Masking is exhausting.
For many of us who are neurodivergent, it’s something we’ve done for so long we barely even notice it anymore. It becomes second nature—this constant, low-level editing of ourselves to fit into environments, expectations, and systems that were never really designed for us.
I know this because I lived it.
Before I was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD in my 40s, I had already spent decades pushing myself to meet impossible standards—ones I didn’t even question. I’d built a career in business law and management, worked in high-pressure environments, and constantly felt like I was just about keeping up.
On the surface, I looked successful. But underneath, I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and deeply disconnected from myself.
I didn’t have the language for what I was experiencing. I just knew that success felt hard. That I was tired. And that no matter how well I did, it never quite felt like enough.
The Mask Was Working—But at What Cost?
I became an expert at reading the room. Saying the right things. Hiding my sensory sensitivities, my need for recovery time, my struggle with overstimulation and executive function. I wore the mask so well that I even fooled myself for a while.
But the truth is, masking is a survival strategy—not a success strategy.
It’s what we do to stay safe. To be accepted. To be seen as “professional.” But it’s not sustainable. And it comes at the cost of our health, joy, and authenticity.
After my diagnosis, everything shifted. For the first time, I gave myself permission to be different.
And that changed everything.
Redefining Success on My Terms
When I stopped trying to fit the traditional mould and started designing a life and business that actually worked with my brain and body, things began to click into place.
I realised that I didn’t have to work 12-hour days to be productive.
That I could design my weeks around my energy cycles.
That I could build a business that supported my wellbeing instead of draining it.
I started The Joyful Founder programme to help other neurodivergent entrepreneurs do the same—because I know how powerful it is when you finally stop trying to fix yourself and start building a business that fits you.
What That Looks Like in Practice
For me, it meant:
🔹 Saying no to early morning meetings, because my brain doesn’t function clearly until mid-morning.
🔹 Creating low-pressure systems that work with my executive function, like visual planning tools, voice notes, and weekly rhythm resets.
🔹 Building offers that use my strengths—like deep 1:1 work and group programmes where I can bring strategy and compassion together.
🔹 Working with clients who value difference, not just “performance.”
🔹 Letting go of the hustle narrative and choosing a more spacious, intentional pace.
I didn’t need to change who I was to succeed. I needed to change how I worked.
And that’s something I want every neurodivergent entrepreneur to know:
✨ You don’t need to mask to be successful.
✨ You don’t need to do business the way everyone else does.
✨ You get to build something that works for you—not against you.
You Have Permission to Be Different
That’s why I created a short quiz—to help neurodivergent entrepreneurs and founders discover how their brain naturally operates, and how to align their business with that.
Because we are done with trying to cram ourselves into boxes we were never meant to fit.
We’re building businesses that reflect our values, our rhythms, and our real, beautiful, divergent selves.
You deserve more than just coping.
You deserve a business—and a life—that lets you thrive as you.