Chris Hovde is an experienced leader, public speaker, and advocate for regenerative leadership. He also has a personal story of mental health struggles and facing a rigid healthcare system that sometimes fails those who need help the most.

«It's almost strange that it can be so calm and nice,» Chris Hovde reflects thoughtfully.

After living through what he calls a «military hell» for much of his life, Hovde now feels like everyday life is almost a holiday camp. The main change is the sense of mental peace he has found.

«Just being clear-headed and focused. I hardly knew it was possible,» he says. 

After years of feeling overlooked by the system, Hovde has finally found balance. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for ADHD has helped him take back control of his life and career.

When the welfare state falls short

Despite his successful career and resourcefulness, Hovde found his experience with the public healthcare system to be a harsh wake-up call.

«I have lost faith that we, as Norwegian citizens, are safe and have the welfare state behind us.»

Hovde emphasizes that these are his personal experiences with the healthcare system and that others' experiences may differ.

«But for me, it's untrue that we are taken care of when we experience a major breakdown.»

Hovde says the system often cares more about labels than understanding people. When he was referred for depression, he felt this stopped anyone from looking deeper into what was really going on.

«When things really get tough, it almost feels like a punishment to have taken care of your own health, built routines, had discipline, and forced yourself through a master's degree,» he says.

Disempowerment and lack of trust

What hurt Hovde most was feeling powerless, as if his own understanding of his body and mind was ignored by the healthcare system.

«They are most concerned with their own competence and profession,» he says about some professionals he met.

«I can get better answers from ChatGPT than what I often get from a doctor.»

Hovde had to fight for every service he received, and was even discouraged from trying things that might have helped.

«Everything I got from them I had to fight for.»

The path to the right diagnosis

After months in the system without enough support, Hovde decided to try private healthcare. There, he finally got the ADHD diagnosis that explained many of his struggles.

«I think the medications make me a much better-equipped version of myself,» he explains.

«I can do well without all the anxiety, impulsivity, and everything that creates friction.»

For Hovde, getting the right diagnosis and treatment has been freeing. He now sees his neurodiversity as a strength that brings new perspectives and skills.

«As neurodivergent, I sense a room better, read more of what's happening, notice other things, and can bring in different perspectives,» he explains.

Leadership that builds people

Today, Hovde uses his experiences in his work on culture and leadership development. Through his company, «A Regenerative Future,» as well as lectures and podcasts, he shares ideas on how organizations can build more inclusive cultures. Regenerative leadership means renewing or rebuilding what already exists.

«I am primarily a culture and leadership developer and have been a leader; that's where my strength lies,» he explains.

«I incorporate my personal story into the message about how we can create cultures and good leaders for everyone, even when people are hurting and struggling.»

Hovde believes good leadership means recognizing that people are different and making room for those differences.

«If a company just follows the law, then all neurodivergent people are doing very well. But if one becomes rigid and demands that everyone sit in meetings all day and lose their motivation to work, and everything should be the same, then things go wrong.»

The way forward

Even though Hovde is critical of the healthcare system, he still believes change is possible. Through his business, he works to make workplaces more humane and inclusive.

«I don't want to become someone who just capitalizes on my story,» he emphasizes.

«It's about how we can create cultures and good leaders for everyone.»

Hovde’s own experience has shown him what both healthcare and workplaces need: a more human approach, better understanding of differences, and systems based on trust instead of control.

«Unfortunately, there are many workplaces that are narrow and normative. There's a reason why many creative souls have to work for themselves.»