Shahram Zarshenas: From school struggles to CEO success

• ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is often seen as just being restless and distracted—things that seem opposite to discipline. But underneath these seemingly “negative traits,”  there is a lot of hidden potential and strong resilience in people with ADHD.

The stories of those who navigate their professional lives with ADHD are not just tales of struggle; they are powerful narratives of perseverance, creativity, and innovation.

One of them is the inspiring story of Shahram Zarshenas, the CEO of Financial Cents, an Accounting Practice Management Software.

We recently spoke with him about how he manages ADHD as a CEO. His candid reflections offer a deep look into the world of ADHD, shedding light on how he transformed potential setbacks into powerful assets. Through his experiences, Shahram provides a roadmap for others navigating similar paths, demonstrating that success is not only possible but can be uniquely extraordinary.

Shahram’s Early Struggles

Shahram’s journey with ADHD began in his childhood, long before he understood the condition or its impact on his life. He was just a young boy trying to make sense of a world that seemed to move too fast for him to keep up. “Growing up, I definitely had a lot of issues paying attention,” Shahram recalls. “It was impossible for me to pay attention in class.

His inability to focus often turned the classroom into a battleground. “They would put me in the desk right in front of the teacher’s desk to keep an eye on me,” he shares. The seemingly innocent act of placing him close to the teacher was a double-edged sword. It was meant to help him focus but often made him feel singled out and misunderstood. Teachers, struggling to maintain order and progress, sometimes mistook his distraction for defiance.

“I was definitely the kid teachers called out a lot,” Shahram laughs. “In high school, one of my teachers would even give me a ‘Wet Willie’—a gross but effective way to jolt me awake if I dozed off.”

Despite the difficulties, there were glimmers of hope and moments of understanding. Some teachers recognized that Shahram’s struggles weren’t due to a lack of effort or intelligence but rather a condition that needed careful handling. “In sixth to eighth grade, I got put in a different program from the rest of the kids. It was a smaller classroom, which was nice but also meant missing out on a lot,” he reflects. This move to a smaller, more focused setting provided the tailored support he needed but also came with the cost of isolation from his peers.

Diagnosis and Decision

As Shahram grew older, the fog of his early struggles began to lift.

Determined to understand the root of his challenges, he sought professional help and was eventually diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis was both a revelation and a relief. “I did get diagnosed early on and was prescribed Adderall, a common medication for ADHD,” he explains. The medication was like a switch, turning chaos into clarity. Tasks that once seemed insurmountable became achievable, and focus was no longer a distant dream.

However, Shahram faced a pivotal decision.

While Adderall helped him focus, he grappled with the idea of dependency. “I didn’t want to be dependent on it. I wanted to be able to focus naturally and not rely on any substance,” he shares. This conviction was rooted in a desire for self-reliance and long-term health. He worried about the potential long-term effects of the medication and the prospect of being tethered to it for life. “Would I be able to function without it after years of reliance? I didn’t want to find out the hard way.”

Choosing to manage his ADHD without medication was not a simple path, but it was one he was committed to. This decision led him on a journey of self-discovery and discipline. “I proactively and intentionally built habits over the last 20 years of my life,” he notes. These habits were not just about surviving; they were about thriving. Shahram immersed himself in understanding how routines and structures could enhance his productivity and focus. He experimented with different techniques, from meticulous scheduling to mindfulness practices, all in an effort to harness his mind’s natural rhythms.

Shahram’s ADHD Management Strategy

One of Shahram’s key strategies for managing ADHD and maintaining productivity is rigorous prioritization. “Every week, I write down the top three things I need to do. What are the three most high-impact things I can do for the business or in my role? I don’t do anything else until I get those three things done”. This method not only helps him stay focused but also alleviates the overwhelming feeling of an endless to-do list. “You start to realize that a lot of the other tasks on your to-do list are not that important. If you just focus on the top three things, the business will move forward, and you feel less overwhelmed.”

