In Their Own Words: Daryl Wizelman

Daryl Wizelman, successful CEO and motivational speaker, sounds off on family, work, and life with ADD/ADHD.

By Daryl Wizelman Verified Updated on July 21, 2021

Motivational speaker Daryl Wizelman's mic

I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) at age six. I couldn’t sit still or concentrate at home or at school. Teachers were frustrated with me, and classmates made fun of me. I was lonely, scared, and uncomfortable in my own skin. My pediatrician put me on Ritalin, and it changed my life.

In high school and college, I finally felt accepted by the rest of the world, thanks to athletics. I played baseball and football, and they gave me the confidence to believe in myself.

After graduating from California State University at Northridge, I started a financial services firm that eventually earned $60 million in annual revenue. Through the years, my symptoms never got in the way of success. I am able to inspire and motivate my employees, and focus on my kids when I get home.

I would recommend that all ADDers get some self-awareness training. It makes you cognizant of what you say and do, and of how it affects the person you are saying and doing it to. It will change your life, as Ritalin did for me all those years ago.

Learn more about Daryl Wizelman.