My usual weekend hunt through biopics and documentaries led me to a serendipitous discovery—The Playlist on Netflix. These genres have always captivated me with their ability to delve deep into real lives and untold stories. But this series, centered on Spotify’s meteoric rise, stood out. It wasn’t just another tale of tech success. It is a compelling exploration of the profound connection between creativity and neurodiversity.
The Reality Behind the Big Dreams
Startups are often portrayed as glamorous ventures where brilliant ideas effortlessly lead to limitless success. But, the reality is far more complex. The Playlist does brilliantly showcase the dark underbelly of unicorns. The series doesn’t shy away from the ethical compromises involved in success. It is a mix of fictional characters and those inspired by real people. The series dives into the relentless hustle, heartbreaking sacrifices, and ethical challenges that come with building a billion-dollar company.
In the case of Spotify, there is a tension between the creators’ idealistic goals and the harsh realities of the business world. Balancing innovation with profitability, dealing with industry gatekeepers, and fighting to stay true to their mission—all these struggles are laid bare.
It reminded me of countless other startup stories: from Steve Jobs’ relentless pursuit of perfection to Elon Musk’s high-stake gambles. What unites these tales is the sheer audacity to dream big and the willingness to navigate the messiness that comes with it.
The Playlist : Fiction meets Reality
The narrative unfolds in a non-linear style, with each episode offering a unique perspective—whether from Daniel Ek, the founder, or the lawyer who plays a key role with record companies, the coder behind the technology, or a musician (who I believe is a fictional character), each offering a completely different perception. This structure provides a multifaceted look at Spotify’s journey from inception to success, making us wear multiple hats and live through their diverse experiences.
Daniel Ek’s journey as the visionary behind Spotify showcases the sheer grit it takes to build something revolutionary. From convincing stubborn investors to navigating the tangled web of the music industry, his story is a reminder that big ideas alone aren’t enough. There is absolutely no single minute for distraction , but need complete resilience, strategy, tough leadership and, sometimes, the willingness to bend or break the rules.
Martin Lorentzon: The master of Charm and Chaos
My favourite arc in the series was Martin Lorentzon’s. His character truly stood out to me with his boundless energy—suddenly jumping, laughing loudly, dancing as if there’s no tomorrow, and captivating investors with wild, offbeat stories(MadMan Crazy approach). He’s the charismatic co-founder who constantly pushes boundaries, embodying both chaos and brilliance.
There’s a scene where Martin dazzles investors with his charisma and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s chaotic, it’s unorthodox, and it’s genius. But Martin’s success comes at a cost. The series masterfully portrays how much he has to “con” his way through—not in the sense of deceit, but by selling a dream so vividly and passionately that people buy into it, even when the odds are stacked against him.
One of the most compelling moments is his meeting with PayPal founder Peter Thiel. During their conversation, Thiel helps Martin realise something life-changing: his creativity and intelligence are deeply connected to his neurodivergence, specifically ADHD.
Thiel also highlights the pivotal role neurodivergent individuals play in driving tech startup successes, emphasising how their ability to see the world in completely different ways shatters stereotypes and paves the way for groundbreaking innovations and remarkable achievements.
This struck a chord with me.
A window into the startup world
The tech world brims with stories of founders who become master storytellers—not just to investors, but to their teams, partners, and even to themselves. It’s not about deceit; it’s about crafting a vision so compelling that it transforms into reality.
What is particularly fascinating is how many of these visionary founders are neurodivergent. Studies suggest that an estimated 43% of entrepreneurs / CXO’s identify as neurodiverse, with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia often at the forefront of their creative genius. These traits, while labeled as “disorders,” enable these individuals to approach problems with fresh, unconventional perspectives—an invaluable asset in industries that thrive on disruption.
Consider the likes of Elon Musk, who has openly discussed his experiences on the autism spectrum, or Richard Branson, whose dyslexia has been a cornerstone of his unique approach to business. Their stories, much like Martin Lorentzon’s in The Playlist, show us how neurodivergence can be the driving force behind a unicorn’s success.
The Bigger Picture
Despite celebrating these trailblazers, society still often views neurodivergence as a disorder rather than a superpower.
Even in the series , Per Sundin from Sony, the music executive dismisses Daniel’s vision completely. Per reminds me of so many people who struggle to see the potential in those who think differently. In my own life, I’ve seen how neurodiverse kids and adult often have to work twice as hard to prove their worth, their ideas are dismissed until success becomes undeniable. The Playlist challenges our perceptions by showing how neurodivergence isn’t just a quirk—it’s often the secret ingredient to creating something revolutionary. I am still waiting for the day when these traits are not seen as flaws rather embraced as the catalysts for extraordinary change.
From skeptic to believer, Per’s eventual shift—felt like a victory for all those who’ve ever had to fight for their ideas to be heard.
On one hand, we marvel at their ability to innovate and challenge the norm, and on the other, we fail to recognise the same potential in neurodivergent individuals outside the spotlight.
Why this story matters ?
It’s a story of struggle and triumph, of chaos and creativity, and ultimately, of the human spirit’s drive to change the world. It’s a reminder that the world doesn’t progress through conformity—it moves forward because of the Martins of the world, who dare to see things differently.
For anyone curious about what it takes to build a startup, The Playlist is an eye-opener. It’s not just about Spotify—it’s a universal tale of ambition, resilience, and the cost of chasing greatness. It left me reflecting on the thin line between inspiration and burnout, and the immense pressure that comes with turning ideas into reality.
It reminds us all to take a pause and rewire our thinking about how we perceive success, creativity, and the very traits that drive innovation. Understanding and celebrating these unique minds isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about unlocking a wellspring of ideas that can shape the future.
There’s nothing I’d value more than a technology that could truly help us understand and appreciate the intricate workings of a brain in the spectrum. Imagine a world where we could not just label or categorise but actually see how their minds perceive, connect, and create.
I’m still waiting for the breakthrough……Happy Inclusion
