Not only is writing your own book an incredible and brave achievement, tackling a thorny issue like leadership so inclusively, makes the achievement more impressive. I was at the launch party, because my story is included in Charlotte’s book. She kindly considers me an example of a different kind of leader – someone who is proud to be different, and do things differently.
She refers to my openness regarding my own neurodivergence and the challenges it presents to me when trying to co-lead a UK PR agency. Naturally, her tribute makes me cringe – I certainly don’t feel I should be compared to other case studies in Charlotte’s book. Most of these fellow leaders have had to face far worse prejudice than me when trying to pursue their careers. In fact, I don’t feel I have faced much prejudice at all – just a lifelong battle with myself and my own thought process and interpretation of events.
Still, as a leader, i do feel a responsibility to share my story. I feel passionately that neurodivergence has its place in all DEI discussions. It causes a lot of trauma for a lot of people – many of these people are trying to make their way in PR too.
Charlotte’s closing message to us all last night was, “take your mask off and just be yourself.” So, I’m fighting my internal cringe and sharing this message to other neurodivergent people that question their own purpose and ability. I get it. I know it. I try and beat it every day. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t, but please believe me that building resilience to keep on trying is absolutely worth it.
A massive thank you to Charlotte for giving me this platform. It’s a great book. Go and buy it.
