
Autistic Adulting Resilience Hacks: War Survivor to ADHD CEO | John Brink Interview
Adulting with Autism
Send us a text
Autistic adulting feeling lost? In this raw ramble on Adulting with Autism, host April (autistic OT) chats with war survivor and CEO John Brink on resilience, ADHD as superpower, and starting over—despite PTSD from Nazi-occupied Holland's Hunger Winter (foraging as a kid, Dad missing in action). Emigrated to Canada 1965 with $25.47, founded Brink Forest Products (North America's top value-added wood manufacturer), now 84 leading 10+ companies. Philanthropist ($1M to College of New Caledonia), author of 5 books (6th incoming), host of ON THE BRINK podcast—advocate for neurodiversity (failed grades 3/7, but passion/work ethic won).
Transcript gems: ADHD/dyslexia as asset (75% billionaires have it—unlock via communication like Toastmasters), mindset for launches ("stay the course, attitude/passion ethic"), legacy through giving back (democracy gratitude post-war), and advice for unseen young adults ("find passion, you're unique—don't quit"). For autistic young adults overcoming labels, parents inspiring grit, or OT squad building confidence, this is your 'what the actual?' superpower toolkit—no excuses, just fierce reinvention.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: War Chaos & John's Journey
2:30 - Hunger Winter Survival (PTSD Realness)
8:45 - Emigrating to Canada ($25.47 Start)
15:20 - ADHD/Dyslexia as Superpower
22:10 - Business Empire & Philanthropy
30:00 - Advice for Lost Young Adults
40:00 - Legacy & Podcast
50:00 - Outro
Sub on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for unmasked tips—reviews build the squad! Linktree for full eps, John's johna brink.com (books/podcast), ON THE BRINK (YouTube/major platforms), and Adulting with Autism merch: 'Dynamite' tees for resilience blasts or 'Magic Shop' hoodies for squad grit. Your starting-over story? Comment! Follow @adultingautismbts on TikTok for clips.
#AutisticAdultingTips #NeurodivergentResilience #ADHDSuperpower #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PTSDSuccess #StartingOverAutistic #OTTips #OnTheBrinkPodcast #WarSurvivorStory #LeadershipADHD #PhilanthropyInspiration #WorkEthicHacks #DemocracyGratitude #UniqueMindset
https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adulting-with-autism/id1726252789 | pen.spotify.com/show/3x5XAhD6vUr9vyxwo7PUrn | johnabrink.com |
Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)
Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.
mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and life
Find Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment
Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show
@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com