This Morning and in numerous stage productions, Ore opens up about the pressure of performing live, the hidden anxiety behind the spotlight, and the intense hyperfocus that helped him succeed but often left him burnt out.Getting diagnosed with ADHD, he says, has given him the language and understanding he had been searching for his entire life.
I SPENT YEARS TRYING TO FIT IN, SHAPESHIFTING LIKE A CHAMELEON | Ore Oduba | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:03)
This week, Ore Oduba, TV/radio presenter, actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner, joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share his powerful story of life before and after being diagnosed with ADHD."I spent years trying to fit in, shapeshifting like a chameleon into whatever I thought people wanted me to be. But that is exhausting."Known for his work on the BBC, This Morning and in numerous stage productions, Ore opens up about the pressure of performing live, the hidden anxiety behind the spotlight, and the intense hyperfocus that helped him succeed but often left him burnt out.Getting diagnosed with ADHD, he says, has given him the language and understanding he had been searching for his entire life.
EVERYTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL SOMEONE DOES IT | Hannah Lanel | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:34:35)
"I was like, well, I'm going to show you. Prove them wrong."In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur Hannah Lanel joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share her story of self-esteem, determination, and overcoming doubt.From being told her dreams were impossible, to building a successful business against all odds - Hannah's journey is a powerful reminder that:"Everything's impossible until someone does it."This conversation explores the difference between self-confidence and self-esteem, the challenges young women face, and why no person with ADHD should ever feel shame for who they are.
HOW CAN YOU BE A DOCTOR AND HAVE ADHD? | Dr Sonia Ponzo | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:34:24)
"How the hell can you be a doctor and have ADHD?"That's the question Sonia Ponzo, PhD - CEO & Founder at Outset Wellness - has faced time and time again.People assume ADHD means a poor academic career, a lack of focus, or limited success. But in reality? ADHD can look like hyperactivity, hyperstimulation, and the drive to keep your brain occupied with 50 things at once.In this conversation, we explore:- How movement and exercise fuel productivity and protect mental health- Why burnout became a turning point- The importance of creating value for yourself, your community, and those around you- Why ADHD doesn't define limits, it definespossibilitiesThis week, Sonia sits down with Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share her raw journey of balancing science, success, and self-discovery, showing that ADHD and achievement can go hand in hand.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULDN'T FAIL? | Paul Hughes | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:36:50)
This week on Beyond the Label we’re joined by Paul Hughes - former UK military special operator, forensic consultant, and TV personality who’s turned challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, and a speech impediment into his greatest strengths.Paul mastered Russian, Arabic, and Pashto, served across the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan, and even worked with the United Nations in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s era. You may also recognise him from Channel 4’s Hunted, where he featured as the “criminal mastermind.”Now a motivational speaker and forensic expert, Paul inspires others with a simple but powerful message for the next generation:“What would you do if you couldn’t fail? What could you achieve?”In this week’s episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Paul joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for an unmissable conversation about resilience, identity, and unlocking human potential.
ARE WE TALKING ADHD DOWN - OR BIGGING IT UP? | Claire Quigley Ward | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:30:49)
Are we talking ADHD down - or bigging it up? Our guest this week says: big it up.Before her own diagnosis, Claire - host of All Aboard ADHD - felt alone and "failing". Now she's built a 40k+ parent community and a message that's hard to ignore; support + challenge = resilience, and interest-led learning beats punishment.- Turning loneliness & shame into community- Interest as the ignition key for an ADHD brain- Protecting self-esteem at school (and at home)This conversation dives into parenting ADHD in the UK - practical strategies, why schools must change, and what happens when we meet kids where they are.In this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Claire joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for an honest, empowering chat about raising differently wired kids - and building resilience for the long run.
ADHD IS EVERYWHERE IN THE ARTS | Darcus Beese OBE | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:43:51)
This week on Beyond the Label we're joined by Darcus Beese OBE - trailblazing music executive, former President of Island Records, and the force behind artists including Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, and The Killers.From growing up in 1970s West London to shaping global music culture, Darcus shares his late ADHD diagnosis, the pivotal role it played in his life, and the lessons he's carrying forward. Together we explore:Why ADHD in the arts is more common than you might thinkHow fight-or-flight instincts shaped his resilience and creativityThe highs and hardships of working with world-famous artistsWhy understanding mental health in the music industry is long overdueIn this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Darcus joins Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about creativity, survival, and redefining success.
I WAS ALWAYS SEEN AS BEING 'FINE' | Emma Walsh | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:37:58)
In this week's episode content creator, presenter and professional driver Emma Walsh opens up on her recent ADHD diagnosis.Explaining how finally having the confirmation has allowed her to piece together parts of her life that have previously left her feeling as though she was broken, or that there was something wrong with her.Born in Cape Town to famous parents, Emma was always active, whether that be dancing, singing or playing the piano. This helped in her formative years to distract from the symptoms of her ADHD, something she went on to find more difficult in next period of her life.Emma talks about building phenomenal resilience and how when working as part of a pop group, on a stage show or auditioning for a character role, rejection sensitivity played less of a part, but when she transitioned into presenting and content creation, the rejection she faced had a bigger impact on her as it felt personal.Join John Reynolds and Dr Phil Anderton to hear Emma's story in full where she talks about being misdiagnosed with anti-depressants, overthinking, perfectionism, frustration and much more.