Another technique is to minimize distractions and enhance focus. “One big thing I do is turn off all notifications on my phone and computer. No email, text, Slack, or app notifications,” he shares. This simple yet effective strategy helps reduce the constant interruptions that can derail focus.

Additionally, Shahram finds solace and concentration in music. “There’s a lot of really good music out there on Spotify, like the deep focus playlist. It’s calm and has no words, just beats, which helps me stay focused without outside noises.”

Creating an environment conducive to focus is another critical aspect of his strategy. “In high school and college, I would find a quiet room to study, away from distractions. Now, as a remote worker, I can lock myself in my bedroom or work in a quiet area at home.

Overcoming Overwhelm

Despite his disciplined approach, Shahram acknowledged that feelings of overwhelm are a constant battle. “I still feel overwhelmed,” he admits candidly. “It never went away, but it’s gotten better as we’ve grown and now have a great team.”

The early days of building Financial Cents were marked by a relentless workload and the pressure of wearing multiple hats.

“It was me doing everything except for the coding. Thank you, Abdullah” he recalls as he lets out a laugh. “Now, I have really good people on our team that I can trust and say, ‘Hey, can you handle this?’ and they own it. That’s been a game-changer.”

Delegation allowed Shahram to focus on high-impact tasks and step back from the minutiae that once consumed his time. It was a lesson in letting go, a realization that he didn’t have to carry the burden alone.

Also, to manage being overwhelmed, maintaining a balanced daily routine for him is crucial.  “I wake up at a certain time, work out every morning, and have a schedule that helps me stay focused and productive.”

This routine isn’t just about time management; it’s about creating a sense of stability in a world that often feels chaotic. By anchoring his day with consistent habits, he has built a foundation that supports his mental and emotional well-being. “If my daily routine goes off, everything goes off,” he emphasizes. “I get distracted, end up doing everything, and nothing gets done.”

Creating an Inclusive Workplace

When the topic shifted to inclusivity and support for individuals with ADHD in the workplace, Shahram leaned in, his tone earnest and reflective. “I don’t know if businesses can do much beyond allowing remote work to reduce distractions,” he begins. “In a typical office environment, there are just so many variables and potential distractions that can make it hard for someone with ADHD to stay focused, but it’s really about understanding yourself and what you need.”

While workplaces can offer some accommodations, the onus ultimately falls on the individual to carve out their path to productivity. This perspective is not about placing undue burden but rather about fostering a sense of agency and control over one’s environment and habits.

He suggests that companies could introduce a culture that encourages flexibility and understanding. “Maybe something they could do is let people work from home if they feel there are too many distractions in the office,” he muses. “It’s not a perfect solution, but it can make a big difference for someone who needs a quieter, more controlled environment to thrive.”

Advice for the Journey

For those struggling with ADHD, Shahram’s advice comes from a place of deep understanding and personal experience. His words are not just theoretical suggestions but practical strategies that have helped him transform his life. “Focus on building habits and laying a good foundation,” he says, emphasizing the importance of consistency. “Write down your top three tasks for the week and each day, and prioritize those.” This approach, he explains, is about cutting through the noise and honing in on what truly matters.

But beyond the mechanics of task management, he speaks to the heart of living with ADHD. He encourages others to embrace ADHD as a part of their identity rather than viewing it solely as a challenge to be overcome. “Find what you love and focus on that,” he urges. This isn’t just about making work more enjoyable; it’s about tapping into the unique strengths that come with ADHD.

For Shahram, one of those strengths is the ability to hyper-focus. “Use your hyper-focus to your advantage,” he says. When you channel your attention into something you’re passionate about, distractions fade away, and your productivity can soar.

Final Thoughts

Shahram Zarshenas’ journey from a distracted student to a successful CEO is a beacon of hope for individuals with ADHD. He reminds us that with the right strategies, focus and flow are not just possible—they can be the keys to unparalleled success. This is a testament to the hidden strengths and incredible potential within every person with ADHD, lighting the way for others to follow.