Building Businesses by Harnessing ADHD Strengths
Jae Teo is a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span compliance, technology, and beyond. As Co-Founder of Ursidae Management, she helps businesses thrive by streamlining compliance processes and fostering compassionate workplace cultures. Her ADHD journey has shaped the way she leads, valuing experience over credentials and creating opportunities for those often overlooked. A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Jae was recently honoured with the Aspiring Women Entrepreneur Award 2025/2026, a testament to her resilience, vision, and commitment to redefining success on her own terms.
Quote
“Following my curiosity to want to know everything and try everything has led me to possess the knowledge I have today and allowed me to build a business with it.”
Discovering ADHD and Rethinking Success
In recent years, I noticed my tendency to space out, and began to worry. A neurologist confirmed nothing was physically wrong. In 2023, when my cousin shared his ADHD diagnosis, I read up on it and realised my symptoms fit. That was the start of my ADHD discovery journey.
Reflecting on my childhood, many incidents began to make sense. I wondered how things might have been different if I’d had support earlier. A major turning point was dropping out of university because I couldn’t cope. For years, I carried the shame of not graduating. My diagnosis brought peace with this chapter.
With only an A-level certificate, I took the first job offered. I worked hard but quickly realised that nothing I’d studied was being applied. I lost motivation to return to university and became disillusioned with formal education. Today, when hiring, I value experience over certificates and often give opportunities to those who’ve struggled academically but show drive. My own path taught me that paper qualifications aren’t the only measure of potential.
I’ve also always worked quickly, partly to avoid feeling overwhelmed by unfinished tasks. Finding efficient ways to work became a strength.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
In 2021, I co-founded a compliance business and now lead a team from our Cecil Street office. My last job was stressful, bogged down by red tape, and lacked compassion for employees. I believed there were better ways to run a business that could benefit everyone. That belief drove me to be my own boss.
I also own a tech company specialising in customised client solutions and am exploring new ventures. Receiving the Aspiring Women Entrepreneur Award 2025/2026 recently was a meaningful achievement for me and validates the hard work that my co-founder and I have done in the past few years.
Working with My ADHD
I keep designated spots for important items and use reminders and calendars to stay on track. To prevent overwhelm, I tackle tasks immediately starting with easy ones to build momentum. I buffer plenty of time for appointments to avoid rushing. For sensory distractions, I use AirPods on the go and noise-cancelling headphones at work. If I hit a wall, I rest and return refreshed.
Pride, Perspective and Purpose
Someone once called me “a jack of all trades, master of none” – and I’m proud of it. My ADHD drives my curiosity, leading me to explore new areas and gain diverse skills. That curiosity has given me the adaptability to build successful businesses.
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: take it easy. There’s nothing wrong with you. Don’t live in shame. Embrace life as it comes and be unapologetically you. Everything happens for a reason.
My wish is for the world to see those with ADHD as extraordinary individuals with superpowers, when harnessed, they can be a force for good.
Support the ADHD Community
If you’d like to read more stories like these, consider donating $150 or more to receive a copy of our book, Differently Wired Minds as a thank-you. Limited quantities available.
Your donation helps Unlocking ADHD provide counselling, psychoeducation, and other vital support services to those affected by ADHD.
Special thanks to our sponsors whose generous support made this book possible:
MINDSET, Singapore Pools, Chua Foundation, Hyphens Pharma
Leave a Reply