About Me
As a neurodivergent woman in business, I’ve enjoyed great triumphs and equally spectacular downfalls …multiple times.
While all people with autism and ADHD mask, women, in particular, have a tendency to mask their way to burnout. We thrive when we love what we do and feel supported, but dive when we don’t, or when we run out of energy to mask. And, we are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, co-occurring physical health conditions and reduced longevity.
After 30 years as a marketer, content strategist and communication professional (which I still do), I’m using my skills to start a new initiative, to support others like me to navigate life and work with well-being at the fore.
Look out for my upcoming book “Thrive & Dive” soon.
My journey
At 9 years old, I walked into a shop filled wall to wall with handmade calico dolls. The owner smiled and said, “would you like some felt? If you make something, I could sell it in my shop.”
I took the felt and started a lucrative enterprise making bookmarks, small dolls and teddy bears. Sometimes I’d make $20 in a week! That was the start of my journey as an entrepreneur.
Growing up as a child with ADHD in a time when there was no support for children on the spectrum, I had a lot of enthusiasm but was always getting into trouble and told I didn’t listen. I heard it so much, I literally thought I had a listening disability.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that a lot of the setbacks I’ve experienced in life have been because my brain is not wired for a neurotypical world. After writing my bestselling book about being unemployable and starting your own business, I tried the typical world of work, only to find that trying to fit into a system that does not support your way of being in the world leads to burnout.
The things that take little energy for an allistic person can take a lot for a neurodivergent person.
The power of radical self-care
In 2021, I hit a wall, but instead of sinking into the burnout I took on a personal challenge, to do one act of radical self-care a day for 75 days. That daily practice continued for over a year, and it wasn’t easy.
A month into the challenge my partner died suddenly in a truck accident and at the same time I found myself out of work and dealing with complex PTSD and grief.
It was literally the hardest year of my life but because I consistently practiced just one act of intentional self-care a day, I was able to get through it.
Transformation
Last year, my grief turned a corner and I felt able to face the world again. I began studying my Masters in Counselling and started reevaluating my priorities.
The biggest shift has been self-acceptance. Yes, much has transformed after many years of self-development and growth. I can now listen without anxiety (which is good given I want to be a counsellor) and I am more in tune with my body than ever before. I still struggle with the whole thrive and dive pattern but I’m learning to give myself some grace.
I no longer hide my neurodivergence. I am now proud of my ADHD brain, even though I still experience a myriad of challenges. The difference is I now have the support and tools at my disposal to effectively pull myself out of a hole whenever I feel stuck or overwhelmed.
And I’d like you to experience that too. If you’d like to connect with me about navigating life in the face of big challenges, reach out for a free 15-minute discovery session.
My Irons in the Fire
Marketing services
I offer fractional content strategy, content design, training, and creative production services including video, audio, and written content. Please reach out to see how my team and I can support you.
Creative Projects and Books
My creative projects range from books on Amazon, including my #1 bestseller Your Brilliant Un-career, art and physical products on Etsy and Redbubble and original music.
Entrepreneurial Projects
My current focus is 180Selfcare, a social enterprise and movement empowering people to make small but significant lifestyle changes through the power and magic of radical self-care.