Talentech people stories: Kristian about life and work with AUDHD

When Kristian Osbæck applied to Talentech six years ago, he was looking for more than just a new job. He was looking for a different kind of life. Up until then, he used to work retail jobs. Lots of value work, evening shifts, long hours, especially before Christmas and other holiday periods. One day, his daughter asked about him and said that he is never home. And that hit him. 

At the time, Kristian had been teaching himself IT in his spare time, but without formal education or professional experience, it was hard to break in. About fifty applications in, he saw a job posting at Talentech. The ad actually said you didn’t need experience with their products, just a technical mindset. That’s what made him apply. And he got the job. 

A diagnosis that changes the way you work 

Fast-forward to today, Kristian has grown into the role of Product Specialist, working across three of Talentech’s main products. He has become an indispensable part of the team, surrounded by colleagues within his department and outside of it that lean on him. He himself describes his development as both professional and deeply personal, because during this time, he also received a, for many, life-changing diagnosis. 

"A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with AUDHD. For those who may not know, that means autism and ADHD combined. And suddenly, everything made sense," he explains. 

"There is this quote I came across that I really like and relate to: After getting my diagnosis, it felt like my personality had been locked in a safe, and someone finally gave me the key."

The power of understanding

Kristian’s diagnosis gave him a better understanding of how his brain works and why certain things that others take as a usual part of their everyday life can be overwhelming for him. One of those triggers can be, for instance, what many people might perceive as simple conversations: 

"My brain records every voice in the room at the same time. I can follow all the conversations, even respond to them, but it completely drains me, because I am then focusing on so much at the same time."

That’s where Talentech’s support came in. With the help of former team leader Christian and former colleague Solveig, Kristian discovered two key tools that changed his workday: white noise and daily meditation.  

"Christian suggested the white noise. Ironically, I’m very noise-sensitive, but putting white noise in my ears helps me relax and focus. And meditation was Solveig’s idea. She’s a trained coach. It helps slow down the ‘thought storms’ in my head. I now do it once or twice a day at work," he adds.

Now, you might be wondering how one can meditate daily, multiple times a day, at work. 

Freedom to work your own way 

What makes these practices work isn’t just the tools themselves. Tools, as good as they might be, without the culture that allows and supports them, are useless. Talentech's Chief Sales Officer Lotte Overgaard and Sales Director Jesper Schoelzer were more than aware of this and offered Kristian to freely use their offices for his meditation and any down time he might need. 

"I use Lotte and Jesper's offices to meditate. I take breaks when I need to. Some days I work intensely with few breaks, others I need more pauses. As long as I get the job done, I can structure my day around what I need."

This flexibility has made a real difference in Kristian’s life.  

"In past jobs, I would come home completely exhausted. Now, while implementing this, I actually come home energized. Because I haven’t had to pretend or push through things that don’t work for me, I’ve been able to just be myself."

Openness builds acceptance 

Even before getting his diagnosis, Kristian was open about his background, including his difficult childhood. This openness helped build understanding and acceptance among his colleagues. But having a name for what he had been experiencing helped him explain it to others as much as it did to himself. 

"It wasn’t until I got the diagnosis that I could connect the dots. Loud music, crowded spaces, needing control over my routine – it all made sense. Now, I can talk about it even more openly. I do not feel shame about it and there’s no shame I get from others either. At Talentech, there’s a culture where everyone’s baggage is accepted, be it what it might."

When asked what he appreciates most, Kristian doesn’t hesitate. 

"The culture. I don’t have to wear a mask here. I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not. That’s the biggest difference from any job I’ve had before."

The takeaways? Don’t miss out on someone like Kristian 

Kristian’s story is not just about a neurodivergent diagnosis. It is, and every similar story should be, about being seen, heard, and supported at the place where one spends most of their waking time – the workplace. And it’s a powerful example of how a flexible culture, paired with a bit of curiosity and care, can unlock potential and real belonging.

So, next time you're hesitant to hire someone who doesn't fit the traditional mold, maybe think again – you might be missing out by not hiring them.