Life has a remarkable way of presenting us with challenges that, although daunting, can lead to incredible opportunities. My journey from a cleaner two decades ago to becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and a Chartered Environmentalist has been filled with ups and downs. This is my 3rd Fellowship award; I am also a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a Fellow of Chartered Institution of Waste Management. My journey reflects not just my professional evolution, but also my personal growth and hard work against the odds. It’s been shaped significantly by my neurodiversity.
I live (sometimes survive) in a world that often overlooks the potential of individuals like me. Being undiagnosed until later in life meant that I have faced numerous challenges and anxiety, such as being labelled as “Thick as 2 short planks”, and receiving incredibly poor school reports. Not knowing why I could not recite the maths times tables or constantly failed the weekly spelling test challenged my resilience and mental health, and I left school with no qualifications.
However, once I was diagnosed in my late 30’s, it was during some challenging times that I discovered my unique strengths. Embracing my neurodiversity allowed me to view problems through a different lens, enabling me to recognise opportunities where others saw obstacles, understand myself better and create a learning environment that suited me.
My experiences have taught me the importance of a solutions-based approach. Rather than allowing my challenges to define me, I harnessed them to drive innovative thinking. This perspective has been invaluable in my professional journey. Working within the sustainability sector, I have learned to leverage my skills in gap analysis, forward planning and thinking, data review, and assessments. These are areas where neurodiverse individuals can truly excel, as we often possess a keen ability to identify patterns and make connections that others may overlook.
This journey has not been without its struggles. I have encountered workplace cultures that perpetuated blame, shame, and stigma throughout my career, and been faced with environments that are not created for me and people like me, leading to masking and trying to fit into small boxes that are not for us. Such environments have been detrimental and overwhelming. I have faced much judgment but also found incredible support from amazing cheerleaders who believed in my potential. The contrast between these experiences has been stark, emphasising the need for inclusive and engaging workplaces where neurodiverse individuals can thrive.
I have made it my mission to advocate for such environments, as I firmly believe that we should not hide our neurodiversity but celebrate it. By being open about my challenges and holding myself accountable, I want to create better understanding and acceptance. It’s essential to create workplaces that prioritise psychological safety, allowing everyone to share their experiences without fear of shame or judgment.
In my role leading operational sustainability across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible potential that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table. The sustainability sector thrives on innovative thinking, and our unique skill sets align perfectly with its demands. We are natural problem solvers, have amazing people skills and take people on a journey with us. We are adept at analysing data and are skilled in identifying opportunities and risks. Such capabilities are crucial as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Reflecting on my journey, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. There are times I doubt my worth and feel that I would never belong in the corporate world (I was once told that I am not ‘corporate enough’ and that this would not be the right area for someone like me). Yet, here I am, thriving in this space. I want to inspire others who may feel marginalised or underestimated. Your experiences, whether they are filled with challenges or triumphs, are valid. They can be the foundation upon which you build a fulfilling career. To those navigating similar paths, remember that embracing your neurodiversity is a strength, not a limitation. Your unique perspectives and skills are needed in every sector, especially in sustainability, where innovative solutions are paramount. There is a place for you, just as there is for me, in this ever-evolving world.
