When Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor at Open Path Financial in Goleta, California, watched his kids fill out an ADHD diagnostic questionnaire, he realized nearly all of the symptoms applied to him. It was a moment of revelation — one that would ultimately change the course of his business.
For financial advisors, recognizing ADHD symptoms and learning how to manage them can have a profound impact on daily work and long-term success.
ADHD is far from uncommon in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15.5 million American adults were living with ADHD in 2023. While there is no data on the number of financial advisors who have ADHD, the Financial Planning Association launched the Neurodivergent Planner Knowledge Circle in October 2021 to offer support and community.
“ADHD is something that if you don’t confront it, it can really wreck your life,” said Otto Rivera, an investment manager at Bedford, Massachusetts-based White Lighthouse Investment Management and host of the FPA knowledge circle. “It can always make you feel like you’re behind everyone, even though you’re talented.”
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There are three types of ADHD, according to the CDC: predominantly inattentive (difficulties focusing), hyperactive-impulsive (excessive physical movement and impulsive behavior), and combination (symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD).
“When you get diagnosed, you have this awareness now,” Rivera said. “It does empower you to start making decisions, work with it and be happier.”
ADHD challenges for financial advisors
The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person. Rivera, who was diagnosed in 2021, said he often experiences inattentiveness and difficulty initiating certain tasks that he finds challenging. It can also be hard for him to pick up on details, especially when clients are verbally communicating a great deal of information.
“Distraction is always there, now more than ever with our phones and all our notifications and email coming in and getting direct messages from colleagues,” he said. “All those things do contribute and can actually worsen the challenges.”
Williams said that for those with inattentive-type ADHD, the struggles are often internal. Individuals might experience fatigue, anxiety or difficulties in establishing relationships.
“Sometimes there’s so much going on inside that it’s hard to relate to another person,” he said.
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Williams added that it can also be challenging for him to adapt to an environment that lacks structure or routine, leading to procrastination and anxiety over meeting deadlines at the last minute. Even starting simple tasks can be hard, whether due to low motivation, lack of planning or other factors.
“It can be a little overwhelming,” Williams said. “For neurotypical people, they sort of build their own internal scaffolding to emulate that, but [for individuals with ADHD], it could be very intense and draining.”
How to manage ADHD symptoms
For financial advisors with ADHD, it’s also about managing their energy, Rivera said.
What works for him, Rivera said, is working on more complicated tasks in the morning after taking his medication, and then leaving easier tasks for the afternoon when his energy is lower.
Williams recommended that for more sophisticated long-term tasks, financial advisors with ADHD plan ahead and break it down into smaller parts that can be gradually completed.
He recalled situations in which a big project would be on the horizon, not due anytime soon.
“I spent [those times] sort of in agony, not able to start, but wanting to,” he said. “I had to adapt my way to neurotypical people.”
For those who are trying to motivate themselves, Williams suggested they try “body doubling,” in which they work alongside someone on Zoom or in a coffee shop to stay in a productive environment. Another strategy he uses to keep himself on track with work is to hold a daily debrief of his planned tasks with someone in the morning.
Similarly, Rivera recommended using calendar apps to set task reminders and reviewing next day’s plan the night before.
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When talking to clients who are sharing a lot of information, Rivera said he stays focused by taking notes and keeping eye contact. He added that AI notetakers are helpful to ensure detailed documentation. And having an item on hand to fidget with, such as a clickable pen, can also help improve focus.
“That will just create physical placebo for me to create some tension on my body and then keep me in the loop,” Rivera said.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed with information over the course of a conversation, Williams suggested financial advisors ask the most important questions early in order to absorb the essential details.
For Williams, having a comfortable and organized space is extremely important to helping him stay focused for work. His preference is for a clear desk, with his phone kept out of reach to avoid distractions. He also likes to listen to a consistent playlist to establish a steady work rhythm.
Physical exertion can also help with the management of symptoms. Rivera recommended incorporating a simple daily cardio workout, which he has found to be life-changing.
“It gets you in a really good mood,” he said. “It helps you get a lot of clarity, and it helps with your focus.”
Don’t be afraid to let clients know you have ADHD
Rivera said he’s comfortable sharing his neurodivergence when his clients ask about it. He has yet to encounter a client who thought differently about him after learning of his condition.
“Our general population is much more aware of ADHD and other neurodivergent challenges that folks have out there,” he said. “It’s a more empathetic world out there than it used to be some years ago.”
Williams added that although all of his clients are accepting, when he initially considered sharing his diagnosis, it seemed like a risk to be “putting myself out there.” However, he noticed that other neurodivergent financial advisors were comfortable being vulnerable with clients. That gave him the confidence to be open with his clients.
Then he took it a step further. Now, he’s turned his expertise in neurodivergence to his advantage.
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Williams is now branding himself as a financial advisor with ADHD. He frequently shares personal stories about himself with clients, including the story of how he paid off his debt after learning how to manage his ADHD symptoms.
“It sort of sets the tone that I am a person of compassion and understanding,” Williams said. “I’m not someone who does everything [perfectly] and knows the right answer to everything, [but] I do my best to educate myself and learn.”
