How a Harvard Professor Turned ADHD into a Superpower

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Karp, a renowned biomedical engineer and professor, shares his journey of overcoming learning differences and the impactful strategies he developed to harness his potential. Dr. Karp, a member of the National Academy of Inventors and a celebrated mentor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, has dedicated his research laboratory to bioinspired medical problem-solving. His work has led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies, from a nasal spray to neutralize pathogens to a tissue glue that can seal holes inside a beating heart. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Karp delves into his experiences from his early struggles in the second grade to his current innovative work. He details the transformative moment of realizing that he could think about thinking and how this insight led him to develop a set of tools for understanding and navigating the world. He also discusses the importance of asking questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring new approaches to problems. Some highlights we explore: Dr. Karp's early struggles with undiagnosed ADHD and learning differences, and the transformative question that changed his life. The process of medical problem-solving that Dr. Karp's lab focuses on, and some of the innovative technologies they have developed. How Dr. Karp's principles can help anyone redirect their lives with energy, focus, creativity, and intention. The importance of recognizing manipulative messaging and managing information overload. Enjoy!