Stephen Schmidt is Amazon’s Chief Security Officer, which means he is the person responsible for keeping the online retailing giant (last valued at over a trillion dollars) safe. It’s a massive undertaking which is why when Schmidt did the keynote of a conference wearing a t-shirt with the slogan ‘ADHD: it’s not a disability, it’s a different ability’, the world took note.
Of course, the Virginia-based Schmidt is far from the only leader who is neurodiverse – Elon Musk has been open about the fact that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, Steven Spielberg has dyslexia and Albert Einstein was autistic. From Simone Biles to Greta Thunberg, it is estimated that around 20% of the population today is considered to be neurodivergent and those who have been diagnosed (the same study by Genius Within, Professor Nancy Doyle’s neurodivergent-led business, says that 50% of people with neurodiversity are unaware that they are not neurotypical) often find themselves gravitating towards a career in technology.
It could be the fact that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have above-average IQ scores or special skills in mathematics, memory, or pattern recognition. For Schmidt, it was acknowledging that what other people saw as efficiency, to him was a superpower: “The most important thing for me was the self-realization that the differences that I had in the way my brain functions were not something to be ashamed of but quite the contrary, were something that I was actually proud of,” he says. “And that really came to light during situations where I’m able to do multiple things at the same time and other people are not.”
Schmidt’s remarkable multitasking productivity levels may
This story is from the October - November 2023 edition of Forbes Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October - November 2023 edition of Forbes Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HIP-HOP'S HOTTEST HUSTLER
The Memphis rap star runs one of the biggest music labels, owns a piece of an MLS team and is looking to expand his empire like his billionaire mentor Jay-Z. But first, he's going to business school.
Kigali Triennial, The Ambitious New Event On The African Cultural Calendar
Rwanda has rightly earned the nickname of \"a land of a thousand hills and a thousand and one opportunities\" because of the country's impressive economic progress. However, after the recently-concluded celebration of arts which was the inaugural Kigali Triennial festival, you can now add culture to the list of things the country offers for tourists and investors.
The dark Side of AI
There is a thin line between innovation and abuse. A look at how large language models (LLMs) are making cyber-criminals even better at mastering the art of deception.
Gene Gamechanger
Disease-resistant crops? Cows that can withstand climate change? Here's how CRISPR is already transforming the continent, and why building a network of skilled scientists can help position Africa as a key global contributor in this frontier of crop development.
Women Empowerment And Transformation In Mining: A Distinctive Perspective
GMDC is a mining company that specializes in tungsten (wolfram) and operates in the city of Kigali, Nyarugenge District, Mageragere Sector.
How The Mining Sector Contributes To Community Development Initiatives
It plays a significant role in Rwanda's overall development, contributing to infrastructure, job creation, health, education, and even environmental conservation. It's not just about extracting resources; mining is mandated to build up the communities and nation alongside its operations.
Reflecting On 2023 Milestones And A Look Ahead
Last year solidified Rwanda's position as a prime African mining investment destination and a burgeoning hub for mineral value addition. What will 2024 hold?
Rwandan Mining Regulator Unveils Three-Year Mineral Exploration Campaign
A holistic approach to responsible mineral resource management in the country.
TASTING SUCCESS
Paul Siguqa has had an unlikely journey in the wine business in South Africa. His mother worked in the vineyards as a laborer during the apartheid era and now, his fully black-owned wine farm sells premium products.
Creating Stronger Communities In Africa Through Digital And Financial Inclusion
In Sub-Saharan Africa, a silent barrier to economic inclusion and social mobility persists: one in four adults lacks identification, according to a World Bank report.