In this episode of The Vision with Execution Show, I had the privilege of speaking with Alessandro Grampa, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Whole Grain Wisdom. From the very start, our conversation was both personal and eye-opening. Alessandro and I dove into a topic that resonates with so many entrepreneurs but is rarely discussed openly: the deep connection between neurodiversity, trauma, and the entrepreneurial journey.

We began by talking about Alessandro’s background. He shared that he is neurodiverse, living with ADHD, and how that shaped his life as an entrepreneur. His path is one that many founders will recognize—the constant drive to prove oneself, the workaholic coping mechanisms, and the pursuit of external validation without fully understanding the internal patterns driving those behaviors. He explained how three out of four entrepreneurs are neurodiverse, yet very few conversations address the unique mental health challenges that come with that reality.

Alessandro told a powerful story about hitting a breaking point with his second venture. He experienced panic attacks so severe that he would hide in an insulated meeting room during lunch breaks just to find relief. The turning point came when he discovered breathing exercises and meditation. That somatic work—addressing the body and nervous system rather than only the mind—completely transformed his mental health. He never experienced another panic attack after six months of consistent practice.

From there, his journey led him to explore Eastern philosophies, meditation, and the deeper science behind how trauma is stored in the body. He described the human body as a “saltwater battery,” with energy flowing through the fascia, storing both vitality and, when blocked, trauma. Those trapped experiences create repeating patterns in our lives until we release them. For Alessandro, merging scientific research with ancient wisdom became his life’s mission.

Through Whole Grain Wisdom, he now creates events and retreats for founders to help them identify and release these trapped traumas. He has developed a six-step process that allows entrepreneurs to map their recurring patterns, understand their unique energy profiles, and ultimately create routines aligned with their true selves. He emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success or personal growth. Just like a diet tailored to your DNA will be more effective than a generic plan, your daily routines and life choices should be personalized to your energy and experiences.

Our conversation also touched on family history, generational trauma, and how the expectations placed on us—like pursuing certain education paths or chasing status—often come from the beliefs of past generations. Alessandro’s call to action for listeners was powerful: take the time to ask yourself what you truly want, separate from the expectations of others. True fulfillment comes from self-awareness, alignment, and contribution, not external trophies.

One of my favorite takeaways was his reminder that life is about cooperation, not competition. Success doesn’t require outpacing others—it comes from understanding yourself, breaking free from old patterns, and showing up as the best version of yourself every single day.

This conversation left me inspired to keep exploring the inner work that fuels outer success, and I think it will resonate with anyone on a journey of personal and entrepreneurial growth.