Lessons From a Hyperactive Creative: Make Your Difference Your Superpower

Diagnosed with ADHD at eight years old, Iteashi Auta was determined not to allow his differences to hold him back. This is his story of how he turned his unique perspective into his superpower, becoming a respected Tongal creator after finding guidance and support from our online community, before going on to become Chief of Operations at a tech firm. And now, aged 27, he is proud of the positive impact he has made on his family, firm, and country — and hopes his experiences can inspire others to embrace what makes them unique.

Iteashi Auta and one of his greenlit Tongal video projects

Early Struggles

Growing up in the city of Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, a country where mental health is often dismissed or attributed to spiritual causes, my journey with ADHD was fraught with challenges. But this is the story of how I turned adversity into opportunity, defying societal norms and rising to leadership positions at multiple firms in the tech industry.

I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, barely eight years old when my father insisted I get checked as I seemed to display characteristics similar to a condition he had read about. Before then, I had suffered a lack of understanding and empathy from my teachers, peers, relatives, and even siblings. To them, it was a spiritual affliction, a character flaw, or just a lack of self-restraint.

After my diagnosis, for reasons I didn’t see clearly at that time, my father instructed that I keep my status between us both. So I carried this burden silently, fearing judgment and stigmatization, not knowing that this very struggle would shape my resilience and determination.

Choosing My Path and Navigating the Freelance World

When it came to pursuing higher education, I made a bold decision: I would not follow the trend. Fortunately, by this point in my life, I had come to understand that I had a dynamic personality, and my condition could be the cause of my failure or the core of my success. Instead of enrolling in a university, hoping to graduate someday and chase a 9 to 5 job, I explored freelancing. Armed with passion and a hunger for knowledge and self-definition, I embarked on a journey that changed my life forever.

At first, freelancing wasn't easy, and honestly, it still isn’t. But without formal qualifications, I didn’t stand a chance in a formal workspace, or so I thought. But really, I discovered that all I had to do was prove myself through my work. I honed my skills in the field of animation and 3D modeling in pursuit of becoming a game developer. I took risks, purchased equipment, and built a reputation for myself in the open competitive skill market. I soon came to realize that there was more I could offer. I picked up further skills in content development and concept writing, web design and development, and most recently, I concluded a program in app development.

I discovered Tongal in 2018, and even before I got a project greenlit, the Tongal 101 Page became my go-to resource, providing valuable insights and connecting me with a supportive community. It was here that I realized my true potential. And having tried and almost won first place in many contests, thanks to the advice, notes and tips I got from the submission review team and creator community, I got my first-ever greenlight in October 2018. I was then recognized as a rising talent within the Tongal community social space in November 2019. I felt important and highly motivated, and I took the knowledge and drive I found on Tongal and invested them in other areas of my endeavors.

One of the social videos Iteashi made for Tongal

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

My determination and relentlessness paid off. Despite lacking a degree, my work soon caught the attention of someone who ran a PR agency, and he engaged me as a member of his creative media team, tasked with producing motion graphics and graphic designs. I outdid my peers by brainstorming creative concepts and crafting 2D and 3D animations. And in no time, I was heading up the ranks, rapidly promoted for being able to think creatively in the spur of the moment. Word soon travelled, and I became in demand in my state and country, getting offers from multiple firms. 

Rather than a disorder, ADHD turned out to be my superpower. At first, I struggled to find the balance between reality and the imaginary world I often drifted into, which resulted from the attention deficit effects of my condition. But I found ways to channel that vibrant brain energy and unique perspective into my creative expression. I was able to work tirelessly around the clock, directing my hyperactive brain power towards creative problem solving, coming up with concepts and ideas that turned into exceptional products and content. When everyone thought in the most obvious direction, I popped out from the least expected angle and blew their minds. I embraced my different angle, regardless of people's opinions, as some thought my concepts were too much and in most cases, impossible. From a freelancer to a Tongal Creator, I then found my place in the tech world as the Chief of Operations at LetsTalk, a social media firm founded and based in Nigeria.

Beyond Myself

Reflecting on my journey, it's not just about personal victories. For me, it's about impact: how I've come to influence my firm's position on the national ranks, taking it from a tech startup to a recognized social media platform, currently being considered amongst many to be endorsed by the federal government of Nigeria; how I became the backbone of my family and supported two brothers through university; and with my company’s current standing and corporate social responsibilities projects, I can say that I have contributed to my country's growth. ADHD no longer defines me as a person with a disorder, it empowers me. And now, I can say I truly understand what my father meant when he asked me to keep this a secret. He said, “Telling people your weakness increases the likelihood of them offering you sympathy, but if you turn your disability to your strength, you will rise above those who called you disabled.”

As a Nigerian living with ADHD, I can say my story is one of resilience, unconventional choices, and unwavering determination. Remember that setbacks can be stepping stones if you're navigating your challenges. Embrace your uniqueness, seek knowledge, and never stop until you rise above. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and create a brighter future.