Say It Skillfully® – Joel Press: ADHD, Believe, Don’t Look Back… - a podcast by Molly Tschang

In Episode 116, Molly is joined by Joel Press, who shares a heartwarming journey—struggles in learning as a kid to a storied 50+ year career as CPA and hedge fund pioneer! Joel grew up struggling in school—being held back, nearly put into special needs classes, kicked out… and only as an adult realized he had ADHD. He opens up about what it was like being called stupid and the long-lasting impacts of that being ingrained in him. Joel wasn’t always open about his ADHD, but has learned that sharing his story can be powerful for others. He believes, “if you expose your own weaknesses with others, it helps them recognize their own” and talks passionately of using his learnings and experience to mentor parents of children with learning disabilities. “Normal brains can’t understand an ADHD brain.” He encourages those with ADHD to trust their judgment and recognize how doing things differently than others is ok and to never doubt yourself. Joel attributes much of his success to lessons learned from his parents who, while not having formal higher education, were smart and taught him well. Working in his father’s seltzer water business, young Joel drove truck routes at 4:00 am, 6-days a week—work ethic never in question. As a high school senior, he was voted least likely to succeed. Believing in himself, Joel applied to college, but was told by a guidance counselor, “Don’t waste your time!” Joel and parents ended up convincing them to accept him,... ultimately, he graduated number two in his class in accounting! Joel’s career unfolded with a start in accounting, rising to partner and member of a top firm’s national management committee, then starting the Global Hedge Fund practice at Ernst & Young, and several entrepreneurial endeavors of his own. Don’t miss Joel recount his early years, known as a rebel rouser, and saying what he thought, not what he “should have”... helping him turn what could have been career-ending screw-ups into great “luck” (must hear 43:05). Though he’s met “every famous hedge fund person,” Joel’s groundedness and humility are front and center. “Doing the right thing is paramount, and integrity is everything” have kept him true to himself, even in tough times. And he’s open about being broke and his family life on the rocks, with divorce both the greatest tragedy and best thing that happened to him. Joel stresses the importance of “believing in yourself, knowing you’re going to make mistakes, listening to what other people have to say, and never looking back on a decision.” He talks about the meaning he finds in his mentoring and community work and also offers an inside look at the world of Wall Street, including thoughts on diversity. “Never smart enough to deviate from the truth” Joel speaks from the heart, as he only knows how—inspiring us all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. More on Joel’s work today: https://pressmgmt.com

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