ADHD, RESILIENCE AND THE HAPPY ME PROJECT | Holly Matthews | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:33:58)
This week on Beyond the Label we're joined by Holly Matthews - actress, author, founder of The Happy Me Project, and someone who has turned unimaginable grief into a mission of hope, resilience, and authenticity.From navigating rejection in acting to processing the loss of her husband, Holly shares how creativity, self-development, and a late ADHD diagnosis have shaped her journey. Together we explore:Why creating (not consuming) can be a lifeline in tough timesHow masking shaped her early career - and what unmasking really looked likeThe reality of rejection sensitivity and emotional resilience with ADHDBuilding The Happy Me Project from the depths of grief into a movement helping thousandsIn this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Holly joins Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share her raw, powerful, and full of positivity story. If you've ever felt "too much," struggled with self-belief, or searched for light in dark times - this conversation is for you.
Heston Blumenthal OBE | THE ART OF QUESTIONING EVERYTHING | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:40:07)
This week on Beyond the Label, we were joined by none other than Heston Blumenthal OBE - the world-renowned chef, innovator, and pioneer of multi-sensory gastronomy. Known for pushing the boundaries of food at his three Michelin-starred restaurant The Fat Duck, Heston has redefined how we experience flavour, memory, and emotion through food.But behind the culinary genius is also a story of neurodivergence. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2017, Heston opened up to us about how his busy mind, boundless creativity, and ability to "fall down rabbit holes" shaped his career and inspired some of his most daring dishes - from crab ice cream to The Sound of the Sea.We spoke about:The link between ADHD and creativity in the kitchenHis childhood school reports that simply read "can do better”How he translated French cookbooks as a teenager and discovered food science through curiosityWhy the way we perceive food can change the way it tastesHis openness about ADHD and bipolar diagnoses - and the importance of raising awareness to remove shameAs Heston put it, the brain is "a very busy thing" - and learning about ADHD helped him understand not just his challenges, but also the unique strengths that fuelled his career.In this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Heston joins Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share his journey, from misplaced dustpans in fridges to pioneering dishes that changed the way the world thinks about food.
THE REAL SUCCESS IS WHO I AM TODAY | Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:31:45)
From an art-school project at 50 to one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty brands, meet Maxine Laceby, CEO and co-founder of Absolute Collagen.This week on ADHD Beyond the Label, Maxine Laceby joins hosts Phil Anderton and John Reynolds to share how a kitchen-table experiment became Absolute Collagen, the award-winning marine collagen brand founded by women, for women.Maxine shares how her ADHD has been both a challenge and a driving force:Impulsivity that pushed her to take bold, game-changing risksHyperfocus that fuelled her relentless drive for growthResilience built through a turbulent childhoodTogether, they unpack the lessons of entrepreneurship, the link between ADHD and creativity, and what it truly takes to embrace being different, in life, in business, and in yourself.
IT TOOK 20 YEARS FOR PEOPLE TO SEE I WAS RIGHT | Emma Sayle | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:41:20)
Founder of Killing Kittens. Mother of three. Diagnosed with ADHD 16 years ago.This week on ADHD Beyond the Label, Emma Sayle joins hosts Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for a fearless conversation about what happens when you stop asking for permission and start building the world you want to live in.Emma shares the real story behind her global sex-positive movement. Not built on controversy, but on injustice. She talks about the ADHD traits that have shaped her journey, from impulsivity and emotional intensity to her refusal to sit quietly when something feels wrong.Together they explore the collision of motherhood, perimenopause and executive dysfunction. Emma speaks candidly about burnout, boundary setting, and what it really takes to lead when your mind won't slow down.
YOU CAN’T HAVE ADHD IF YOU'RE SUCCESSFUL | John Reynolds | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:32:43)
In this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, co-host John Reynolds steps into the guest seat to reflect on his own ADHD diagnosis.ADHD360 CEO, Phil Anderton leads the discussion, exploring the disconnect between how ADHD presents externally and how it's experienced day to day. John shares how someone can appear focused, capable, and in control, while privately relying on strategies just to keep things functioning.Together, they unpack the subtle ways ADHD presents in adults who've learned to over-function.
I HAD NO IDEA HOW BADLY I WAS SPEAKING TO MYSELF | Sarah Ann Macklin | ADHD Beyond The Label (00:29:00)
In episode 19 of ADHD Beyond the Label, Sarah Ann Macklin joins Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds for a conversation about self-awareness, masking, and what it means to finally have language for something you've felt your whole life.Sarah shares how ADHD shaped her success in ways she didn't recognise at the time - how perfectionism, burnout, and constant overthinking became normal.She speaks honestly about the years she spent pushing herself hard, while quietly assuming she just needed to try harder or be better.
The Link Between ADHD & Creativity | Ella Fielding | ADHD Beyond The Label (00:32:42)
In this week's episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Ella Fielding shares what it meant to go undiagnosed for most of her life and how understanding her brain reshaped her identity, her creativity, and her story.Known for her appearance on The Woodland Workshop (Discovery+ / Quest), Ella is one of the UK's few professional female chainsaw carvers. Her conversation with Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds explores masking, late diagnosis, and the connection between neurodivergence and creative work.
I WAS IN DETENTION EVERYDAY FOR 10 YEARS | Stuart Trevor | ADHD Beyond the Label (00:29:00)
In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds talk with the founder of well known British fashion brand, AllSaints.
