Rachel Rowntree

From an early age, I learned how to work hard, adapt, and push through — but I never really understood why life often felt so much harder for me than for others. On the surface, I built a successful career, reaching board-level leadership roles in global companies, but behind the scenes, I was constantly masking, overcompensating, and burning out.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. That moment of clarity was transformative. Suddenly, so much of my past made sense — the struggles at school, the exhaustion at work, the sense of being different without knowing why. Instead of feeling misaligned, I began to see the strengths in my neurodivergence: creativity, determination, strategic thinking, and the ability to see connections others miss.

Today, I am completing my doctorate in Applied Linguistics, with a focus on neurodiverse women in leadership and the ways gender shapes our experiences. My research is deeply personal — I use autoethnography to tell my own story alongside those of other women, highlighting the voices that too often go unheard. Alongside my academic work, I co-run a consultancy that helps organisations create neuro-affirming cultures, ensuring that neurodivergent leaders are not only supported but empowered.

I also have the privilege of running ADHD UK’s support group for women in leadership, which has been an incredible experience in community, honesty, and shared strength. Becoming an ambassador feels like the natural next step — a chance to continue raising awareness, building connection, and creating space for neurodivergent leaders to thrive as their authentic selves.

@rmc2903