For most of my life, I thought something was fundamentally wrong with me. On the surface, I worked hard, achieved good results, and built a successful career. Behind closed doors was a different story: relentless exhaustion from overcompensating, frustration at my struggles with executive function, and a constant feeling of being “too much” yet “never enough.”

At 45, I finally received my ADHD diagnosis. It wasn’t just a lightbulb moment; it was a full-on power surge. Suddenly, everything made sense; the burnout cycles, the times I overcommitted, the periods of hyperfocus that made me exceptional at what I do but also left me drained. I wasn’t broken. I was neurodivergent. The relief was enormous.

That said, the journey hasn’t been without grief. What I call “grie-lief” has been central to my story: grieving for the person I could have been with an earlier diagnosis, and for the times I was let down by professionals, colleagues, and even friends and family. Out of that grief came something powerful; self-compassion. I stopped trying to be the person I thought I should be and began embracing the person I actually am. That change has shaped both my personal life and my work.

Professionally, I run We Restore Calm, my business dedicated to conflict resolution, mediation, and workplace well-being. Over the years, I’ve conducted more than 300 mediations, trained leaders on creating psychologically safe workplaces, and worked with organisations to tackle toxic environments and support neurodivergent staff. My passion for inclusion and mental health advocacy has been recognised nationally, including Workplace Mediator of the Year and the Diversity & Inclusion Award at the 2024 National Mediation Awards.

I also co-host the Voice of the Divergent podcast, where we share the raw and unfiltered reality of living with neurodivergent brains. Through honesty and humour, we aim to help others feel less alone and challenge stereotypes about ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence.

I became an ADHD UK Ambassador because I know my story isn’t unique. There are countless people, especially women, and especially those diagnosed later in life, who have spent years relying on coping strategies that eventually stop working. Many are still trapped in cycles of self-doubt, endlessly asking themselves why they can’t “just get it together.” To them, I want to say: You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You don’t lack discipline. Your brain simply works differently, and that’s more than okay.

As part of my role, I’ll be raising funds and awareness to support the vital work of ADHD UK. Through my business, We Restore Calm, I’ll be making regular donations, alongside hosting webinars and fundraising events such as “donation to attend” sessions. In the past I’ve taken part in fun runs, silent auctions, and awareness campaigns, and I’m excited to bring the same creativity and commitment to fundraising for ADHD UK.

My ADHD diagnosis gave me my voice. As an Ambassador, I want to use it to help others find theirs.