Ep. 004: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Your Career Goals with Chris Nyland

The Wavy Brain

This week, Lindsay and Lauren talk with Chris Nyland, President of The Campus Agency, a leading college marketing agency. Chris was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child and struggled with school. Rather than becoming discouraged by the numerous obstacles he faced, Chris used these “back against the wall” moments to motivate him. From nearly not graduating from high school to becoming a rock star in the sports marketing industry, Chris achieved his goals. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and can help advocate on your behalf. He sets an example for both his own kids and colleagues in the workplace by modeling transparency and openness around his diagnosis.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• After struggling academically throughout elementary school, which frustrated both him and his parents, Chris’ mom suspected he had ADHD and had him evaluated.

• Chris was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, but few resources were available to him at the time to help him understand his brain. He started taking Ritalin but continued struggling and lacked support from either his teachers or classmates.

• Chris says that his mom’s belief in him was one of the main reasons he felt driven to succeed.

• A turning point for Chris was when he set his sights on UNH and accepted that his brain worked differently. He taught himself how to be a student.

• Chris says that his ADHD is inextricably linked with his strengths and challenges. Chris credits his ADHD for all of his success.

• Today, Chris is transparent with his work colleagues about his ADHD. He believes it’s important for him, as both a leader in the workplace and as a man, to model openness about learning and thinking differences.

Quotes:

• “I realized pretty quickly that my brain was wired differently and that I was probably going to have to work twice as hard as the “normal” person if I was going to be able to keep up and do something with myself.” - Chris

• “It was so foreign to me as an 18-year-old kid to be basically learning how to be a student for the first time.” - Chris

• “I would tell [someone with ADHD] to make sure they’re surrounding themselves with people that believe in them and are positive influences on their life to help them unlock their full potential.” - Chris

• “I always felt like it was my obligation to be upfront and honest with people [in the workplace] about how my brain works.” - Chris

• “I've made it my mission to tell my story to anyone that wants to hear it, because I think it's important, especially as a guy, in the professional world. It’s not something to be ashamed of.” - Chris

Chris Nyland

The Campus Agency

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