ND diagnosis or self-identify as:
Diagnosed with ADHD.
Current job title:
Self-employed entrepeneur.
What does your job involve?
I am currently working for myself in the cyberspace, supporting businesses via process building or strategic support.
Degree/apprenticeship or route to current job:
I’ve changed industries a few times but my skills sets have always been the same. A curious problem focused optimist. From tech sales, accounts departments, hospitality, specifically kitchen manager at Twickenham Stadium, then events support for the Cyber Security Challenge, built the Cyber EPQ that sits with CIISec now; vendor management for a FinTech firm to working for myself.
I have a foundation degree in Hospitality Management.
What was your experience of school?
Teachers loved me because I was cheeky. I loved biology and maths, design technology, and art.
I understood complex learning in the classroom and then failed to recall it once I got home. So homework was an issue. I was the “could do better, bright but chatty” kid.
What strategies/ assistive technology do you use to help you in your work?
I only really use voiceover for text so I don’t have to read thick sets of text.
What ND skills have allowed you to succeed (or progress) in your STEM career?
Out of the box thinking, seeing connections that others don’t. I’m a great networker and connector of people and their ideas. Great under pressure and working to deadlines. Hyper focus that allows me to process big sets of information. I simplify complex scenarios for users. Any process given to me. I think in pictures and networks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be you.