Nigel Teh is an investor and operator with a diverse background in venture building, investment management, and innovation across the food, agriculture, and health sectors. He has guided
projects from early-stage development to execution, with a focus on creating meaningful and sustainable impact. Currently exploring his next big project, he now spends his time lecturing, chasing after his kids, and building guitars.
When did you get diagnosed?
In 2022 (aged 33), I went through the public health system to get formally evaluated by a clinical psychiatrist.
During the pandemic, the feelings intensified. The usual ways I coped with distractions and staying on task stopped working as effectively. Suddenly, everything became more difficult.
The realization really hit when my wife, who had been doing research on neurodiversity to help our son, came across an article about ADHD. As she read it, she immediately thought of me. When I read it myself, it felt like someone had described my life perfectly—the constant mental juggling, the struggles with focus, and the never-ending feeling of being overwhelmed. That’s when I started to consider that ADHD might be the reason behind the challenges I’d been facing for so long.
What was life like before diagnosis?
Life was chaotic. I had trouble organizing my thoughts, keeping track of tasks, and meeting deadlines. Simple tasks felt endless, and I was constantly frustrated by my inability to stay focused. I thought I just needed to try harder.
In social situations, I was either hyper-engaged or completely tuned out, depending on my interest level. Group settings like meetings were especially challenging if the pace was slow or the topic wasn’t engaging. I preferred written formats because I could absorb information at my own pace. I never realized these patterns were related to ADHD—I just thought I wasn’t good at certain things.
What was life like post diagnosis?
After my diagnosis, many things started to make sense. I finally had an explanation for my struggles. I realized that the challenges I faced—like keeping up with emails or staying focused—weren’t because I was lazy or undisciplined. They were a result of my ADHD. Knowing that made a huge difference.
I stopped comparing myself to others and embraced my unique way of working. Instead of trying to fight my ADHD, I began to work with it. This shift in perspective was liberating and allowed me to focus on my strengths.
What do you think are your greatest ADHD strengths?
One of the greatest strengths I’ve discovered through my ADHD is my ability to hyperfocus on topics that interest me. When I’m engaged in something I’m passionate about, I can lose myself in it completely, working for hours. This intense focus allows me to dig deep into problems and find solutions that others might overlook. It’s especially useful when I’m solving complex problems or doing work that requires creativity.
Another strength I’ve embraced is my ability to work well with people. Even though ADHD can make social situations challenging at times, it has also given me a strong interest in understanding and connecting with others. I genuinely enjoy learning about people and finding ways to collaborate and share ideas. This has been especially helpful in my work, where building relationships and thinking creatively about how to solve problems with others are key.
How do you manage ADHD in daily life?
Since my diagnosis, I’ve developed strategies to manage my ADHD more effectively. One key change has been creating structure and routine. I used to resist structure, thinking it would stifle my creativity, but now I see that it helps me stay on track.
I’ve also learned to break tasks into smaller steps and use tools like planners and digital reminders to stay organized. These simple changes have made a big difference in managing my workload.
Perhaps the most important shift has been in my mindset. I’ve stopped striving for perfection and focused on consistency. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and recognize that ADHD is part of who I am. It’s okay not to be perfect, as long as I keep moving forward.
How would you advise your younger self?
If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Embrace your uniqueness and trust in your strengths. You don’t have to fit into the mold others expect. You’ll do things your way, and that’s something to be proud of.
Complete this sentence: ADHD is……
ADHD is a journey and a destination.
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